Here in Week 4 of the NFL season we have many regulars still out with injury. However, we do get to welcome Pittsburgh running back Le’Veon Bell back to the mix. DeAngelo Williams will head to a complementary role while Bell will resume his spot as a regular elite running back option in all formats. We also saw how if things are going right, both Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman can be useful in Atlanta. Don’t get me wrong, it won’t be like it was on Monday night every time they play, but the duo could remain fantasy relevant all season. Anyway, let’s jump into it.

Here are the top 5 running backs for Week 4 of the NFL season.

Le’Veon Bell vs. KC

Head coach Mike Tomlin said that Bell is “highly conditioned” and will be used a lot in his season debut. Excellent. Kansas City is allowing just under 4.3 yards per carry and Bell’s work in the passing game figures to increase his fantasy output tenfold. 100 total yards should damn near be his baseline in his debut.

David Johnson vs. LA

Johnson might be the best complete back in all of football and if he isn’t, then he’s surely in the top two or three. He’s gone over 100 total yards in each game this season and while the Rams have been solid against the run, they’ve allowed the tenth-most receiving yards to opposing backs. Johnson’s workload and talent level makes it nearly impossible to rank him outside the top 5. He’s essentially match-up proof.

C.J. Anderson @ TB

Anderson notched only 41 total yards last week, but he will face a Bucs defense this week that has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to the position this season. Expect Anderson to get more looks in the passing attack this week, seeing as Tampa Bay has been extremely vulnerable to pass-catching backs this season. Anderson should bounce back in a nice way in Week 4.

Ezekiel Elliott @ SF

If only the Cowboys would let Zeke get some touches near the goal line! It’s frustrating, but Elliott is still so valuable in fantasy formats, despite his coach screwing him out of two or so touchdowns. His 71 carries are third in the NFL while his 274 rushing yards are tied for second. Roll with him in all formats.

Melvin Gordon vs. NO

The New Orleans Saints have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. They’ve surrendered seven total touchdowns to the position, not to mention the fact that they are allowing just under 5.3 yards per carry and almost 10 yards per reception. Melvin Gordon out-snapped backup Dexter McCluster 51 to nine last week, so it’s safe to say Gordon has very high upside this week.

Be sure to check out the rest of the NFL Week 4 Player Rankings here at Fantasy Alarm.

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