Running Backs

Bye Weeks: Matt Forte, Ryan Grant, Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush, LaDainian Tomlinson, Darren Sproles

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

Tim Hightower vs. HOU
Backfield mate Chris Wells is expected to see an expanded role in the near future and Hightower is has never shown himself to be a very good runner (career 2.90 YPC); however Houston simply can’t stop the run, and Hightower does have a nose for the endzone (175 career carries, 11 TDs). The Texans squad give up an average of 165 rushing YPG and have allowed 8 TDs on the ground this year. Hightower may not rack up the yardage but I really like his chances to score and remain involved in the passing game.

Give Mendenhall the ball.

Rashard Mendenhall @ DET
Mendenhall had 26 career carries heading in to last week’s game; he carried the ball 29 times for 165 yards and 2 TDs against the Chargers. The last time “Fast” Willie Parker rushed for 165 or more yards was in December of 2006. I’d consider Rashard to be ‘the man’ in the Steelers’ backfield until Parker heals. Willie is dealing with turf toe, which tends to be painful and debilitating. If Parker is expected to be out or limited for this game, do yourself a favor and give Mendenhall the ball.

Brandon Jacobs vs. OAK
After a less than stellar start to the season, Jacobs showed more of what is capable of last week, rushing for 92 yards on 21 carries (4.38 YPC). His touchdowns are down, but think he will break out this week against a bad Raiders squad that is 26th in the league in run defense. Ahmad Bradshaw will get his touches (13 per game average), but Jacobs (20.5 touches per game) will make the most of his this week.

Marion Barber @KC
Marion should get back to his barbarian ways this week in Kansas City. The Ravens rushed for 198 yards in Week 1 and the Giants had 156 yards on the ground in Week 4 against the Chiefs. Kansas City has already given up 5 rushing TDs; only 4 teams have allowed more. While the Cowboys D is distressing, they average 163.8 YPG on the ground. Even if he loses carries to RB Tashard Choice on Sunday, Barber should produce solid numbers.

Jerome Harrison @ BUF
Harrison had a heavy 34 touches (5 receptions) last week against the Bengals and rushed for 129 yards playing for the dinged up Jamal Lewis. PPR leaguers take note: since being inactive in Week 1, Harrison has racked up 14 receptions in his last 3 games, and in Week 2 he was strictly a backup. Even if Lewis, a limited participant this week in practice, can suit up, Harrison seems to be the back to own of the two. The Bills are allowing 150 rushing YPG, and only two teams (Browns 8, Texans, 8) have given up more TDs on the ground than Buffalo (7).

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

Kevin Smith vs. PIT
Smith followed up his first 100-yard game of the season in Week 3 with a 19-carry, 30 yard effort last week against the Bears. He did manage to punch in 2 short TDs in Chicago to give him 3 on the season. This week, however, he may be better left alone due to tough matchup against the Steelers. Pittsburgh allows an average of just 61.5 YPG on the ground and have only given up 1 rushing TD.

Cedric Benson @ BAL
Benson has been a pleasant surprise for fantasy owners this season; only 3 RBs have more rushing yards and he is tied with Adrian Peterson for the NFL lead with 84 carries. Tough to like his chances, though, this week against the NFL’s best run defense in Baltimore. The Ravens have allowed opponents a measly 2.6 YPC average and just 59.5 rushing YPG.

Thomas Jones @ MIA
Unfortunately for Jones owners, rookie Shonn Greene is now in the mix and Leon Washington is not getting enough touches. Where does that leave TJ? Well, he’s still a good back on a decent team, but expect his 15.75 touch-per-game average to take a hit. It’s going to be tough to be productive against a Dolphins D that has allowed an average just 61 rushing YPG to date.

Michael Bush @ NYG
Even if Bush was going to get all the carries this week for the Raiders it would still be tough to recommend him against Big Blue. Consider that he’ll likely share carries with Justin Fargas and that the Raiders are ranked 28th in run offense and 32nd in total offense in the NFL. Aside from when the Cowboys ran wild (251 rushing yards) against the Giants in Week 2, they have been solid against the run in the other 3 games (72.6 YPG).

Steven Jackson vs. MIN
Jackson has two 100-yard games this year, but has yet to score a touchdown. He is a very good player on an awful team with a tough matchup this week. The Rams are 30th in the NFL in passing offense, which clearly does not help Jackson’s cause as teams will stack the line. The Vikings run defense gives up an average of 89.5 YPG and has yet to allow a touchdown. Tough to bench this guy, but keep expectations in check.

Wide Receivers