Week 13 Fantasy Football Projections: Predicting the Top 5 RB Performances

This late in the season, it's no surprise when RBs begin to take over games, as running the ball is the best ingredient to a winning recipe.

In fantasy football however, RBs may have lost some of their value due to the NFL becoming so heavily reliant on throwing the ball. That being said, it does up the value of the RBs on a team who needs a ground game to have any kind of success.

So, here are the Top 5 RBs for Week 13 in fantasy football.

5. Chris Johnson, Titans (at Buffalo)

The Titans may rank No. 30 in rush offense and Chris Johnson may be on a down year (699 yards), but he's compiled 333 yards rushing in the last three games combined, with a dud in between two 100-plus yard performances.

So the consistency has somewhat returned to No. 28, and although he hasn't put up his normal numbers, another great performance will happen against Buffalo this week. The Bills defense is horrendous and thrives on picking off passes.

Well, with Johnson getting back into rhythm, Tennessee just needs to run the ball and control the game tempo, especially on the road. In addition, he needs to perform at a high level, because the Titans are still alive for the postseason.

That being said, Johnson will be fed the rock early and often against a Bills defense that allows over 120 rush yards per game.

Prediction: 125 rush yards, 35 receiving yards, two TDs

4. Matt Forte, Bears (vs Chiefs)

The lack of a passing game can be the ultimate factor as to why Chicago might miss the postseason. Nonetheless, before Jay Cutler went down, the offense revolved around RB Matt Forte anyway.

Now his services are even more evident, and for the Bears to remain in playoff contention, he must produce.

Luckily for Forte, the Bears and those starting Forte in fantasy, the Kansas City Chiefs visit the Windy City in Week 13. The Chiefs rank No. 26 in rush defense, and are allowing almost 135 yards per game.

So, not only will Forte roll on the ground, but it'll help set up the screen pass and flats/check-downs.

Prediction: 115 rush yards, 45 receiving yards, three TDs

3. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars (vs Chargers)

The difference between Chicago's Matt Forte and Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew is that Forte has solid special teams to rely on.

Jones-Drew is the only legitimate and well-established threat on an offense without a solid starting QB, TE or any WRs. But it does help being one of the more versatile backs in pro football.

This week the Jaguars host the San Diego Chargers, who are currently riding a six-game losing streak, and allow over 130 rush yards per game. They have a Top 10 pass defense, but that's only because opposing offenses choose a run-heavy game plan to smack the Bolts defense from the start.

As for MJD, he'll get more rush yards than anything, but he'll produce some receiving yards as well. Add in some help from a good defense in Jacksonville, and Jones-Drew's opportunities and field position significantly increase his numbers.

If there's a one-man wrecking crew on any NFL offense, it's Maurice Jones-Drew.

Prediction: 125 rush yards, 30 receiving yards, two TDs

2. DeMarco Murray, Cowboys (at Cardinals)

If there's any rookie who's taken the NFL by storm recently, it's been Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray. Since the Rams game in late October, Murray has accounted for 761 rush yards in just six games.

Prior to that, he wasn't used much, but it's certain that Murray is the main Brahma Bull in Big D. That said, Dallas travels to Arizona in Week 13, and the Cardinals defense allows over 120 rush and 250 pass yards per game.

So, not only will the Cowboys dominate via air, but by land as well.

Murray will slice their defense on the ground, as Arizona will most likely try to stop the Cowboys passing game first. Therefore, expect a lot from DeMarco early on and then late to close out the game.

The middle is where he'll see some targets in the passing game, as Dallas will pull away late in the first half.

Prediction: 135 rush yards, 35 receiving yards, two TDs

1. Frank Gore, 49ers (vs Rams)

When the 49ers host the Rams, RB Frank Gore will be the only guy needed for San Fran to get the W.

St. Louis has the NFL's worst rush defense, and since they're better at defending the pass, that just gives more reason as to why Frisco need not throw the ball.

San Fran isn't a passing offense, so feeding Gore heavily for 60 minutes will be the main course in Week 13. He averages just over 80 yards per game, but the Rams allow almost 160 on average, so unless the Rams stop him, Gore rolls.

And it honestly won't matter what kind of running plays coach Jim Harbaugh calls. Preferably between the tackles, as Gore is more of an inside runner, but anything will work against St. Louis.

Then, once they put at least eight in the box, let Alex Smith hit 'em in the flats to throw St. Louie off balance even more.

Prediction: 150 rush yards, 25 receiving yards, three TDs

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