Article:Week 9 RB Fantasy Rankings

Must Starts:

1. Brian Westbrook vs. Seattle. After dealing with a multitude of injuries this season, Westbrook came back last week to post big-time numbers (22 carries for 167 and 2TDs) vs. the Atlanta Falcons. He also added another 42 receiving yards to cap off a day many fantasy owners have been waiting for this season. In this game, the Eagles head out to Seattle to face 2-5 Seahawks. This has all the makings of a dominant effort from Westbrook. The Seahawks have been destroyed on the ground all season and might be forced to play without stud LB Tatupu in this contest. Look for Westbrook to once again be the focal point of this Eagles’ attack and post similar numbers: over 100 yards and 2TDs.

2. Adrian Peterson vs. Houston. AP finally put up an effort vs. Chicago two weeks ago that was reminiscent of what we saw from him time and time again in 2007. He broke the century mark and had a TD of 50 + yards. In this game, the Texans are vulnerable on the ground and we look for Minnesota to take advantage of this weakness. Provided the contest is close, we see Childress relying heavily on the ground game and AP going for at least 100-yards with a score or two. And if Houston’s Safety begins to cheat up to help out vs. the run, watch for Peterson to get past the 1st level and take one 50+ yards to the house.

3. Steven Jackson vs. Arizona. This game is being played in St. Louis, on a fast track, and against a defense (Arizona) that isn’t particularly stout against the run. If Jackson returns, look for him to post another solid day on the ground as his line should provide lots of room for him to run behind. We also see Haslett making the running game a focal point of the Rams’ game plan because he realizes that the more time his offense spends on the field, the less time Warner and his collection of star receivers will be on it. Look for another solid fantasy effort from Jackson and he’ll get at least 100 yards and 2 TDs.

4. Ronnie Brown  vs. Denver. One thing we know about this Broncos team is that its defense doesn’t stop anyone on the ground. In their Week 7 game at New England, RB Sammy Morris had eclipsed the 100-yard mark midway through the 2nd quarter. In this game, we see Miami trying to neutralize Denver’s strong passing attack by keeping the ball on the ground and feeding Brown and Williams. Brown is clearly the #1 back on this team and better of the two, so look for him to get a majority of the carries and in the process, reach the 90-yard mark with at least one score.

Sleepers:

1. Ernest Graham vs. Kansas City. Graham’s fantasy owners must be drooling as they see their back about to face the worst defense in the NFL. We like Graham’s chances to have a very strong game this Sunday because we see the Bucs offense controlling the ball for most of it. Defensively, Tampa will force a lot of three-and-outs which will put the ball back into the offense’s hands. And offensively, Gruden will look to wear down KC’s defense and Graham is the perfect back to do it. 100 yards and 1 TD.

2. Chris Johnson vs. Green Bay. This rookie is fast, and this rookie is good. He’s added a whole different dimension to the Titans’ offense and he’s a big reason why they’re 7-0. The Titans formula this year has been run, run, and run a little more, and we don’t see that changing in this game. Look for Johnson to have his number called at least 15 times and to eclipse the 75-yard mark with a shot at a TD vs. a GB defense that’s better vs the pass than the run.