2012 Fantasy Football RB Rankings – Week 16

Dec 17, 2012

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With an exciting 15th week under our belts, here are the LestersLegends 2012 Week 16 fantasy football running back rankings.
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1. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
Does it even matter who AP faces? He’s averaging 164.1 yards in his past eight games. I don’t expect even a tough Houston Texans run defense to slow All Day down.
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2. Arian Foster, Houston Texans
Foster isn’t putting up Peterson numbers, but he is averaging 106.7 total yards per game with 16 combined touchdowns. He should rise to the occasion in a showdown with Peterson and the Vikings.
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3. Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Martin, like the rest of the Bucs, was a major letdown last week. He gets a chance to redeem himself against the St. Louis Rams. They have allowed 117.6 yards per game and 17 rushing scores.
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4. Knowshon Moreno, Denver Broncos
Moreno is averaging 121.8 total yards per game since taking over the starting gig. The Cleveland Browns have allowed 120.6 yards per game and 13 rushing scores.
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5. Alfred Morris, Washington Redskins
Morris is averaging 113.3 yards and a touchdown in his past four games. The Philadelphia Eagles have allowed 122.0 yards per game and nine rushing scores.
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6. DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys
Murray has scored in all three games since his return while averaging 96.3 total yards per game. The New Orleans Saints have allowed 146.3 yards per game and 13 rushing scores.
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7. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks
The San Francisco 49ers present a challenge, but Lynch and the Seahawks are flying high. He’s averaging 117.7 total yards over the past three games to go with five rushing scores. Lynch had 116 total yards in the first meeting.
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8. Trent Richardson, Cleveland Browns
The yardage has not been there, but the scoring has. T-Rich has 83 total yards in his past two games, but scored a pair of touchdowns in both games. He has six touchdowns in his past four games and 12 on the year. The Broncos present a tough test.
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9. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens
Change did not do Rice or the Ravens good. Look for Rice to get back on track against the New York Giants. The G-Men have allowed 123.7 yards per game and eight rushing scores.
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10. C.J. Spiller, Buffalo Bills
Spiller has a tough matchup against the Miami Dolphins’ top ten run defense, but Spiller is explosive and should get plenty of touches. He’s averaging nearly 100 yards per game this year while operating in a timeshare for a good part of the year.
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11. Stevan Ridley, New England Patriots
Ridley was taken out of the game by the Niners, but should bounce back against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags have allowed 148.1 yards per game and 18 rushing scores.
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12. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears
Forte is averaging 116 total yards the past three games. The Arizona Cardinals have allowed 136.5 yards per game and 10 rushing scores.
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13. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs
Charles struck out last week against the Oakland Raiders, but has a favorable matchup against the Indianapolis Colts for a rebound. The Colts have allowed 124.7 yards per game and a dozen touchdowns.
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14. Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans
Johnson travels to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers. The Pack have allowed 114.3 yards per game and 11 rushing scores. If weather is an issue, CJ will carry the load.
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15. Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders
Run DMC did his thing against the Chiefs, collecting 149 total yards. This week he faces the Carolina Panthers, who have allowed 117.9 yard per game and 11 rushing scores.
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16. Reggie Bush, Miami Dolphins
Bush is averaging 88.3 total yards in his past four games. The Bills have allowed 144.1 yards per game and 22 rushing scores.
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17. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers
Gore continues to turn in good performances. Playing the Seahawks on the road makes for a tough test though.
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18. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cincinnati Bengals
The Law Firm is averaging 117.2 total yards in his past five games with three touchdowns. The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the top run defenses in the league though.
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19. Vick Ballard, Indianapolis Colts
Ballard is averaging 104.5 total yards in his past two games. The Chiefs have allowed 136.4 yards per game and nine rushing scores.
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20. Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams
S-Jax is averaging 114.7 total yards in his past six games. The Bucs lead the league in run defense, but Jackson has been playing so well. Plus, he is active in the passing game.
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21. DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers
D-Will is averaging 128 total yards with a receiving touchdown in each of his past two games. The Raiders have allowed 122.5 yards per game and 17 rushing scores.
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22. Mikel Leshoure, Detroit Lions
Leshoure missed a golden opportunity against the Arizona Cardinals, but still managed 59 total yards and a touchdown. The Atlanta Falcons have allowed 124.9 yards per game and 14 rushing scores.
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23. Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons
Turner is averaging just 42.4 yards in his past five games, but has managed to score in each game. The Lions have allowed 119.4 yards per game and 12 rushing scores.
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24. Darren Sproles, New Orleans Saints
Sproles is a lot like Michael Turner when it comes to pure numbers. Neither get a ton of yards, and their fantasy value is tied to their ability to get in the end zone. Sproles has three scores in the past two weeks and will likely get his chance against the Cowboys.
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25. Shonn Greene, New York Jets
Greene is not a sexy pick, but he’s steady. He’s a low-end RB2 or a solid flex play against the San Diego Chargers.
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40 Responses so far | Have Your Say!

bill
December 17th, 2012 at 3:56 pm #

Hey Les

I’m in the finals and I have a dilemma on my hands.

