X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Player Comparisons
News and Alerts

Week 4 Running Back Rankings & Matchups Analysis

Below you will find our Week 4 Running Back rankings, to help determine your RB starts/sits for this week, brought to you by Edward Gorelik (@EdwardGorelik) and Zach Wilkens (@LopsidedTrades).

Featured fantasy football writer Zach Wilkens also highlights some RB rankings and matchups analysis for Week 4, and draws some matchup conclusions. He tells you who he likes, who he doesn't, and most importantly who he thinks you should be starting in Week 4.

You can also check out our 2015 fantasy football ranking dashboard, for more in depth rankings analysis on all positions including rookies and dynasty leagues.

 

Week 4 Fantasy Football Rankings - Running Backs

RotoBaller
Staff Ranks
Player Name
(Team - Position)
Zach Wilkens
Rankings
Ed Gorelik
Rankings
1 Le'Veon Bell PIT vs. BAL 1 1
2 Jamaal Charles KC at CIN 3 2
3 Matt Forte CHI vs. OAK 2 4
4 Eddie Lacy GB at SF 4 3
5 Adrian Peterson MIN at DEN 6 6
6 Mark Ingram NO vs. DAL 5 8
7 Frank Gore IND vs. JAC 9 5
8 Latavius Murray OAK at CHI 7 7
9 Devonta Freeman ATL vs. HOU 8 9
10 Karlos Williams BUF vs. NYG 11 10
11 Giovani Bernard CIN vs. KC 10 18
12 Jonathan Stewart CAR at TB 14 15
13 Marshawn Lynch SEA vs. DET 15 14
14 Joseph Randle DAL at NO 18 12
15 T.J. Yeldon JAC at IND 16 19
16 Justin Forsett BAL at PIT 24 13
17 Shane Vereen NYG at BUF 27 11
18 Carlos Hyde SF vs. GB 12 26
19 Lamar Miller MIA vs. NYJ 22 16
20 Christopher Ivory NYJ at MIA 17 22
21 Lance Dunbar DAL at NO 23 17
22 Melvin Gordon SD vs. CLE 20 20
23 C.J. Anderson DEN vs. MIN 21 21
24 Jeremy Hill CIN vs. KC 19 27
25 Danny Woodhead SD vs. CLE 25 23
26 DeMarco Murray PHI at WAS 13 41
27 C.J. Spiller NO vs. DAL 29 28
28 Ryan Mathews PHI at WAS 36 25
29 Matt Jones WAS vs. PHI 33 29
30 Darren Sproles PHI at WAS 32 30
31 Ameer Abdullah DET at SEA 30 35
32 Theo Riddick DET at SEA 26 40
33 Isaiah Crowell CLE at SD 37 32
34 Doug Martin TB vs. CAR 40 31
35 Todd Gurley STL at ARI 35 37
36 Andre Ellington ARI vs. STL 24
37 Alfred Morris WAS vs. PHI 41 34
38 Chris Johnson ARI vs. STL 34 44
39 Chris Thompson WAS vs. PHI 28 57
40 Alfred Blue HOU at ATL 31 48
41 Bilal Powell NYJ at MIA 42 38
42 Thomas Rawls SEA vs. DET 45 36
43 Arian Foster HOU at ATL 33
44 Duke Johnson CLE at SD 38 46
45 David Johnson ARI vs. STL 48 39
46 Charles Sims TB vs. CAR 46 43
47 Rashad Jennings NYG at BUF 44 45
48 Benny Cunningham STL at ARI 39 54
49 Tre Mason STL at ARI 43 47
50 Ronnie Hillman DEN vs. MIN 51 42
51 Andre Williams NYG at BUF 47 53
52 James Starks GB at SF 49 50
53 Darren McFadden DAL at NO 53 49
54 Knile Davis KC at CIN 50 62
55 Lorenzo Taliaferro BAL at PIT 56 51
56 Fred Jackson SEA vs. DET 52 58
57 DeAngelo Williams PIT vs. BAL 57 52
58 Mike Davis SF vs. GB 55 63
59 Josh Robinson IND vs. JAC 55
60 Joique Bell DET at SEA 58 65
61 Khiry Robinson NO vs. DAL 59 59
62 Marcel Reece OAK at CHI 60
63 Fozzy Whittaker CAR at TB 60
64 Chris Polk HOU at ATL 61
65 Damien Williams MIA vs. NYJ 64
66 Mike Tolbert CAR at TB 66
67 Javorius Allen BAL at PIT 67
68 Reggie Bush SF vs. GB 68
69 Branden Oliver SD vs. CLE 69
70 Terron Ward ATL vs. HOU 70
71 Anthony Dixon BUF vs. NYG 71
72 Tevin Coleman ATL vs. HOU 72
73 Jonas Gray MIA vs. NYJ 73
74 Jerick McKinnon MIN at DEN 74

