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. Chris Johnson v DEN - Back to #1 for CJ
2. Maurice Jones-Drew v IND - Concerns have come to a head. Always kills the Colts, needs to this week to make us believe again 
3. Arian Foster @ OAK - Great, great match up 
4. Frank Gore @ ATL - No one player is more involved in team's offense
5. Darren McFadden v HOU - RUN DMC biggest surprise of 2010
6. Michael Turner v SF Health a concern. Performance has not been
7. Pierre Thomas v CAR - May not play, but great match up if he does. make sure to keep eye on status
8. LeSean McCoy v WAS - Skins got gashed lats week. McCoy should follow suit
9. Cedric Benson @ CLE - With Palmer's jello arm not contributing, expect a lot of Benson
10. Rashard Mendenhall v BAL - Tough match up, but will get a ton of touches
11. Beanie Wells @ SD - Back, with a good match up. Use him
12. LaDainian Tomlinson @ BUF - Count me in as surprised by LT resurgence 
13. Matt Forte @ NYG - Will have more success through air
14. Joseph Addai @ JAC - Always consistent, never spectacular
15. DeAngelo Williams @ NO - Can't do much when QB turns the ball over every second play
16. Justin Forsett @ STL - Liked his involvement last week. Could break out here.
17. Ahmad Bradshaw v CHI - Bears have underrated run defense
18. Ronnie Brown v NE - Biggest day of career came in this match up
19. Ryan Mathews v ARI - Should be back
20. Ray Rice @ PIT - Knee still bruised, but says he'll play
21. BenJarvis Green-Ellis @ MIA - Since he looks to be the clear cut guy for carries, anticipate a big Sammie Morris week. It's the New England way.
22. Brandon Jackson v DET - Needs a big week. Has been underwhelming so far
23. Correll Buckhalter @ TEN - Like him better than Maroney. More so in PPR
24. Peyton Hillis v CIN - Comes back to earth with return of Harrison. Still very PPR friendly
25. Clinton Portis @ PHI - Job security a concern
26. Shonn Greene @ BUF - Good week to get back on track
27. Kenneth Darby v SEA - Starts if SJax can't go.
28. Maurice Morris - Probable starters will have more value in PPR
29. Chris Ivory v CAR - Will have huge game if Thomas is out.
30. Javid Best @ GB - may not play. Will be hobbled if he does
31. Willis McGhee @ PIT- Could see a lot of action if Rice is ruled out. But still playing the Steelers
32. Jeff Kuhn v DET - Has been sneaky good
33. Jason Snelling v SF - found way to be useful even with Turner healthy
34. Mike Tolbert v ARI - May still poach goal line carries
35. Ricky Williams v NE - tough to rely on him on a weekly basis
36. Lawrence Maroney @ TEN - Will get touches. Unfortunately he's still Lawrence Maroney. that doesn't help
37. Tim Hightower @ SD - Return of Beanie spells end usefulness
38. Marshawn Lynch v NYJ - Somehow is getting majority of touches in this backfield
39. CJ Spiller v NYJ - Will rely on big plays if he's to have value
40. Jonathan Stewart @ NO - Tough to plug him in our line ups right now

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.