Week 13 Fantasy Rankings: Looking at the Top RBs

In Week 13, the following five running backs rank at the top based on our fantasy football projections:

1. Frank Gore, 49ers

Gore has been ice cold in recent weeks, but this could be the game where he heats up in a hurry. He'll be facing a fantasy run defense in St. Louis that ranks 29th overall and is fresh off giving up 250 yards to the Arizona Cardinals.

Just a handful of weeks earlier, DeMarco Murray and the Cowboys run game went off for 295. While I don't think Gore will hit 200 yards, he should be a lock for a big game. 125-plus yards and a couple of scores is well-within reach.   

2. Matt Forte, Bears

Like Gore, Forte has cooled off a bit recently running the football. He hasn't cracked 100 yards in three weeks, but his matchup this week is promising. The Chiefs have allowed 509 rushing yards over the past three games (169.7 yards/game), and you'd have to expect the Bears to go to Forte early and often with Caleb Hanie starting at quarterback.

More touches should equal a big day from Forte against the Chiefs run defense.

3. LeGarrette Blount, Buccaneers

I was very tempted to put Blount in the top two for a couple of reasons.

First, Blount has went over 100 yards rushing in back-to-back games and looks as healthy now as he has all season. But more importantly, Blount faces the Carolina Panthers' No. 32 ranked fantasy rush defense. Only once have they given up less than 100 yards to opposing backs, and teams have scored a rushing touchdown against the Panthers in nine of 11 games this season.

By the end of the day, Blount should have a monster stat line.  

4. Ray Rice, Ravens

You really don't know what you're going to get from Rice in the running game from week-to-week, but it's encouraging that Rice has gotten 20 or more carries in two straight games.

The Browns' fantasy run defense is ranked 23rd in the NFL, and they've given up five rushing touchdowns over their past five games. If Rice can get 20 touches or more on Sunday, he should be able to find the end zone a time or two.  

5. Chris Johnson, Titans

After his 190-yard outburst last week, I'm finally ready to put Johnson into the top five for running back projections. Part of that confidence in Johnson stems from his matchup, as the Bills' 25th ranked fantasy run defense shouldn't be a stifling challenge.

There's still some risk; Johnson rushed for 130 three weeks ago then had just 13 the next week in Atlanta. The Bills' run defense can't compare to the Falcons, so you can feel good about Johnson having two straight successful weeks here.