Top Fantasy RBs of Week 9

Chris Johnson 161yds, 1 TD, 6 catches - Johnson continues to impress - more than that really - every time he gets a chance. An outstanding day for the rookie who is not losing any steam and even though his schedule is not the greatest he has become a must start weekly.

Thomas Jones 107yds, 1TD, 6 catches - We've been waiting for Jones to do this regularly all season long. I don't know what the Jets are doing offensively on most Sundays, bu they need to ride Jones harder. His ground yards are not great but he was involved in the pass game this week and he has scored a TD in each of the last three games.

Ray Rice 176 total yds, 3 catches - Is Rice finally emerging as the back his proponents said he could be at the beginning of the season? Maybe, but let's not crown him yet - he has looked much better the last few weeks than he did in weeks 1 and 2. Which guy is he? Will he be stuck in a RBBC all season? We should get a good idea very soon.

Adrian Peterson 139total yds, 1TD - Peterson came out of the bye how he went into the bye - with a game that makes his fantasy owners happy they took him #1 or 2. That they came against Houston and Chicago are food signs - especially against the #5 rush defense of the Bears. I love Minny's ground schedule going forward - and I love Peterson's end season upside as well.

Steve Slaton 118 total yds, 8 catches - Slaton's ability to contribute in the pass game is a huge bonus for him - against the #2 rush defense in the league, it made a huge difference. About half his yards came off his 8 catches and the tough D kept him from the end zone. The QB turmoil and some of the defensive issues, along with worry about hitting the rookie wall make me less high on him than Johnson. But both Slaton and Forte are guys I think could hold up value throughout the rest of the season.

Peyton Hillis 116yds, 1 catching TD, 7 catches - Well, I have Hillis here for two reasons. First it was an incredible performance. But fullbacks like Hillis have those every once in a while and fade away. But the second point is more important - Andre Hill and Michael Pittman have been placed on the IR. This leaves rookie Ryan Torain (coming off injury) and a banged up Selvin Young. As I said on The Fantasy Sporst Group Show last night, don't expect Hillis to step in right now. BUT he is a guy you may want on your bench (assuming you have room) as he is a nifty player who can pass block and clearly is good on a screen pass.

Will he amount to anything? I don't know. But can you ignore anyone in the Denver backfield? Young cannot stay healthy and Torain might have a long way to go before he can be counted on, especially in pass blocking situations. I will be picking him up where I can. I'm not depending upon him - but as Cecil and I talked about last week on The Thundering Blurb Fantasy Football Show, there are always backs who pop out of nowehere. Ryan Moats, Michael Bush - Hillis is another guy for that category. Watchlist would be the word. Put him on yours.

Others to look at --
Clinton Portis - 124 yards, 7 catches - Portis gets it done again. Yes, he was stifled on the ground but as the engine in the 'Skins offense they get him the ball. And it will continue after the bye week.

Cedric Benson 109/1TD, 1 catch - Has he found new life with the Bengals? Could be. This is a guy to watch very closely especially for Dynasty owners. He certainly looks like a new man - and the team has good things to say about him.

Tim Hightower 108/1TD, 1 catch - Hightower is the new man and he did just what the Cards hoped he would. A more dynamic back than Edge is, not only did he knock Edge from the #1 spot, he kncoked him past JJ Arrington according to reports. An intriguing late surge guy? I think so.

Brandon Jacobs 117/1TD - Will Jacobs wear down like last year? It is a concern. And Ward is right behind him. If Jacobs stumbles, it would be easy to see Ward or Bradshaw take over like last year. They don't care as much about individual roles - they want to win. Good for Giant fans. Worrisome for Fantasy Owners.

JJ Arrington 119yds, 5 catches (62ground, 57 receiving) - It's telling how much work Arrington got compared to Ege (that is to say none). Has Edge fallen that far on the chart? We'll see going forward but Arrington seems to be playing far better than he has before.

That's all for today - will be back more later with news and of course back with both podcasts tomorrow morning.