RBs with mid-tier ESPN FFL Rankings who will outperform in Week 4

Frank Gore (ranked 14) vs. Jax – The savvy vet got rolling against the Titans and that will continue here. Top 10 effort.

Chris Johnson (ranked 19) vs. Stl – The Rams one weakness is its run defense.

Darren Sproles (ranked 41) vs. Was – The Skins solid run D will mean a lot of screens and short passes out of the backfield for Sproles.

Mark Ingram (ranked 12) vs. Dal – Dal is beat up and the lone thing working for the Saints is its run game. Expect Ingram to be fed the ball and he’ll find the end zone.

TJ Yeldon (ranked 22) vs. Ind – The Colts D has not been impressive. Yeldon should have ample opportunity to atone for his poor Week 3 effort and will finish a top 15 FFL RB this week.

Top Tier RBs who will underperform their Week 4 rankings

Le’veon Bell (ranked 1) vs. Bal – Expect the Ravens to key entirely on Bell. Vick no longer scares anyone.

Eddie Lacy (ranked 5) vs. SF – The 49ers played much better at home. Expect Bowman and Co. to have a better plan to stop the big back.

RBs with mid-tier ESPN FFL Rankings who will outperform

T.J. Yeldon (ranked 20) vs. NE – Yeldon will get his yards and a potential score in either garbage time or if the Pats sleepwalk through this one.

Frank Gore (ranked 21) vs. Ten – The entire Colts offense will rebound in Tennessee.

Ronnie Hillman (ranked 38) vs. Det – Hillman’s speed is earning him more playing time and he is working his way into the flex conversation. Good start this week vs. Det.

Isaiah Crowell (ranked 26) vs. Oak – Crowell is a good flex start on Sunday against the Raiders.

Melvin Gordon (ranked 19) vs. Min – Gordon’s just starting to get his bearings. The speedy rookie will finish a top 15 runner this week.

Top 10 ranked RBs who will underperform in Week 3:

LeSean McCoy (ranked 7) vs. Mia – The Dolphins front will bounce back after overlooking Jacksonville.

Matt Forte (ranked 5) vs. Sea – The saving grace for Forte is he could pick up a lot of his yards in garbage time. Seattle’s D is going to key in on him from the get go.

Jeremy Hill (ranked 9) vs. Bal – Hill’s a big question mark this week after two fumbles a week ago.

RBs who will outperform their Week 1 ESPN Fantasy ranking

1. Doug Martin vs. Ten (Ranked 22): The Titans couldn’t stop anyone a year ago. Martin is rejuvenated and playing in a contract year so expect the former 1st round disappointment to start off strong.

2. Joseph Randle vs. NYG (Ranked 26): New York will experience growing pains as they learn DC Steve Spagnuolo’s D. They’re also without DE Jason Pierre Paul and a bit banged up on the defensive side of the ball. Randle should pick up a lot of yards in the 2nd half.

3. Shane Vereen vs. Dal (Ranked 37): This could become a high scoring affair. Vereen will be heavily involved throughout and especially in passing situations. Strong PPR play.

4. Tevin Coleman vs. Phi: (Ranked 24):. Lots of question marks surround this year’s Eagles D. They made a lot of changes to the backend of the D; we’ll see about the front on Monday. Coleman was given the nod and will outperform his Week 1 ranking.

5. Alfred Blue vs. KC (Ranked 23) Blue will be the man while Foster is out. Look for a strong showing in Week 1.

Top 10 RBs who will underperform

Marshawn Lynch vs. Stl.( Ranked 8). The Rams issues are in the secondary. The front is seven is as good as any in the business. Seattle is breaking in a new OL and Beastmode will find the going tough in Week 1.

CJ Anderson vs. Bal (Ranked 7). Week 1 is interesting. Kubiak coached in Baltimore a year ago so has a good feel for its defense. His run scheme has also been very effective wherever he has been. That being said, Denver’s OL has question marks and one thing Baltimore is always good at is stopping the run.

Must Start

Jamaal Charles, Matt Forte, Le’Veon Bell, Arian Foster and LeSean McCoy

Tier 1

Marshawn Lynch vs. SF – Lynch is the one back who consistently tops 100 yards against the 49ers.

DeMarco Murray vs. Phi – The Eagles stopped him last time. Tough matchup right back.

Justin Forsett vs. Jax – Forsett will top 125 yards with a TD against the lowly Jags.

