FanProphet

“The Gospel” Week 13 Running Backs

The season is what it is and Running Backs just aren’t playing consistent enough to post the huge numbers that we fantasy owners have grown accustomed to them posting. Of the top backs poster here the average falls right around 12 points per game and it is absurd that I have any one of these players with a projected point total higher than fifteen. However, due to the inconsistency it is necessary that I take the time review match-ups and trends in order to get as close as possible to their weekly potential.

Remember, “The Gospel” is not a start’em sit’em list, but more of a guide when determining the tougher match-ups or when deciding whom to draft in weekly cash competitions.

Let’s take a look at what to expect in Week 13.

Brian Westbrook: There really is no stopping Westbrook considering he’s the Eagles only consistent offensive threat. Seattle has given up 12 rushing touchdowns this season and Westbrook will add to that total.
Projected Points: 24

Steven Jackson: I can’t imagine the Falcons coming close to stopping a healthy Steven Jackson at home. Even though Jackson hasn’t had that one standout game this season this could be the week where he single handedly destroys the leagues 26th ranked run defense.
Projected Points: 22

LaDainian Tomlinson: Unfortunately the Chargers have made themselves extremely vulnerable this season and opposing teams are taking full advantage of that. With only three games this season at +20 fantasy points it’s been a long year, but Tomlinson is still 2nd amongst all backs.
Projected Points: 19

Maurice Jones-Drew: Jones-Drew averages 107 yards against the Colts and has scored multiple touchdowns since entering the league in 2006. With the Colts banged up defensively he should continue his great play.
Projected Points: 19

Jamal Lewis: With the exception of week 10 against the leagues best run defense (Pittsburgh) Lewis has looked extremely fresh late in the season in wins over Seattle, Baltimore, and Houston. This week he faces a Cardinals defense that has allowed 10 rushing touchdowns and averages 101 yards per game.
Projected Points: 18

Chester Taylor: Taylor will undoubtedly get the bulk of the carries unless the Vikings organization is just plain stupid. Many of us would like to think otherwise considering AP is so fun to watch, but he will not share as many carries as we think.
Projected Points: 17

Reggie Bush: I like the Reggie Bush play at home on turf in a meaningful game. This week against the Bucs could be for the division and with playoff implications for almost every team from here on out I have to go with the idea of Bush playing well this week.
Projected Points: 17

Marion Barber: Barber is almost too versatile to be stopped in a shootout game. If Barber was in Lambeau this week my thoughts and ideas would be different. However, he’s not and he will be a big part of Dallas winning this game.
Projected Points: 17

Edgerrin James: Lucky ‘Edge’ he gets to play the leagues worst defense (Cleveland) at home this week, but unfortunately the Cards passing game will get the bulk of the points.
Projected Points: 16

Warrick Dunn: Dunn got surprisingly hot during weeks 9 and 10 against sub .500 teams. The last two weeks he’s been shut down against Tampa and the Colts. Luckily he gets to play another sub .500, St. Louis Rams.
Projected Points: 15

Clinton Portis: Once again Portis is banged up and due to unfortunate circumstances in Washington I’m not sure if this team will be ready to perform against Buffalo.
Projected Points: 14

Willie Parker: I cannot believe that Parker has only managed 2 touchdowns this season and his high game of the year is only 18 points. Over his last four games Parker has averaged a modest seven points but the Steelers do play the Bengals this week.
Projected Points: 14

Joseph Addai: Addai had to split carries last time against the Jags and this week he’s banged up again. The good news, the Colts are at home and cannot afford to lose and force a tie for the division. But, Addai may be in for a long day against a team that only allows 99 rushing yards per game.
Projected Points: 13

Frank Gore: It would be great for owners if Frank Gore has solved his running problems headed into fantasy playoffs. However, I don’t believe that’s the case and Gore will struggle in Carolina.
Projected Points: 11

Ryan Grant: Dallas only allows 82 rushing yards per game and have given up a grand total of five rushing touchdowns on the season. Those are extremely unfavorable numbers for a back on a team that couldn’t run the ball a month ago.
Projected Points: 10

Willis McGahee: Where will the Ravens find any success offensively? If they don’t throw the ball well, (which they can’t) how will McGahee see a glimpse of daylight or a lane to run through? He won’t and it will be a long night in Baltimore.
Projected Points: 10