Rams rookie running back has three-straight 100-yard games. (Getty)
After missing the first two games (knee) and totaling 9 yards on 6 carries in his opening action, Todd Gurley has exploded for games of 146, 159 and 128 yards over the past three.
The oft-injured (in college) St. Louis Rams rookie is averaging 6 yards per carry and has practically become a top 5 fantasy running back overnight. And judging by the Rams’ remaining schedule, it doesn’t appear Gurley is going to lose his must-start status anytime soon.
Can we expect Gurley to average 6 yards per carry the entire season? No, I wouldn’t hold my breath on that. But with that ridiculous explosiveness a couple of big plays per game are certainly possible.
If Gurley can stay healthy, he’s one of the first running backs off the board in fantasy drafts next year, no question.
Don’t forget to bookmark our fantasy football rankings 2015 page to keep up-to-date on the latest projections and rankings so you know you who to start and who to sit each week.
Bye weeks: Bills, Eagles, Jaguars and Redskins
Here are my top 40 running back rankings for Week 8:
1. Le’Veon Bell, Steelers, vs. Bengals
2. Devonta Freeman, Falcons, vs. Buccaneers
3. Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks, at Cowboys
4. Todd Gurley, Rams, vs. 49ers
5. Adrian Peterson, Vikings, at Bears
6. Matt Forte, Bears, vs. Vikings
7. Chris Ivory, Jets, at Raiders
8. Doug Martin, Buccaneers, at Falcons
9. Mark Ingram, Saints, vs. Giants
10. Justin Forsett, Ravens, vs. Chargers
11. Lamar Miller, Dolphins, at Patriots
12. Chris Johnson, Cardinals, at Browns
13. Jonathan Stewart, Panthers, vs. Colts
14. Eddie Lacy, Packers, at Broncos
15. Frank Gore, Colts, at Panthers
16. Charcandrick West, Chiefs, vs. Lions
17. Ronnie Hillman, Broncos, vs. Packers
18. LeGarrette Blount, Patriots, vs. Dolphins
19. Latavius Murray, Raiders, vs. Jets
20. Carlos Hyde, 49ers, at Rams (OUT)
21. Giovani Bernard, Bengals, at Steelers
22. Antonio Andrews, Titans, at Texans
23. Danny Woodhead, Chargers, at Ravens
24. Alfred Blue, Texans, vs. Titans
25. Ameer Abdullah, Lions, at Chiefs
26. Jeremy Hill, Bengals, at Steelers
27. James Starks, Packers, at Broncos
28. Andre Ellington, Cardinals, at Browns
29. C.J. Anderson, Broncos, vs. Packers
30. Khiry Robinson, Saints, vs. Giants
31. Dion Lewis, Patriots, vs. Dolphins (questionable)
32. Reggie Bush, 49ers, at Rams
33. Melvin Gordon, Chargers, at Ravens
34. Duke Johnson, Browns, vs. Cardinals
35. Orleans Darkwa, Giants, at Saints
36. Darren McFadden, Cowboys, vs. Seahawks
37. Charles Sims, Buccaneers, at Falcons
38. Isaiah Crowell, Browns, vs. Cardinals
39. Zac Stacy, Jets, at Raiders
40. Chris Polk, Texans, vs. Titans