Mark Ingram vs. Chi – There are gaping holes in the middle of the Bears D.

Chris Ivory vs. Ten – The Titans D is a sieve.

CJ Anderson vs. SD – All of the attention paid towards Manning has opened things up for Anderson. Look for 100 yards with a TD.

Joique Bell vs. Min – Look for 90 yards with a TD. Bell is the goal line back.

Fred Jackson vs. GB – Value in PPR league.

Eddie Lacy vs. Buf – Lacy will hit 13-17 FFL points but the Bills D is formidable.

Tier 2

Legarrette Blount vs. Mia – The Dolphins run D is very poor. Blount should receive 20 carries and find the end zone.

Daniel Herron vs. Hou – The Texans are middle of the pack stopping the run. Herron will notch 5 receptions as well.

Jeremy Hill vs. Cle – Look for a big bounce back after their last outing.

Giovani Bernard vs. Cle – Expect 8-11 points. The timeshare impacts both players.

Alfred Morris vs. NYG – The Giants are the 2nd worst team against the run.

Rashad Jennings vs. Was – Injury makes his status a question mark.

Bust

Frank Gore vs. Sea – Seattle will end the 49ers season and keep Gore in check.

Fantasy Sleeper

Chris Johnson vs. Ten – The Titans are the worst team against the run in the NFL. A little payback against his former team.

1. Seattle Seahawks (-3.5) vs. SF – If the 49ers win, it will come as no surprise. They enter hot, having won eight in row (including two in the post season) and the defense is playing spectacular. But, it’s hard to overlook the last two games in Seattle between these teams. The Seahawks have won by a total of 55 points.

Now, Russell Wilson comes into this game playing his poorest ball of the year, but look for the run game, defense, Wilson’s timely passes and the 12th man to be the difference on Sunday. Seattle will cover the point spread and advance to the Super Bowl.

Next

2. Denver Broncos (-5) vs. NE – Everyone will remember the miraculous comeback by the Patriots on November 24th. Denver blew a 24-0 halftime lead to lose 34-31 in OT. That’s not going to happen again. The Patriots enter this game riding the legs of Legarrette Blount and the running game, but that will not be enough to keep pace with the Broncos offense.

The weather will be mild and look for Manning and Co. to win by a TD and advance to New Jersey. Tom Brady just doesn’t have the firepower left in the passing game with Rob Gronkowski out.

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1. Arian Foster vs. Ind – The Texans should have their way with Indianapolis on Thursday. After winning their 1^st game of the season in Week 15, the Colts can now begin planning their off-season vacations.

2. LeSean McCoy vs. Dal – The 3^rd year back is almost unstoppable. Scored his 20^th TD of the season against the Jets.

3. Adrian Peterson vs. Was – All Day should have a field day against the Redskins run D.

4. Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Ten – The Titans D is an anomaly. MJD will get his yards and find the end zone against this bunch.

Next

Ray Rice vs. Cle – He topped over 200 yards the last time they played.

Ryan Mathews vs. Det – The Lions run D isn’t as good as it was earlier in the season.

DeAngelo Williams / Jonathan Stewart vs. TB – EVERYONE runs on the Bucs.

The Rest

Rashard Mendenhall vs. Stl – The Steelers will likely sit Roethlisberger this week and focus on smash mouth football.

Willis McGahee vs. Buf – The Bills run D is a sieve.  Big plays are just waiting to happen.

Cedric Benson vs. Arz – The Cards run D is vulnerable.

Reggie Bush vs. NE – Bush will pose problems to the depleted Patriots D.

Felix Jones vs. Phi – The Cowboys will keep this game closer than the 1st outing and Jones will top 100 yards with a score.

Ahmad Bradshaw vs. NYJ – This Jets D isn’t Rex Ryan’s finest version. Look for the Giants to make a larger commitment to the run this week.

LeGarrette Blount vs. Car – The same goes for the Panthers… they can be run on with ease.

Roy Helu vs. Min – His value will also come as a receiver out of the backfield against a stingy run D.

Michael Turner vs. NO – The Falcons will attempt to slow the game by pounding the rock with Turner.

Fantasy Sleeper

CJ Spiller vs. Den – Spiller enjoyed his finest game as a receiver and runner against the Dolphins. He’s a strong fantasy sleeper again this week in the fantasy finals.

