Running Backs

Always start your studs: Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson, Arian Foster, Michael Turner, Rashard Mendenhall, Maurice Jones-Drew, Peyton Hillis, and Darren McFadden.

Start 'Em:
Running Backs Who Will Outperform Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype

Jamaal Charles vs. DEN
Charles is the best RB in the league not starting full time for his team, and it continues to boggle my mind why that is. His partner, Thomas Jones is 17th in rushing yards and Charles is 2nd (1,021 total and 92.8 per game), with a league-leading 6.3 ypc average. I’m so close to putting him on the must start every week list, but he only has 3 TDs to go with all those yards (one of those 3 coming last week) and he’s rushed for 100+ yards just twice (again, one of those coming last week), and 34% of his total rushing yards coming in two monster games, so I’ve decided not to put him on the list just yet. However, I am recommending him for this weekend’s game against the Broncos and their 30th ranked run defense. Denver allows 142 yards a game and has given up a league high 16 rushing TDs – so maybe Charles will find the endzone two weeks in a row.

Mike Tolbert vs. OAK
Tolbert is still averaging just 55 yards per game, which is 27th in the league, but his 9 TDs rank #3 in the league. Plus, his last two weeks have seen him rush for 111 yards, 1TD and 103 yards, 1TD respectively, against two really bad run defenses in Denver and Indianapolis. This week he gets another horrible run defense in the Oakland Raiders. Oakland’s 28th ranked run defense gives up 134 yards and a TD per game so the odds of Tolbert having his third straight week of 100+ yards and a TD looks very high, so keep riding him.

Is this the week for Felix?

Felix Jones @ IND
Jones is averaging just 41 yards per game and has 0 – that’s zero, none, nada TDs on the year. But this week he faces the struggling Colts and their 29th ranked run defense, and he does it without Marion Barber (injury). So this opens the door for Jones to get more carries and opportunities against a Colts team giving up 136 yards and a TD per game (12 total TDs allowed is 3rd worst in the league) on nearly 5 ypc. While I recommend starting Jones, keep in mind he is also banged up so it could actually wind up being Tashard Choice who is the beneficiary this weekend.

Steven Jackson @ ARI
Jackson is still averaging a respectable 80 yards per game, but he has just 3 TDs on the year and only has a 3.8 ypc average. Last week against Denver, who has one of the worst run defenses in the league, he only managed 72 yards on just 2.5 ypc. I don’t see him having two atrocious games in a row, especially when he faces an even worse run defense this week in Arizona. The Cardinals give up 147 yards and TD per game, and have allowed a total of 14 rushing TDs, which is the 2nd most in the league. Brian Westbrook (remember him?) torched Arizona for 136 yards and a TD last week in relief of the injured Frank Gore. So, look for Jackson to bounce back and have a solid game against the Cardinals this week.

Bench 'Em:
Running Backs Who Will Under Perform Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype

Brandon Jackson vs. SF
Jackson is still averaging less than 50 yards a game (47) and has only 3 TDs on the year. He continues to be a disappointment and you shouldn’t expect anything to change this week against the ‘Niners and their 8th ranked run defense. San Francisco gives up just 98 yards a game, a 3.6 ypc average and just 6 TDs on the year. He’s been horrible the last three weeks and is likely to be horrible again so leave him on the bench.

LeGarrette Blount vs. ATL
The undrafted rookie starts his 3rd game… this week against division rival Atlanta. Blount has been a nice surprise averaging 62 yards a game and has 4 TDs on the year. The Falcons give up just 94 yards a game (8th best in the league) and have allowed a league-low 4 rushing TDs. Blount is non-existent as a receiver so his only value is running the ball, and unfortunately, like last week when Baltimore held him to 55 yards and no TDs, I don’t think Blount’s running game gets on track. Look elsewhere.

Jahvid Best / Maurice Morris vs. CHI
Best is likely to return to action for the Lions this week, but unfortunately for him, it’ll be against the studly Bears run defense, which is currently ranked #2 in the league. Chicago gives up just 81 yards a game and a paltry 3.6 ypc, plus they lead the league with 10 fumble recoveries. The Lions will be led by third string QB Drew Stanton, which just adds to the mix of reasons to bench Best, Morris and the majority of Detroit starters, sans Megatron.

Fred Jackson @ MIN
Jackson was on a hot streak racking up 249 rushing yards and 4 TDs (3 rushing, 1 receiving) in weeks 10 and 11, and even last week against Pittsburgh when he was held to just 59 yards rushing, he still got you 105 yards and a TD receiving. But I’m not so sure about this week against the Vikings and their continually improving run defense. Minnesota has gone from 14th in the league in run defense (week 5) to 5th in the league now, giving up just 93 yards a game and just 6 rushing TDs all year. On the season Jackson is only averaging 57 yards a game on the ground and the Vikings allowed only 29 yards rushing to the Redskins last week. You might want to reconsider playing Jackson despite his recent success.

Wide Receivers