1. Adrian Peterson (MIN) – Last week’s record breaking 296 yard, 3 TD performance last week is a big reason why we have him ranked #1 this week, but it is not the only reason. Peterson rushed for 112 yards on only 12 carries against Green Bay back in week 4, that is a 9.3 yards per carry average. He should see even more action against them this time around, and while there is little chance for a repeat of last week, it would be surprising if he did not have another big game.2. LaDainian Tomlinson (SD) – If the Colts defense has a weakness, it is against the run. Unless the Chargers get down big early, Tomlinson should get the ball early and often in order to burn clock, and keep the Colts offense off of the field. If he gets enough carries, Tomlinson should be effective, and he is capable of a monster game against anyone.
3. Joseph Addai (IND) – This guy has been a stud for much of the season, and has been on fire in the last couple of weeks. Addai faces an obviously overrated Chargers run defense, and while you can not expect him to run wild like Peterson did on them last week, he should have a great game.
4. Marshawn Lynch (BUF) – As expected, Lynch torched the Bengals defense last week, even throwing for a score. This week’s match up against the Dolphins 31st ranked run defense bodes equally as well if not better for him. Expect another huge outing for Lynch in week 10.
5. Willie Parker (PIT) – As we anticipated, Parker was pretty much shut down by the Ravens last week. This week should be a different story against a pathetic Browns run defense. He should exceed the 100-yard mark at the very least.
6. Brian Westbrook (PHI) – He is not a fantasy stud so much because of what he can do on the ground, but rather what he can add in the passing game. He pulled in 14 receptions last week against Dallas, an amazing feat for even top flight wide outs. Westbrook is the complete package, and he should prove it once again against the Redskins in week 10. (Check injury report: shoulder)
7. Reggie Bush (NO) – He continues to be an effective fantasy performer using his amazing athleticism and versatility. This multi-talented back should have another big game against the Rams, as the Saints offense continues to progress and roll. Bush is a likely candidate to reach stud status again in week 10. (Check injury report: knee)
8. Willis McGahee (BAL) – He has not posted astounding numbers in any week this season, but McGahee has been very solid, and he managed to find the end zone for the third straight game last week against the Steelers. McGahee should be able to continue his TD streak, and then some in week 10 against a really bad Bengals run D. (Check injury report: head)
9. Marion Barber (DAL) – Barber does not always put up great yardage totals, but what he does do well is find the end zone. Barber has found pay dirt in his last 2 games, and has 3 TD’s in his last 2 games versus this week’s opponent, the New York Giants. He is also effective as a receiver out of the backfield. We like his chances in week 10.
10. Kevin Jones (DET) – The Lions offense has made a transition this season from a pass heavy attack to one that favors the run. A big reason for that is Kevin Jones. He has been very effective in the Lions backfield in recent weeks, finding the end zone in 4 of his last 6 games. Jones and the Lions running game should be in full effect once again when he faces the Cardinals 19th ranked run defense in week 10.
11. LenDale White (TEN) – Few NFL running backs have been as consistently productive as LenDale White in the last few weeks. White will be shooting for his 4th consecutive 100 yard rushing game this week when he takes the field against Jacksonville. He is also a strong candidate to find pay dirt. (Check injury report: toe)
12. Brandon Jacobs (NYG) – Since returning from injury, Jacobs has managed 100 yard performances in 3 of 4 games. He has also scored 2 TD’s during that stretch. Jacobs will face his toughest challenge to date this week against Dallas’ 5th ranked run defense, but he should manage to do some damage, especially in goal line situations.
13. Justin Fargas (OAK) – When given the opportunity, Fargas has excelled as the Raiders RB. He is now officially the starter, and this speedy back should make the most of the spotlight. He faces a Bears defense that ranks 26th against the run, so Fargas could be in line for a big day. He should be in your starting line up this week.
14. Cedric Benson (CHI) – He has been one of the bigger fantasy disappointments this season, but he has the chance to turn that all around starting this week. The Bears will go to the ground game early and often, and considering they are matched up against the Raiders 30th ranked run defense, Benson stands to have a great day.
15. Steven Jackson (STL) – If Jackson can stay healthy long enough to make it through a complete game, he should provide fantasy owners with positive value this week. While he has the tools to provide a monster game, you should not set your expectations too high. He faces an underrated Saints run defense, and this game is likely to turn into a battle through the air. If Jackson can get a sufficient number of carries, he could be great. (Check injury report: back)
16. Edgerrin James (ARI) – If not for a late TD last week, James would have had a disastrous week 9. He should bounce back with a better effort in week 10 against the Lions. He is too talented to be shut down for consecutive weeks, but do not expect anything huge, as the Lions have a solid run D.
17. Clinton Portis (WAS) – He was able to run wild on the Jets last week posting 196 yards and a TD. While he remains a threat to find the end zone again this week, do not expect a repeat performance in week 10 against the Eagles 7th ranked run defense.
18. DeShaun Foster (CAR) – Foster has had a less than stellar ’07 campaign, but his one and only big game this season came in an earlier meeting against this week’s opponent. In week 3, Foster posted 135 total yards and 2 TD’s against the Falcons. The Falcons run defense comes into week 10 ranked a poor 23rd, so Foster has a good shot at a repeat performance.