1. Ray Rice vs. SD – Expect his number to be dialed up heavily on Sunday Night.

2. Adrian Peterson vs. NO – The Saints can be run on. All Day should be back from his ankle sprain this week.

3. Arian Foster vs. Car – The Texans continue to grind and the Panthers don’t do a good job of stopping the run.

4. Chris Johnson vs. Ind – His Week 14 wasn’t too hot but things look brighter against the hapless Colts.

Next

LeSean McCoy vs. Phi – the dynamic back will torch the Jets D on Sunday. Look for him to find the end zone at least once.

Maurice Jones Drew vs. Atl – He’s been a one man wrecking crew for the Jags.

Beanie Wells vs. Cle – This is an attractive match-up for Wells. Look for him to top 100 yards with a few TDs.

The Rest

Felix Jones vs. TB – The Bucs run D is awful. Everyone tops 100 yards against them.

Cedric Benson vs. Stl – Benson will top 100 yards and a TD vs. the depleted Rams D.

Roy Helu vs. NYG – The impressive rookie will find room to work with against the banged up Giants D.

Shonn Greene vs. Phi – The Eagles are among the worst teams at stopping the run.

Ryan Mathews vs. Bal – His effectiveness will likely come as a receiver out of the backfield.

Ahmad Bradshaw vs. Was – The Giants running game is starting to reestablish itself and Bradshaw will run well against the Skins.

Willis McGahee vs. NE – The Broncos will pound the rock down the Patriots’ throats.

LeGarrette Blount vs. Dal  – Big D plays little against the run.

Michael Bush vs. Det – It appears that RB Darren McFadden will not be able to return this week. Bush will find room to run against the Lions.

Fantasy Sleeper

Ryan Grant vs. KC – Look for the Packers to run the ball more with Jennings out. Not that much more, but enough to make Grant an attractive fantasy sleeper this week in KC.

1. Ray Rice vs. Ind – He has a chance to duplicate his 200 yard effort vs. the Browns right back and is the top fantasy football RB this week.

2. LeSean McCoy vs. Mia – The Dolphins will have their hands full on Sunday.

3. Adrian Peterson vs. Det – Again, this ranking is only warranted if his high ankle sprain has healed. Check his status on Friday.

4. Maurice Jones Drew vs TB – The Bucs run defense has enormous holes in it.

Next

Arian Foster vs. Cin – It’s not the best match-up but Foster is a beast.

Darren McFadden vs. GB – Is this the week he returns? If so, he’ll have room to run against the Packers D.

Ryan Mathews vs. Buf – Had another 100 yard game on Monday and now gets a run D that surrendered 190 yards and 2 TDs to Chris Johnson. Look for Mathews to top the century mark with a score.

The Rest

Chris Johnson vs. NO – He’s rushed for over 340 yards the past two weeks and will find room to run against the Saints.

Frank Gore vs. Arz – The Cardinals are actually good vs. the run. Still, expect Gore to find the end zone and top 75 yards rushing on Sunday.

Reggie Bush vs. Phi – The Eagles run D is one of the worst in the business.

Jonathan Stewart vs. Atl – The Panthers rushing attack is coming on strong. DeAngelo Williams is a good start too.

Michael Turner vs. Car – The Falcons will emphasize the run game vs. the Panthers.

LeGarrette Blount vs. JAX – Freeman’s return will take pressure off of the running game.

Rashard Mendenhall vs. Cle – He scored twice vs. the Bengals and will thrive right back vs. the Browns.

Shonn Greene vs. KC – Greene will be able to amass yards and a score in the 2^nd half vs. the Chiefs.

Willis McGahee vs. Chi – Tebow’s dual threat has opened up running lanes for McGahee.

Ahmad Bradshaw vs Dal – In his 2^nd week back he’ll be in much better shape to attack the Cowboys D.

Beanie Wells vs. SF – The likely absence of LB Patrick Willis will make running the ball easier against the stout 49ers D.

DeMarco Murray vs. NYG – The going won’t be as easy as it looks on paper but Murray should top 80 yards and could find the end zone.

Fantasy Sleeper

Mark Ingram vs. Ten – The Saints keep trying to find ways to get their rookie RB involved. Scored for the 2^nd straight week against the Lions and is a strong fantasy sleeper this week.

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Must Start

1. LeSean McCoy vs. NE – He will terrorize the Patriots all game long.

2. Arian Foster vs. JAX – The loss of Matt Schaub will hurt him against the better teams. Jacksonville is not one of those teams.

