Week 15 Fantasy Projections: RBs Destined to Light Up Stat Sheets

The following players are prepared to carry their fantasy owners to massive playoff victories. All three are capable of being workhorse backs, and all three have very favorable matchups.

Minnesota Vikings: RB Adrian Peterson

Opponent: Saints

A fresh and rested Adrian Peterson is set to make his return to the field after missing three straight weeks with a high ankle sprain. He is listed as probable on the official injury report, which means, baring an unforeseen setback, he will be on the field.

And when AP plays he produces. This game will be no different.

Peterson is going up against a Saints team that is allowing 97.2 rushing yards and 17.3 fantasy points to running backs per game. They are also a lowly 29th in the NFL giving up 4.9 yards per rush.

The only hope the Saints have of limiting AP is to get out to a big lead and force the Vikings to throw the ball. However, with the Vikings trying to help rookie Christian Ponder mature into an NFL QB, they are not going to dump the entire burden of the offense on him.

Peterson will get his carries and he will produce.

Prediction: 153 yards, 1 touchdown

Dallas Cowboys: RB Felix Jones

Opponent: Buccaneers

Felix Jones gets another chance to be the Cowboys starting tailback and he will not disappoint.

Jones will be the starter after rookie sensation DeMarco Murray was lost due to injury in the Cowboys Week 14 loss to the Giants.

Jones proved that he was still more than capable of being a No. 1 back after taking over for Murray. He finished with 16 carries for 106 yards and six catches for 31 yards. Expect better production this week.

Felix will be pitted against a terrible Bucs defense. Tampa is 28th in the league in rushing yards allowed, and they are giving up 24.2 fantasy points per game.

Jones will take full advantage of this defense as the Cowboys will open up a big lead, which will lead to plenty of carries and touches for the former first-round pick.

Prediction: 151 total yards, 2 touchdowns

Oakland Raiders: RB Michael Bush

Opponent: Lions

Michael Bush is going to run all over a poor Lions rush defense. And that will be a welcomed site for Bush's fantasy owners.

After a fantastic start when taking over for an injured Darren McFadden, Bush has slowed down. He has rushed for just 165 yards and two touchdowns over his last three games.

Consider those stat woes a thing of the past. Detroit is 31st in the league, allowing 5.1 yards per carry. The Raiders love to run as much as possible, and this run defense will allow them to do that often.

What is also going to help Bush is the expected return of receiver Denarius Moore to the lineup. Carson Palmer has lacked a deep threat to keep opposing defenses honest since losing both Jacoby Ford and Moore to injury. With the return of Moore, the Lions will be unable to consistently stack the box, and Bush will be a huge benefactor.

Prediction: 137 yards, 3 touchdowns