Must Start

LeSean McCoy, Jamaal Charles, Marshawn Lynch, Matt Forte and Le’veon Bell

Tier 1

Frank Gore vs. NYG – The Giants were gashed for over 350 yards against the Seahawks.

Mark Ingram vs. Cin – Cincy is missing key LB’ers which have impacted their ability to stop the run.

Arian Foster vs. Cle – Check the injury report. But he should be in your lineup if he is a go.

Andre Ellington vs. Det – He will have more value in PPR leagues. The Lions run D is stout.

Jeremy Hill vs. NO – Hill is in line for another large workload.

Alfred Morris vs. TB – His value increased with the return of RGIII.

Eddie Lacy vs. Phi – Lacy is a 14-17 point threat.

Shane Vereen vs. Ind – Vereen will catch 5-6 balls and top 14 FFL points.

Ahmad Bradshaw vs. NE – The run D is still a question mark for the Patriots.

Brendan Oliver vs. Oak – The Dolphins nightmare is behind them. Expect Oliver to still dominate the carries.

Tier 2

Bobby Rainey vs. Was – There will be room to run. The question is whether they give Rainey the ball.

DeAngelo Williams vs. Atl – Atlanta’s allowed 13 rushing TDs.

Reggie Bush vs. Arz – The Cardinals are 3rd against the run. Bush will have value in PPR leagues if he’s healthy.

Darren McFadden vs. SD – San Diego is beaten up on personnel.

CJ Anderson vs. Stl – The Broncos will be playing with a big lead. Anderson will pick up his yards in the 2nd half.

Fred Jackson vs. Mia – Jackson is still coming back and has a tough matchup here.

Steven Jackson vs. Car – Carolina has been unable to stop the run. They’re giving up 4.8 YPC.

Terrance West vs. Hou – Coming off a 90 yard effort with a score. He’ll top 75 with a score here.

Jerick McKinnon vs. Chi – McKinnon has a solid match up against the Bears.

Bust

Joique Bell vs. Arz – The Cardinals are stout against the run.

Fantasy Sleeper

Rashad Jennings vs. SF – The Giants have been missing his presence in the back field.

11. Alfred Morris, Was – He will benefit from a better RGIII and the additions to the skill positions. Washington will make him a workhorse again.

12. Giovani Bernard, Cin – The exciting 2nd year back flashed brilliance on runs and now must become more consistent. But he’ll be the lead back in what should be a high scoring Cincinnati offense.

13. Doug Martin, TB – An injury ruined his 2013, although he wasn’t nearly as good when healthy. Look for him to be a low No. 1 or high No. 2 FFL RB this year.

14. Frank Gore, SF – Old man Gore’s workload likely won’t lighten with injuries to back-ups in training camp. The running game will thrive and Gore could hit 1100 yards with 10 TDs.

15. Montee Ball, Den – It’ll be his role to lose. If Ball can get a grip on his fumbling, look for a major step forward in year 2.

16. CJ Spiller, Buf – This is a massive drop from a year ago. However, Spiller has breakaway speed and the Bills passing game should take pressure off of him in EJ Manuel’s 2nd year. Fred Jackson’s presence still makes Spiller no better than a No. 2.

17. Reggie Bush, Det – The dynamic back should get better with the added talent at the skill positions. Great in PPR leagues.

18. Ben Tate, Cle – The Browns will rely more on their running game with the apparent suspension of WR Josh Gordon. Expect No. 2 type fantasy numbers.

19. Trent Richardson, Ind – He was a bust a year ago, and has a lot to prove this season.

20. Ryan Matthews, SD – The Chargers offense will be solid, but Matthews will be facing better defense in 2014. This keeps him entrenched as a weekly No. 2.

21. Chris Johnson, NYJ – He is a solid fantasy sleeper and could rise the ranks quickly in NY. His speed gives the Jets another dimension and they’ll use it.

22. Ray Rice, Bal – Beating his now wife has hurt Rice’s perception even more than when people only questioned whether he lost a step. He has a chance to return to form with a better surrounding cast for Flacco, which will take pressure off the running game.

23. Andre Ellington, Arz – He showed enough flashes a year ago to believe he can take a step forward again here.

24. Stevan Ridley, NE – Ridley must get his fumbling under control, or he’ll ride the pine. Boom or bust pick.

25. Steven Jackson, Atl – Injuries and a horrific Falcons’ season ruined 2013. Nice bounceback opportunity this year.

26. Rashad Jennings, NYG – The Giants will rely heavily on him as the No. 1 guy.

27. Maurice Jones-Drew, Oak – Nice fantasy sleeper this year on an improving Raiders team. Look for him to surprise.

28. Shane Vereen, NE – He could haul in 80 catches in this offense.

29. Darren Sproles, Phi – Kelly will incorporate the speedy Sproles on 3rd downs and in the passing game. Solid No. 2 in PPR leagues.

