Start 'Em

Kevin Smith vs. GB
It was not shocking to learn that a Lions RB gashed the substandard run defense of the Panthers last week for 140 yards and 2 rushing TDs on 16 carries; but it was astonishing that Kevin Smith, the former UCF standout, was the RB in question. Injuries (and bad luck?) have kept Smith off an NFL field for over a year, but he quietly returned in Week 11 before exploding on Sunday. Smith, like Jahvid Best, is a receiving threat out of the backfield, and he also grabbed 4 passes for 61 yards and a score last week. Although he has not been named the starter for the Thanksgiving Day clash with the Packers, he is expected to receive the majority of carries. Considering that he’s coming off the best game of his career and the Panthers are horrific against the run, a repeat performance should not be expected, but there is little doubt that Smith can have a positive impact on your push to the fantasy playoffs.

Ben Tate @ Jax
Backfield mate Arian Foster gets the vast majority of accolades, attention and carries for the Texans, but Ben Tate’s value should not be underestimated and he is capable of making some flex noise this week. With QB Matt Schaub out and Matt Leinart starting, the run-heavy Texans figure to become even more reliant on the ground game. Head Coach Gary Kubiak has shown confidence in Tate as he has given him at least 12 carries in three of their last four games. Tate has responded with 100 or more yards in two of four games and rushing TDs in consecutive games. Although the Jaguars are solid against the run, this season only the Eagles have had more success rushing the ball than the Texans. The last time these teams met (Week 8), Foster rumbled for 112 yards on a whopping 33 carries (3.4 yards per carry), while Tate had 42 yards on a measly 5 carries (8.4 yards per carry). Since then, he’s continued to prove his worth (25 carries, 178 yards, 2 TDs) and should do so again this week.

There's No shame in rolling the dice with Blount this week.

LeGarrette Blount @ Ten
Blount recorded his second 100-yard game of the season (18 carries, 107 yards, TD) last week, including a highlight-reel, 54-yard TD run in which he displayed his incredible athletic abilities. He tends to get lost in games that the Bucs fall behind, so it was encouraging that they hung tough against Green Bay. Blount does not play in passing situations but is hard to tackle when he is on the field. I’d roll the dice with him this week in Tennessee; the Titan run defense has given up yardage (124.3 rushing yards per game) but to be fair, has kept RBs out of the endzone (5 TDs on the ground).

Marion Barber @ Oak
After missing the first three weeks of the season, Marion the Barbarian has scored 5 TDs in the Bears last seven games. It would be nice to see him get a bump in carries (current average of 7.4 per game); with QB Jay Cutler on the shelf, that could happen as early as this Sunday in Oakland. Make no mistake, Matt Forte remains ‘the man’ in the Chicago backfield, but Barber has established himself as the goal line back. The Raiders have allowed opponents to rush for an average of 5.2 yards per carry, which ties for the highest number in the NFL (Saints). Oakland has allowed 10 TDs on the ground and 15 runs of 20 or more yards, tops in the league.

Cedric Benson vs. Cle
Benson punched in 2 TDs last week against the formidable Ravens run defense, showing that even in a less than attractive matchup, the Bengals offense can provide him with TD opportunities. His yards-per-carry (3.8) is not pretty, he hasn’t had a run of over 16 yards since Week 4 and he’s had just 2 receptions in his last 7 games, but Benson is the primary ball carrier in an offense that moves the chains. He’ll be a workhorse this week and The Browns have been plowed over with the run; 1,393 rushing yards allowed (139.3 per game) is the 4th highest number in the NFL.

Bench 'Em

DeMarco Murray vs. Mia
Ever since Murray took over for RB Felix Jones (Week 7), he has easily been one of fantasy’s top runners. He elevated the Cowboys anemic running game from the depths of the league to its current level, 10th best (121.8 yards per game). Last week however, the Redskins gave Murray little running room, his 25 carries (tied career-high) produced just 73 yards (2.9 yards per carry). With Felix Jones back from injury, it was encouraging that he received significant carries, but Murray could find himself bottled up again on Thanksgiving Day against the Dolphins. Miami has allowed just one 100-yard rusher (Ben Tate, Week 2) and 3 TDs on the ground (2nd lowest in NFL). The Dolphins have not allowed a rushing TD since QB Mark Sanchez on October 17. As a Murray owner in a PPR league, I will be starting him with the hope he remains active in the passing game if the running lanes aren’t there.

Toby Gerhart @ Atl
Due to a sprained ankle, Adrian Peterson is expected to be sidelined for this week’s game in Atlanta and second-year man Toby Gerhart should start in his place. As expected, Gerhart has not seen much action this year, but boasts a robust 4.9 yards per carry on 24 attempts. Further inspection reveals that he has been bottled up since Weeks 1 - 2 when he totaled 4 carries for 52 yards (13.0 yards per carry); since then, he’s had 20 carries for 66 yards (3.3 yards per carry). He did show some promise toward the end of last season when he received 12 or more carries thrice. Gerhart will get his touches this week, but they come against a Falcons defense that has clamped down on opponent’s rush attack; Atlanta has allowed 85.4 yards per game and 6 ground TDs on the season; over their last 4 the numbers drop to 67.3 rushing yards per game and 0 TDs.

Ryan Grant @ Det
Backfield mate James Starks is headed towards a game-time decision, making Grant a strong possibility to have a greater role this week for the Packers. Therein lies appeal, and it’s always fun to have someone to watch on Thanksgiving Day, but as with every other week this season (save Week 3), it’s probably wise to stay away from Grant. Grant has topped 40 yards just once this season, ineffective in his limited role. The Lions have major run-stopping issues, but let’s face it - the Packers love to air it out and will showcase their all-world QB Aaron Rodgers and prolific passing offense to a national audience. Keep in mind that Rodgers, FB John Kuhn and DT B.J. Raji have combined for 6 rushing TDs; Starks has 1 and Grant 0.

DeAngelo Williams / Jonathan Stewart @ Ind
Outside of Stewart in PPR leagues, it is hard to feel good about either back, even in plus-matchups like this against the horrific Colts defense. Despite 5.1 yards per, Williams hasn’t received enough carries to live up to his huge contract. He’s only had one 100-yard game and 1 lonely TD this year. Stewart appeared to be emerging mid-season but has seen his carries dwindle; his 33 receptions are nice, but he has only 2 TDs. QB Cam Newton (9 rush TDs) has rendered both as speculative flex plays. It wouldn’t be surprising to see either have a quality game against the Colts (145.6 rush yards per game, 12 rush TDs allowed), but it has become increasingly difficult to suggest one over the other.

Wide Receivers