Week 9 Fantasy Football Rankings: Projecting the Riskiest RBs

Although RBs are being used less because of the passing trend in pro football, they are still a vital aspect to fantasy football.

And at some point, the NFL will have to revert back to a ground-and-pound league since pass defenses will adjust sooner than later.

In any event, here are three of the riskiest RBs to start in Week 9 of fantasy football.

Cedric Benson, Bengals (at Tennessee)

Benson is coming off a suspension, so getting back into the game flow won't be as easy as expected, especially on the road against a desperate Titans defense.

Tennessee hasn't been all that impressive when it comes to stopping the run, but it's not like the Bengals are slamming through defenses to begin with. In this game, Cincinnati has to rely on WR A.J. Green to make plays because it's better to force a rookie QB to beat you than an experienced RB.

Anticipate the Titans stacking the box and forcing Cincinnati into many passing situations. Benson's carries will then be limited and his production won't be good enough to warrant a start.

Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants (at New England)

As of now, even if he plays the Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw may have to sit. According to Dan Graziano of ESPN, Bradshaw missed practice on Wednesday.

But let's say Bradshaw does suit up. Can the New York offense keep up with New England's even if they have a balanced attack?

No. The Giants defense allows over 225 pass yards per game, New England plays damn-near flawless football at home and Bradshaw won't be 100 percent. Obviously go with him if you have no other options, but try to find a more favorable matchup.

If there's anything the Pats can do on defense, it's stop the run.

Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers (vs. Baltimore)

Steeler RB Rashard Mendenhall may be Pittsburgh's best option when wanting to carry the ball this week, but he's not worth the risk of a start in Week 9.

Baltimore has a top-five defense against both the pass and rush, and the Steelers only rank No. 14 in rush offense compared to No. 8 in passing. So although Mendenhall will get a solid number of carries, it's only going to be to set up the play-action.

Against a defense like the Ravens, you must at least attempt to run the ball, thus keeping them honest and hesitant to blitz. In turn, that gives the passing game an advantage since Ben Roethlisberger is arguably the best QB in keeping plays alive.

Mendenhall will be a big part of the game plan in keeping the Baltimore defense off balance, but he won't have much production as his ability to pound the rock will be for decoy purposes only.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

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