Running Backs

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

Michael Turner @ OAK
Turner performed along the lines of what I expected of him last week, continuing his trend of delivering first-rate performances against the poor rush defenses and struggling against the better ones. Turner owners maybe frustrated with his 0 TDs and 2.67 YPC average over the last two games, but this week he lines up against the Raiders, who are allowing 144 rushing YPG and have served up 11 TDs on the ground. He will get back in his owners good graces.

Maurice Jones-Drew @ CIN
Yours truly called MoJo’s stinker in the Week 8 SCR, and although the trend is for another subpar game, I really like his chances to get back on track this week. MJD is bound to be productive versus the winless Bengals, who have allowed 5 rushing TDs in their past 3 games (11 on the season) and an average of 146 rushing YPG.

Ronnie Brown @ DEN
Ronnie G. Brown, Jr. has come back to earth after he and his Wildcat ran silly all over the Pats and the Chargers in Weeks 3 & 5. His last 2 games (Ravens, Bills) have been forgettable – 2.59 YPC and 0 TDs, but a trip to Denver this week should be a great boost. The Broncos have been ripped for an average of 154.6 YPC on the ground and have allowed 9 TDs. Ronnie should be good for somewhere around 80 yards and a score.

Kevin Faulk @ IND
The Pats 3rd down back may not have the skill set of his distant relative Marshall (Faulk) but he will continue to see more carries and should remain productive as the other Patriot RBs deal with injuries. I’ve got a feeling that Belichick will use Faulk more than BenJarvus Green-Ellis as BGE struggled last week - despite a goal line score. Indianapolis is giving up 144 YPG on the ground and the crafty Faulk should be in line for decent totals, similar to his 107 total yards + TD last week.

Earnest Graham @ KC
Graham has managed to cross the stripe twice in his last 3 games despite a paltry 2.3 YPC during that span. With backfield mate Warrick Dunn slowed by a pinched nerve, Graham should see plenty of touches against a horrific Chiefs rush defense that is surrendering an average of 2 rushing TDs per game and 196.9 YPG on the ground. If this matchup doesn’t treat Graham well, none will.

LenDale White vs. GB
The NFL’s leader in rushing touchdowns (10) has plowed for 5 scores in his past 2 games. He has scored at least 1 TD in every game this season - except Week 5 @ Baltimore – the only game he didn’t register 10 carries. Backfield mate Chris Johnson will rack up the yardage against the Packers, who are allowing 141 YPG on the ground, but you can count on Chubby to get in the end zone yet again. Expect a typical LenDale game: 45-65 yards rushing and a TD.

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

Jamal Lewis vs. BAL
I love Lewis’ hard running style and he is certainly a nice RB to own as the sole feature back in Cleveland. He performed admirably against the tough rush defenses of the Giants and Redskins, but the Ravens are even better at containing opposing RBs, having allowed only 1 rushing TD on the season and only 1 run of 20+ yards. Figure Jamal to finish with about 65 yards rushing and not much else.

Brandon Jacobs vs. DAL
The Cowboys much maligned defense was solid last week, holding Tampa to 49 rushing yards on 20 carries. Jacobs has lost fumbles each of the last 2 weeks and back up Derrick Ward’s 6.2 YPC looks even shinier than Jacobs solid 4.9 YPC. Sure Jacobs is a bruiser - and most games he won’t get stuffed 3 consecutive times from the 2 - but can you really blame HC Tom Coughlin for inserting the RB that gives the G-Men a batter chance to win? Hard to bench this beast unless you have a no-brainer alternate, but temper expectations here.

Mewelde Moore/Willie Parker @ WAS
It remains to be seen if Fast Willie Parker will be able play, but neither he, nor super-sub Mewelde Moore, despite impressive play in his last 3 games, should be counted on for significant totals this week. The Redskins have not given up much to opposing RBs and with the split of reps a mystery, I would steer clear until it plays out.

Julius Jones vs. PHI
Remember back in Weeks 2 & 3 when Julius Jones ran for 267 yards and 2 TDs? Man, that seems like a long time ago. Over his last 4 games JJ has mustered only 156 rushing yards, a 3.7 YPC and 0 TDs. Make no mistake about it: Jones will continue to struggle this week against the Eagles, who held Michael Turner in check last week and have only allowed 3 TDs all season.

Larry Johnson vs. TB
You can’t bench Johnson simply because he is cowardly prick who has a propensity for violence against women. But you can bench him based on the following: dating to last season, opposing RBs have 205 carries without a touchdown against the Bucs, and they have allowed exactly 0 rush TDs on season. Chances are the Chiefs keep him deactivated anyway, but if he manages to play, he is a complete waste of time.

Wide Receivers