Fantasy Football Week 15 Rankings: Running Backs

Prior to every season, the Bruno Boys preach that while the first round gets all the glory, it's really the later rounds that are the difference makers when it comes to winning your league's title.

Nothing exhibits this idea better than the running backs that are currently leading the league in fantasy points. With the exception of Adrian Peterson, none of the other top five (DeAngelo Williams, Michael Turner, Thomas Jones, and Matt Forte) were first rounders.

In fact, none were second rounders, as Turner had the highest draft position of the bunch at 38.6. And, considering that Williams is the top fantasy RB at the moment, while drafted on average at 87.1, you should be developing a greater appreciation for the later rounds.

Doing so will pay huge benefits in 2009. For now though, all you can do is do the best with what you have, so to help you make the right decisions at the running back position, here are the Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Week 15 Running Back Rankings.

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1. Brian Westbrook (Philadelphia Eagles) vs. Cleveland

With the Eagles' playoff hopes on life support, it's become the Brian Westbrook show up in Philly. Over the last two games, Westbrook has touched the ball an astounding 64 times. Those touches have translated into 241 rushing yards, 92 receiving yards, and six total TDs, good for a combined 69 fantasy points.

The crazy thing is that a third 30-point outing is a possibility as the Eagles face the softest defense they have in a while in the Cleveland Browns, a team that ranks 28th against the run.

Point Projection: 26 points

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2. DeAngelo Williams (Carolina Panthers) vs. Denver

DeAngelo Williams is putting up an LT-esque season. While the back did have two 32 point outings under his belt heading into Monday night's matchup with the Bucs, what he did in prime time was perhaps the crowning moment of his season.

Facing a Bucs' defense that had given up just one rushing TD on the year prior to Week 14 and a team that held him to just two fantasy points, Williams went off for 186 rushing yards and two TDs for his third 30+ point outing of the season.

Like Westbrook, Williams has a realistic chance at a threepeat of 30+ point performances this week as he'll be running against the 26th ranked rush defense in the Denver Broncos.

Point Projection: 25 points

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3. LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego Chargers) @ Kansas City

All you really hear about when it comes to L.T. is that he's not the same back that he used to be. But, while he may not be putting up the numbers fantasy owners have come to expect, he's still sporting solid week after solid week.

In fact, L.T. has reached the double-digit plateau in six straight games. With the Chargers showing some life in their 34-7 victory over the Raiders in Week 14, despite their playoff hopes being nearly shattered, look for L.T.'s streak to run to seven, as he'll match-up with 31st ranked rush defense of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Point Projection: 20 points

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4. Clinton Portis (Washington Redskins) @ Cincinnati **Check Status**

Hopefully, if you own Portis, your championship hopes are still alive despite the back netting just three and two fantasy points over the last two weekends. If they are, get ready for a big day in Week 15, as Portis takes out the frustration of being banged up and of facing two strong rush defenses in a row against the Cincinnati Bengals, a team giving up 125.8 rushing yards per game to go along with 15 rushing TDs on the season.

Point Projection: 18 points

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5. Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings) @ Arizona

Chester Taylor snatched up the Vike's only rushing TD in week 14 against the Lions, leaving Peterson to make a day for himself solely on yardage. With 102 rushing yards and 15 receiving yards, Peterson did a solid job, tallying 11 fantasy points; however, the outing didn't quite live up to expectations as owners expected a huge day against the Lions' weak rush D.

Expectations will be lowered some this week as the Cardinals boast a more formidable opponent, but don't be surprised if Peterson exceeds expectations as the Vikings will look to neutralize Arizona's aerial attack by getting their ground game going, thereby keeping Kurt Warner and co. off the field.

Point Projection:18 points

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6. Matt Forte (Chicago Bears) vs. New Orleans

For just the second time this season, Forte was unable to reach double digits, as he amassed just nine points against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 14. Two single-digit games may be all that's in store for the rook and his owners as he finishes the year with matchups against three teams all ranked 20th or lower against the run.

First up, the New Orleans Saints, a team allowing 112.8 rushing yards per game.

Point Projection: 17 points

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7. Steven Jackson (St. Louis Rams) vs. Seattle

Jackson's been solid, but unspectacular since his return from injury, so what's he doing in our top 10 during this crucial week? Well, sometimes you need to gamble to win the title, and this is a hand we feel rather safe going all in on.

With 40 carries over the last two games, Jackson has proven he's once again healthy. A healthy Jackson going up against a Seahawks' defense giving up 118.6 rushing yards per game and 25.8 points per game looks to be the merging of a perfect storm.

Point Projection: 17 points

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Fantasy Football Week 15 Rankings: Running Backs