30. Pierre Thomas, NO – Thomas keeps finding ways to make plays in this offense. He’s a No. 2/flex play week in and week out.

1. Jamaal Charles vs. Was – Charles will top 25 fantasy points at Washington.

2. Eddie Lacy vs. Atl – The Falcons have a hole in their run D.

3. Adrian Peterson vs. Bal – Look for All-Day to top 100 yards and find the end zone.

4. Marshawn Lynch vs. SF – The 49ers have had difficulty stopping Lynch in recent match-ups.

Not far behind

Matt Forte vs. Dal – The Cowboys have serious issues stopping the run. Look for Forte to top 100 yards rushing and 50 receiving.

LeSean McCoy vs. Det – McCoy’s value will come more as a receiver against the Lions.

Reggie Bush vs. Phi – Ditto for Bush. He’ll have a strong game against an Eagles D as a receiver and runner.

Rounding things out

Knowshon Moreno vs. Ten – The Broncos top runner is a beneficiary of a ridiculous passing game. He never sees a stacked front.

DeMarco Murray vs. Chi – The Bears run D has been horrible the past 7 weeks.

Andre Brown vs. SD – Look for the Giants to ride Brown again on Sunday. He’ll top 90 yards with a TD.

Chris Johnson vs. Den – They may be playing catch-up which will mean more opportunities in the passing game for Johnson.

Giovani Bernard vs. Ind – The Colts D has suffered a number of injuries the past month. It’s become increasingly easier to run against the Colts as a result.

Le’veon Bell vs. Mia – Check his status before starting him. But, this is a solid match-up for Bell.

Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Hou – The Texans have thrown in the towel.

CJ Spiller vs. TB – Looks like he has his old legs back. Had his best week of the year in Week 13.

Fred Jackson vs. TB – He’ll see a lot of short passes and be the primary goal line back.

Steven Jackson vs. GB – Jackson will thrive against an underwhelming Packers D.

Alfred Morris vs. KC – Morris will top 85 yards with a TD.

Ben Tate vs. Jax – Look for Tate to follow up a strong week 13 with another excellent game.

Shane Vereen vs. Cle – He’s the only reliable Patriots back and deadly in PPR leagues.

Zac Stacy vs. Arz – The Cards are stingy against the run but Stacy’s style will bode well this week. Look for 75 yards and a TD.

Bobby Rainey vs. Buf – This is a more favorable match-up than recent weeks.

Potential Bust – Beware

Frank Gore vs. Sea – The Seahawks will take away the run and force Colin Kaepernick to beat them.

1. Adrian Peterson vs. NYG – All Day will top 125 yards with 2 TDs on MNF.

2. Arian Foster vs. KC – The Texans will go back to pounding the rock to minimize mistakes in the passing game.

3. LeSean McCoy vs. Dal – McCoy’s a beast in both the passing game and as a receiver out of the backfield and always terrorizes Dallas.

4. Frank Gore 4vs. Ten – Not many teams can stop the 49ers when they commit to the run.

Not Far Behind

Marshawn Lynch vs. Arz – Lynch will top 100 yards with a TD.

Jamaal Charles vs. Hou – The Texans D is a mess.

Reggie Bush vs. Cin – Bush is an all-purpose machine in ’13 and will shine again.

Rounding Things Out

Matt Forte vs. Was – Forte will reach 15-20 fantasy points against a soft Redskins D.

Alfred Morris vs. Chi – The Bears defensive lineman are severely beat up.

Doug Martin vs. Atl – The Falcons are weak up the middle.

Knowshon Moreno vs. Ind – The Broncos pass game has opened things up for Moreno in the running game.

CJ Spiller vs. Mia – He is still dealing with an ankle injury, but could make a big move here.

Lamar Miller vs. Buf – The Dolphins want him to be the man. Will be featured in this one.

DeAngelo Williams vs. Stl – Williams will put up 12-15 fantasy points in Week 7.

Bilal Powell vs. NE – The Patriots have lost DT Vince Wolfork and now MLB Jerod Mayo. Look for the Jets to pound the ball

Stevan Ridley vs. NYJ – The Patriots lead back found his groove against the Saints.

Ryan Matthews vs. Jax – Coming off a 100 yard effort he is a candidate to top the century mark right back.

