These 2013 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings will be updated often throughout the spring and summer, so make sure you check back from time to time. Also, be sure to check out my other 2013 Fantasy Football articles, which will include sleepers, busts, tons of 2013 Fantasy Football mock drafts and other material. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - Running Backs (Sept. 4):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-40 | 41-60 | 61-75
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Isaac Redman, RB, Steelers. Bye: 5. 
SEPT. 3 UPDATE: It sounds like Le’Veon Bell will return earlier than expected.
Jonathan Dwyer was cut. Le’Veon Bell is out until who-knows-when. This leaves Isaac Redman as the primary running back in Pittsburgh. Redman is not talented at all, so I wouldn’t get too excited about him, but the fact remains that he’s a starting NFL back.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 490 rushing yards. 26 catches. 200 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Points: 109.
Projected 2013 PPR Fantasy Points: 135.
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Bilal Powell, RB, Jets. Bye: 10.
SEPT. 4 UPDATE: Bilal Powell has been named the Jets’ starting running back. He’s a RB3 at best, but is worth taking late in your fantasy draft.
AUG. 30 UPDATE: Bilal Powell is having issues pass protecting, according to ESPN New York. This is discouraging, as Powell is the favorite for early-down work. This ruins Powell’s upside, though he’s still worth picking in Rounds 11-13.
AUG. 25 UPDATE: Bilal Powell started over Chris Ivory for the second week in a row. Neither back ran well (Powell: 11-16, TD; Ivory: 8-15), but the coaching staff once again ran direct snaps for Powell. This happened on two occasions, one of which resulted in a touchdown. I’ll reiterate what I said last week: The fact that Marty Mornhinweg has specific plays planned for Powell indicates that Ivory, at best, will have to share touches with Powell. As of right now, I’d say Powell is the favorite to lead the Jet running backs in carries.
AUG. 18 UPDATE: Bilal Powell was much better than Chris Ivory against the Jaguars. He ripped off a 37-yarder and ultimately finished with 68 yards on seven attempts. He took multiple direct snaps, so it’s clear that the coaching staff has plans for him this season. Try to draft Powell if he slips in your draft.
Bilal Powell received double-digit carries in five of his final seven games last year. He’s set to be the No. 2 back in New York with Mike Goodson facing legal problems.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 630 rushing yards. 18 catches. 150 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Points: 108.
Projected 2013 PPR Fantasy Points: 126.
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Marcel Reece, RB, Raiders. Bye: 7.
Marcel Reece will be considered to start once Darren McFadden suffers his annual injury. As Injured Reserve once told me, “I’ve had tons of fantasy success drafting Darren McFadden’s backup.” Reece in the meantime will serve as Oakland’s third-down back.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 340 rushing yards. 45 catches. 350 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Points: 108.
Projected 2013 PPR Fantasy Points: 153.
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Stepfan Taylor, RB, Cardinals. Bye: 9.
Both Rashard Mendenhall and Ryan Williams are unreliable, so Stepfan Taylor might just be able to emerge as the starting running back at some point during the season. He’s worth a late-round flier.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 500 rushing yards. 30 catches. 220 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Points: 106.
Projected 2013 PPR Fantasy Points: 136.
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Chris Ivory, RB, Jets. Bye: 9. 
SEPT. 4 UPDATE: Chris Ivory is No. 2 on the Jets’ depth chart. While these things are always fluid, Ivory has been playing behind Bilal Powell in every preseason game. There are still those who believe Ivory is the favorite to start. Make sure you’re not one of them at your fantasy draft.
AUG. 18 UPDATE: Chris Ivory has been hurt, so he didn’t start against the Jaguars. He was mixed in with first-team snaps, but he was far inferior compared to Bilal Powell. Ivory gained just 13 yards on six carries, and didn’t look spectacular at all. Powell was much better. He even took multiple direct snaps, so it’s clear that the coaching staff has plans for him this season. Downgrade Ivory immediately.
AUG. 6 UPDATE: Chris Ivory has missed an entire week of practice with a hamstring injury, prompting Rex Ryan to tell the media that he’s pretty frustrated. Injuries like this tend to linger, and Ivory is known as an injury-prone player.
The Jets traded a mid-round pick for Chris Ivory. The former Saint has averaged at least 5.2 YPC in two of his three NFL seasons. He’s a solid runner, but don’t expect him to maintain that average in New York with the opposing defenses not nearly as worried about Geno Smith as they were with Drew Brees.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 710 rushing yards. 12 catches. 100 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Points: 105.
Projected 2013 PPR Fantasy Points: 117.
