Fantasy Football Week 4: LeSean McCoy and 4 Star RBs Who Will Be in Trouble

Before you ask, I think guys like Darren McFadden, Adrian Peterson and Ray Rice are going to be just fine in Week 4. They've been racking up points like crazy in the first three weeks of the season, and I see no reason why they won't be able to continue doing so this week.

But there are some star running backs out there that I'm a little worried about this week. After looking at the matchups and weighing the variables, I just have some bad hunches about a couple of guys.

In particular, I have a feeling the four running backs listed below are going to be in trouble.

4. Ahmad Bradshaw, New York Giants

The point is debatable whether or not Bradshaw qualifies as a true "star." But since he had a great game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, I'm going to allow it.

At any rate, Bradshaw is probably going to go back to not being a star on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. A lot has been made about Arizona's defensive issues, but the Cardinals are actually one of the better teams in the league when it comes to stopping the run.

That the Cardinals are barely allowing more than 100 rushing yards per game this season is pretty good, but the truly impressive part is that they have yet to allow a rushing touchdown. That wouldn't concern me if we were talking about McFadden or Peterson, but we're talking about Bradshaw. I'm just not sure he's good enough to ruin Arizona's strong start against the run.

3. Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams

Jackson is another guy whose star status is iffy, but only because he hasn't been healthy so far this year. The Rams reported via Twitter on Monday that Jackson was supposed to pick it up this week, so I guess he's feeling better.

Nevertheless, I would still worry about Jackson going up against the Washington Redskins. They let Felix Jones break out on Monday night, but they're still allowing fewer than 100 rushing yards per game this season. They have also given up just eight receptions to running backs, for what that's worth.

So he may be healthy, but Jackson is still a risky play. Besides, who knows at this point if he's going to stay healthy?

2. Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons

Occasionally, I sit back and wonder aloud where fantasy owners would be without Michael Turner. Probably in a bad place.

Sadly, Turner and the Falcons are going to be in a bad place this Sunday, as they have to hit the road to take on the Seattle Seahawks.

The Seahawks are a dreadful team, but they present a stiffer challenge on defense than we give them credit for. They've handled opposing running backs very well, allowing just 252 total yards rushing.

My other concern involves Atlanta's game plan. The Seahawks are not a team that demands a time-of-possession battle. The best idea is to put them in a hole early on, thus forcing them to try and beat you through the air. I expect plenty of early throws for Matt Ryan, and then maybe a bunch of second-half carries for Turner. I worry whether or not those will translate to big yardage or touchdowns.

1. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles

I'm not going to argue that LeSean McCoy has been a brilliant performer this season. If he wasn't before, he is definitely a top-five fantasy running back.

What troubles me about McCoy's outlook this weekend is that he is going up against the San Francisco 49ers, who have allowed fewer fantasy points to running backs than any team in the league. They have yet to allow a rushing touchdown, and have allowed a grand total of 163 rushing yards.

True, that has a lot to do with San Francisco's opponents in the early goings. But make no mistake about it, the 49ers front seven is fierce, and its top priority on Sunday will be limiting McCoy.

I still think McCoy will produce. Just don't expect him to carry your team for a fourth straight week.