Fantasy Football: Top 5 running backs for Week 12

When it comes to fantasy football, make sure to keep an eye on these top 5 running backs to start this week.

Nov 23, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) tries to shed New England Patriots middle linebacker Jerod Mayo (51) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

One thing if for sure, this season has definitely been an interesting one when it comes to the top running backs in fantasy football. We’ve seen the usual familiar faces when it comes to consistency such as Adrian Peterson, and Lesean McCoy. We’ve also seen familiar faces decline in fantasy value such as Eddie Lacy, Marshawn Lynch and Arian Foster due to lack of production and injuries.

Another interesting trend fantasy owners have witnessed this season is the rise of the potential future backs of the NFL. Devonta Freeman, Todd Gurley, Chris Ivory, Thomas Rawls and many others have turned heads of fans everywhere. Fantasy owners are practically racing to their phones and computers to put in bids or waivers for these hot backs.

Having trouble deciding which running backs to start this week? look no further, here’s a list of the top five backs heading into Week 12 NFL action.

Next: 5. Keep an eye on this Cardinal

Nov 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson (23) runs the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

5. Chris Johnson

Running back Chris Johnson recorded 63 yards on 13 carries last week during their 34-31 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals last Sunday. Despite having minimal room to run for the second straight week, Johnson has a much favorable match-up this week as he will go up against the defense of the San Francisco 49ers who were completely torched by Seattle’s Thomas Rawls last Sunday.

Johnson recorded 110 yards on 22 carries with 2 touchdowns during the Cardinals first meeting with the Niners this season.

He should have zero trouble matching if not increasing his previous numbers against the Niners in their second meeting of the season en route to proving that he’s Arizona’s go to #1 back on their depth chart. Johnson is currently projected at 5.50 points for this week but I expect him to score well into the double digits.

Next: 4. This Bill is ready to deliver

Nov 23, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

4. LeSean McCoy

Running back LeSean McCoy had an absolute stellar performance last week against the defense of the New England Patriots recording 82 rushing yards with 1 touchdown and six receptions for an additional 41 yards during their 20-13 loss.

McCoy will look to increase his previous weeks numbers tremendously as he will face the defense of the Kansas City Chiefs who allow on an average 92.6 rushing yards to opponents per game to date.

McCoy is currently projected at 13.70 points for the week, I have him rushing for over 100 yards as well as having at least 4 receptions for 30 plus yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Next: 3. This Seahawk wants to create his own legacy

Nov 22, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls (34) walks back to the locker room following a 29-13 Seattle against the San Francisco 49ers victory at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

3. Thomas Rawls

With starting running back Marshawn Lynch out for possibly the rest of the regular season with a sports hernia, back up Thomas Rawls has taken over the rushing duties for Seattle and has definitely caught everyone’s attention.

Rawls recorded an absolute astounding 209 yards for 1 rushing touchdown and 46 receiving yards with another touchdown finishing the game with 37.50 fantasy points.

Beast mode 2.0 faces a slight tougher task this week against the defense of the Pittsburgh Steelers, however, Rawls shouldn’t have a problem rushing for at least 80-100 yards with an additional 20 plus receiving yards for a touchdown. The Steelers’ defense has been decent this season considering the overall injuries to hit the team.

Pittsburgh is currently projected to score a mere 3 points against Seattle’s offense this week making Rawls a solid RB2 option for fantasy leagues.

Next: 2. This Saint is ready to run for glory

Mark Ingram” width=”847″ height=”650″ /> Nov 15, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (22) carries the ball against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

2. Mark Ingram

Ingram gained 77 yards on five carries and caught four passes for an additional 21 yards during their last game against the Washington Redskins before their bye week. The 25-year old has been a very productive back this season recording up to at least 96 rushing yards 8 out of their 10 games this season.

Ingram has had a full week to recover from an apparent injury he suffered during their loss to the Redskins, but his injury is not expected to linger on moving forward. He should definitely be good to go against the upcoming Houston Texans.

New Orleans should rest easy facing the Texans’ injury prone defense which is ranked as fantasy’s 17th best.

Next: 1. This Ram continues to make a name for himself

Nov 22, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) carries the ball during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

1. Todd Gurley

Gurley has definitely proven to be a smart pick up for the St. Louis Rams in this year’s NFL Draft. Gurley is going up against a tough Bengals’ defense but if theirs one thing about him that he has been able to do each week it’s getting the job done.

Gurley is consistent, finding the end zone for the fifth consecutive game. It’s truly amazing that the rookie has managed to consistently reach the end zone considering the Rams poor passing offense.

Next: Top 10 fantasy football players to start for Week 12

While Gurley arguably has the toughest matchup this week based off of all the top backs in the league, one thing that stands out is that he has managed to score double-digit points each week for the past seven consecutive games. Gurley has scored at the very lowest 10.60 points since Week 4 and a high of 28.30 points.

Despite whose defense Gurley faces each week, they seem to not have any answers when limiting his fantasy value each week. Based off of his consistency, he is more than worthy of a spot as teams RB1. Gurley is projected at 16.20 points this week as is a definite start.

Schedule