As we review the first Sunday of NFL action, we look at the top and bottom performers based on our rankings. While Charch gets more right than not, no one could have predicted the stinker Chris Johnson put up.
Studs:
1. DeMarco Murray (#13)
Led the way in the Cowboys win over New York with 131 yards on the ground. Appears the Cowboys have their man in Big-D.
2. Stevan Ridley (#11)
Who said there couldn't be a workhorse back in New England. Ridley carried 21 times…yes both Bill Belechik and Tom Brady were reportedly hosing off following the game.
3. CJ Spiller (Not Ranked)
There is no way to sugar coat this. The Bills suck. While Fred Jackson sprained his LCL, CJ Spiller cleaned up in garbage time rushing for 169 yards in the loss.
4. Arian Foster (#6)
With defibrillators on alert, Foster's injury concern Saturday went for naught. The top runner in fantasy football didn't have the yards (79) but did find the end zone twice on 26 carries.
5. Adrian Peterson (Not Ranked)
We couldn't not include AP in this list. The genetic freak made a triumphant return to the Vikings lineup and immediately provided fantasy dividends to his owners. 17 carries, 84 yards and two scores in his first game back. Not bad with a new left knee.
Honorable Mention:
Frank Gore (Not Ranked)
Frank was initially in our top 25 but fell out when Trent Richardson appeared to be full strength. Look, Gore ran 16 times for 112 yards and a score in the 49ers win in Green Bay. Normally he'd be a lock for this end of the equation. We completely recognize his effort. Now shut up Frank and back it up with another next week.
Duds:
1. Chris Johnson (#10)
So, how does CJ reward owners for their loyalty? 11 carries and four yards! Check please! If this is the new Chris Johnson, I want nothing to do with him.
2. Fred Jackson (#5)
Jackson sprained his LCL in the game against the Jets. He did rush six times for 15 yards.
3. Trent Richardson (#19)
The rookie had a nondescript debut rushing 19 times for 39 yards in the Browns one point loss to Philadelphia.
4. Michael Turner (#14)
You would think that when you are on the good end of a 40-24 rout your main running back would pad his stats? Not so much. Turner carried 11 times for a mere 32 yards.
5. Peyton Hillis (#16)
We were led to believe it would be a job share in KC. Hillis only toted the rock seven times for 16 yards.
