Fantasy Football Week 4 rankings: Top 15 running backs

Week 4 is almost here, and it’s time to start setting lineups and making sure you’re ready to win your fantasy matchup.

Every week, Fansided will bring you rankings compiled by our duo of fantasy experts. This week, the list was derived from averaging rankings from myself and Zachary Thompson.

Let’s take a look at the running backs and how they rank for Week 4 (Don’t forget that bye weeks start this week!):

1. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings.

Water is wet.

2. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs

Grass is green.

3. Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This one is a bit tougher, but trust in the Dougernaut (better nickname than the rodent-themed one you’re used to). Even with a rookie under center, the Buccaneers have a dominant offensive line which is finally getting back to health. He’s going to have blocking and opportunities, plus Mike Glennon likes to check down to running backs and short routes as a passer. Trust in Doug.

4. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks

Zach has him a bit higher than I do, but we agree he’s a solid play. He is every week. The Seahawks are just so good that he’ll sometimes hit the bench earlier than you’d like. That’s why a game against Houston is actually a good thing, because it should be competitive.

5, Matt Forte, Chicago Bears

I have Forte much higher than Zach, and that’s because he gets to face the Lions this week. Forte is a focal point for his offense, and he’s going to break out and have a huge week eventually. Even if he doesn’t, his week-to-week play is good enough to merit starting, so don’t even think about benching him.

6. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens

If he plays, you start him. Zach and I agree, he’s a top 10 player if he’s healthy.

7. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles

McCoy and the Philadelphia offense are both showing signs of wear and tear after just a few weeks. But he’s still got huge upside with the amount of chances he gets in the offensive scheme. Don’t bench him, but don’t turn down a fair trade offer, either.

8. Alfred Morris, Washington Redskins

He might not be involved as often as you’d like in the offense, but they’re playing the Raiders this week, so he’s a better plan than usual.

9. Trent Richardson, Indianapolis Colts

The Colts take on the Jaguars this week, and even though he’s splitting time in the backfield with Ahmad Bradshaw, Zach and I get the sense that they’ll give Richardson plenty of looks to get him even more acclimated to Indy.

10. DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys

He’s really frustrating to own, but a game against the San Diego Chargers is a week you start him and hope for the best.

11. Arian Foster, Houston Texans

Keep using Arian, even if he’s not the one and only back in Houston. He has a very tough matchup this week against Seattle, but he could punch in a score and redeem himself if the Texans have trouble moving the ball consistently.

12. Reggie Bush, Detroit Lions

I am waiting one more week to use Reggie again, but Zach is back in. So if you’re like me, stick with Joique Bell for one more game. But if you trust Zach, put Reggie back in your lineup.

13. Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders

I am not high on McFadden this week against the Redskins, but he’s a decent enough matchup compared to some of the other options in this range. If you have him, start him, and hope the Raiders don’t get blown out.

14. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars

Yes, the Colts have been surprisingly good on defense this season. But they’re still the Colts. And with Blaine Gabbert back under center for the Jaguars, MJD will hopefully be the focus of an offense that can’t (or at least shouldn’t) trust its quarterback. (Zach doesn’t have MJD in his top 20. I can’t blame you for agreeing, but I will go down with my MJD ship.)

15. Bilal Powell, New York Jets

If he’s available, pick him up. If he’s on your bench, start him. If you’re starting him already, high-five! Powell was one of the sleepers I take the most pride in predicting, but I apologize if you also followed my advice and took Josh Freeman. We can’t be perfect, right?

Honorable Mention: Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers; Ahmad Bradshaw, Indianapolis Colts; Joique Bell, Detroit Lions; Gio Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals