Running Backs

Bye Weeks: Marshawn Lynch, Adrian Peterson, Thomas Jones, Justin Fargas, Steven Jackson

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

Tim Hightower @ CHI
Hightower is definitely not a glitzy option as a starting fantasy RB, but he is definitely getting the job done, especially in PPR leagues, where his 39 catches have not gone unnoticed. He has scored a TD in 4 straight games (and 5 of 7 overall), and while experts continue to say that Beanie Wells will take over the starting gig, Hightower remains the Cardinals goal line back and trails only Larry Fitzgerald in receptions. His rushing numbers aren’t pretty, but he puts up fantasy points each and every week.

Grant: A legitimate shot at the century-mark in Week 9.

Ryan Grant @ TB
As fantasy fate would have it, Grant was held to 10 carries and 30 yards rushing (both season lows) last Sunday against the Vikings, a week after he had season highs of 27 carries and 148 yards rushing in Cleveland. Fortunately for Grant owners, this week’s match up dictates another solid game. The Bucs - and their 30th ranked rush defense - have gotten chewed up and spit out this season. They give up 162.4 rushing YPG including 8 runs of 20+ yards. The Packers should not have a problem controlling this game and Grant has a legitimate shot at 100 yards and a TD.

LaDainian Tomlinson @ NYG
Last week against the Raiders LDT had his first 2 TD game of the season. It would be nice to see him improve on his 3.4 YPC average, and with the way the Chargers appear ready to hand him the ball, he will have the opportunity to do so. The struggling Giants run defense is tied with Cleveland, St. Louis and Buffalo in terms of rushing TD allowed (12); only the Raiders have allowed more (13). NY has also allowed 10 runs of 20+ yards, which ties them for the worst mark in the league with the dreadful defenses of Oakland, Detroit and Buffalo.

Julius Jones vs. DET
Long shot of the week! I have to be honest, it’s hard to endorse Jones as a legitimate fantasy threat based on recent performance, but he is the Seahawks primary ball carrier. If you’re in a bye week pinch, Jones may be your surprising answer. He has not scored since Week 1; has not had a good game since Week 3. What does this mean? Well for one, he is due. Additionally, his 2 ‘good’ games have come at home, and the Lions do not present a real threat. Detroit has allowed only 6 rushing TDs, but that is more an indictment of their horrendous pass D than anything else.

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

Marion Barber @ PHI
Marion the Barbarian does a lot with his touches (4.6 YPC), his but has not rushed for more than 53 yards since September 20, and only once seen more than 15 carries in a game. He’s certainly capable of the TD plunge but limited yardage can also be expected on Sunday night in Philadelphia. He’s a solid flex play, but it could be tough to put up RB2 numbers against and Eagles run defense that has only allowed 4 ground TDs this year.

Knowshon Moreno vs. PIT
Moreno has a firm hold on the #1 RB job in Denver but hasn’t topped 44 rushing yards in his last two games. He did manage the Broncos only TD last week against the Ravens, but faces a bigger challenge on Monday Night Football against the Steelers. Pittsburgh boasts the best run defense in the NFL, allowing just 76.6 YPG and 2 TDs this season.

Steve Slaton @ IND
Slaton’s fantasy value took a hit last week when he lost a fumble for the 5th time this season and it remains to be seen if he blew his chances to remain the feature back in the Texans offense. Head Coach Gary Kubiak has been coy about the split of carries, and while Slaton is likely to receive at least a share of the work, it’s probably better to see how this situation works itself out before inserting him back into your lineup.

Joseph Addai vs. HOU
Addai is averaging 3.3 YPC this season, the lowest mark of his career. He remains a serviceable RB2 as he plays in a dynamic offense and is on pace to set a career high in receptions. The Texans run defense struggled early in the season but has given up 59+ rushing yards in a game just once in the last 5 games (97 yards allowed last week). Addai has received 20 carries each of the last 2 weeks but could not top 64 yards; in fact, 64 yards is his season high. Keep expectations in check this week and hope Addai reverts to his old form.

Ronnie Brown @ NE
Brown is definitely tough to bench as he has 7 TDs in 7 games this season. In the last 2 weeks, however, he has been unable to top 48 yards rushing. It’s hard to forget what he did in New England on September 21, 2008 (4 rushing TDs, 1 passing TD), but the last time he faced them (11.23.08) he had 37 yards on 10 carries. The Patriots allow 109.4 rushing YPG in 2009, but have given up only 1 rushing TD this season, the best mark in the NFL.

Wide Receivers