Fantasy Football Week 8: Top RBs Who Will Explode

The top five running backs of Week 7 were Chris Johnson, Adrian Peterson, Arian Foster, LaRod Stephens-Howling and Frank Gore.

With several teams sitting out Week 8, who can fantasy owners count on to post big points?

I'll give you a hint, three of last week's top scorers make another appearance this week.

Here's a look at my top five running backs for Week 8.

5. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears

Matt Forte has posted 21 fantasy points in his past two games and he goes up against a Carolina Panthers defense allowing 4.1 yards per carry (18th in the NFL).

Also, in his past two contests against Carolina, Forte has rushed for a combined 371 yards (7.9 yards per carry) and three touchdowns.

4. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

Adrian Peterson exploded for 153 yards and a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals last week, but he faces a Tampa Bay Buccaneers squad in Week 8 that has allowed a league-low 3.1 yards per carry.

You need to temper your expectations this week with Peterson, but I still think he ends up a top-five back given his production this season.

3. Alfred Morris, Washington Redskins

Alfred Morris has not only posted the third-most fantasy points among running backs this season, he faces a Pittsburgh Steelers defense in Week 8 that isn't what it once was.

The Steelers have allowed 4.1 yards per carry and four rushing touchdowns this season, including 91 rushing yards to Chris Johnson in Week 6.

Coming off a 120-yard rushing day against the New York Giants, expect Morris to make fantasy owners happy in Week 8.

2. Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans

Well, Chris Johnson is back.

The three-time Pro Bowler rushed for 195 yards and two touchdowns against the Buffalo Bills last week, backing up a solid performance against the Steelers in Week 6.

He also sees an Indianapolis Colts defense that has allowed 4.8 yards per carry (28th in the NFL) and eight rushing touchdowns this season.

Me like.

1. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers

After what Frank Gore did against the Seattle Seahawks last week, do you doubt he can do the same against the Arizona Cardinals?

The Cardinals have allowed 4.2 yards per carry this season (20th in the NFL). They gave up 153 rushing yards and a touchdown to Adrian Peterson. Gore just rushed for 131 yards while catching five balls for 51 yards against the Seahawks.

Need I say more?