Most fantasy football leagues are done by now - like my own. In fact, I'm in a bit of a fantasy football hangover, which is why I am writing the running backs sit/start list a little late this time. But seeing as how some of you still have leagues going on, it's time to shake off the hangover and take a look at who is and isn't a good play this week.
Start 'Em
Adrian Peterson @ Detroit - After a couple of weeks of uncertainty regarding Peterson, he finally appears to be back since he rushed for 118 yards and a TD against the Eagles. Peterson has an even softer matchup this week against the Lions (allowing 128.3 rushing YPG), so start him with confidence.
Arian Foster vs. Jacksonville - Foster is a very easy call this week since he's facing a soft Jacksonville defense that's giving up 113.6 rushing YPG and 25.7 points per game. You can almost guarantee that Foster will get in the end zone at least once this week.
Michael Turner vs. Carolina - Turner may not have had the best game last week against New Orleans (17 carries for 48 yards), but he will definitely get back on track before the playoffs against Carolina (allowing 125.5 rushing YPG). Turner should gain 110 yards and score a TD this game.
Ryan Matthews @ Denver - Matthews has disappointed fantasy owners time and time again this season. Fortunately, he should have a good season finale against the Broncos with goal line carry thief Mike Tolbert likely out with an injury. What's more is that Matthews faces a Broncos run defense that is ranked 31st in the league and giving up 153.9 rushing YPG.
Shonn Greene vs. Buffalo - Greene is in the same boat as Matthews in that he has given fantasy owners fits this year. But Greene also has a favorable matchup against the lowly Buffalo run defense (ranked last, allowing 162.5 rushing YPG). Also working in Greene's favor is the decline of backfield mate LaDainian Tomlinson, who rushed for just 28 yards on 13 carries last week.
Sit 'Em
Cedric Benson @ Baltimore - Benson has been one of the most predictable running backs this season since he does well against all of the bad rushing defenses and poorly against good rushing defenses. Baltimore definitely fits into the latter category as they're only allowing 94.2 rushing YPG. With Benson on the road vs. the Ravens, he is an automatic sit this week if you have other options.
Knowshon Moreno vs. San Diego - Moreno's only hope this game is that San Diego's defense totally gives up after being officially eliminated from the playoffs. Unfortunately for Moreno, that's probably not going to happen, and the league's 2nd ranked rushing defense should easily shut him down. In addition to facing San Diego, Moreno has the added roadblock of a mobile QB in Tim Tebow running the show. During the two games that Tebow has started, Moreno has just 47 total yards.
Fred Jackson @ New York Jets - Jackson is fading away towards the end of the season just as the Bills run into some solid teams. Over the last 5 games, he's only averaging 66 rushing YPG with zero touchdowns. Don't bet on Jackson breaking out of this slump on the road against the league's fifth ranked rushing defense.
Peyton Hillis vs. Pittsburgh - Hillis has joined Jackson on the train going downhill since he's managed just 259 rushing yards and no touchdowns in the last four games. Hillis is obviously worn out in his first season as a featured back, and he'll get no relief against the Steelers (ranked 1st in rushing defense, allowing 64.1 YPG).
Ryan Torain vs. New York Giants - Since coming back from injury, Torain has actually gotten involved in the passing game along with the running attack. But Torain is really going to have to get involved in the passing game this week since he faces a Giants defense that is giving up just 103.5 rushing YPG. Assuming you have running backs with better matchups than Torain this week, play them for sure.
