Running Backs

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

Frank Gore vs. DET
Gore had back-to-back 100+ yard games for the first time since 2006. He is 58 rushing yards away from gaining 1,000 yards for the 4th consecutive year. Last year he became the first player in 49ers history last year to rush for 1,000 yards in 3 straight seasons. It seems the Niners have found a way to keep Gore involved despite a more pass-friendly offensive scheme. The Lions have allowed 17 rushing TDs and give up 127.9 YPG on the ground. Gore should deliver his owners tidings of joy this week.

Cedric Benson vs. KC
Even before Jerome Harrison’s monster game last week against the Chiefs, KC appeared to present a drool-worthy matchup for Benson and his owners. Now we can feel quite confident that Benson will put up very good totals this week. RBs Larry Johnson and Bernard Scott could steal touches, which is a mild concern, but still shouldn’t factor too much against a team that has allowed 162.6 rushing YPG and 16 TDs on the ground this year.

Jerome Harrison vs. OAK
Given that he plays for the Browns, I’d be a little nervous rolling Harrison out at RB2 this week, even after his record-setting, 286 yard, 3 TD game last week. Keep in mind that the 34 carries he received last week were more than he received in the previous 6 weeks combined (32). So it is no guarantee that Harrison will even get the majority of carries this week, but I do like his chances in a flex spot. Oakland has been shredded on the ground all season (148.9 YPG); they have allowed 20 rushing TDs, the highest number in the league.

Five TDs inthe last six games for Wells.

Beanie Wells vs. STL
Wells ran for a career-high 110 yards last week (1 TD); he has rushed for 5 TDs in his last 6 games. In the last 2 weeks, Wells has gained 189 yards on 32 carries and seems to have firmly taken the featured back role over Tim Hightower. Wells has the homerun ability that Hightower lacks. On 11/22 in St. Louis, Wells had 14 carries for 74 yards and a TD. It’s not unreasonable to expect a little more this time around. The Rams have given up 19 TDs on the ground this season and an average of 140.4 rushing YPG.

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

Seattle RBs @ GB
Julius Jones apparently has a rib-injury but could suit up and play this week. Justin Forsett’s stock would slightly rise if Jones can’t play, but neither makes for an attractive option this week in Green Bay. The Packers have the #2 ranked (likely #1 after this Sunday) run defense in the NFL. They have allowed just 83.6 YPG and 5 TDs on the ground this season and have forced 9 fumbles. It has gotten to the point where it is very hard to trust a Seahawk in the fantasy playoffs.

Joseph Addai vs. NYJ
Addai has rushed for 9 TDs and has caught 3 TD passes. He has also thrown for 1 TD this season. He may not even rush for 1,000 yards, but he has been valuable to the Colts and fantasy owners alike. Like his QB Peyton Manning, Addai is capable of a big game this week, but how much will he play? If the game gets out of hand, will he be done at the half? If only we knew. Either way, Addai’s matchup is not great as the Jets have been in the top third of run defenses this season. Hopefully you have an RB option that makes this decision less tricky.

Maurice Jones-Drew @ NE
MJD is one of the “unbenchable” RBs in fantasy; unfortunately for his owners he has a less than inviting matchup this week. You have no choice but to play him, but be advised that the Patriots have allowed just 3 rushing TDs this season, the lowest such number in the NFL.

Ray Rice vs. PIT
Another one of the NFL’s “unbenchables” (especially in PPR leagues), Rice goes up against the top-ranked run defense of the Steelers (83.1 YPG). In their November 29 meeting, Rice had 19 carries for 88 yards and 5 receptions for 67 yards but was held out of the end zone. Rice has just 1 TD in his last 5 games. I’d keep him active this week, but temper expectations.

Wide Receivers