Sep
Big names have big matchups this week, so huge performances by running backs could mark Week 3 of NFL action. On the flip side, some other top performers - Adrian Peterson, LaDainian Tomlinson, Ryan Grant and Darren McFadden - enter the weekend as question marks while they nurse injuries, making for a stark contrast between certainty and uncertainty.
Frank Gore, Michael Turner and Brandon Jacobs fall under the category of “sure things” because of their stature and soft matchups. Tomlinson tops the list of “unsure things” with a sprained toe, making him a scary must-start at home against the Jets. Steven Jackson is shortly down the same list, not because of injury, but because of how poorly he and the Rams have played so far.
Given the new structure of NFL backfields, stretching for No. 3 running backs and flex options has become doubly hard. Now, more so than ever, wide receivers are starting to get the nod in such situations, over fringe running backs like DeAngelo Williams, Fred Taylor and Willis McGahee.
Tough decisions once again need to be made this week, but we try and help your cause with our top 30 running back rankings. Here’s how we see things playing out:
| Rk | Player, Team | Opp | Notes |
| 1. | Frank Gore, SF | DET | Sky’s the limit when SF and DET engage in shootout |
| 2. | Michael Turner, ATL | KC | Will follow McFadden’s lead and torch Chiefs D |
| 3. | Brandon Jacobs, NYG | CIN | This is week he finds end zone … at least once |
| 4. | Adrian Peterson, MIN | CAR | Hamstring more of a worry than CAR run defense |
| 5. | Marshawn Lynch, BUF | OAK | Breakout game; look for first 100-yard day of ‘08 |
| 6. | Reggie Bush, NO | @DEN | 150 yards from scrimmage, 2 TDs within reach |
| 7. | Brian Westbrook, PHI | PIT | Tough matchup, but as always, is good bet for TD |
| 8. | LaDainian Tomlinson, SD | NYJ | Sprained toe likely will limit him to 10-15 carries |
| 9. | Julius Jones, SEA | STL | Faces another weak D, should get heavy workload |
| 10. | Chris Johnson, TEN | HOU | HOU weak vs. run, likely to be rusty after bye week |
| 11. | Marion Barber, DAL | @GB | Biggest factor in Week 3’s most intriguing matchup |
| 12. | Clinton Portis, WAS | ARI | Has nose for end zone; should sniff out 80 yards, TD |
| 13. | Matt Forte, CHI | TB | Faces 2nd straight tough D, can still manage big day |
| 14. | Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC | BUF | Many expect breakout vs. banged-up Colts defense |
| 15. | Willie Parker, PIT | PHI | Physical PA rivalry puts emphasis on ground game |
| 16. | Kevin Smith, DET | @SF | Overshadowed by other rookies, been solid so far |
| 17. | Steven Jackson, STL | @SEA | Rams need heavy doses of S-Jax to compete |
| 18. | Darren McFadden, OAK | @BUF | Turf toe a problem; so is Bills defense on road |
| 19. | LenDale White, TEN | HOU | Near lock to cross goal-line for 3rd straight week |
| 20. | Earnest Graham, TB | @CHI | Needs 20+ carries to have fantasy value in this one |
| 21. | Ryan Grant, GB | DAL | Be cautious, still limited by sore hamstring |
| 22. | Larry Johnson, KC | @ATL | Question is, can anger translate to big results? |
| 23. | Joseph Addai, IND | JAC | Will again rely on goal-line TDs vs. tough JAC D |
| 24. | Jonathan Stewart, CAR | @MIN | Talented runner working way towards starting job |
| 25. | Thomas Jones, NYJ | @SD | Chargers vulnerable against run, allowing 144 ypg |
| 26. | Sammy Morris, NE | MIA | Will get more work with Maroney, Jordan dinged up |
| 27. | Darren Sproles, SD | NYJ | Lightning quick, can make most of 10+ carries |
| 28. | Fred Taylor, JAC | @IND | Indy ranks 28th in NFL, allowing 181 rush ypg |
| 29. | Ray Rice, BAL | CLE | Unclear what role is with McGahee on the mend |
| 30. | Tim Hightower | ARI | Sleeper rookie vulturing all of James’ TDs |