Start 'Em Sit 'Em Week 4: Running Backs to Avoid at All Costs

With so many injuries around the NFL, you will undoubtedly be forced to start players you wouldn't otherwise. However, there are certain running backs that need to avoided regardless of your predicament.

I don't care if you're stuck between the Saints' third-stringer and one of the below backs. Just leave the slot empty.

At least you won't have to worry about negative points.

Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans

Don't be a hero. Fantasy rarely favors the bold, and there is no shame in throwing in the towel.

In fact, it's the only move left in this circumstance.

Johnson wasn't able to get it going against the porous Detroit Lions defense, and his quarterback is the leading rusher on his team. Need statistical proof? Fine. Johnson's averaging 1.4 yards per carry. Don't be afraid to hit the drop button and see if you can line up Jake Locker in the running back slot.

Shonn Greene, New York Jets

If you start Shonn Greene, expect the rest of the league to call you out for not setting your lineup.

The San Francisco 49ers might not have won last week, but the defense was still stout. They held Adrian Peterson to 86 yards on 25 carries and kept him out of the end zone.

This may come as a surprise, so please be sure to sit down: Peterson is better than Greene. I'm sorry I had to be the one to tell you.

Reggie Bush, Miami Dolphins

The league's leading rusher heading into Week 3 is planning on playing this week against the Arizona Cardinals. Appreciate his grit, but don't feel obligated to start him.

The Cardinals haven't been as dominant against the run as they have against the pass. However, they keep teams from scoring and won't have to worry too much about Ryan Tannehill. Thus, Arizona's safeties will spend plenty of time hanging around the box.

Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills

Going forward, the Bills backfield is going to be a fantasy mess. Do you start C.J. Spiller or Jackson? This week the answer is easy, especially since Spiller is injured: neither.

Jackson is coming back from a knee injury and isn't a lock to play anyways. It certainly doesn't help his cause that the New England Patriots have a stout rushing defense that only gives up 81 yards per game.

Throw in that the Bills will have to pass the ball to keep pace with the Patriots offense, and there aren't many factors in Jackson's favor.