Week 7 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Michael Bush and Worthy Backup RBs

This may go down as the worst week in the history of fantasy football. Okay, maybe I am over exaggerating a little bit, but the six teams on a bye are leaving owners scrambling to replace elite players everywhere. 

The running back position is thin and unpredictable in a week with no byes or injuries. Now that those are both factors, owners are left in tough spots.

None of these guys are their team's featured back, but they will be good plays this weekend.

And here's a hint if you're looking for others. All three of these guys play on teams whose quarterback will be making his first start of the 2011 season.

Michael Bush

The negative of this would be that Bush has never had more than 30 yards in a single game this season. Heck, he hasn't even had 30 yards since Week 1. But the Raiders will be relying heavily on the run this week. They run a lot anyway, and now they are going with a quarterback making his first start of 2011.

Also, consider that the Chiefs just aren't a very good team. The Raiders should win this one pretty easily. That would also indicate a heavy run influence.

Bush's power game makes him a great touchdown vulture. Even if the yardage totals aren't great, a touchdown, or more, is a complete possibility.

Knowshon Moreno

Okay, I have no problem admitting that there is a potentially big risk in this one. Still, with Tim Tebow as the quarterback, a few thoughts are entering my head.

One is that Moreno was a good pass target for Tebow in the second half against the Chargers. Included in that was a touchdown reception.

The second is that, with a new quarterback and, now, no Brandon Lloyd, the Broncos will be focused on the run. Willis McGahee is the No. 1 back, but he's not a young man, and he has a history of injuries. Logic dictates that Moreno will get some action.

Ryan Torain

As a general rule, I like running backs going against the Carolina defense. They certainly don't do a great job defending the run.

In addition to that, I like the Redskins' chances of getting out to a lead in this one. That means that Torain and Tim Hightower will get no shortage of carries.

Lastly, the fact that John Beck is starting means that they will be in a strong ball control mode. They just lost to the Eagles by only one touchdown and turned the ball over way too much. I can't expect to see that again.