Week 9 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Michael Bush and Sleeper RBs to Start

Monday night’s Bears-Eagles matchup may feature two of the league’s best fantasy runners going head to head, but this week isn’t just about the stars. Here’s a trio of less-heralded backs who should be in for big games.

Michael Bush, Oakland

All of the available indications have Darren McFadden’s injured foot keeping him out of action in Week 9. That’s not great news for the Raiders, but it is great news for fantasy owners who have McFadden’s backup on the roster.

Bush has actually run for nearly as many TDs as McFadden, even while the latter has been healthy. Expect a strong fantasy scoring day with a home game against a terrible Denver team.

Shonn Greene, NY Jets

The Jets offense hasn’t exactly been a fantasy juggernaut this season, but this week’s matchup with Buffalo presents some interesting possibilities. As successful as the Bills have been, their defense has actually been vulnerable, including a run defense that ranks just 20th in the league.

With the Jets on the road, they’ll do well to lean heavily on Greene and keep the Buffalo offense (and Buffalo crowd) out of the game. After scoring just two TDs in seven games, Greene is a good bet to find the end zone in this one.

Jackie Battle, Kansas City

After several weeks of mixed messages, Battle is looking like the primary ground option in Kansas City. Even though the Dolphins have bigger problems than their run defense, that makes Battle a strong choice for a starting job this week.

The Chiefs are as hot as anyone in the league after four straight wins, and playing a terrible Miami offense at Arrowhead Stadium should be a recipe for an early lead and an easy win. That will give Battle plenty of late-game carries (and probably a TD or two in the process) to pump up his fantasy numbers.