Fantasy Football Week 2 Rankings: Running Backs Facing Favorable Matchups

Now that we know Arian Foster's alleged knee injury was way overblown, and now that we have some idea about which young running backs are going to be able to make a strong showing in 2012 and which ones will flop, assessing our fantasy backfield prospects heading into Week 2 should be a bit easier.

Even some of those who got stuck with bad matchups in Week 1 and thus looked awful will be ready to explode in Week 2.

Here's a look at some of the top-caliber running backs who will reel in the points in the second game of the season. You can see full fantasy rankings here. 

Chris Johnson (Tennessee)
at San Diego Chargers

New England's defense wasn't very good last year, but Bill Belichick is still their coach, and he was once considered a defensive genius. His team isn't one you want to be facing in Week 1 when you're Chris Johnson, especially given the way the Patriots upgraded in the offseason with the additions of Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower.

To say Johnson struggled in the opener would be a hilarious understatement. He was out-rushed by Jake Locker. He got 11 carries for four yards. Yes, this is the sixth-rated running back in the NFL, according to the fantasy gurus at NFL.com.

Compared with New England, San Diego should be a breath of fresh air this weekend.

LeSean McCoy (Philadelphia)
vs. Baltimore Ravens

McCoy was one star that got off to a good start—and got to face the kind of opponent that would allow him to do so. In a 17-16 win over Cleveland in Week 1, McCoy rushed for 110 yards on 20 carries.

And judging by the way Michael Vick is getting slammed after attempting 56 passes in the game and throwing four interceptions, we could see a lot more action on the ground in Week 2, when the Eagles take on the Ravens. Vick isn't going to get away with attempting that many passes for a second straight week, and McCoy—who already has one 100-yard game under his belt—will be gunning for another one.

Hopefully, the game plan will allow for it. And when you have the second-ranked running back in the league (via NFL.com), it should.

Stevan Ridley (New England)
vs. Arizona Cardinals

Ridley was the big backfield surprise to emerge from Week 1. Few thought he had a realistic shot of picking up where BenJarvus Green-Ellis left off, but he filled the No. 1 running back role with immense success, rushing for 125 yards and a touchdown.

Entering Week 1, Ridley was ranked 19th among all running backs by NFL.com. Now, he looks a bit better than that—and against Arizona, at home, he should be able to do just as well as he did against the Titans, if not better.

Before Week 1, some fantasy owners were hesitant to start Ridley, and rightfully so—he was completely unproven. Now that he's rushed for 100-plus yards on the road, you can rest a bit easier if you're starting him. And after Tom Brady broke his face against the Titans, he's probably going to want to hand the ball off more rather than risk doing more damage. Har, har.