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Daniel Thomas, RB, Dolphins. Bye: 6.
Daniel Thomas had more first-team reps than Lamar Miller in Monday’s practice. Offensive coordinator Mike Sherman called the competition “neck and neck.” Thomas has actually looked better than Miller through three preseason contests. He’s worth drafting late, but don’t expect too much.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 550 rushing yards. 17 catches. 100 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Points: 105.
Projected 2013 PPR Fantasy Points: 122.
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Johnathan Franklin, RB, Packers. Bye: 4.
AUG. 14 UPDATE: The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel mentioned today that Johnathan Franklin has struggled in terms of running and has only been an average pass-blocker. Franklin didn’t look very good in his preseason debut either. It’s time to move him down my rankings.
AUG. 7 UPDATE: Eddie Lacy has distanced himself from Johnathan Franklin and has emerged as the overwhelming favorite to start at running back. Franklin is still a decent, late-round option because of Lacy’s injury history, but he still gets a stock down.
Johnathan Franklin was chosen two rounds after Eddie Lacy, but he could be used more than the Alabama product. Franklin, viewed by some as the top running back prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft, is better as a receiver and blocker than Lacy, which is huge in Green Bay’s offense. Franklin will be selected later in fantasy drafts than Lacy, but he provides way more value.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 400 rushing yards. 30 catches. 240 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Points: 103.
Projected 2013 PPR Fantasy Points: 133.
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Vick Ballard, RB, Colts. Bye: 8.
JUNE 19 UPDATE: Multiple sources expect Ahmad Bradshaw to be Indianapolis’ starting running back. This is obviously bad news for Vick Ballard, who will lose more than third-down and goal-line touches.
JUNE 11 UPDATE: The Colts signed Ahmad Bradshaw, who will eat into Vick Ballard’s touches on third-down and goal-line situations. Ballard is still the favorite to get most of the work, but he’s just a low RB3 at best now.
Vick Ballard was pretty strong down the stretch. He rushed for at least 78 yards in three of his final four games despite battling the Texans twice in that span. He needs to become more of a factor in the passing game to be anything more than a decent RB2, but he’s not a bad option.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 520 rushing yards. 15 catches. 140 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Points: 99.
Projected 2013 PPR Fantasy Points: 114.
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Zac Stacy, RB, Rams. Bye: 11.
With Isaiah Pead hating football and Daryl Richardson being pretty mediocre, Zac Stacy has a legitimate shot to win the starting running back job in St. Louis. I could legitimately see him being this year’s version of Alfred Morris, but to a lesser degree.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 500 rushing yards. 8 catches. 50 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Points: 99.
Projected 2013 PPR Fantasy Points: 107.
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Lance Dunbar, RB, Cowboys. Bye: 11.
AUG. 20 UPDATE: Lance Dunbar will be out at least three weeks with a sprained left foot. This is a major bummer, as Dunbar was one of my favorite fantasy sleepers because of DeMarco Murray’s durability issues.
One day after “zooming past” Joseph Randle as the No. 2 running back in Dallas, Lance Dunbar drew heavy praise from Jason Garrett. It appears as though Dunbar will be DeMarco Murray’s backup, which means he’ll start some games this season. He’s worth a shot as a late-round flier.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 520 rushing yards. 16 catches. 130 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Points: 98.
Projected 2013 PPR Fantasy Points: 114.
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Christine Michael, RB, Seahawks. Bye: 12.
Christine Michael is a stud who has a good chance to be a first-round fantasy pick in the future. He could produce RB1 numbers if Marshawn Lynch goes down.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 440 rushing yards. 24 catches. 200 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Points: 97.
Projected 2013 PPR Fantasy Points: 121.
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Michael Bush, RB, Bears. Bye: 8. 
AUG. 17 UPDATE: Matt Forte has been handling the goal-line work this preseason. Michael Bush won’t be any sort of fantasy factor unless Forte gets hurt.
Michael Bush scored two touchdowns in the 2012 opener, but barely did anything after that. He finished with just 411 yards and five touchdowns. He won’t be any sort of fantasy option unless Matt Forte gets hurt.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 450 rushing yards. 12 catches. 100 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Points: 94.
Projected 2013 PPR Fantasy Points: 106.
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Bryce Brown, RB, Eagles. Bye: 12.
Bryce Brown is worth owning because he’s proven that he can explode if given the chance. He’s very hit-or-miss though, as he is very prone to fumbling a handful of times in a single game.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 440 rushing yards. 12 catches. 90 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Points: 93.
