Today’s article is going to focus on four running backs that you must avoiding starting in the initial week of the 2012 NFL regular season. A lot goes into making determinations like these. First, you have to take a look at the opposing defense each running back is playing against. Secondly, you must understand the offensive philosophy that each running back exists in.

On that note, I have done the research and offer you a detailed explanation as to what running backs you should avoid suiting up on your fantasy football team.

Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans

You can expect the Titans and New England Patriots game to be relatively high scoring. I Tennessee is forced to play from behind, a real likely scenario, they are going to have to put the ball up a whole heck of a lot.

In order to start a running back you have to bank on him getting 20 to 25 touches. I just don’t see that as a possibility for Johnson on Sunday.

Instead, think about going with a RB2 option as one of your two starters. Trent Richardson, Frank Gore and Fred Jackson would all be better options here.

Cedric Benson, Green Bay Packers

It was utterly foolish to start any running back against the San Francisco 49ers. Not only did they have a record-setting rush defense, this unit literally knocked a half of dozen running backs out of games last season.

Nothing has really changed here.

San Francisco returns all starters from their elite defensive unit this season. You are simply not going to be able to run against Isaac Sopoaga, Ray McDonald, Justin Smith, Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman. Don’t even think about it.

Willis McGahee, Denver Broncos

The Pittsburgh Steelers still have elite front seven. They have been stout against the run for the last decade and nothing has changed.

Additionally, there are strong indications that Denver is going to put the success and/or failure of their offense into the arm of Peyton Manning. Why not?

It is also important to note that the Broncos have Knowshon Moreno, Lance Ball and Ronnie Hillman will help shoulder the load at running back. I just don’t see McGahee getting more than 15 touches this week against Pittsburgh.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cincinnati Bengals

It makes little sense to start a pedestrian running back against an elite Baltimore Ravens front seven. While they are going to have issues in terms of generating a consistent pass-rush after losing Terrell Suggs, Baltimore will not lose a step against the run.

You can also expect Andy Dalton and Co. to attempt to pick on what is an underwhelming secondary in Baltimore. I just don’t envision Green-Ellis getting the necessary carries to make a fantasy impact.

If you have him as a RB2 option you should think about going further down on the totem pole with someone like Donald Brown or Rashad Jennings.