Jamaal Charles Highlight Video

Jamaal Charles has the Chiefs back in contention after finishing 2-14 in 2012.  With his third pro bowl season and his second year being named to the all-pro first team, Charles has led the Chiefs to an impressive 11-5 record in arguably the toughest division in the NFL.  Despite being injured for the entire 2011 season, Charles' explosiveness is still second to none, and his silky-smooth moves are on full display in this highlight video we put together.  Make sure to check out other videos on our youtube channel here.

Week 8 Predictions

Game to Watch: Redskins @ Broncos: The Denver Broncos were handed their first loss of 2013 season by the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football, and now they have a chance to redeem themselves this week at home against Washington. The Washington Redskins (soon to be the Washington Bravehearts??) are 2-5, and a key factor of Washington's poor play is that quarterback Robert Griffin III does not look the same since his injury in the 2012 NFL Playoffs. Luckily for Redskins fans, RGIII is coming off of a dominant performance in Week 7, as  Washington's offense scored 45 points in a win over the Bears. The Denver Broncos incredible offense will create problems for Washington's struggling defense, as this game is sure to be high scoring.
Broncos over Redskins 34-23

Stand Out Performance: RB Jamaal Charles: The Kansas City Chiefs are 7-0, as they look to be 8-0 for the first time since 2003. The success of the Chief's offense relies heavily on running back Jamaal Charles, who is just one rushing touchdown away from tying his career high . At this rate, Charles is on pace to rush for 1,280 yards with 14 rushing touchdowns in 2013. Tomorrow, Charles and the Chiefs will play the Cleveland Browns, a defense that has struggled to stop the run. Charles is going to make his fantasy owners very happy with this Sunday's performance.
RB Jamaal Charles: 120 yards, 2 total TDs

Player to Watch: TE Rob Gronkowski: The New England Patriots have been missing a healthy Rob Gronkowski from their lineup for almost a full year. Gronk made his return last week against the New York Jets, as he recorded 114 receiving yards in an overtime loss to the Jets. The Patriots will try to successfully incorporate Gronkowski into their lineup so that the Patriots may return to their winning form. Once Belicheck and the coaching staff are able to figure out their plans with Gronk, the Patriots offense has the potential to be one of the best in the league once again.
TE Rob Gronkowski: 105 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD

Week 8 Predictions:

Panthers over Buccaneers

49ers over Jaguars

Chiefs over Browns

Patriots over Dolphins

Lions over Cowboys

Saints over Bills

Eagles over Giants

Bengals over Jets

Steelers over Raiders

Cardinals over Falcons

Broncos over Redskins

Packers over Vikings

Seahawks over Rams

Last Week: 9-6

2013 Season: 71-35 (66.9%)

Top 5 Fantasy Running Backs

It is likely that you picked a running back in the first round of your fantasy draft back in September, and the way this season has gone, it is just as likely that you have been disappointed by your choice.  C.J. Spiller, Doug Martin, Ray Rice, Trent Richardson, and Alfred Morris were all highly-touted fantasy selections that have failed to live up to expectations.  Here's a list of the few running backs that have been able to keep their heads above the water in a season that has seen most running backs leaving owners sweating over poor waiver wire replacements.

1. Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

If you have read any of my articles before, you will understand that the most important statistic in fantasy football is touchdowns.  While Charles only has one week over 100 yards, he has six rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns through seven weeks.  His eight total touchdowns are tied for first in the NFL, and this production should not end any time soon, as the Chiefs continue to lean heavily on Charles, their only star skill player.

2. Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seattle Seahawks

In a similar situation to that of Jamaal Charles, Lynch only has one game over 100 yards.  However, "Beast Mode" owners will be happy to know that he has more than made up for the lack of yardage with seven total touchdowns (6 rushing, 1 receiving).  It seems that his diet of skittles is working, as Lynch has rewarded fantasy owners with another steady and productive fantasy year that should continue with match ups against the two worst fantasy rush defenses in the league soon (I'm looking at you St. Louis and Minnesota).

3. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos

Moreno's production this season has been incredible, but may be more a function of the rest of Denver's awesome offense than anything else.  When game planning for the Bronco's, coaches certainly focus on Manning and his receiving core more than Moreno, who has obviously taken advantage of this.  As the season goes on, expect opposing teams to be more prepared for what Moreno brings to the table.  However, until teams begin to make adjustments, Moreno will remain a top five fantasy running back.

4. LeSean McCoy, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

Though McCoy may be putting up the most impressive numbers of any running backs on this list, his inconsistent amount of touches inside the red zone is worrying.  He only has three touchdowns on the year, and though he leads the league in rush yards by a long shot, until he begins to produce touchdowns, he will remain a good fantasy play, but not a great one.

5. Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears

Forte has been an absolute workhorse for the Bears, not posting less than ten fantasy points in any game so far this year.  His touchdown production has been key, as he has 6 touchdowns through the first seven weeks (all rushing).  Additionally, he has provided top notch receiving stats for a running back.  Forte has done it all this year, and owners should be exuberant after drafting him most likely in the third round or later.

Fantasy Football: Running Backs (Week 8)

Alfred Morris (Washington Post)

1. Arian Foster: Houston's number one running back is the undisputed number one fantasy player at his position. His speed, elusiveness, and power makes him an intimidating force on the field. Entering Houston's Week 8 bye, Foster has yet to score less than fourteen points for his fantasy owners in a given week. The road that lies ahead is an easy one for this star running back, and you can count on him to consistently rake in double digit points.
(Stats: 659 rushing yards, 10 total TDs, 127 fantasy points)

2. Ray Rice: Though he is not quite as consistent as Foster, Ray Rice has the ability to alter fantasy football games. With only two games under the ten point mark, Rice averages 14.3 fantasy points per game, which puts him at number two in the league. Though he does not have any receiving touchdowns this season, Rice's receiving skills adds a whole other dimension to his game.
(Stats: 524 rushing yards, 5 total TDs, 100 fantasy points)

3. Adrian Peterson: Even an ACL tear can't keep Adrian Peterson from dominating the league. His 13.1 points per game puts him at fifth in the league, but yardage has not been a problem for this star. Though he only has four rushing touchdowns, the 775 rushing yards is a positive sign for the future.
(Stats: 775 rushing yards, 4 total TDs, 92 fantasy points)

4. Alfred Morris: RGIII isn't the only offensive star in Washington. In the first seven weeks of Morris' 2012 season, he has scored five rushing touchdown, giving him an average of 13.3 fantasy points per game. His consistent play makes him the perfect running back for those who wish to succeed in their fantasy football leagues.
(Stats: 658 rushing yards, 5 total TDs, 93 fantasy points)

5. Jamaal Charles: A slow start to his comeback season left many fantasy owners wondering why they spent so much for this struggling rusher. Then, in Week 3, Charles turned into the old Jamaal Charles, rushing for 233 yards and 1 touchdown. Since that game, Charles has been consistently gaining great yardage, and his Week 7 bye should make him well rested for the road ahead.
(Stats: 591 rushing yards, 3 total TDs, 81 fantasy points)