Running Backs

Bye Weeks: Michael Turner, Tim Hightower, DeAngelo Williams, Brian Westbrook

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

Cedric Benson @ CLE
Great timing – as Benson is turns it up, the Browns continue to display an inability to stop the run. Cleveland allows 184 rushing YPG and has served up 8 TDs on the ground. Benson torched the Browns in Cleveland for 171 yards in December 2008. No reason whatsoever to doubt Benson here.

Tashard Choice @ DEN
It is unclear as to how much of a role Marion Barber will play, but Choice should be involved enough to make an impact. He played inspired football on Monday night and seems to make the most of his opportunities. In his 2-year career, when Choice has received 9+ carries in a game, he averaged less than 4.0 YPC only once (3.83 @ Pit). He has been effective catching the ball out of the backfield and is worthy of consideration this week.

Ronnie Brown vs. Buf
Only 3 teams have allowed more rushing TDs than the Bills; Pierre Thomas made it look easy last week in Buffalo (126 yards, 2 TDs). Brown is getting enough touches (19 per game) to put up solid numbers this week. He is 7th in the league in rushing yards, averages a strong 4.9 YPC and is due for a big game.

Steve Slaton vs. OAK
Slaton has been disappointing thus far but took a firm step in the right direction last week against the Jaguars (12 carries, 76 yards; 3 receptions). He could have had even better numbers but the Texans were forced to throw from behind after Chris Brown’s goal-line fumble. Hopefully Slaton gets some consideration for goal-line duty now. This week he should run all over the hapless Raiders who give up an average of 155 YPG on the ground.

Glen Coffee vs. STL
Wake up and smell the Coffee! While Frank Gore nurses himself back to health, reports indicate that Coffee will be an ‘instant’ every-down-back for the 49ers. He was unable to deliver against the Vikings tough D last week but he did get 25 carries. Given the same load against the Rams, he should do some damage. The Rams allow an average 148 rushing yards per game and SF Head Coach Mike Singletary loves to run the ball.

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

Fred Jackson @ MIA
Jackson did a solid job shouldering the load as the Bills primary RB, gaining 291 yards (4.8 YPC) on the ground and catching 15 passes (1 TD) for 134 yards. With Marshawn Lynch back, Jackson undoubtedly loses value. He could get more touches this week than Marshawn as Lynch gets eased back into game action, but Miami will be ready. The NFL’s 3rd best run defense is allowing just 66 YPG on the ground.

Fred Taylor vs. BAL
Taylor has scored 2 TDs which already doubles his output from last season. At this point he is the best RB option for the Patriots. His 13-or-so touches, however, won’t be enough against the Ravens in Foxboro on Sunday. Baltimore has the best run defense in the league, surrendering just 51 rushing YPG thus far. The Ravens are 1 of 3 teams (Vikings, 49ers) who have not allowed a rushing TD in 2009.

Larry Johnson vs. NYG
The Giants run defense has underperformed in 2009 but that shouldn’t matter this week. LJ’s numbers are in serious decline, in only 1 of 3 games has he averaged above 2.0 yards per carry. He has not scored a TD this season and although it wouldn’t be a total shock if he scored this week, you just can’t count on Johnson to put up RB2 numbers against Big Blue.

Tough matchup against the Vikings run-D for Ryan Grant in Week 4.

Ryan Grant @ MIN
Grant has been passable this year considering that he is halfway to his 2008 total of 4 TDs. He’s got a tough match up this week against the Vikings, who have not allowed a rushing TD this season. Grant is not a great pass catching option out of the backfield (5 catches); you probably have a better option on your squad.

Darren Sproles @ PIT
LaDainian Tomlinson was reportedly at practice this week for the first time since September 14 and could be ready to go this weekend. Even if he is limited, Sproles is better served as a change of pace option than a primary RB. Pittsburgh should be motivated and is due a big defensive game. The Steelers have given up 1 rushing TD this season and are only allowing 76 rushing YPG.

Wide Receivers