Projected 2013 PPR Fantasy Points: 105.
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Mikel Leshoure, RB, Lions. Bye: 9.
Mikel Leshoure looked very mediocre last year, but it shouldn’t be forgotten that he was just one year removed from an Achilles tear. Unfortunately for Leshoure, he may not get a chance to prove himself with Reggie Bush being ahead of him.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 420 rushing yards. 12 catches. 80 receiving yards. 7 total TDs.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Points: 92.
Projected 2013 PPR Fantasy Points: 104.
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Ronnie Hillman, RB, Broncos. Bye: 9.
AUG. 27 UPDATE: Montee Ball has been promoted to the No. 1 running back. That’s fine, but Peyton Manning will trust Knowshon Moreno most in pass protection. Whether it’s Ball or Moreno though, Ronnie Hillman appears to be out of the picture. The team simply doesn’t have any faith that he can hold on to the football.
AUG. 25 UPDATE: Ronnie Hillman started the third preseason contest. He looked good early on, gaining 34 yards on six carries, but once again fumbled – the third time he’s done so in two weeks. Hillman was nowhere to be seen after that. John Fox may have had enough with Hillman’s ball-security issues.
AUG. 18 UPDATE: Ronnie Hillman (13 carries, 34 yards) fumbled twice against the Seahawks. The refs ruled that he was down by contact on the first occasion, but it was clear that he coughed it up. His second fumble came at the goal line, which was returned 106 yards for a touchdown by Brandon Browner. Hillman was not seen after that. Montee Ball then took over exclusively. With Hillman in the doghouse and Knowshon Moreno nursing a knee injury, Ball appears to be the favorite for the starting job now.
JULY 31 UPDATE: Ronnie Hillman has been running as Denver’s No. 1 back in training camp. This will be a fluid situation all year, and Hillman, Montee Ball and Knowshon Moreno will all split touches. Still, it’s worth noting that Hillman has been the top guy thus far.
JUNE 19 UPDATE: The Colorado Springs Gazette expects Ronnie Hillman to begin the season as Denver’s starting running back. Montee Ball could eventually pass him, but that would require John Fox to buck his trend of not playing rookie running backs.
Ronnie Hillman could be in line for a good amount of touches if either Willis McGahee or Knowshon Moreno goes down. Montee Ball might be expected to see an increased workload, but remember that John Fox hates rookies.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 450 rushing yards. 20 catches. 160 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Points: 89.
Projected 2013 PPR Fantasy Points: 109.
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Shonn Greene, RB, Titans. Bye: 8.
Shonn Greene was brought in to be Chris Johnson’s backup. He’ll score some touchdowns as Tennessee’s goal-line hammer, but he’ll need CJ2K to get injured to warrant a roster spot.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 450 rushing yards. 10 catches. 70 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Points: 88.
Projected 2013 PPR Fantasy Points: 98.
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Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers. Bye: 4. 
AUG. 28 UPDATE: Forget about DuJuan Harris; he’s been placed on injured reserve with a knee. Given Johnathan Franklin’s struggles, Eddie Lacy is now guaranteed to be the top running back on Green Bay’s depth chart. Draft him confidently as an RB2.
JULY 23 UPDATE: ESPN’s Pat Yasinskas wrote that it’s looking like Jonathan Stewart won’t practice before the “middle or end” of training camp. Surprise, surprise. Stewart is always banged up, so it should not be shocking that he’s once again nursing an injury. He’s one of my 2013 Fantasy Football Busts.
JUNE 13 UPDATE: Surprise, surprise, Jonathan Stewart is nursing an ankle injury that could cause him to miss training camp. There’s no reason to draft this injury-prone bum.
Try to stay away from either Carolina running back. Both Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams will continue to disappoint as long as Cam Newton is picking up tons of yardage and touchdowns on the ground.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 400 rushing yards. 20 catches. 170 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Points: 85.
Projected 2013 PPR Fantasy Points: 105.
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Andre Brown, RB, Giants. Bye: 9.
AUG. 31 UPDATE: It turns out that Andre Brown will only be out for 4-6 weeks. Still, he may not be in playing shape until the end of October. There’s no reason to draft him in normal 12-man leagues.
AUG. 30 UPDATE: Andre Brown, who gained 27 yards on eight carries in the preseason finale, broke his leg in the second quarter. There’s a chance he’ll return before the end of the season because it wasn’t that bad of a break, but he’s not worth rostering at this point.
