Fantasy Football Week 6 rankings: Top 15 Running Backs
By Leo Howell
Week 6 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 6.
1. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
This week’s running back rankings are full of disagreements, and we start at the top. I don’t believe AP is the best running back this week, but the guy I have at number one wasn’t quite as high on Zach’s list.
That said, AP is a top-5 play every single week, and this week is no exception. I have no problem with him being first, and if you have him, you’re using him.
2. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles
Shady and the Eagles take on the Buccaneers this week, which isn’t a great matchup on the surface. Tampa Bay is solid against the run, and Nick Foles will be at quarterback for Philly instead of Michael Vick.
But consider that McCoy is active in the passing game, and since the Buccaneers often struggle to contain running backs and tight ends when they turn into receivers, you can guarantee that you’ll get some sort of value out of McCoy.
3. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs
This is my number one running back for the week, but Zachary has him much, much lower. I think the matchup with Oakland and his virtually guaranteed involvement in the running and passing game make him a lock to be the best running back this week.
Alex Smith isn’t throwing the ball downfield, so look for him to drop the ball off to Charles, in addition to handing him the ball early and often.
4. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks
The Tennessee Titans are no joke on defense, but no one can truly contain Beast Mode. Zach and I are slightly split on Lynch this week, but the consensus is that he’s somewhere in the top 10, which means he’s a must start in every format.
The main appeal for Lynch is the probably low-scoring nature of this game, which bodes well for a hard-running tailback who will get the bulk of the work for an offense that throws as infrequently as it can.
5. Arian Foster, Houston Texans
The Rams are on the schedule for Foster and the Texans, and according to Zach that makes Foster the second best running back this week.
I am not quite so sold, as I’m worried about the Houston offense in general. But Arian is definitely back to being the same Arian Foster you remember, which means he’s a lock to play every week if you own him.
6. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears
One of the few players Zach and I agree on this week, Forte is a solid option against the Giants and their group of 11 players they’d like to think is a defense.
With that in mind, a bit of bonus advice would be to seek out Michael Bush if you’re desperate for a running back in a deeper league this week. I suspect he’ll be getting some work to keep Forte fresh.
7. Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As a Bucs fan and a Bucs writer, I am not ready to highly recommend Doug Martin, even against Philadelphia. Zachary has him ranked much higher than I do, which might just be because I am skeptical of the Tampa Bay offense with Mike Glennon under center.
The Buccaneers pose no passing threat with Glennon calling the shots, so teams are going to stack as many players in the box as they can to rush the quarterback and stop the run.
8. Knowshon Moreno, Denver Broncos
The Broncos play the Jaguars this week, which is great news for those of you who own Knowshon Moreno. He’s going to get plenty of chances to run out the clock, and they’ll likely feature him early in an effort to control the game and take Jacksonville out of it as soon as possible.
Ronnie Hillman is also an option in deeper leagues this week, if you’re in need of a running back or flex player due to injury or bye week.
9. Reggie Bush, Detroit Lions
Zachary and I could not disagree any more than we did on Bush this week. With the Cleveland Browns on the schedule, I think Bush is a middle-of-the-pack RB2, while Zach sees him as a top-end RB1.
I think the defense for Cleveland is just too good to trust Bush to produce, but Zach thinks otherwise. Take that for what it’s worth.
10. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens
His offense isn’t as good as it was last year, but he’s still the best thing going in Baltimore and he’ll find fantasy production with his versatility.
A matchup with Green Bay certainly helps, but doesn’t guarantee anything with the way Joe Flacco has been playing.
11. Trent Richardson, Indianapolis Colts and DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys
Usually there’s a tiebreaker formula I use for the rankings, but in the case of Richardson and Murray, there is no need for a tiebreaker. They’re a pair of talented runners who struggle with injuries who have favorable matchups this weekend.
Use either one. Use them both. But if you’re in a position where you can literally only use one of the two, go with Richardson because his matchup is more favorable (but not by much).
13. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers
Arizona is on the schedule for Gore and the Niners this week, which means he’ll be facing some talent in the front seven for the Cardinals. But he’s still the focal point for an offense driven by a great offensive line.
Eventually the 49ers will wear down the Cardinals and Gore will prove his fantasy worth, but don’t be surprised if it takes him a while to get things going.
14. Alfred Morris, Washington Redskins
Morris is a borderline RB1 this week, and it’s really because he’s yet to prove he’s fully healthy and fully starting at running back for Washington. There’s too much uncertainty to rank him any higher.
15. Willis McGahee, Cleveland Browns
The Colts don’t have a very good run defense, and the Browns don’t have a very good quarterback. Combine those two things, and that creates opportunities for McGahee to get things going for his new team.
Honorable Mention: Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers and Bilal Powell, New York Jets