Fantasy Football Week 8 Rankings: Ray Rice and 3 RBs That Will Rack Up Points

Running backs Darren McFadden, Matt Forte and Michael Turner are all on bye in Week 8, which means three of the top 11 scorers at the position won't be available for fantasy owners. So, which RBs will top the scoring charts this weekend? Let's analyze.

3. Adrian Peterson: Minnesota Vikings

Peterson is coming off a 23-point performance against the defending champion Green Bay Packers and gets the Carolina Panthers, who rank 30th against opposing fantasy running backs. That should guarantee another big week for “All Day.”

The best thing about owning Peterson is that he rarely has a complete clunker. He's scored at least eight points in every game, which means he hasn't been the main cause of any fantasy losses. That trend will continue on Sunday.

Week 8 Projection: 18 fantasy points

2. Chris Johnson: Tennessee Titans

It's mind-boggling how quickly Johnson has gone from the game's most dynamic back to a player owners actually have to consider putting on the bench. He's averaging less than three yards per carry, but isn't willing to take any of the blame for the running game's troubles.

He gets the annually horrendous Indianapolis Colts run defense in Week 8, and if he isn't able to capitalize on that juicy matchup, owners will have no choice but to leave him on their benches. That said, I expect him to break out in a big way in a very important game for Tennessee.

Week 8 Projection: 20 fantasy points

1. Ray Rice: Baltimore Ravens

Rice scored three points on Monday Night Football and likely left plenty of fantasy diehards to throw a temper tantrum in the process. It was the first time all season he scored below 15 and came against an underrated run defense, so there's no cause for concern.

He gets an Arizona Cardinals run defense that has been up and down all year. They held Pittsburgh to 91 rushing yards one game after giving up 172 to the Vikings. Since he's a dual-threat, every-down back, Rice should bounce back in a big way this week.

Week 8 Projection: 21 fantasy points