Week 9 Fantasy Football Projections: DeMarco Murray and More RBs to Avoid

As many real NFL teams play musical chairs with their running backs, fantasy owners must follow suit. This trio of runners, though, should be sitting on the fantasy bench this week.

DeMarco Murray, Dallas

For all that the Cowboys got annihilated in Philly, Murray actually looked good in his second start, averaging more than nine yards a carry. He’s in for a culture shock today, though, as he faces a legitimate run defense for the first time.

The otherwise-struggling Seahawks rank 11th in the NFL against the rush, and they have been brutal on fantasy backs all season. Murray and the Cowboys will likely win on their home field, but another big day from the rookie back won’t be in the cards.

Chris Ogbonnaya, Cleveland

The Browns’ backfield has turned into a war of attrition, and the man left standing for this afternoon is Ogbonnaya. Even with no competition for carries—both Peyton Hillis and Montario Hardesty are hurt—Ogbonnaya will struggle to put up numbers in a road meeting with the Texans.

Houston has been remarkably tough against the run, ranking sixth in the league in rushing defense. Add in the fact that Arian Foster will likely be grinding up the clock on the other side of the ball, and Ogbonnaya is in for an unproductive afternoon.

Javon Ringer, Tennessee

By any reasonable projection, Ringer should take over as the featured back in Tennessee now that Chris Johnson has well and truly self-destructed. That would make him a potentially valuable sleeper…if he weren’t facing Cincinnati this week.

The Bengals’ second-ranked run defense has shut down far better backs than Ringer, and Matt Hasselbeck’s passing game isn’t going to scare Cincy enough to keep the pressure off the ground attack. Wait for next weekend, when a meeting with lowly Carolina will bolster Ringer’s stats.