 

Week 4 Running Back (RB) Rankings Analysis

By Zach Wilkens (@LopsidedTrades)

There have been A LOT of disappointing running backs early this season. I remain high on some of them, like Jeremy Hill and DeMarco Murray. I still love the Bengals offense and I think Hill has a clear role there even though Giovani Bernard looks really good. I’m still starting Hill this week. As for DeMarco I am a little more concerned but I still expect the Eagles to bounce back at some point soon. Despite what Ryan Mathews did last week I think Murray is clearly the more talented back, it’s just a matter of whether the offensive line can improve. Assuming Murray plays I think he should be in your lineup this week.

I’m feeling less comfortable with Lamar Miller and C.J. Anderson, but I think they should still make it into to most lineups this week as low-end RB2s. Neither has a great matchup but they really need to prove themselves this week. Miller's usage is frustrating but on the bright side there is no clear competition behind him just yet. The same can’t be said for Anderson, who has Ronnie Hillman hot on his heels. Luckily for Anderson owners, Hillman was very quiet in Week 3.

It looks like rookie Karlos Williams will get the start for the Bills this week. He should be in all lineups against a mediocre Giants defense. I expect the Bills to run a lot here and Williams has looked really good so far mostly as the backup to LeSean McCoy. I don’t expect Williams to permanently take the lead role but I do expect a big day in Week 4.

I think Duke Johnson is a PPR sleeper. He quietly recorded six catches last week, flashing a skill set that was a large part of his college succes. He had 38 receptions his final year, but he didn’t catch any balls in his first two NFL games. Now that he’s finally being integrated as a pass-catcher I expect his PPR value to increase. Crowell is still the main rusher for now but Johnson will be looking to impress the coaches and get more touches.

I don’t think we saw enough of Todd Gurley last week to plug him into lineups just yet. I do think he has a good chance to lead the Rams in touches in Week 4, but I don't expect much in a tough matchup against the Cardinals. If he does well with 12+ touches this week I think he'll make a good start in Week 5 against the Packers.

 

NFL & Fantasy Football Chat Room

 


Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Player Comparisons
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Dillon Head1 hour ago

Headlines Marlins Prospect Return From Padres
Luis Arraez2 hours ago

Marlins Trade Luis Arraez To Padres
Evan Mobley2 hours ago

Fizzles Offensively In Game 6
Darius Garland2 hours ago

Plays Well On Friday Night
Donovan Mitchell2 hours ago

Explodes Offensively In Game 6
Trea Turner3 hours ago

Leaves Game With Hamstring Soreness
Bobby Miller4 hours ago

Throws Bullpen Session
Clayton Kershaw4 hours ago

Throws First Bullpen Session
Brandon Lowe4 hours ago

Starting Rehab Assignment Next Tuesday
Pete Fairbanks5 hours ago

To Start A Rehab Assignment On Tuesday
Steven Matz5 hours ago

Dealing With "Protruding Disc"
Nick Pivetta5 hours ago

Ready To Rejoin Red Sox's Rotation
Paul Sewald5 hours ago

Likely To Be Activated On Tuesday
Mike Trout5 hours ago

Undergoes Successful Surgery
Alek Manoah6 hours ago

Could Start On Sunday
Royce Lewis6 hours ago

Progressing Well
Blake Snell7 hours ago

To Throw Another Bullpen On Saturday
Spencer Turnbull7 hours ago

Could Become Piggyback Option
Vaughn Grissom7 hours ago

Activated And Starting Friday
Nathan Eovaldi7 hours ago

Placed On 15-Day Injured List
Byron Buxton7 hours ago

Going On 10-Day Injured List
NYI7 hours ago

Lou Lamoriello, Patrick Roy To Return Next Season
Mason Marchment7 hours ago

A No-Go For Friday
Craig Kimbrel7 hours ago

Returning To Closer Role Friday
Gabriel Moreno8 hours ago

Back For D-Backs On Friday
Terance Mann8 hours ago

Active At Shootaround
Arturs Silovs8 hours ago

Expected To Go Again Friday
Byron Buxton8 hours ago

No Byron Buxton On Friday
Adin Hill8 hours ago

Back In Goal Friday
Los Angeles Lakers8 hours ago

Darvin Ham Dismissed As Lakers Head Coach
Auston Matthews8 hours ago

Uncertain For Game 7
Aaron Rodgers9 hours ago

No Restrictions For Aaron Rodgers During Offseason Workouts
Mac Jones10 hours ago