I have
wr julio jones and andre johnson
rb chris johnson and cj spiller
flex vincent jackson.

I have knowshon Moreno on my bench, and he has a great matchup. should I bench any of my starters for Moreno ?
LestersLegends
December 17th, 2012 at 4:05 pm #

Wow, really nice options. I really like Moreno this week. I’d use him in the flex over V-Jax or at RB2 over Chris Johnson.
bill
December 18th, 2012 at 5:45 am #

should i start deangelo williams in place of green ellis ?..thank you
LestersLegends
December 18th, 2012 at 6:55 am #

Bill – that’s a toss up. The Law Firm has a tough matchup but D-Will has a favorable one. BJGE is a safer play imo. he’s been more reliable and consistent this year. Depends if you want to roll the dice a little or not.
vdog
December 18th, 2012 at 8:39 am #

who do i start..
BenJarvus Green-Ellis vs pitt
or
DeAngelo Williams vs my boys the raiders?
thxs!!!
LestersLegends
December 18th, 2012 at 8:45 am #

I just answered that. that’s a toss up. The Law Firm has a tough matchup but D-Will has a favorable one. BJGE is a safer play imo. he’s been more reliable and consistent this year. Depends if you want to roll the dice a little or not.
Matt
December 18th, 2012 at 9:29 am #

I have Doug Martin, T-Rich, Moreno, + DMC. Do you think I should start DMC over T-Rich?
LestersLegends
December 18th, 2012 at 9:33 am #

Matt – I have T-Rich at 8 and DMC at 15 so I don’t think you should. That said, it’s not a terrible play.
Dr Mel
December 18th, 2012 at 3:37 pm #

Ryan, looks like I’m still hanging in there. I MUST win this week to move on. It is going to be tough! I killed him last week by 50 pts, but we all know how that goes!

QB- Brady
RB- Morris, Moreno
WR- Cruz, Julio
TE- Hern
FL- Hilton or Shorts
K- Gost
D- Pats

Bench- Luck, Bush, DX (hopefully Crabtree), Wit, Bengals D(picking up Giants D wk 17 vs Eagles)

QB- Cam
RB- CJ2K, R. Matthews (?)
WR- S.Smith, Bowe (?)
TE- Gonzo
FL- Sproles
K- Bryant
D- Bears

Bench- Ryan, D-Will, Blackmon, Garcon, IR players not included.

If I were him, I’d sub D-Will & Garcon for Matthews & Bowe. My only concern is I’m hearing ATL may rest starters like Julio & play Douglas until playoffs. Do you think there is truth to that? If so, would I be better off picking up Douglas instead of Crabtree? Julio & Roddy have struggled with injury, so I can see where this could be feasible. Let me know if you think I should make any adjustments. Thanks again for your advice.
LestersLegends
December 18th, 2012 at 3:44 pm #

I think Roddy is more likely to get rested. Week 17 may be hairy, but the #1 see is still in play. They play on Saturday so it should be all systems go.

That looks like a helluva good matchup. That one is gonna go down to the wire. Hopefully with you prevailing.
Dr Mel
December 18th, 2012 at 5:38 pm #

Seriously, I’m hoping Smith is not a huge factor. Who is my best flex option Hilton? Shorts is a baller, it’s Henne I don’t trust? Or would you risk Crabtree or pu Rice? Need to get the best flex option available. Thanks Ryan!
LestersLegends
December 18th, 2012 at 7:52 pm #

I like shorts. Jags will have to pass a ton and the pats can’t cover anyone
Dr Mel
December 18th, 2012 at 9:01 pm #

But you have Pats D at #3? I’m confused.
LestersLegends
December 18th, 2012 at 9:30 pm #

Bend don’t break. Shorts could have 100 yards, blackmon about 80, and the jags could get little from run game and the pats still have a solid day.
DCArsenal
December 19th, 2012 at 10:21 am #

Lester, Thanks for the help lastweek!
Final game for all the $, How Im rollin any suggestions.
Standard League,

Brees
Martin
Moreno
FLex – Welker or Gore or Amendola or DX
Jones
Decker
Gates or Finley
Packers
Bailey
LestersLegends
December 19th, 2012 at 10:43 am #

Welker in the flex. Coin flip on TE but I like Gates. Floyd is out and DX will be locked up by cromartie.
DCArsenal
December 19th, 2012 at 11:25 am #

Thanks for the insight;
really I was wondering what to do with Gore his Highest total score was against seattle in week 7, kinda hard to Sit, or should I put him in for Martin who bummed it last week?
LestersLegends
December 19th, 2012 at 11:34 am #

I’d go with Martin yet. I can see using Gore over welker if your gut said so.
Tega
December 19th, 2012 at 2:13 pm #

