Week 15 Running Back Rankings

Armando Marsal

Fantasy Writer

@Armando_fbguru on twitter

Week one of the playoffs is in the books, and for those who won last week, the semi-finals is the next step. For the most part, the top 10 backs are the usual suspects. Joique Bell made the cut for the second straight week. He's coming off of a nice performance against the Bucs, and has another favorable matchup against the Vikings. Bell had 133 total yards and two touchdowns last week. He faces a Vikings defense that has allowed over 100 rushing yards in each of their last four games.

In the top 20, you'll see some backs you may not be used to seeing this high up in the rankings; Jonathan Stewart, Chris Johnson, and Isaiah Crowell. Stewart started for the Panthers last week and busted out with a huge game. He rushed for 155 yards and a touchdown. This week he will face the Bucs, who as I mentioned above, just got torched by Joique Bell. Johnson will face his former team who can't stop the run. The Titans are allowing 21.7 fantasy points per game and have giving up 14 rushing touchdowns this season. I'm sure Rex Ryan will give Johnson the opportunity to shred this awful run defense. Crowell has been the starting back for the Browns in recent weeks, but ultimately it's been a running back by committee with Terrence West. However, this week he has a favorable matchup against the Bengals defense who has allowed six rushing touchdowns in the last five games. Johnny Manziel was named the starting quarterback for the Browns, which should also add some value to Crowell.

Right outside of the top 20, you'll find some decent backs that can be solid options as well. They just have a smaller ceiling this week. Fred Jackson has a decent matchup, but my concern here is how much of a factor he'll be if they Bills trail early on. In PPR formats, he'll definitely get you some points, but could be have a tougher time getting fantasy points in a standard league. I like Jennings, but my concern is how the Giants used Andre Williams last week, and how effective he was. Jennings will get his touches, but I'm not too sure he'll get as heavy as a workload as he was getting prior to his injury.