Week 8 Fantasy Football Projections: Ray Rice and Bold RB Predictions

Are you sitting down, reader/fan of fantasy football? Because you are about to read some running backs that you have to start this week, that will blow you away. 

If you do not, you will face losing a crucial fantasy game this week, as our fantasy football season is starting to head towards the playoffs. 

This week, not only should you pick up one of these players if they are on the waiver wire, but you should also start these players. 

Okay, let’s get to these big running back plays this week. 

Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens

Ray Rice somehow was forgotten about during the Ravens' loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars last week. Only getting the ball eight times while gaining under 40 yards is something that Ray Rice is not known to do during this season. 

That is why, this week against a bad Arizona Cardinals defense, Rice will have a huge day not only for his Ravens team, but also for all of his fantasy owners. 

If you happen to have Rice, you can expect his normal production of getting you 15 to 20 points as Rice runs for 125 yards, has two touchdowns, while having six receptions, 55 yards and one touchdown.

Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

Thomas is going against a St. Louis Rams defense that gave up 250-plus rushing yards to rookie running back in DeMarco Murray last week. So, why wouldn’t you think that, one, the Saints will focus on the rush this week, and two, with RB Mark Ingram out for the game, that Thomas will get 20-plus carries.

Thomas should have been left for dead on your waiver wire, so go find him and pick him up this week. He will not have a DeMarco Murray-type day, but he will have day where he gains 100 yards with two touchdowns. 

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, New England Patriots 

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a great team in defending the pass. However, against the rush, they are awful. The NFL knows this, and the Patriots know this. 

So, if you happen to have BenJarvus sitting on your bench, give him a start this week over running backs Ryan Mathews, Daniel Thomas and Chris Johnson. 

If the Patriots look to beat this Pittsburgh Steelers team this week, it will not be because of what Tom Brady does. If Green-Ellis has a big day, it will result in a double digit victory for the ‘Pats. 

Furthermore, sit Brady, Branch and Gronkowski or Hernandez, as BenJarvus is the best Patriots play this week.

Three running backs that should be starters this week on your fantasy team. Maybe you can have all three on your roster this week. 

Now that you've been blown away, go follow me on Twitter for more fantasy advice: Follow @tjmcaloon