Running Backs

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

Knowshon Moreno @ KC
Rookie Knowshon Moreno had 19 carries for 88 yards and a TD along with two catches for 19 yards last week against the Giants. He is still in search of his first 100-yard game and has a good shot for it this week in Kansas City. He has 80 or more rushing yards in 3 straight games and has shown explosiveness and power every time he touches the ball. The Chiefs and their 27th ranked run defense allow 134.5 YPG and have given up 11 TDs on the ground.

Matt Forte vs. STL
Forte has now gone 4 straight games without rushing for more than 41 yards and has done so just one time in his last 7 games. Not a great endorsement for the fantasy bust of 2009, but I do like Forte to break out of his slump this week at Soldier field. Only the Raiders have allowed more TDs on the ground (17) than the Rams (16). St. Louis has been burned to the tune of 148.5 rushing YPG and as Cutler’s woes could continue, look for the Bears to rely on Forte this week.

One of the most underrated running backs in the NFL.

Thomas Jones @ BUF
Despite playing in New York, Thomas Jones remains one of the most underrated RBs in the NFL. He is almost certain to topple the 1,000-yard mark this week in Buffalo; he needs 41 yards to reach that milestone for the 5th time in his career. With Mark Sanchez struggling, HC Rex Ryan will continue to lean on Jones and the #1 rushing attack in the league. On the other side, the Bills have the worst run defense in the NFL, and they have allowed 16 TDs on the ground this year and an average of 165.1 YPG. Start Jones with absolute confidence.

Fred Jackson vs. NYJ
FJax had 73 yards and 2 TDs on the ground while grabbing five passes for 43 yards last week. The new coaching regime seems to have realized that he, not Marshawn Lynch, is the Buffalo back who deserves the majority of touches. He faces a tough Jets defense this week, but Gang Green’s true strength is defending the pass and I could see Jackson having a big game at home this week. He remains a steady factor in the passing game and worth a look this week in most formats, and definitely in PPR leagues.

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

Beanie Wells vs. MIN
Prior to last week’s 8 carry, 20-yard effort against Tennessee, Wells had strung together 3 solid fantasy games, averaging 77 rushing yards and a TD in that span. Counterpart Tim Hightower’s name could also be here, but since he has caught 50 passes this season to Wells’ 9, he has a chance to be more productive against this tough Vikings D. Minnesota has allowed 81.6 rushing YPG, second only to the Steelers, only 2 different RBs (Ray Rice 2, Justin Forsett) have scored on the ground against them this year.

Steven Jackson @ CHI
You have to give credit to the gutsy Jackson for playing last week through painful back spasms en route to a 23 carry, 89-yard game with a TD. He also caught five passes for 27 yards. I don’t think he is worthy of a true benching, but it may be wise to consider a better option with a solid matchup if you have one. If he practices this week without issue, get him in there, but keep an eye on the injury report. The hapless Rams continue to roll out a makeshift offensive line and you have to like Chicago’s chances for a rout at home in this game.

Ryan Grant vs. BAL
Grant is close to reaching the 1,000-yard mark for the 2nd straight season and he enters Monday Night’s game ranked 7th in the NFL with 890 rushing yards. He could find the sledding tough this week against the Ravens, who allow 97.6 rushing YPG. Baltimore has given up just 7 TDs on the ground this year. I personally will be rolling Grant out there this week, but obviously I will be keeping my expectations for him in check.

Kevin Smith @ CIN
Kevin Smith’s longest run last week against the Packers was just 6 yards and he has only 1 run of 20+ yards this season. This week’s opponent, the Bengals sport the NFL’s 3rd best run defense and it could be a long day for the second-year RB. Cincinnati has allowed just 3 runs of 20+ yards this season and opposing RBs are averaging just 81.9 YPG against them. The Bengals solid defense has given up only 5 TDs on the ground this year. While Smith can be decent in PPR leagues, in most formats he is better served riding the pine.

Wide Receivers