Fantasy Football Week 5 Rankings: 5 Running Backs Set to Blow Up the Stat Sheet

I'm afraid I have distressing news for Peyton Hillis and Ray Rice owners: They're not going to play in Week 5.

Yeah, I know. These bye weeks are nothing but lousy crooks, and you are right to scorn them.

As for everyone else, I'm pleased to say that your running backs are going to play in Week 5. I trust that they will provide you with plenty of points.

However, the five guys listed below are going to provide more points than all the rest. If you own one of them, rejoice.

5. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles

Something weird happened in Week 4. Namely, LeSean McCoy did not have an outstanding game.

Hmmm...that must have had something to do with the San Francisco 49ers' vicious front seven.

Thankfully for McCoy, he will be facing a far less vicious front seven when the Eagles take on the Bills in Buffalo this weekend. The Bills have been very kind to running backs in the first four weeks of the season, and I see no reason why that won't continue against a man of as many talents as McCoy.

Projection: 100 yards rushing, five receptions for 40 yards, one TD.

4. Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders

The only reason it seems like Run DMC did not have a good game in Week 4 is because he spoiled us in the first three weeks of the season. He actually had a pretty good game by traditional standards.

My guess is that McFadden will be back to pleasing more McFadden-like standards in Week 5. The Houston Texans have solid numbers against the run, but they haven't come up against a back quite like McFadden yet.

That's because there are no backs quite like McFadden.

Projection: 140 yards rushing, four receptions for 30 yards, one TD.

3. Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers

Go ahead and call Ryan Mathews a bust. I dare you. I double-dare you, moth...

Woah, sorry. Started channeling my inner Samuel L. Jackson. I must really like Ryan Mathews.

That's probably because I do. He has emerged as one of the more threatening dual-threat running backs in the league, and fantasy owners everywhere are reaping the benefits.

On Sunday, Mathews and the Chargers will take on the Denver Broncos. They also have decent numbers against the run, but you'll have to excuse me if I don't trust them. Plus, it sounds like he's going to be Philip Rivers' primary weapon with Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson banged up.

Projection: 90 yards rushing, five receptions for 60 yards, two TDs.

2. Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills

So, Fred Jackson is pretty good, huh?

Yes, yes he is. He's been putting up points from the word "go," and he's shown no signs of slowing down.

And on Sunday, Jackson will be facing the Philadelphia Eagles. These would be the same Eagles who have allowed more fantasy points to running backs than any team in the league.

Advantage: Jackson.

Projection: 140 rushing yards, three receptions for 30 yards, two TDs.

1. Arian Foster, Houston Texans

Suddenly, Arian Foster.

That's what happened in Week 4 as Foster shook off his hamstring injury to rush for 155 yards on 30 carries. This against a traditionally solid Pittsburgh Steelers rush defense, no less.

The Oakland Raiders' rush defense, on the other hand, is anything but solid. Foster should have no trouble having his way with it.

If we're lucky, he'll tweet a picture.

Projection: 140 yards rushing, four receptions for 50 yards, two TDs.