Fantasy Football Week 2 Rankings: Running Backs

The first week of the NFL season is now in the books, and it was loaded with surprises.

While big name guys like Chris Johnson and Matt Forte had their big weeks, it was Arian Foster who really stole the show.

Big names like Michael Turner and Ray Rice struggled, Ryan Grant was lost for the season, and while some questions were answered, even more were raised.

For our Fantasy Football Week 2 Running Back Rankings, we do our best to answer some of those questions and let you know who will help your fantasy team either bounce back from a Week 1 loss or continue its winning ways.

1. Ray Rice (Baltimore Ravens) @ Cincinnati

Rice was the first victim of the New York Jets defense in Week 1, but after totaling just 62 yards on 21 carries and two receptions, Rice gets a much better matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2.

The Bengals didn’t look good against the run against the New England Patriots, allowing the 34-year-old Fred Taylor to run for 71 yards on just 14 carries and letting Kevin Faulk burst out an 11-yard run on his way to 23 yards on only three carries.

Add on to that the fact that Ray Rice had 15 receptions and 161 receiving yards while averaging over four yards per carry against the Bengals in 2009, and that should mean big things for Rice in Week 2. 

Point Projection: 20 points

2. Rashard Mendenhall (Pittsburgh Steelers) @ Tennessee

Mendy was on his way to a mediocre day before breaking out the game-winning 50-yard touchdown run against the Atlanta Falcons, displaying his game-changing ability. Mendenhall ended up with 120 yards on 22 carries to go along with two catches for 15 yards.

The Tennessee Titans allowed a lesser talented back in Darren McFadden to get 95 yards on 18 carries in Week 1, so be on the lookout for a breakout week for Mendenhall, who will look to build on his solid season-opening performance. There’s a lot for fantasy football owners to be excited about with Mendenhall for this week and beyond. 

Point Projection: 19 points

3. Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings) vs. Miami

Peterson didn’t manage to find the end zone against what looks like a very formidable New Orleans Saints defense in Week 1. Peterson did, however, move the ball downfield with 87 yards rushing on 19 carries and 14 yards receiving.

The Vikings get to play at home in the dome for the first time this season, the place where Peterson had 734 yards and seven touchdowns in eight games in 2009. The Miami Dolphins defense held the trio of Fred Jackson, Marshawn Lynch, and C.J. Spiller to 38 yards on 14 carries in Week 1, but none of those guys are Adrian Peterson. Expect a big performance in the Vikings’ first home game.

Point Projection: 18 points

To see where your Running Backs rank, click here...Week 2 RB Rankings