Week 4 Fantasy Football Projections: Marshawn Lynch and 3 RBs Who Will Wake Up

Is there anything worse than using a high draft pick on a running back and getting nothing in return?

I think both fantasy owners and real-life NFL general managers would agree that there is not. Running backs are the guys who do all the grunt work, and they are the lifeblood of fantasy football.

Plenty of top running backs have disappointed in the early goings this year. Chris Johnson comes to mind, as do Rashard Mendenhall and Steven Jackson. And at this point, there's very little reason to think their hardships won't continue.

But not all of the slow starters are in the same boat. There are three running backs in particular that I think are going to wake up in Week 4.

3. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks

Through three games, Lynch's "Beast Mode" has not been very beastly, as he's rushed for 117 yards on 38 attempts. He has also yet to find the end zone.

But things are looking up for Lynch. He had his best game of the season in Week 3, and I think the return of Sidney Rice and the subsequent revitalization of the passing game had something to do with that.

On Sunday, Lynch and the Seahawks will be taking on the Atlanta Falcons, who are among the league leaders in fantasy points surrendered to running backs. All signs point towards Lynch having a solid day.

Projection: 20 carries, 100 yards

2. Arian Foster, Houston Texans

Rejoice, Arian Foster owners! According to the Houston Chronicle, Foster is going to start against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

That's generally a death sentence for running backs, but the Steelers have been just okay against the rush this season. They've given up 285 rushing yards and a total of three touchdowns to opposing running backs.

True enough, Ray Rice is primarily responsible for that. But he's a good running back, and so is Foster. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that Foster is going to enjoy similar success against the Steel Curtain.

Projection: 17 carries, 80 yards, one TD.

1. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers

Those who drafted Frank Gore are not happy with him right now. He's the key cog in San Francisco's offense, yet has managed just 148 yards on 59 carries.

You can thank Alex Smith and the 49ers' anemic passing attack for that. But if he plays on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, Gore should be in for a breakout game.

This is because the Eagles just plain can't stop the run. No team has given up more fantasy points to running backs than the Eagles have, and they have demonstrated a dire inability to limit opposing runners.

Gore should be able to take advantage of Philly's subpar secondary. If he doesn't, dump him right then and there.

Projection: 18 carries, 120 yards, one TD.