Fantasy Football 2012, Week 8: Running back rankings for PPR and standard leagues

This week has seen several backfields become messier with competition on the depth chart and several injuries to key fantasy assets. Let's take a look at backs making news for good and bad reasons:

Maurice Jones-Drew dodged the Lisfranc bullet this week and will only be out several games. While that sentence doesn't exactly scream optimism, it's a good sign that fantasy owners will at least have him for the fantasy playoffs. Rashad Jennings is the top pickup this week and is ranked fairly high.

DeMarco Murray isn't sounding good and the Cowboys are expected to list him as doubtful against the Giants. Felix Jones isn't the most reliable of backs, but he should still serve the purpose of a RB2 in some formats. Phillip Tanner could be a desperation play and it wouldn't be a total shock to see him outperform the Razorback.

Ahmad Bradshaw didn't practice on Wednesday with his foot injury. However, it looks like he'll be ready to roll on Sunday against the Cowboys. Andre Brown could still see 10 carries and might scores.

LaRod Stephens-Howling was busy last week and cleared 100 yards on his 24 touches. Coach Whisenhunt said LSH had the hot hand and the Cardinals could go back to a split with William Powell. Although, the Cardinals are likely going to have to run off-tackle plays and LSH may be a better fit.

Trent Richardson could be shut down until Week 10 by the Browns. Interestingly, he practiced on Wednesday, so owners can still be optimistic about T-Rich suiting up.

Jonathan Stewart could become the featured back for Carolina. This could potentially be huge news and he should be owned in all leagues. Plus, it might not be a bad idea to see if his owner isn't privy to this news.

There are a lot of formats out there, so feel free to hit me up on Twitter (@MikeSGallagher) for leagues that have 100-yard bonuses or return yards.

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