Fantasy Football Week 17 Rankings: Running Backs

Chances are that if you're taking a look at this article, your week 17 game means something, so whether you're going for your league's title or just looking to play spoiler, we here at the Bruno Boys promise to do all we can to help you through this somewhat unusual week as coaches opt to rest players up for the playoffs.

To see which running backs will be going in week 17 and who makes for a strong fantasy play, check out the Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Week 17 Running Back Rankings.

1. Michael Turner (Atlanta Falcons) vs. St. Louis 

Turner may have only averaged 3.7 yards per carry in a week 16 win over the Minnesota Vikings, but remember that's a full half yard better than the Vikes are allowing to opponents on the year. He should have an easier go of things in week 17 as he'll face off against a St. Louis Rams' rush defense that ranks 28th in the league, allowing 147.5 rushing yards per game and 23 rushing TDs on the season.

Turner should easily outdo the 13 fantasy points he compiled this past weekend. In fact, we think he doubles it.
Point Projection: 26 points

2. Brian Westbrook (Philadelphia Eagles) vs. Dallas 

When discussing Brian Westbrook, an emphasis is always made on his dual threat ability, and in a disappointing loss for the Eagles to the Washington Redskins this past weekend, Westbrook showed why. With just 45 rushing yards, Westbrook could have easily laid down a stinker, but thanks to his receiving skills, Westbrook was able to tally 71 receiving yards to end with a respectable 11 fantasy points.

The Eagles are in a must win situtation this weekend, which means they should rely heavily on Westbrook. He may not match his 27 points he put up against the Cowboys earlier this season, but he should be up there.
Point Projection: 20 points

3. Matt Forte (Chicago Bears) @ Houston

Thanks to a dramatic overtime win over the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night, the Chicago Bears' hopes for the playoffs are still alive. As such, look for the Da' Bears to continue to go with what's worked all season long, a healthy dosage of Matt Forte.

Going up against the Houston Texans, who rank 25th against the run, allowing 17 TDs on the season and 126.2 rushing yards per game, Forte should have no problem putting together his 14th double digit game. Not too shabby for a rookie.
Point Projection: 18 points

4. LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego Chargers) vs. Denver

The AFC West will be decided in this week 17 battle, and while he hasn't lived up to expectations this season, we fully expect LT to provide a blast from the past to help the Chargers get the win, keeping his streak of eight double digit fantasy performances alive.

The Broncos did hold LT in check in the teams' week two battle, but there's just no way with LT's toe healed up that the 26th ranked rush defense of Denver does it again.
Point Projection: 18 points

5. Kevin Smith (Detroit Lions) @ Green Bay

His strong showings over the last two weeks may not be enough to get the Lions a win, but the 15 and 17 point performances definitely have helped fantasy owners. Once more, Smith will post solid numbers as he takes on a Packers' defense that has allowed 18 rushing TDs on the year and 138.2 rushing yards per game.
Point Projections: 17 points

6. Steven Jackson (St. Louis Rams) @ Atlanta 

Over the Rams' past four games, running back, Steven Jackson, has averaged 24 carries per outing. He should end up near that total again in week 17, and against an Atlanta Falcons' rush defense that allows 4.9 yards per carry, that will translate into a solid outing, especially as the back will be motivated by the chance for a 1,000 yard season, something he can accomplish, if he can muster 119 rush yards.
Point Projection: 17 fantasy points

7. DeAngelo Williams (Carolina Panthers) @ New Orleans

Prior to DenAngelo Williams coming to town, the New York Giants had given up just nine rushing TDs on the year. That number is now up to 13 as Williams found pay dirt four times in the Sunday Nighter, giving his owners a top notch performance in the most dire week of the season.

Even with a somewhat lighter workload this week, he should deliver again this weekend as the Panthers will head to New Orleans for a battle with the Saints, a team Williams has already burnt for double digits once this season.
Point Projection: 17 points

To find out where the rest of the running backs rank for week 17, click the link below...

Week 17 Running Back Rankings