It’s Thanksgiving week, which means it’s the week of the three F’s. Football, family and food, in no particular order of course. Like Howard Bender mentioned in an article of his, the elite running backs are back, baby! In recent years, you were okay with above-average backs, so long as you had multiple stud wide receivers. However, it’s not that way this year. The elite workhorse running backs are back in business and this week’s top 5 features multiple guys who fit that description.

Here are the top 5 running backs for Week 12 of the NFL season.

Le'Veon Bell @ IND

Bell ran for 146 yards last week on 28 touches and this week, he could see a similar workload against the Colts. Indianapolis has allowed a total of 11 touchdowns to running backs this season, and Bell has found the end zone three times in the past two games. He’s firing on all cylinders and he’ll continue to be used heavily in the Pittsburgh offense.

David Johnson @ ATL

Johnson has recorded at least 24 touches and 99 total yards with a touchdown in each of the past two games and he’s showing no signs of slowing down. Atlanta is allowing the fifth-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, and Johnson’s role in the passing attack makes him even more valuable. Johnson is averaging 7.3 targets per game and he’s in line for another heavy workload.

Ezekiel Elliott vs. WSH

Elliott is leading the league in carries and rushing yards. Surprise? He hasn’t reached 100 rushing yards in three of his last four games, but he’s been above 90 rushing yards in each of those. Zeke also has 11 receptions over the past four games, so he’s not a complete non-factor in the passing attack. He’s an elite running back on a weekly basis.

DeMarco Murray @ CHI

Murray has slipped off a bit in the passing attack of late by gathering only six targets over the last two games. However, he’s caught five of those passes for 42 yards and even found the end zone. He’s eclipsed 100 rushing yards in three of his last five games and he’s scored a touchdown in six straight games.

Jay Ajayi vs. SF

The San Francisco 49ers have been the friendliest defense to opposing running backs this season. The 49ers are allowing 5.3 yards per carry, as well as a total of 16 touchdowns (13 rushing, 3 receiving) in 10 games. Ajayi has received 16 carries and eclipsed 75 rushing yards in five straight games. He’s a surefire RB1 in Week 12.

Be sure to check out the rest of the NFL Week 12 Fantasy Football Player Rankings here at Fantasy Alarm.