Article:Week 16 RB Fantasy Football Rankings



Must Starts

1. Brian Westbrook vs. Washington Redskins

The Skins are reeling and the Eagles are fighting for a playoff spot. Westbrook might be the most dynamic offensive player in the game when healthy. Look for No. 36’s number to be called a lot on Sunday and for Westbrook to eclipse the 100-yard mark and put a few balls into the end zone.

2. Steve Slaton vs. Oakland Raiders

The Raiders boast one of the worst run defenses in football and apparently pass defenses too after last week’s manhandling by the Patriots. Slaton has shown himself to be a 20+ carry kind of back this year and look for him to continue his hot running when the Texans head out to Oakland.

3. MarShawn Lynch vs. Denver Broncos

One of the lone bright spots for the fading Bills last week was RB MarShawn Lynch. He ran with power, with purpose, and finished with over 120 yards in the game. This week, he gets the Broncos, and their 29th ranked defense. Although the Bills are out of the AFC East Playoff race, they haven’t rolled over and died, so expect a big fantasy effort from Lynch on Sunday.

4. Thomas Jones vs. Seattle Seahawks

The Jets are desperate for a win this Sunday at Seattle and the best way to get it is to stick with what has worked: running the football. Jones has emerged as a big time threat this season on the ground and look for that to continue this weekend as he gets to face the 26th ranked defense in the Seahawks.

Sleepers:

1. Mwelde Moore vs. Tennessee Titans

Moore gets a lot of the goal line carries for Pittsburgh and in this big match-up on Sunday to decide the AFC’s top seed, the Titans will be without Vanden Bosch and Haynesworth. That is two massive losses to the line. Look for the Steelers to employ a heavy run oriented game plan and for Moore to score at least once by the goal line.

2. Kevin Smith vs. New Orleans Saints

Aside from Calvin Johnson, there’s few bright spots on this Lions’ team, but Smith is becoming one of them. The rookie has been running hard of late and appears to have a nice future ahead of him. Look for a strong fantasy effort out of him Sunday when the Saints, and their unimpressive defense, come to town.

Others with favorable match-ups:

1. Ronnie Brown vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Brown is having a wonderful year for the 9-5 Dolphins and now gets a bit of a breather against the Chiefs. Look for Miami to run all over Kansas City and for Brown to have a solid day on the ground.

2. Pierre Thomas vs. Detroit Lions

The Saints appear to have found a running back and his name isn’t Reggie Bush; it’s Pierre Thomas. The kid runs hard, is elusive, and has shown that he can take it to the house. Look for him to eat up the Lions defense as New Orleans should be playing with the lead.

3. Steven Jackson vs. San Francisco 49ers

The Niners are playing much more competitively under Mike Singletary, but Jackson’s as dangerous as they come in the NFL. Look for a solid effort from No. 39 as he cuts and slashes his way through the Niners’ D.