Fantasy: Week 14 Rankings - Running Backs (Analysis)

theScore's Justin Boone is currently ranked second in FantasyPros' Most Accurate Expert Competition and is tied as the top-ranked pro over the last two seasons. Scroll down to see his rankings for Week 14. 

A final rankings update will be available on Sunday morning.

Rankings
QB | RB | WR | TE | DST | K

Running Backs

• Le'Veon Bell followed up his 204-yard performance against the Titans with 254 total yards (95 rushing, 159 receiving) in last week's loss to the Saints. We've already hit that time of year where you start thinking about next year's draft and it's not crazy to think Bell will be the first player off the board. That suggestion will sound even more plausible after matchups with the Bengals and Falcons over the next two weeks. 

• C.J. Anderson is averaging 164.5 total yards since becoming the Broncos' starter. He also has three touchdowns in four games. The Bills have given up solid fantasy days to opposing running backs in four of their last six games. Let's see if they can hold against the run while trying to slow down a Petyon Manning-led offense. 

• After returning from injury with a string of solid performances, Rashad Jennings may be back on the shelf with a bad ankle this week. The Giants signed veteran Chris Ogbonnaya, casting even more doubt on Jennings' availability for Sunday. It would be a devastating loss for fantasy owners since the Titans have allowed over 100 total yards to the last five starting running backs they've faced. If Jennings sits, Andre Williams will be in the RB2 conversation. 

• The Saints' backfield is getting healthier, but Mark Ingram continues to carry the load. Ingram has four 100-yard games in his last six and gets another plus-matchup this week against the Panthers. Ingram had 30 carries for 100 yards and two scores in a Week 9 win over Carolina. While it's unlikely he sees 30 touches now that Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson are back, he's still a low-end RB1 this week. 

• The Eagles defense has only allowed one 100-yard rusher this season. While Marshawn Lynch is nearly matchup-proof, I expect Philadelphia to control the line of scrimmage and limit Lynch's upside. He's still a low-end RB1, which is about as low as you'll ever see him in my rankings. 

• Coming off a game where he had 14 carries for 117 yards and two touchdowns, as well as three receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown, it's almost impossible to take Tre Mason out of your lineup. Mason is the clear lead back in St. Louis and while he won't match his totals from Week 13, he remains a high-end RB2. 

• Isaiah Crowell is dealing with a hip injury that caused him to miss practice Wednesday. The Browns say they are hopeful he will be able to go against the Colts, but it's a surprise situation for fantasy owners. Cleveland also signed veteran Shaun Draughn, which is far from reassuring. Crowell is an RB2 if he plays, but in his absence, Terrance West would assume a similar spot in the rankings. 

• Andre Ellington will be a game-time decision this week as he deals with what head coach Bruce Arians referred to as a "severe" hip pointer. Even if Ellington plays, we have to assume he won't be his same explosive self. If Ellington were to miss the game, Marion Grice, Stepfan Taylor and Michael Bush would make up a Cardinals backfield that fantasy owners should stay away from. 

• Dan Herron is the new Ahmad Bradshaw and Trent Richardson is the same old Trent Richardson. Start Herron with confidence and leave Richardson on your bench at all times, even in a game against his former team. 

• Intriguing options for Week 14: Jonathan Stewart has run well, and if DeAngelo Williams is sidelined, Stewart could have a decent game against the Saints' poor run defense. If you're really desperate, the 49ers square off with the Raiders, which should mean plenty of opportunities to run the ball. Carlos Hyde has averaged eight touches per game over his last three contests and could find some success, even in a backup role.