Week 17 Start 'Em Sit 'Em: 3 Running Backs Ready to Have Big Games

LeSean McCoy and Arian Foster are inactive this week, meaning that finding a running back for your fantasy football team might be a tough task.

Teams with nothing to play for might also be cautious with their star running backs after seeing what happened to Adrian Peterson last weekend.

So, which running backs will thrive this weekend? Most likely, it will be running backs on teams with something to play for.

With that said, let's take a look at three running backs who should have big games this weekend.

Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers

Gore and the 49ers can still lock up a first-round bye this weekend. To do that, they'll need to beat the St. Louis Rams.

So, the Niners still have something to play for, meaning Gore should get plenty of playing time.

That's good news if you're a Frank Gore owner. The Rams defense isn't terrible, but the offense is so bad that the 49ers should be able to build up a lead and then pound the ball on the ground.

Gore could have a very big fantasy week.

Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens

If the Ravens want to finally have a home playoff game, they need a win against the Cincinnati Bengals this weekend.

So, it's pretty much a must-win scenario for the Ravens, who have been terrific at home this season.

When the Ravens are in a must-win situation, they like to turn to Rice, who is just as much of a threat in the passing game as he is in the running game.

If the Ravens feed the rock to Rice, good things will happen. Look for him to have a big day and lead your team to a fantasy championship.

Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers need to beat the Browns and hope the Ravens lose to the Bengals to win the AFC North.

So, they still have something to play for this weekend, which is important for Mendenhall owners.

Also, Ben Roethlisberger probably won't play in the game, meaning Charlie Batch will get the start for the Steelers.

That means the team will probably lean heavily on the run game, racking up fantasy points for Mendenhall.