Week 8 Start Em Sit Em: Rashard Mendenhall and Other RBs You Must Start

When setting your fantasy football lineups for Week 8 of the NFL season, you should consider these running backs as safe starts:

Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers

Owners let out a sigh of relief as Mendenhall returned from injury two weeks ago and busted off 143 yards and a score against the Jaguars. A week later, Mendehall couldn't crack 40 yards against the Cardinals.

What's in store this week when the Patriots stroll into Pittsburgh? Expect a number somewhere in the middle, as the Pats have actually been decent against the run in 2011. However, there will be red zone opportunities for Mendenhall, and New England has given up a rushing touchdown to a back in four of six games this season.  

Darren Sproles, Saints

Sproles has been a consistent fantasy option this season for the simple fact that he's such an accomplished receiver out of the backfield. His 45 catches through seven games for a back is a fantastic number.

But Sproles is starting to see more and more carries, and he's totaled over 50 yards rushing in three of his last four games. The receptions are always going to be there, but the rushing numbers are what make Sproles a must-start this weekend against the Rams. And don't forget: St. Louis is the worst run defense in the NFL.  

Ryan Mathews, Chargers

Thumb surgery performed a week or so ago is always worrisome for a back, and Matthews delivered his worst performance of 2011 against the Jets. Is that more due to the thumb or the Jets' defense? Let's bank on the defense he was facing. Mathews takes on the Chiefs this Monday night, and he burned the Chiefs for 149 total yards and two scores the first time they met. 

Jackie Battle. Chiefs

There's really no point for the Chiefs not to give Battle the lion's share of carries moving forward, as he's proven to be plenty capable of carrying the load. If that's the case on Monday night, Battle could be in for solid numbers. The Chargers' run defense has given up over 100 yards to opposing running backs two weeks straight.

DeMarco Murray, Cowboys

You'll start him this week because of the 253 yards he posted last week against the Rams, but he also faces a favorable matchup in Week 8 vs. the Eagles. While Philadelphia held Washington's running backs to just 28 yards a week ago, the Eagles are still the 31st ranked defense against opposing running backs in 2011.  

Chris Johnson, Titans

The Titans aren't going to bench the guy they gave millions of dollars to just a month and half ago, so don't worry about those talks. However, Johnson does need to wake up and realize that football has started in 2011. If he hits the snooze through a matchup against the 29th-ranked fantasy run defense, then it might be time to worry.