Week 4 Fantasy Football Rankings: Top RB Options for the Upcoming Weekend

As the NFL season progresses, keeping up with your fantasy team only gets tougher. Fortunately, there are lists like this to keep you informed.

While you might be struggling to fill your team due to byes, injuries or simply disappointing performances, there are plenty of options available to make sure your roster is as good as possible.

Running back has been the toughest position to figure out this season, especially as the number of full-time players seems to shrink every week. However, this list will give you an idea of who to pick up off waivers and who to start.

Here is a look at the top fantasy options for Week 4, with a highlight on those who should end up with a bigger week than expected.

Daryl Richardson, St. Louis Rams

Against the Dallas Cowboys, Daryl Richardson played only a single snap before re-aggravating a foot injury and coming out of the game.

While he might be tough to trust again, the running back is confident he will play Thursday against the San Francisco 49ers, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN.  

Usually, the 49ers are a defense to avoid. However, they have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. In the last two weeks, the squad has given up 351 yards on the ground and five touchdowns.

If Richardson is active, he should be able to gain plenty of yards to have a good game.

Bernard Pierce, Baltimore Ravens

Bernard Pierce was not exactly a world-beater in his start last week, rumbling for only 65 yards on 24 carries. Still, he scored a touchdown and became a worthwhile fantasy start against a tough defense.

This week, he will face the Buffalo Bills, who have allowed the second-most rushing yards this season. He should be able to run through this poor tackling team and have a huge day on the ground.

Of course, Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun reports that Ray Rice is expecting to return Sunday. Even if he does, the Ravens clearly want to keep Pierce involved in the offense, as evident by the 19 carries he received in Week 2.

His value will certainly be lower if Rice suits up, but he could still be worth a start in most leagues this week.

Jason Snelling, Atlanta Falcons

While Jason Snelling remains the No. 2 option out of the backfield behind Jacquizz Rodgers, he is still worthy of a start in most leagues.

The veteran running back earned 15 touches in the loss to the Miami Dolphins, totaling 111 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. This was not a fluke, as he has the skill to make things happen when he has the ball in his hands.

Additionally, he has five inches and about 40 pounds on Rodgers, which makes him better suited as a goal-line runner. He has now scored in consecutive games, and there is no reason to believe he will not get a third.

Finally, Snelling has been a big part of the passing game for the Falcons, totaling 10 catches for 116 yards this season. Only eight teams in the NFL have allowed more receptions to running backs than the New England Patriots, so he could be in for another big day.

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