Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 2: Breaking Down the Tough RB Decisions

Starting or sitting a particular running back can be the difference between winning and losing in fantasy football.

Everyone typically has a few elite players, with at least one of those being a stud ball-carrier. Well, finding that No. 2 back and/or flex spot provides a distinct competitive advantage each week.

Reggie Bush is one back to make note of. He's the Miami Dolphins' best offensive weapon, and a specific matchup can make Bush an appealing start. That said, he hasn't been consistently reliable enough to be a weekly starter, and Miami doesn't present much talent around him, either.

So, to help figure out which running backs to start and sit, let's see who comes with Bush in Week 2.

Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans (at San Diego Chargers)

Start or Sit: Sit

Last week, the San Diego Chargers held Darren McFadden to 32 yards on 15 carries.

Although he performed well as a receiving back, expect the Chargers to address this against Chris Johnson. After all, the New England Patriots limited him to 51 total yards on 17 touches.

The Chargers field a potential top 10 defense, and the Tennessee Titans aren't explosive enough in the passing game to remain balanced. Johnson will be isolated, and the Bolts defense will come up big once again.

Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at New York Giants)

Start or Sit: Start

This is a tough decision because the New York Giants do have a sound front seven that's capable of limiting any opposing ball-carrier.

Fortunately for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, rookie Doug Martin doesn't get tackled so easily.

In Week 1, the Giants allowed DeMarco Murray to compile 131 rushing yards and average 6.6 yards per carry. This was mainly because Big Blue failed to wrap up, and Martin is just as fierce as Murray between the tackles—not to mention that slamming on the ground is Tampa's offensive forte.

C.J. Spiller, Buffalo Bills (at Kansas City Chiefs)

Start or Sit: Start

C.J. Spiller is a tricky start because the Kansas City Chiefs are solid against the run.

However, we also have to keep in mind that the Atlanta Falcons are a pass-first team, so K.C. was bound to perform well against the run last week.

Buffalo, on the other hand, doesn't have a ridiculous passing attack like the Falcons.

So, relying on Spiller is a must for any shot to win, and the man knows how to make defenders miss. Spiller also is one of the most athletic backs in the game, and the Bills need to utilize his dual-threat ability to move the chains.

Willis McGahee, Denver Broncos (at Atlanta Falcons)

Start or Sit: Sit

Make no mistake about it: The Denver Broncos need Willis McGahee in the backfield to win on Monday night.

What are more important, though, are his presence and impact on the game as opposed to actual production. We saw how much the Broncos need to rely on Peyton Manning after Week 1, so McGahee will be used for additional pass protection and winning short-yardage situations.

Include the resurgence from Knowshon Moreno against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and McGahee also will get some carries taken away.

Kevin Smith, Detroit Lions (at San Francisco 49ers)

Start or Sit: Sit

There are few running backs worthy of a start against the San Francisco 49ers, and Kevin Smith is not one of them.

For one, the Detroit Lions' offensive strength is the passing game, and the Niners field arguably the NFL's best defense. Smith is a solid dual-threat, but the 49ers are too dominant against the run, and quite fast and instinctive at linebacker.

Smith will be relied upon by Matthew Stafford and Co., but production will come at a minimum. If anything, Smith will see continued carries throughout just to keep San Francisco honest and to set up the passing game.

Reggie Bush, Miami Dolphins (vs. Oakland Raiders)

Start or Sit: Start

An athletic running back is one thing that can really take advantage of the Oakland Raiders defense.

Despite winning, the San Diego Chargers missed that in Week 1, and it was apparent inside the red zone.

Reggie Bush cannot be locked down by a linebacker in man coverage, and he is the Miami Dolphins' best offensive threat. Oakland also can get rather overaggressive at times since the defensive front will apply pressure. Dumping off to Bush for screens and check downs will suffice.

Bush can make defenders miss inside the red zone, and if the Dolphins don't abandon the running game early, Bush will produce nicely.

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