Joseph Addai @ TB
Surprisingly, Addai had his best game of the young season against the Steelers last week, rushing for 86 yards on 17 carries. To put that in perspective, Addai has had 85 or more rushing yards just three times in his last 46 games. (His first 23 NFL games produced 9 games of 85 or more rushing yards - wow!!) Despite the Colt’s offensive struggles in the absence of QB Peyton Manning, Addai is averaging 4.8 yards per carry in 2011, which equals his career-best 2006 rookie season. Consider using Addai as a flex on Monday night against the Bucs, who have yielded 4.1 yards per carry to opposing RBs.

Hightower's 59 rushing attempts are fourth most in the NFL.

Tim Hightower @ StL
There was considerable buzz surrounding Hightower heading into the season as the Redskins feature back, but he has disappointed thus far. His 3.5 yards per carry is his worst since his rookie year (2008: 2.8 YPC) but he did manage his first ever TD reception last week in Dallas. Thankfully for Hightower owners, backup Roy Helu hasn’t threatened his role just yet; Hightower’s 59 rush attempts are tied for 4th in the NFL. Everything lines up for nicely for Hightower in St. Louis this week, as no NFL team has given up more rushing yards (523) than the Rams.

LeGarrette Blount vs. Ind
Despite yielding to RB Earnest Graham on third downs & at the goal line, Blount’s 24 rush attempts last week versus Atlanta represented the second highest total of his brief NFL career. This guy is a beast and his tough running style cannot be ignored, although with just 1 catch this season his value in PPR leagues is slighter. He’s got nice matchup on Monday Night Football against the Colts who have allowed 4 TDs on the ground in 2011. NFL teams have more rush attempts versus Indianapolis (103) than any other squad.

Bench 'Em

Peyton Hillis vs. Ten
Hillis’ bruising running style is enjoyable to watch and revered by many, but also tends to wear players down as the season progresses, potentially leading to injury and/or ineffectiveness. After getting scratched (strep throat) before last week's win over the Dolphins, Hillis is expected to return to his starting gig this week against the Titans. It remains to be seen if RB Montario Hardesty has earned an increased role after 17 touches for 86 yards in last week’s spot start. Either way, the combination of the Browns trying to preserve Hillis and Hardesty stealing a few carries may lead to fewer fantasy points than Hillis’ owners have come to expect.

Jahvid Best @ Dal
Only 3 NFL RB’s (Forte, Tomlinson, Mathews) have more receiving yards than Best (182), but those outside of PPR leagues might want to consider an alternate option at RB2. In 18 career games, Best has rushed for 60 or more yards just 3 times and has never had more than 78 yards in a game. Also consider the Cowboys’ ability to stuff the run; they have allowed an average of 61.3 rushing yards per game and 1 TD in 2011. Best has a career average of 3.17 rushing yards per attempt, including 2.9 this season. He’s a viable flex because of the high-powered Lions’ offense, but don’t expect big rush totals.

Shonn Greene @ Bal
Green had his best game of the season last week in Oakland (15 carries, 59 yards), although he did get stuffed at the goal line. Somehow he managed 7 receptions (career high), which could be an aberration - but was nice nonetheless. Unfortunately, Greene’s owners continue to see red mostly due to a combination of his 3.3 average yards per carry and the notion that the Jets are moving to more of a pass-oriented offense. Furthermore, the Ravens formidable rush defense will not make things any easier. Last year against Baltimore, Greene mustered 18 yards on 5 carries.

Willis McGahee @ GB
McGahee has had back-to-back games with 20 or more carries for the first time since 2008. While he had some success versus the Bengals in Week 2 (101 yards; 1 TD), he was bottled up for 52 yards in Tennessee (2.36 yards per carry) and held out of the endzone. On the season he has averaged 2.9 yards per carry, which is bad. Factor in the Packer’s ability to stop the run (they have allowed just 55 rushing yards per game) and the potential active return to the lineup of fellow RB Knowshon Moreno and this shapes up to be an unappealing match up for McGahee.


Wide Receivers