Fantasy Football Week 5 Rankings: Running Backs

With four weeks now in the books, the season is now well under way, and we’re starting to get a good idea of which backs are set for a big season and which are on their way to being marked as busts.

Week 4 led to injuries to LeSean McCoy and Darren McFadden, while cementing Arian Foster as a top five fantasy football running back in 2010.

Week 5 is the second of the bye weeks, so if you’re looking for replacements, then look no further.

Our Fantasy Football Week 5 Running Back Rankings will tell you who you need to start and who you’re probably better off keeping on your bench this week.

1. Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville Jaguars) @ Buffalo

Whew. Just when Jones-Drew owners had their fingers on the panic button, he pulled them away and let them breathe a sigh of relief with his first big game of 2010. MJD finally found pay dirt...twice, while totaling 121 yards. He tore up the Colts defense as the Jags shocked Indy with a victory, and it was all thanks to a breakout day by the star running back.

After MJD owners were sweating through the first three weeks, they can now get ready for a huge day as he gets ready to face a weak Buffalo Bills defense. The Jets ran roughshod over the Bills in Week 4, and there’s no reason that MJD can’t tear them apart as well. Look for at least two touchdowns and a bunch of yards as he continues his return to form.

Point Projection: 23 points

2. Arian Foster (Houston Texans) vs. New York Giants

Foster’s owners were in for a surprise when the back was benched unannounced for the entire first half. It would’ve been nice if head coach Gary Kubiak had let everyone know something like that. However, Foster’s so good right now that it took him just one half to total 187 yards and two touchdowns. He had 131 yards on 16 carries, and he right now is arguably the best back in fantasy football.

Foster has had at least 100 total yards in all four games this season and, needless to say, is a must start in all fantasy formats. He faces a New York Giants defense that unleashed 10 sacks on Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears in Week 4, but before that game the Giants had struggled against the run, and with the way Foster’s running, it doesn’t look like anyone can stop him.

Start him with confidence and expect big things from what looks to be this year’s breakout player.

Point Projection: 20 points

3. Michael Turner (Atlanta Falcons) @ Cleveland

Turner struggled against the San Francisco 49ers, running for just 50 yards on 16 carries while adding 28 receiving yards on three catches. Seven fantasy points isn’t embarrassing, but it’s not what an RB1 should do.

Aside from Week 3, Turner has been a disappointment this season. It seems he’s gotten past his injury from Week 2. However, he didn’t impress like he should’ve against the Niners.

The Cleveland Browns did well shutting down Cedric Benson last week, but logic would say that a back like Turner should have his way with them. We’re going to go ahead and say Turner looks like his old self in Week 5 and takes care of a weak Browns defense.

Point Projection: 20 points

4. Steven Jackson (St. Louis Rams) @ Detroit

Jackson owners breathed a sigh of relief, as he looked healthy in Week 4 and received 22 carries. He didn’t find the end zone, which is disappointing; however, 70 yards rushing and 54 yards receiving is very nice to see from a back returning from injury.

It looks like SJAX is ready to go, and he couldn’t ask for a better matchup than against the Detroit Lions in Week 5. He’s a must start in all leagues unless he suffers a setback this week in practice. Expect Jackson to easily eclipse 100 total yards with at least one score against one of the weakest defenses in the NFL.

Point Projection: 19 points

Continue reading on to see where your running back ranks...Week 5 RB Rankings