Everyone was excited about David Wilson’s fantasy potential when Ahmad Bradshaw was released, but what about Andre Brown? Despite having just two career carries heading into 2012, Brown was amazing in relief of Bradshaw, averaging 5.3 YPC and scoring eight touchdowns. Brown should continue to serve as the goal-line hammer. He’ll also have work on third downs because Tom Coughlin doesn’t trust Wilson in that area yet.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 340 rushing yards. 12 catches. 90 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Points: 82.
Projected 2013 PPR Fantasy Points: 94.
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Joique Bell, RB, Lions. Bye: 9.
Joique Bell won’t be a fantasy factor until Reggie Bush gets injured. Pick him up once that happens.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 300 rushing yards. 24 catches. 190 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Points: 81.
Projected 2013 PPR Fantasy Points: 105.
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Mike Tolbert, RB, Panthers. Bye: 4.
Mike Tolbert’s only value is in touchdown-only leagues, as he specializes in end-zone plunges from the 1-yard line.
Follow @walterfootball for updates.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 150 rushing yards. 24 catches. 210 receiving yards. 7 total TDs.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Points: 78.
Projected 2013 PPR Fantasy Points: 102.
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LaMichael James, RB, 49ers. Bye: 9.
AUG. 25 UPDATE: LaMichael James’ role in the offense is expected to be minimal, according to CSN Bay Area. James is sitting behind Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter on the depth chart, and he hasn’t been very involved in the aerial attack.
Frank Gore used to be considered injury-prone, but he hasn’t missed a game since Jim Harbaugh was hired. LaMichael James will have great value if that trend changes.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 400 rushing yards. 12 catches. 90 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Points: 77.
Projected 2013 PPR Fantasy Points: 89.
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - Running Backs (Sept. 4):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-40 | 41-60 | 61-75
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More 2013 Fantasy Football Articles:
2013 Fantasy Football: Home
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings:
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks - 9/1 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings: RUNNING BACKS - 9/4 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers - 9/4 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends - 9/2 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings: Defenses - 6/3 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings: Kickers - 6/3 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Auction Values - 4/24 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings - 5/5 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: Dynasty - 8/28 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Season Features:
Week 17 Fantasy Football Rankings - 12/26 (Walt)
Week 17 Fantasy Football Rankings: PPR - 12/26 (Walt)
Week 17 Fantasy Football Injury Reports - 12/26 (Walt)
Week 17 Fantasy Football Start Em, Sit Em - 12/26 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Add/Drop: Week 15 - 12/9 (Walt)
Week 14 Fantasy Football Start Em, Sit Em - 12/8 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Fan Duel Picks - 11/22 (Walt)
FanDuel FanDuel $15,000 Contest - 11/22
FanDuel Exclusive Offer to WalterFootball.com Readers - 8/24
FanDuel Week 1 $500 Freeroll - 8/24
2013 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets (Printable Option):
2013 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Traditional Scoring - 9/4 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: PPR Scoring - 9/4 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Touchdown Scoring - 9/4 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: 2-QB Format - 9/4 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Downloadable Spreadsheets - 9/2 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Mock Drafts:
2013 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 12-team, 3-WR, Flex - 9/2 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 12-team, PPR - 8/29 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 12-team, Standard - 8/22 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 12-team, Dynasty - 8/15 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 14-team, PPR - 8/8 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 3-WR - 8/1 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 2-QB - 7/26 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 14-teamer - 7/19 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 7/11 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Standard - 6/29 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Four-Man Mock - 6/13 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Articles:
2013 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Training Camp - 9/4 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Preseason Stock - 8/30 (Walt)
2013 NFL Preseason Recap, Fantasy Football Notes - 8/30 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Quarterback Targets - 8/30 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Sleepers - 8/28 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Busts - 8/28 (Walt)
2013 ESPN Fantasy Football Magazine: 10 Reasons Not to Buy It - 8/21 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football IDP Tips - 8/17 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Round-by-Round Strategy - 8/16 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Draft Boards for Sale - 6/13
2013 Fantasy Football All-Value Team - 6/9 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Hot Finishers - 4/24 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Quarterbacks - 4/24 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Running Backs - 4/24 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Wide Receivers - 4/24 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football: Overdrafted Players - 2/17 (Walt)
2013 Fantasy Football: First-Round Bust History - 2/17 (Walt)
Running Backs with Most Carries - 2/17 (Walt)
2024 NFL Mock Draft - April 23
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
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Injured/injury risk
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Potential bust
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Potential sleeper
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Rank higher in touchdown leagues
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Rank lower in touchdown leagues
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Rank higher in PPR (points per reception) leagues
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Rank lower in PPR leagues
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