Trent Richardson vs. Den – Look for the Colts to play ball control in an attempt to keep Peyton cold on the sidelines.

Maurice Jones-Drew vs. SD – The Chargers D has holes in it. MJD is a 10-15 fantasy point candidate.

Ray Rice vs. Pit – This is a good game for Rice to get it going. This isn’t the Steelers D of old.

Giovani Bernard vs. Det – Bernard a threat in the passing game. Should top 50 yards with a TD.

Steven Jackson vs. TB – Jackson should be back and the Falcons will rely on him heavily with Julio Jones.

Potential Bust – Beware

Chris Johnson vs. SF – Johnson will find the going tough vs. a stout and disciplined 49ers D.

1. Jamaal Charles vs. NYG – The Giants D is not stopping anyone these days. Charles will top 125 yards with multiple TDs in Week 4.

2. Adrian Peterson vs. Pit – Look for Peterson to get back on track against a different Steelers D than we’re used to seeing.

3. Alfred Morris vs. Oak. It’s the Raiders.

4. LeSean McCoy vs. Den – McCoy’s stock through the roof in Kelly’s offense. He will give the Broncos D fits.

Not too far behind

Chris Johnson vs. NYJ – The shifty RB is running almost like the Johnson of old.

Doug Martin vs. Arz – The only way the Bucs will get back on track is by feeding Martin the ball 25+ times. The Cardinals will have trouble keeping him under 100.

Marshawn Lynch vs. Hou – He was given a sort of off-week vs. the Jags. He will top 100 yards with a TD here.

Rounding things out

Matt Forte vs. Det – Forte’s style will result in big overall yardage at Detroit.

Knowshon Moreno vs. Phi – The Eagles D is suspect at every level. Moreno will thrive even running behind a banged up line.

Reggie Bush vs. Chi – It looks like he’ll be back on Sunday and involved in the passing game.

Frank Gore vs. Stl – The real question is whether the 49ers will feed him the ball. They surprisingly went away from him after a solid 1^st quarter a week ago.

DeMarco Murray vs. SD – Look for Murray to follow up an excellent game in Week 3 with another 100 yard effort at San Diego.

Giovani Bernard vs. Cle – The Browns don’t give up many rushing yards but Bernard is proving to be a stout goal line threat already.

Bilal Powell vs. Ten – He’ll be the top dawg this week against this Titans D.

Lamar Miller vs. NO – He will be used as a threat out of the backfield on Monday.

Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Ind – MJD is about the only thing to like right now on this offense.

Ahmad Bradshaw vs. Jax – He’ll still see the majority of carries while Richardson learns the system.

Darren McFadden vs. Was – The Skins D is in a state of disarray.

Ray Rice vs. Buf – Make sure he is back but if so, he will be good to go.

Stevan Ridley vs. Atl – The return of some offensive weapons will open up running lanes for Ridley.

Darren Sproles vs. Mia – The Fins D is pretty stingy but susceptible to scat backs.

Jacquizz Rodgers vs. NE – He’s a solid flex play while Jackson is out.

Potential Bust – Beware

Arian Foster vs. Sea – The Seahawks are deep and talented at each phase of the D. Foster is also now without his LT.

1. Adrian Peterson vs. Chi – Historically, Peterson has lit up the Bears in Chicago.

2. LeSean McCoy vs. SD – Expect McCoy to top over 150 yards with multiple TDs against the Chargers.

3. Arian Foster vs. Ten – 100 yards and 1-2 TDs as the Texans ground game will get rolling in this one. Foster was getting his feet under him in Week 1.

4. Jamaal Charles vs. Dal – The Cowboys will chase Charles all over the field.

Not too far behind

Doug Martin vs. NO – Tampa will pound Martin to keep Brees and Co. on the sidelines. He’ll respond with a 100 yard game.

Reggie Bush vs. Arz – The Lions plan to use him in multiple ways which bodes well for fantasy owners.

Matt Forte vs. Min – The Vikings are banged up defensively which will help out Forte’s production in this one.

Rounding out the rest

Ray Rice vs. Cle – His value is likely to come as a receiver out of the backfield.

CJ Spiller vs. Car – The Panthers run D is much improved but look for Spiller to break some long ones this week.

Stevan Ridley vs. NYJ – Look for Ridley to get out of Belichick’s doghouse in a big way on Thursday.

Demarco Murray vs. KC – The Boys will ride Murray for over 20 touches en route to a big afternoon.

Alfred Morris vs. GB – Morris will be a load for the Packers front.