Jaguars Don't Pick Up Mac Jones' Fifth-Year Option
Jayden Daniels10 hours ago

Has A Chance To Start Immediately
Chase Claypool10 hours ago

Bills Sign Chase Claypool
Steve Erceg12 hours ago

Has A Chance To Become A Champion
Alexandre Pantoja12 hours ago

Looks To Defend Flyweight Title
Jarrett Allen12 hours ago

Spotted At Shootaround On Friday
Gary Harris12 hours ago

Remains Game-Time Decision
Josh Hart12 hours ago

Shines Again In Game 6 Victory
Michel Pereira13 hours ago

Ihor Potieria Faces Michel Pereira On UFC 301
Joel Embiid13 hours ago

Fouls Out With Big Stat Line In Losing Effort
Odell Beckham Jr.13 hours ago

Signing One-Year Deal With Dolphins
Michel Pereira13 hours ago

Looks To Extend Win Streak To Eight
Paul Craig13 hours ago

Looking To Rebound At UFC 301
Jalen Brunson13 hours ago

Leads Knicks To Series Win Over 76ers
DJ Chark Jr.1 day ago

Signs With Chargers
Kadarius Toney1 day ago

Chiefs Decline Kadarius Toney's Fifth-Year Option
Khris Middleton1 day ago

Can't Lift Milwaukee To A Win
Damian Lillard1 day ago

Plays Well In Return
Jarrett Allen1 day ago

Officially Questionable For Friday
Tim Hardaway1 day ago

Jr. Still Out For Game 6
Terance Mann1 day ago

On The Injury Report For Game 6
Kawhi Leonard1 day ago

Remains Out On Friday
Mitchell Robinson1 day ago

Will Play In Game 6
Joel Embiid1 day ago

Ready For Action Thursday
Tyrese Haliburton1 day ago

Officially Available On Thursday
Patrick Beverley1 day ago

Ready For Action Thursday
Khris Middleton1 day ago

Upgraded To Available
Steven Stamkos1 day ago

Begins Contract Talks With Lightning
Brett Pesce1 day ago

A Potential Option For Round 2
Sam Bennett1 day ago

Should Be Good For Round 2
Adam Fox1 day ago

Doesn't Skate Again On Thursday
Luke Schenn1 day ago

Hopeful For Game 6
Auston Matthews1 day ago

Out For Game 6
Justin Fields1 day ago

Steelers Decline Fifth-Year Option On Justin Fields
Najee Harris1 day ago

Fifth-Year Option On Najee Harris Declined By Steelers
JuJu Smith-Schuster1 day ago

