We base our weekly rankings on the strength of opposing defenses overall, individual match-ups, and expected game situations (shoot-out vs. field-goal battle vs. blowout). They're based on the WCOFF/NFFC PPR scoring systems. Hopefully, for the most part, just looking at the rankings helps you figure out who to sit or start. We set the projections early in the week and then comb through them and make any necessary edits on Friday.

RUNNING BACK

1. Adrian Peterson v DET - COME ON MAN!
2. Ray Rice v CLE - Just murders the Browns
3. Chris Johnson @ NYG - This is probably the lowest you'll see him ranked for the rest of the year. Expect bye week... maybe
4. Frank Gore @ KC - Broke out last week. Will keep it rolling this week
5. Maurice Jones-Drew v PHI - Get worried if he doesn't have big game
6. Rashard Mendenhall @ TB - Getting the carries... This week should lead to the TDs
7. Pierre Thomas v ATL - Now the man in this offense
8. LeSean McCoy @ JAC - Has a ton of room with defenses keying Vick. Call it the Warrick Dunn effect
9. Cedric Benson @ CAR - CIN will pound the ball and CAR can't do anything about it
10. Darren McFadden @ ARI - The Michael Bush factor will determine his day
11. Joseph Addai @ DEN - He's seriously underrated
12. Steven Jackson v WAS - His bulk of touches always makes him valuable
13. Arian Foster v DAL - Cowboys will focus on passing game. Foster will have the room to run
14. Javid Best @ MIN - Will be much better in PPR
15. Knowshon Moreno v IND - Colts not the best against the run. But I worry about DEN getting down early and stop running
16. Matt Forte v GB - Will find a way to get involved, whether it be on ground or through air
17. Ronnie Brown v NYJ - Notorious Jet killer
18. Jammal Charles v SF - Tough defenses don't matter when you have the talent of Charles
19. Ahmad Bradshaw v TEN - Draws tough match up. But don't expect to see any Jacobs
20. Mike Tolbert @ SEA - Good match up and looks like no Mathews
21. Brandon Jackson @ CHI - GB will need him to be better in start #2
22. Michael Turner @ NO - Very worried about his health
23. Shonn Greene @ MIA -  Jets will eventually work him in full time
24. Clinton Portis @ STL - About as slow as it gets, but can still find end zone
25. DeAngelo Williams v CIN -  I worry. I'm not going to lie
26. Fred Taylor v BUF - Match ups don’t get better. Why not?
27. Tim Hightower @ STL - Rank contingent on Wells not playing
28. Fred Jackson @ NE - Best RB in this committee 
29. Carnell Williams v PIT - This match up has a case of the UH-OHs for ol' caddy... But he'll still get his 20+ touches
30. LaDainian Tomlinson @ MIA - Upgrade in PPR while downgrading Greene at same time
31. Willis McGhee v CLE - This could very well by one of Willis’ 3 big games this year
32. Jason Snelling @ NO - Can have great success if Turner isn't around
33. Ricky Williams v NYJ - Should get 15 or so touches
34. Justin Forsett v SD - Will get the most touches in SEA
35. Jerome Harrison @ BAL - Nope
36. Jonathan Stewart v CIN - He's eventually going to have a good week. Just not this one
37. Marian Barber III @ HOU - Nothing happening in DAL back field
38. Donald Brown @ DEN - Can be very productive if given the chance
39. CJ Spiller @ NE - He could always break the big one
40. Peyton Hillis @ BAL - Will need a TD to have value 

Stay up to date by following Pat Mayo on Twitter 

Ask a question about your lineup in our FORUM. Leave a comment about these rankings down below.