Week 9 Fantasy Football Rankings: LeSean McCoy and the Top 5 Running Backs

Running backs are critical to fantasy football success, that's a given, but who are the most coveted ball carriers in the fantasy world this week?

The list may surprise you, but these five backs feature a combination of the best matchup, talent and 2011 production in Week 9:

Note: All fantasy rankings are based on ESPN fantasy leagues

No. 5: Frank Gore

Gore and the Niners will be on the road taking on the Washington Redskins' 16th-ranked fantasy rush defense. Gore should have a solid day on the ground in D.C. against a banged-up Redskins team.

No. 4: LeSean McCoy

The Eagles look to build on their two-game winning streak Monday night against the Chicago Bears, who rank seventh in fantasy rush defense. McCoy went off last week against Dallas, but look for the Bears D to be well aware of his talents in Week 9.

No. 3: Michael Turner

Turner will run all over the Indianapolis Colts (30th-ranked fantasy rush defense) this Sunday afternoon, looking to build on his back-to-back 120-plus yard games against Carolina and Detroit following Atlanta's Week 8 bye week.

No. 2: Matt Forte

Look out LeSean McCoy, Chicago's Matt Forte will be the best back on the field Monday night in Philadelphia. Forte has been a fantasy beast all season long and will be coming off a bye week while being pitted against the the 29th-ranked fantasy rush defense in the Eagles.

No. 1: Fred Jackson

Buffalo's Fred Jackson is behind only Adrian Peterson and LeSean McCoy in total fantasy points by running backs in 2011. Jackson has six touchdowns to his name and has rushed for more than 110 yards in five out of the Bills' seven games this season. Sunday afternoon, he will be home taking on the Jets' 28th-ranked fantasy rush defense.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter @_Pat_Clarke