Week 1 was an interesting week for fantasy running backs. Usually the position with the most points from week-to-week, there were only two running backs who finished the day with over 100-yards rushing and many first-round picks finished as RB2’s or worse.
The good news is, there are a lot more favorable matchups for fantasy ‘backs this week. But as always, there are a few guys you should avoid if possible. Let’s take a look at three such players.
1. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Ellis had a terrible game last week against the Chicago Bears, managing just 25 rushing yards on 14 carries. Pittsburgh did a great job last week against the Titans, holding Chris Johnson to just 70 yards on 25 carries. The Law Firm is definitely no CJ2K, so don’t expect anything special this week. It’s also worth noting that in five years against the Steelers, Green-Ellis has managed just 182 yards on 58 attempts, with a measly 2.65 yards per carry and no touchdowns. It’s pretty clear you should avoid starting him if at all possible.
2. Arian Foster, Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans
Just to clarify right off the bat, this is geared more towards weekly leagues than season-long ones, because if you drafted Foster you obviously spent a first round pick on him so you likely can’t afford to bench him - unless you are super deep with RB1’s, anyway.
Foster tallied just 57 yards on 18 carries and no touchdowns last week and finished as the 20th best fantasy back - not something you really want from your No. 1 overall pick. According to Pro Football Focus, the Titans’ defense was just a little better last week in run defense than the San Diego Chargers, so expect more of the same from Foster this week.
3. Isaac Redman, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Last Week against the Titans, Redman had just eight yards rushing on seven carries - not at all what you expect from a team's primary (and only) rusher. The Bengals’ run defense was ranked four spot’s higher than Tennessee’s for Week 1 by PFF, so it’s going to be even tougher to get things going on the ground for Pittsburgh this week. You’re likely only counting on Redman as a RB3 or FLEX (at least I hope) so it shouldn’t be too hard to swap him out with one of your bench guys.