Reggie Bush vs. Arz – Bush will have another monster game as a receiver this week.

Darren McFadden vs. Jax – Pryor’s presence has opened things up for McFadden and this is an easy match-up for #20.

Marshawn Lynch vs. SF – Lynch did have big games in both contests a year ago.

Steven Jackson vs. Stl – Not much in Week 1 outside of one long run. Expect about the same in this one.

Trent Richardson vs. Bal – Weeden’s play did Richardson in more than anything else. Look for a 7-10 fantasy point game in this one.

Frank Gore vs. Sea – Gore’s found big holes to run through playing Sea in recent years.

Ryan Matthews vs. Phi – He’ll find running against this D easier than Houston.

Eddie Lacy vs. Was – The big back will find the end zone a 2nd consecutive week.

Maurice Jones Drew vs. Oak – The Jags are abysmal, but QB Chad Henne brings some respectability to the offense which will help MJD.

Chris Johnson vs. Hou – Johnson’s had a history of running well against his rival.

David Wilson vs. Den – This is a risky fantasy football pick after his week 1 issues, but NYG won’t abandon ship and the 2^nd year back could find a lot of room to run on Sunday.

Lamar Miller vs. Ind – The Colts D is horrible vs. the run, so Miller has fewer excuses this week.

Potential Bust – Beware

Vick Ballard vs. Mia – The Dolphins D smothered RB Trent Richardson in Week 1.

1. Adrian Peterson vs. Det – All Day will eclipse 125 yards and 2 TDs vs.  the Lions.

2. Ray Rice vs. Den – The Ravens will want to control the clock and pound away at the Broncos depleted D.

3. Jamaal Charles vs. Jax – Charles is licking his chops here.

4. Arian Foster vs. SD – He will be fully healthy and facing a soft Chargers D.

Not far behind

Alfred Morris vs. Phi – The Eagles D is horrible and Morris will run them over.

Steven Jackson vs. NO – The Saints D will be one of the worst in the NFL. Look for Jackson to top 100 yards with a TD.

Trent Richardson vs. Mia – The Dolphins will be improved, but so will the Browns. Richardson will bully his way to the century mark with a score.

Rounding things out

Marshawn Lynch vs. Car – Expect around 100 yards and a score.

Stevan Ridley vs. Buf – The Patriots should be playing with a very large lead which bodes especially well for Ridley.

David Wilson vs. Dal – The blazer will also be the full-time back now.

Frank Gore vs. SF – Expect the 49ers massive front to engulf the Packers D and for Gore to find plenty of running room.

CJ Spiller vs. NE – The explosive Spiller will have a tough time playing with a rookie QB at the helm.

Demarco Murray vs. NYG – Murray has always run powerful and well against the Giants.

LeSean McCoy vs. Was – McCoy is one of the best in the business when healthy. Expect Chip Kelly to involve him early and often in this offense.

Darren Sproles vs. Atl – This will be a passing affair. Sproles will see a lot of balls his way.

Chris Johnson vs. Pit – This isn’t the Steelers D of old.

Maurice Jones-Drew vs. KC – MJD is a 100 yard candidate facing KC.

Doug Martin vs. NYJ – The Jets run D is pretty good, but Martin will be fed the ball 20+ times.

Reggie Bush vs. Min – His value will come as a receiver.

Matt Forte vs. Cin – The Bengals feature one of the best units in the NFL this year.

Potential Bust – Beware

Ryan Mathews vs. Hou – Matthews has had all sorts of fumbling issues and faces a very stout test in the Texans.

11. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jax - Talk about a guy that could use a change of scenery. But unfortunately for MJD, his success depends on Blaine Gabbert’s maturity. He is still a tough runner surrounded by decent talent on the outside, and the AFC South’s defenses are hardly stout. He’s a low No. 1.

12. Matt Forte, Chi – The biggest concern with Forte is injury.  He should shine in Trestman’s offense and could return to top 10 form.

13. Steven Jackson, Stl – Jackson will love it in Atlanta. The presence of WR Roddy White and WR Julio Jones means he’ll never face an eight man front, and he still has enough left in the tank to top 1,000 yards and double digit TDs.

14. Stevan Ridley, NE – The Patriots will become a more run heavy team in 2013 which will directly benefit Ridley.

15. DeMarco Murray, Dal - The Cowboys O- line is improved which will help Murray immensely. The talented back needs to remain healthy and could fulfill all that potential if he does.

16. Chris Johnson, TN – It seems like eons ago when he was the 2nd pick off the board. This is a big year for Johnson, and he may just be up to the task.

