Fantasy Football Week 6: 5 Running Backs You Should Sit

The 2011 season has certainly been marked as the year of the passing game. However, that hasn't stopped us from seeing our fair share of phenomenal running performances.

Players like Darren McFadden, Matt Forte and Ray Rice have been tearing up defenses week-in and week-out while fellow studs Chris Johnson and Rashard Mendenhall have been silent all season.

As we're all aware, a successful ground game relies on matchup as much as it does your offensive line and in fantasy football specifically, it's all about getting into the end zone.

This list is for owners in all types of leagues, so take a look. These are the five running backs I wouldn't advise starting at RB this week.

Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams

Let me say this first—I'm never a fan of starting a running back on my own fantasy team who's coming off leg injuries. I know we've seen Arian Foster have success doing it, but let's be honest, S-Jax isn't Arian Foster.

That said, Steven Jackson should be someone you consider leaving off your roster on Sunday when he faces off against the Packers.

The Packers run defense is stout, giving up only 75.8 yards per game on the ground. That's very impressive because they've faced backs like Matt Forte and Michael Turner.

St. Louis has punched it in only once on the ground all season and that was by Jackson on the team's first play from scrimmage in Week 1.

With the likelihood of Green Bay jumping out to an early lead, Jackson's carries will most likely be cut, and I don't expect him to do much with them.

Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers

Stewart is a fantastic flex play in most leagues, especially PPR (points per reception) because he's one of the best pass-catching backs in the NFL.

Early in the season, this might be different. But lately, DeAngelo Williams has seemingly taken back the backfield that he was on the verge of losing just a short time ago.

In the past two weeks, Williams has skyrocketed in value by running for almost 200 yards and a touchdown, averaging nearly 10 yards-per-carry in the process.

The Falcons, who host the Panthers this week, allow just under 90 yards per game which is good for eighth in the league.

I don't advise starting him at your flex, or second running back spot unless you're really desperate.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, New England Patriots

"The Law Firm" as he's called, impressed many with his performance in Week 5 against the Jets by totaling 136 yards and two touchdowns.

While the two touchdowns was a treat for fantasy owners, he was playing the Jets defense who had given up six ground scores before Green-Ellis. This week against Dallas, it will be a whole different animal.

Dallas brings the NFL's best run defense into Foxborough on Sunday afternoon—a defense who's only giving up 60 yards per game and a minuscule single touchdown all season. 

Green-Ellis is always a tough play because of how Bill Belichick uses his running backs. He's notorious for playing the hot hand, so you never know who is going to have the big game.

Against Dallas, it's going to be an air show and I just don't see Green-Ellis breaking 100 yards.

Jahvid Best, Detroit Lions

I'll start with saying that Best is going to be one of the hottest, most talked about running backs throughout this week because of his performance against the reputable Bears' run defense on Monday night.

I'll follow that by making a giant sign that reads: "BUYER BEWARE."

Most people don't realize that Monday night was Jahvid Best's first 100-yard game of his career. While he was electrifying, that isn't the most settling of statistics.

This week he draws a 49ers defense who hasn't given up a running touchdown yet this season. Oh, and they're only allowing 76 yards per game, too.

At the end of the day, this is still an offense predicated on passing the football and San Francisco is far more vulnerable through the air.

While Best will get his touches, Stafford and Megatron will be reaping the touchdown benefits.

Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers

I'm someone who has personally felt the effects of Rashard Mendenhall's lack of a 2011 season. Just stop the bleeding already!

Unfortunately for Mendenhall, I don't see a bounce back this week against Jacksonville.

The Steelers offensive line is still as bad as it was last wee, and Mendenhall is still questionable with a lingering hamstring issue. He's expected to play, but even when he does, he won't be much of a help.

Jacksonville's run defense has quietly been solid all season. They only allow opposing running backs 3.7 yards per carry and are also in the Top 10 in yards per game (101.0).

Don't start him. If, and I mean IF, somehow he happens to have a monster game, you can come back and put me on blast for being wrong. But I'm certain I won't be.