Week 15 Fantasy Football Projections: Predicting the Top RB Performances

In our Week 15 fantasy projections for running backs, we see a couple of once-familiar names (Arian Foster and Chris Johnson) at the top, plus a pair of strangers (Shonn Greene and Reggie Bush). Throw in Ray Rice to the mix, and we have our top five for Week 15.

Arian Foster, Texans

Foster scored a touchdown in six straight games before failing to reach the end zone on Sunday against Cincinnati. Let's bank on him getting back to paydirt this weekend as the Texans welcome the Carolina Panthers to Houston. The Panthers are 31st against opposing running backs this season, and top backs have gashed them throughout 2011. Foster should added to their misery in Week 15.

Chris Johnson, Titans

Look who's back to being a regular in the top five! Despite just 23 yards last week against the Titans, Johnson has a tasty matchup against the Colts on Sunday. The 30th-ranked fantasy defense against opposing running backs, Indianapolis has allowed either a rushing touchdown or 90 yards (or both) in 12 games this season. Johnson is a safe bet to put up big numbers this week.

Shonn Greene, Jets

Greene has been a disappointment for most of 2011, but he's really come on for fantasy owners in the last two weeks. Over that span, Greene has over 200 yards rushing with four scores. He's also added almost 80 yards receiving. The Eagles' run defense has struggled all season, so there's reason to believe that Greene will continue his hot streak this week.

Ray Rice, Ravens

A regular in the top five this season, Rice has 307 yards and two touchdowns over his last two games. The Ravens have given Rice over 20 carries in four straight games, which means the risk of him having another one of those five- or eight-carry afternoons is pretty low. The Chargers haven't been bad against the run in 2011, but good running teams like Minnesota, Denver and New York have had success on the ground versus San Diego.

Reggie Bush, Dolphins

Why not Bush in the top five? He's rushed for over 100 yards in back-to-back games, and the Bills are the 29th-ranked fantasy defense against opposing running backs this season. Buffalo has allowed north of 300 yards rushing the past two weeks and three scores. If recent history tells us anything, Bush will have a big day on Sunday.