17. Reggie Bush, Det – Bush will thrive in Detroit as a runner and receiver. Look for him to play a much bigger role in this offense although short yardage TDs will likely go to RB Mikel Leshoure.

18. Frank Gore, SF - At 30, he’s still trucking along. The 49ers massive O-line creates nice running lanes and none of the other backs have been able to surpass him. Gore is a solid No. 2 RB and flex player this season.

19. Darren McFadden, Oak - It’s pick your poison with McFadden. If you go with him, make sure your RB depth is good.  He can never seem to remain healthy, which is why he can’t be counted on as a No. 1 fantasy back.

20. David Wilson, NYG – He’s an intriguing fantasy football sleeper this year. He has all the ability in the world but questions remain about his ability to carry the load (and block for Eli). The potential is there for a 1,200+ yard season and double digit TDs.

21. Lamar Miller, Mia – The Dolphins love him and let Reggie Bush walk as a result. With Mike Wallace there to keep defenses’ honest, Miller could be in line for a breakthrough season.

22. Le’Vonn Bell, Pit – The Steelers O-line has been a weakness in recent years but could end up a strength in 2013. That will benefit Bell who will be given every opportunity to succeed as the top back.

23. Monte Ball, Den – The rookie runner landed in a solid spot. The loss of C Dan Koppen is a concern, but teams won’t be able to load the box to stop the run.

24. Darren Sproles, NO - With Sean Payton back calling plays, look for a lot of passes to come Sproles way. His 2013 will resemble 2011 more than last year.

25. Ryan Mathews, SD – This is a big year for Mathews. He has a ton of potential but has never lived up to it. A new coaching regime could do the trick.

1. Green Bay Packers ( -15) vs. Jax – The Jaguars are starting QB Chad Henne and MJD is out. Look for the injury riddled Packers to still have more than enough fire power and blow Jacksonville out in a 34-7 type rout.

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2. San Francisco 49ers (-6.5) vs. Arz – This game could remain competitive through the half, but the 49ers have too much firepower in the running game and on defense for Arizona to remain in it late.

The Cardinals talented defense is beginning to wear down late in games because the offense cannot sustain drives and put points on the board. The 49ers win by double digits and easily cover the point spread.

3. New York Giants (-2) vs. Dal – The Giants love playing at Dallas and enter on a three game winning streak. They’re also the healthier of the two teams, which is different than their 1st meeting.

Look for Eli and Co. to win for the 4th straight time in Big D  by a TD.

4. Seattle Seahawks (+2.5) vs. Look for the Seahawks, who are coming off 10 days rest to head into Detroit and run the ball at will, while QB Russell Wilson uses the play action pass with excellent effectiveness against a poor Lions pass D.

Defensively, Seattle will have little problems solving Matt Stafford and the offense.

The Rest

Denver Broncos (-6) vs. NO – The Broncos will score at will on the Saints and Denver is not the easiest location for opponents to play.

New York Jets (-2.5) vs. Mia – This will remain competitive throughout but the Jets are actually playing much better offensively with WR Santonio Holmes out.

Chicago Bears (-8) vs. Car – Cam Newton and the Panthers are in disarray. Look for the Bears to win in a romp.

* Due to most money line bets being off of the board this week, we will not have one. If the Seattle Seahawks game lists one prior to kickoff, that would be our selection.

Top Pick

1. Green Bay Packers vs. Jax – Regardless of how banged up Green Bay is, and they’re dinged across the board defensively, the Jags, who could ill afford any losses, enter this game without their only marketable player, RB Maurice Jones-Drew.

Starting QB Blaine Gabbert is also out meaning Chad Henne will get the call. Not good news when a team is trying to outscore one of the hottest offenses – and best teams –  in the NFL on their home field.

Green Bay will win this going away.

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2. Denver Broncos vs. NO – The Saints held on to beat the Bucs at the end of the game a week ago, but their problems on defense are real and numerous.

QB Peyton Manning and Co. are coming off the bye and will torch New Orleans by putting 30-40 points on the scoreboard. Also expect the Broncos D to force a few turnovers as Denver wins on Sunday Night and covers the point spread.

3. San Francisco 49ers vs. Arz – The Cardinals did a good job to start the season, but a team can only absorb so many injuries and remain competitive.

After losing their top two RBs, starting QB, and a few offensive lineman, it’s become too much and the offense’s inability to sustain drives is why the talented defense is wearing down late in games.

The 49ers powerful running game will wear the Cardinals down in the 2nd half and their defense will smother Arizona’s offense all night long.