There’s a couple of match-ups that look really appealing this week.  Those games will probably produce the most fantasy points this week just based on performance of the defense and the capabilities of the offenses. I think the Charger versus Redskin match-up looks very good, as well as the match-ups for the Raiders and Cowboys. Both teams are playing at home, and are going against defense that allow a lot of points and they are playing at home.  However, there’s one running back that I really like this week and he is the top back in the week 9 First and Five running back edition.

Best running back match-up for week 9.

• Ryan Matthews – He is poised to have a huge game this week. He’s been putting up decent numbers over the past couple of weeks. He’s coming off back-to-back 100 yard rushing games, and he is averaging over 4 yards per carry this year.  He is also playing a great match-up this week against the Redskins. They give up the 3rd most rushing yards per game, the second most rushing touchdowns on the season, and over 4 yards per carry average.  This could be another week where he gets 20 plus carries for over 100 yards and 1 touchdown.

Five more fantasy football running backs that look good for week 9.

• Leveon Bell – He has established himself as the main back in the offense.  This week he faces a Pats team that gives up the 2nd most rushing yards  and rushing attempts per game in the league. Teams are definitely running the ball on the Pats and Bell is the guy running the ball for the Steelers. He is a great play this week and he is coming off game where he had a nice touchdown run. He has 3 touchdowns in the 4 games he has played this year.  Look for him to get around 18 carries, for about 80 yards and maybe 1 touchdown.
• Demarco Murray – He should be ready to go this week and again he has a great match-up. If he doesn’t go, just like last week, his back-up Randle would be a great play. They are facing the Vikings, who give up the 4th most rushing attempts per game and tied for the 3rd most rushing touchdowns. The Cowboys should get a lead in this game and run the ball a lot late in the game. He could easily see 20 plus carries for over 100 yards.
• Steven Ridley – I hate to recommend any Pats running back because it seems like at times there is no guarantee on who will get it. However, it’s a good match-up this week for the Pats and Ridley will be starting. The Steelers give up the 3rd most rushing attempts per game and tied for the 3rd most rushing touchdowns on the year. They also give up the 6th most rushing yards so be afraid to playing your back against the Steel Curtain this year, and especially playing at home, the Pats should have no problem getting plays off. He could be in for 15 plus carries for 70 yards and 1 touchdown.
• Alfred Morris – He maybe losing some carries around the goal-line, but he is still the man putting in work and could break a big one at any time. He is inline for a good match-up this week facing the Chargers that give up a whopping 4.8 yards per carry, which leads the NFL. They have huge holes that Morris can find and exploit as he racking up carries.  Morris, who average over 5 yards per carry, and normally see almost 20 carries per game, should be ripe for a nice yardage day with easily 100 yards in his sights.
• Eddie Lacy – The Bears run stopping defense isn’t what is used to be. They give up a yards and points so it’s easy to put Lacy into the mix this week. The Bears give up over 4 yards per carry, over 100 yards per game, and almost 30 rushing attempts per game. Lacy is the main ball carrier for the Packers so he is set to have a nice game against the Bears.

Bonus running backs that have good match-ups for week 9.

• Trent Richardson – They said he workload would pickup and this a great week for that to happen. The Texans give up over 100 yards and almost 30 attempts per game.
• Chris Johnson – He’s got the match-up he needs to get some good carries and break one run open for a touchdown.
• Jonathan Stewart – He is going to get limited work this week, but could see as many as 10 carries. He would be a good option for really deep leagues as a sleeper.