19. Maurice Jones-Drew (JAC) – He is one of the more talented backs in the NFL, but Jones-Drew will have to conjure up some serious magic to have success against the Titans top ranked run defense. He was basically shut out against them in an earlier meeting, but he has really stepped up his game since that time, and his ability to be multi-dimensional should net him decent production this time around.
20. Jesse Chatman (MIA) – He has performed admirably in limited service this season. Chatman will be making his second career start this week in place of the injured Ronnie Brown. He does not have comparable talent to that of Brown, but he does have the same offensive line, and we like his chances for a decent game against the Bills 19th ranked run defense.
21. Warrick Dunn (ATL) – Dunn took everyone by surprise last week with a performance reminiscent of his glory days in Tampa. While you can not expect him to have similar output on a weekly basis, he should post solid numbers again this week against a mediocre Panthers run defense. Dunn averaged 5 yards per carry in a week 3 meeting with Carolina. With the likelihood that Jerrious Norwood will be out, Dunn should carry the load, and possibly help lead your fantasy team to victory in week 10.
22. Priest Holmes (KC) – He is back, and while he may not be the Priest of old, he should post solid numbers in a limited role against the Broncos 32nd ranked run defense. He is not too far from being removed from super star fantasy status, and like everyone else, we are anxious to see what he has left in the tank.
23. Travis Henry (DEN) – Since the announcement of a possible suspension, Henry has battled injuries, and produced minimal fantasy output. He has a solid track record against the Chiefs, averaging 125 yards in two career games, but with his health still in question, that average is likely to go down if he plays. He may turn out to have a good week, but the odds are not in his favor. (Check injury report: knee)
24. Jamal Lewis (CLE) – He did not achieve much in the yardage department, but Lewis was able to light up the scoreboard 4 times. He will have a much tougher time finding pay dirt in week 10 against Pittsburgh’s 4th ranked run defense. Do not expect a great deal of production from Lewis.
25. Frank Gore (SF) - While Gore has been limited this week, he has participated in practice, which is a positive sign that he may play on Monday night against Seattle. The bad news is that even if Gore does play, he will likely be limited in the number of carries he receives. He is probably not your best option for week 10 unless he is given a completely clean bill of health, which seems unlikely. (Check injury report: ankle)
26. Ryan Grant (GB) – Despite a concussion he received in last week’s game, Grant should be cleared to play, and receive the bulk of the carries. Unfortunately, he is matched up against the NFL’s second best run D. (Check injury report: concussion)
27. Rudi Johnson (CIN) – After receiving limited carries in mop up duty last week, Johnson should get the start this week. Even if Johnson gets the start, he is little more than an emergency option this week against the Ravens 3rd ranked run defense. Johnson has been a huge disappointment to fantasy owners even when healthy.
28. Shaun Alexander (SEA) – Alexander has taken a beating in almost every game this season, and last week was no different. It is highly unlikely that Alexander will see the field this week, and even if he does, it should be in a limited role. On top of that, he has been horrible, failing to exceed the 50 yard mark or even score a TD in his last 4 games. (Check injury report: knee)
29. Julius Jones (DAL) – While Jones had one of his better outings last week against the Eagles, he remains on the low end of the spectrum for fantasy backs. Expect little from Jones in week 10.
30. Fred Taylor (JAC) – Taylor has had a tough season to this point averaging only 59 yards rushing per game. He is also yet to score even one TD. Taylor will not have it any easier when he rolls into Nashville to face the Titans top ranked run defense in week 10. He only managed 16 yards on 6 carries against them in week 1.
31. Maurice Morris (SEA) – His fantasy value for week 10 relies heavily on the status of Shaun Alexander. Unfortunately, Alexander’s status is up in the air at this time. If Morris gets the start this week, he may be worth putting in your starting line up, and even if he does not start, he should see plenty of action.
32. Selvin Young (DEN) – If Travis Henry is out for week 10, Young will get the start. At this point, it is probably 50-50, but if you have Young, it would be wise to keep track of Henry’s status. He could post decent numbers against an average Chiefs run D.
33. Kolby Smith (KC) – While he will not be the starter this week, Smith should see a fair amount of carries in relief of Priest Holmes, who will get the start. In all honesty, we do not know much about Smith, outside of a few college performances at Louisville, but he is in the NFL for a reason, and he has a favorable match up against a horrible Denver run defense.
34. Najeh Davenport (PIT) – Davenport is far from a reliable option in any week, but his potential for goal line carries and a promising match up against the Browns 27th ranked run D, makes him worth a look in week 10 if you are in desperate need.
35a. Chester Taylor (MIN) – Taylor was great last week in relief of Adrian Peterson, totaling 83 yards and a TD. You can not expect that kind of output every week from Taylor, but he should provide at least a few points in mop up duty.
35b. Kenny Watson (CIN) – Watson should move into a back up role in favor of Rudi Johnson this week, but we expect he will still see a fair number of carries, and he is always a threat in the Bengals passing game. Do not expect much, especially considering the match up against a stingy Ravens run D.
* Other potential RB options for week 10 include: DeAngelo Williams (CAR), Maurice Hicks (SF), Brandon Jackson (GB), LaMont Jordan (OAK), Adrian Peterson (CHI), Samkon Gado (MIA), Brian Leonard (STL), Michael Robinson (SF), and LaDell Betts (WAS)
