Week 4 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Arian Foster and 5 Running Backs You Must Start

Arian Foster will finally be back in a Texans uniform and on the field when Houston hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers today.

Foster, who was backed up well by Ben Tate in the first three weeks of the season, returns as the league's reigning rushing leader. He will have a tough task against the Steelers defense, which is currently 12th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game.

Things should be different, however. Houston has a balanced and established offense, which should give Foster his opportunities to score touchdowns in the red zone today. Don't be hesitant to start Foster just because of the opponent.

Matt Forte is another guy you definitely want to start. He's always a threat in the run and passing game, and today he goes up against a young-and-unproven Panthers defense.

Forte's current statistics aren't that imposing, especially considering nearly all of his stats through three games were compiled in Week 1 against the Falcons. He had just two yards on nine carries against Green Bay the other day. That shouldn't be a repeat at home against a Panthers team that is ranked 25th against the run.

Another running back returning from injury is Steven Jackson, who will face the Washington Redskins at home today. Jackson has been injured in the first few weeks, but is finally healthy and slated to start for the Rams.

St. Louis, at 0-3, was expected to be a much improved and highly competitive team this year. Jackson has a lot to do with that, and he adds an element to the offense that ignites what the Rams do.

Expect Jackson to come back very strong at home and lead the Rams to a stellar offensive day. Their balance will return with Jackson's presence, and Jackson should have a good day on that turf in St. Louis.

Here are five running backs you want to start today:

Arian Foster (Houston Texans) against Pittsburgh

Matt Forte (Chicago Bears) against Panthers

Steven Jackson (St. Louis Rams) against Redskins

Fred Jackson (Buffalo Bills) against Bengals

Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville Jaguars) against Saints