2011 NFL Fantasy Football Week 8: Running Backs (RB) Rankings / Projections

Chris Johnson vs. Colts

The only reason I have Chris Johnson ranked as high as a RB-2 this week is because he’s playing against a winless Colts team that gave up 62 points last week. If not for that, and the bye weeks, Johnson would likely be a regular on our sit’em section, as he’s been a horrible disappointment and continues to throw his teammates under the bus (please read article by Titans’ beat-writer Jim Wyatt) while taking none of the blame.

Now, Johnson’s teammates did have his back in the press, and that’s nice to see, but I certainly can’t stand when guys come out and take none of the blame and point the finger at others.

Anyway, look for the Titans to put up a better game against Indianapolis (hard to do much worse) and Johnson should at least give you 75 yards rushing and maybe a touchdown run. It’s sad to see one of the best talents in the game, reduced to this situation and I feel for those fantasy owners that selected him in the first round. Let this be another reminder of why it is always a risk when taking a player coming off a holdout.

Darren Sproles @ Rams

With Mark Ingram listed day to day after a foot injury against the Colts, Darren Sproles is likely to see a continued increase in touches this week. Sproles was used later in the game after Ingram went down, and judging by the way the rookie limped off the field, it’s likely the Saints will hold him out against an easy opponent.

Averaging over seven yards per carry and more than six receptions a game this year, Sproles should be considered a solid RB-2 even in standard scoring leagues, this week. The Rams gave up a Cowboys' franchise high 253 yards rushing to DeMarco Murray and fellow rookie Patrick Tanner looked good, as well.

More Wk 8 Rankings – QB | RB | WR | TE | Flex | K/D | Waivers | Start/Sit |

1	Arian Foster	Jaguars
2	Ray Rice	Cardinals
3	Fred Jackson	Redskins
4	LeSean McCoy	@ Cowboys
5	Ryan Mathews	@ Chiefs
6	Adrian Peterson (I)	@ Panthers
7	Maurice Jones-Drew	@ Texans
8	Frank Gore	Browns
9	DeMarco Murray	Eagles
10	Steven Jackson	Saints
11	Ahmad Bradshaw	Dolphins
12	Darren Sproles	@ Rams
13	Rashard Mendenhall	Patriots
14	BenJarvus Green-Ellis	@ Steelers
15	Jonathan Stewart	Vikings
16	Chris Johnson	Colts
17	Daniel Thomas	@ Giants
18	Ben Tate	Jaguars
19	Knowshon Moreno	Lions
20	Montario Hardesty	@ 49ers
21	Pierre Thomas	@ Rams
22	Mike Tolbert	@ Chiefs
23	Jackie Battle	Chargers
24	Bernard Scott	@ Seahawks
25	Maurice Morris	@ Broncos
26	DeAngelo Williams	Vikings
27	Roy Helu	@ Bills
28	Delone Carter	@ Titans
29	Justin Forsett	Bengals
30	Reggie Bush (I)	@ Giants
31	Donald Brown	@ Titans
32	Thomas Jones	Chargers
33	Steven Ridley	@ Steelers
34	Kendall Hunter	Browns
35	Ryan Torain	@ Bills
36	Keiland Williams	@ Broncos
37	Alfanso Smith	Ravens
38	Leon Washington	Bengals
39	Patrick Tanner	@ Eagles