Fantasy Football Week 4 Rankings: Darren McFadden and the Top RBs

Remember the days when seeing 12 running backs have solid games was an every-week occurrence? That doesn't happen very often anymore with the NFL's emphasis on throwing the football.

Nevertheless, here are 12 running backs who should be factors in Week 4 games: 

The Obvious Four

Darren McFadden, Raiders: If he stays healthy for 16 games, McFadden looks like the odds-on favorite to win the rushing title. After what we've seen from New England, should we really expect the Patriots to slow Run DMC down?

Adrian Peterson, Vikings: Despite the Vikings' offensive struggles, Peterson is still a safe bet for big numbers. Facing the Chiefs should help, as they've given up the most rushing touchdowns in football. 

Ray Rice, Ravens: Facing the Jets used to be a death wish for fantasy running backs, but that's not the case in 2011. They've given up the second most rushing yards in the NFL with 423. 

Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars: MJD has been as consistent as any back to start the season, but that should surprise no one. He'll always get the opportunities in the Jaguars offense. Most times, Jones-Drew makes good on those chances. 

The Middle Four

Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants: It's hard not to like Bradshaw against the Cardinals' run defense on Sunday. He's starting to heat up (increased his yard totals in each week) and Arizona gives up over 120 on the ground a game. 

LeSean McCoy, Eagles: Some of the things he does on a weekly basis remind me of what Reggie Bush used to pull off at USC. Regardless of what you think of Bush, that's high praise.  

Ryan Mathews, Chargers: It looks as if Mathews has finally found his footing in San Diego. Mike Tolbert is still stealing touches, but Mathews is clearly the Bolts' most talented runner with the football. 

Fred Jackson, Bills: Jackson has produced each week for the Bills, so there's no reason to think that streak ends against the Bengals. He's as safe as any guy on this list in 2011.  

The Unexpected Four

Roy Helu, Redskins: It's far from certain that he'll get the touches, but if the Redskins give Helu the ball, expect good things. No team has been worse against the run this season than the St. Louis Rams. 

James Starks, Packers: If Ryan Grant can go on Sunday, knock him off this list. But Grant's bruised kidney doesn't sound promising, which should mean plenty of garbage time carries for Starks against Denver. 

Bernard Scott, Bengals: If Cedric Benson's suspension stays, then Scott will be the Bengals' featured back against the Bills. Cincy has to run it plenty with Andy Dalton under center, so Scott should get touches. 

Darren Sproles, Saints: Everyone continues to overlook the diminutive Sproles, but he continues to be a big part of the Saints' offense. Sproles is one of the more underrated offseason pickups in the NFL.