3. Matt Forte vs. Oak – His services are needed more than ever with Jay Cutler out.

4. Ray Rice vs. SF – Look for his success to come as a receiver this week.

Next

DeAngelo Williams vs. Ind – The 0-10 Colts have given up on the season. Williams will torch this unit.

Willis McGahee vs SD – McGahee ran for over 100 yards the last time he faced the now reeling Chargers.

Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Hou – The Jags will continue to feed their best player on Sunday.

The Rest

Michael Turner vs. Min – The Falcons should enjoy working with a large lead.

DeMarco Murray vs. Mia – The Dolphins are improved but Murray should find room to work with on Thanksgiving.

Darren Sproles vs. NYG – Sean Payton will create mismatches against the Giants inexperienced LB’ers this week.

* Darren McFadden vs. Chi – If he’s back this week expect him to play a big role in Sunday’s game.

Ryan Mathews vs. Den – Fumbles are hurting his game but could be a significant factor in the passing game.

Steven Jackson vs. Arz – The Rams will get a better showing out of their running game this week.

Beanie Wells vs. Stl – The Rams D is weak against the run. Wells could top 100 yards with a few scores.

Benjarvus Green-Ellis vs. Phi – The Eagles still have problems stopping the run.

Frank Gore vs. Bal – It’ll be even better if the Ravens are without MLB Ray Lewis.

Marshawn Lynch vs. Was – The Skins D will struggle with the cross country trip.

Chris Johnson vs. TB – The Bucs have serious holes in its run D.

LeGarrette Blount vs. Ten – Look for Tampa to ride the back of Blount against the team that cut him.

Reggie Bush vs. Dal – Expect Sparano get Bush involved early and often vs. the Cowboys. Dual threat on this day.

Cedric Benson vs. Cle – the Bengals will be able to ride Benson a bit harder against the Browns knowing Cleveland lacks the offense to keep up.

Kevin Smith vs. GB – The surprise of Week 11 will have room to run vs. the Packers on Thanksgiving.

Fantasy Sleeper

Donald Brown vs. Car – The Panthers don’t stop the run too well themselves and present an appealing match-up for Brown this week. He’s a solid fantasy sleeper that should top 75 yards with a TD.

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Must Start

1. Arian Foster vs. Cle – The Browns will have no answers for Foster on Sunday.

2. LeSean McCoy vs. Chi – He’s playing as well as anyone in the game. He’ll top 125 yards and 2 TDs on Monday Night.

3. Matt Forte vs. Phi – He’ll continue to make his claim for a new contract with huge game this week. The Eagles run D is still suspect.

4. Frank Gore vs. Was – The 49er running game is working flawlessly.

Next

Michael Turner vs. Ind – Look for 100 yards with 2 TDs over the hapless Colts.

Darren McFadden vs. Den – Provided his foot is healed he’ll run all over the Broncos.

Steven Jackson vs. Arz – Jackson’s been a force the past two weeks (159 yards, 2 TDs vs. NO).

The Rest

Beanie Wells vs. Stl – Wells is much better at home and will have a big game vs. the Rams this week.

Ray Rice vs. Pit – His points could come from the receiving department this week.

Fred Jackson vs. NYJ – The Jets strength on D is stopping the pass.

DeMarco Murray vs. Sea  – The Cowboys will get their rookie more involved this week.

Darren Sproles vs. TB – Expect Sproles to shine as a receiver and runner vs. the Bucs.

BenJarvus Green Ellis vs. NYG – The Giants have now given up a 100 yard rusher 5 weeks in a row.

Ahmad Bradshaw vs. NE – Bradshaw will top 100 total yards with a score in New England.

Ryan Mathews vs. GB – Mathews will be a dual threat vs. the Pack at home.

James Starks vs. SD – The Packers’ passing attack will open holes for Starks.

LeGarrette Blount vs. NO – He’s back and the Saints run D has plenty of holes.

Shonn Greene vs. Buf – The Jets will incorporate a heavy rushing attack on Sunday.

Peyton Hillis vs. Hou – The Browns desperately need Hillis back in the lineup

Cedric Benson vs. Ten – Benson’s back from suspension this week and will find plenty of running room against the Titans.

Fantasy Sleeper

Jackie Battle vs. Mia – The Dolphins lack playmakers on D and will struggle on the road in KC. Expect Battle to post solid numbers and is a good fantasy sleeper in Week 9.