I have McCoy, Brown, and Owens which back is the safest play as my third back for the Championship.
LestersLegends
December 19th, 2012 at 2:47 pm #

I’m thinking McCoy now that he’s back. That will be something to monitor though.
Tony
December 20th, 2012 at 1:24 pm #

Flex play this week…pick 3….Spiller, Crabtree, Gore, Charles

Thanks!
LestersLegends
December 20th, 2012 at 1:30 pm #

I sit Crabtree.
Dr Mel
December 20th, 2012 at 6:47 pm #

Ryan, I saw PFW RB rankings & they had Morris #3, Bush #7, & Moreno # 14. Is there something I’m missing? I know Bush is close to 1K yards & a new contract. Should I be playing him? Thanks.
LestersLegends
December 20th, 2012 at 8:05 pm #

I wouldn’t play him over M & M.
Dr Mel
December 20th, 2012 at 8:11 pm #

I didn’t think so, was surprised at the rankings.
LestersLegends
December 20th, 2012 at 8:46 pm #

He does have a good matchup. that seems a bit much though imo.
John
December 20th, 2012 at 9:31 pm #

You think starting Demarco over Spiller would be safer? I d hate to bench CJ since he did get me to the playoffs but Demarco has been awesome and has a great match-up.
LestersLegends
December 20th, 2012 at 10:07 pm #

My thoughts exactly John.
Dr Mel
December 20th, 2012 at 10:35 pm #

M & M have been putting up RB1 #’s the last couple weeks. I need the Skins to lose this week being a HUGE Dallas fan, but I need Morris to have a good game too. Crazy huh?
LestersLegends
December 21st, 2012 at 9:18 am #

It happens in fantasy. Good luck.
John
December 22nd, 2012 at 12:27 am #

Hey Les, last question of the season… Mathews went down and no JStew might play? Should I stick with Deangelo anyway or go with a SD rb?

Thanks for all you do. See ya next year
LestersLegends
December 22nd, 2012 at 8:07 am #

I would stick with DWill. You don’t know how the SD situation will play out. I don’t think Stew will take many touches away this week.
Dr Mel
December 22nd, 2012 at 3:53 pm #

Need some last minute advice. After consulting higher authorities like Rank, Fabs Matt Money Smith & a few others I was told to play Hilton he was a safer play with an equally good match up. My plan was to flip Shorts in at the last minute. Money said it all depends on Sherman. I need your expert advice. My opponent still has Bowe & Matthews in his lineup just like listed above. WWYD? After reading the S.O.S. report that came out you would think I have the edge by having Brady & Herb, but I know I can’t count on anything in week 16. As always I appreciate your advice. Here’s hoping I make the SB!
LestersLegends
December 22nd, 2012 at 5:02 pm #

i still like shorts. he’s a serious playmaker. I was listening to fantasy football radio and they gave shorts and A grade this week. they were picking him over cobb.
Dr Mel
December 22nd, 2012 at 6:11 pm #

Thanks Ryan, that’s what my gut was telling me. Just like last week when I should have played Shorts over DX. He’s just s straight out baller…Jags get some decent draft picks I’d like to see them amount to something. Still confused by my opponent, would have to think he would play D-Will & Garcon. If you look at my roster above would you make any changes? Thanks again! Are you still in the playoffs? If so, best of luck!
Dr Mel
December 22nd, 2012 at 6:52 pm #

BTW, your buddy Jay Clemmons over at B/R came out with his positional lock report. He has Bush at #5, and he doesn’t have Morris or Moreno listed.He has T-Rich at #8/9 who has been written up as a must sit. How do you not have Morris & Moreno who are going up against two defenses that play to their strengths?
Dr Mel
December 22nd, 2012 at 6:53 pm #

BTW, your buddy Jay Clemmons over at B/R came out with his positional lock report. He has Bush at #5, and he doesn’t have Morris or Moreno listed.He has T-Rich at #8/9 who has been written up as a must sit. How do you not have Morris & Moreno who are going up against two defenses that play to their strengths? Just curious
LestersLegends
December 22nd, 2012 at 9:18 pm #

Still in it. Looking for my second straight chip. Matty Ice and Julio have me off to a good start.

I keep your roster the way you have it. Your opponent must think he/she is Bill Belichick trying to mind game you.
Dr Mel
December 22nd, 2012 at 11:04 pm #

Thanks I appreciate it. It’s nice to get a neutral opinion. Roddy had one heck of a game, Gonzo was a non- factor surprisingly. So far off to a good start, he still hasn’t changed his lineup so I think I should come out ahead unless something goes terribly astray, even if he does last minute tweaks. Best of luck!
LestersLegends
December 23rd, 2012 at 10:25 am #

Roddy did. I wish Julio had a little better game, but you can’t be bitter about the beautiful TD grab he had. Plus, Ice got me off to a great start. I’m glad Gonzo didn’t do damage to you. Best of luck. Bring home the chip.