Could Be On His Way Out
Khalil Herbert1 day ago

A Trade Candidate?
T.J. Hockenson1 day ago

Ahead Of Schedule In His Rehab
Nick Chubb1 day ago

"Progressing Nicely"
Caio Borralho2 days ago

Gets Ranked Opponent At UFC 301
Vitor Petrino2 days ago

Puts Undefeated Record On The Line At UFC 301
Anthony Smith2 days ago

A Massive Underdog At UFC 301
Jonathan Martinez2 days ago

Faces A Legend At UFC 301
Jose Aldo2 days ago

Returns At UFC 301
New York Giants2 days ago

Giants Could Sign A Veteran Running Back
Dallas Cowboys2 days ago

Trevon Diggs Expected To Be Ready For Training Camp
Daniel Jones2 days ago

Has Been Cutting, Plans To Be Ready For Camp
Malik Nabers2 days ago

To Be No. 1 Receiver Immediately
Trey Lance2 days ago

Cowboys To Decline Trey Lance's Fifth-Year Option
Tyler Boyd2 days ago

To Meet With Chargers, Titans
Jonathon Brooks2 days ago

On Track For Training Camp
Zach Wilson2 days ago

Broncos Not Picking Up Zach Wilson's Fifth-Year Option
Taylor Pendrith3 days ago

A Volatile Option For CJ Cup
Seamus Power3 days ago

Rounding Into Form Ahead of CJ Cup
Davis Thompson3 days ago

A Player To Watch At CJ Cup
Aaron Rai3 days ago

Lacks Upside At TPC Craig Ranch
Min Woo Lee3 days ago

A Dangerous Pick For CJ Cup
Tom Hoge3 days ago

Seeking Second Tour Victory At CJ Cup
Filip Forsberg3 days ago

Collects Two Apples In Game 5 Win
Juuse Saros3 days ago

Comes Through For Predators In Game 5
Nathan MacKinnon3 days ago

Posts Two More Points In Series-Clinching Win
Mikko Rantanen3 days ago

Helps Finish Off Jets With Three Points
Joseph Woll3 days ago

Excellent In Series-Saving Win
Matthew Knies3 days ago

Bangs In Overtime Winner In Game 5
Evgeny Kuznetsov3 days ago

Posts Goal And Assist In Game 5
Seth Jarvis3 days ago

Puts Up Three Points In Series-Winning Game
Mark Hubbard3 days ago

Will Return To Mediocrity At TPC Craig Ranch
Doug Ghim3 days ago

Putting History In Texas Makes Him A Hard Sell
Nate Lashley3 days ago

Looking To Rebound At Byron Nelson
Kevin Yu3 days ago

A Flier Pick With Likeable Upside At Byron Nelson
Andrew Novak3 days ago

Playing Well Heading To TPC Craig Ranch
Patrick Rodgers3 days ago

Withdraws From CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Luke List3 days ago

In Solid Form Heading To TPC Craig Ranch
Tom Kim3 days ago

A Safe Option With A Questionable Ceiling At Byron Nelson
Taylor Montgomery3 days ago

Searching For Form At TPC Craig Ranch
Jason Day3 days ago

To Defend Title At TPC Craig Ranch
Adam Scott3 days ago

Returns To Action At TPC Craig Ranch
PGA3 days ago

Sungjae Im As Good Of A Pick As Any At TPC Craig Ranch
PGA3 days ago

Alex Noren Looks To Take Another Step At TPC Craig Ranch
Mackenzie Hughes3 days ago

Brings Hot Putter To TPC Craig Ranch
Cole Perfetti3 days ago

To Make NHL Postseason Debut Tuesday
Si Woo Kim3 days ago

Trendy Si Woo Kim Heads To Byron Nelson
Connor Hellebuyck3 days ago

Looking To Get Right Tuesday
Chase Elliott4 days ago

Notches Another Top-Five Finish At Dover
Alex Bowman4 days ago

Frustrated After Finishing Eighth At Dover
Matheus Nicolau4 days ago

Knocked Out At UFC Vegas 91
William Byron4 days ago

Botched Pit Stop and Crash Eliminate William Byron From Contention at Dover
NASCAR4 days ago

Martin Truex, Jr. Faded to Third at Dover, but Remains Fastest Driver of 2024
Kyle Larson4 days ago

Late-Race Charge at Dover Comes up Short
Denny Hamlin4 days ago

Takes Checkered Flag at Dover for Third Win of Season
Alex Perez4 days ago

Scores Second-Round Knockout Win At UFC Vegas 91
MMA4 days ago

Ariane Lipski Loses A Decision At UFC Vegas 91
Karine Silva4 days ago

Remains Undefeated In The UFC
Jonathan Pearce4 days ago

Suffers Decision Loss
David Onama4 days ago

Wins Second Fight In A Row
Brad Keselowski4 days ago

A Tire Issue On Lap 118 Impacts Brad Keselowski's Day At Dover
Ryan Blaney5 days ago

Finishes Seventh At Dover
Noah Gragson5 days ago

Nabs A Quality Top 10 Finish At Dover
Kyle Busch5 days ago

Scores His Second Top-10 Finish Of The Year At Dover
Daniel Hemric5 days ago

Ends Up Ninth At Dover
Ty Gibbs5 days ago

Sneaks Into Tenth At Dover On Sunday
Martin Truex Jr6 days ago

. Is One Of The Top DFS Plays At Dover
Tyler Reddick6 days ago

Will Start Fourth At Dover
Michael McDowell6 days ago

Fade Michael McDowell For the Wurth 400 At Dover
Joey Logano6 days ago

Will Not Cause Much DFS Excitement At Dover
Noah Gragson6 days ago

Is Noah Gragson A Sneaky Tournament Play At Dover?
Uros Medic6 days ago

Returns To Win Column At UFC Vegas 91
Tim Means6 days ago

Gets Knocked Out At UFC Vegas 91
Austen Lane6 days ago

Winless In The UFC
Jhonata Diniz6 days ago

Wins UFC Debut
Ryan Spann6 days ago

Suffers Third Straight Loss
Kyle Larson6 days ago

the Favorite to Win at Dover Despite Qualifying 21st
Chase Elliott6 days ago

a Core DFS Play at Dover
Alex Bowman6 days ago

Always Strong at Dover
Chris Buescher6 days ago

Has DFS Place Differential Upside at Dover
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF