Week 11 Start Em Sit Em: Michael Bush and RBs That Won't Live Up to Expectations

The playoffs are just a few weeks away in the majority of fantasy football leagues, meaning every game is of the utmost importance from here on out.

With that in mind, now is the time when fantasy owners need their studs to step up and come through with big games.

Even top players aren't going to produce every week, though. While I wouldn't suggest benching elite contributors, here are three top running backs that will perform well below expectations this week. Keep them in your lineup, but realize they may not produce as much as usual. 

Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans

After weeks of mediocre performances, Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson finally broke out last week against the Carolina Panthers with 130 rushing yards. Many may be expecting a resurgence from Johnson, but he runs into an extremely tough defense in Week 11.

The Titans will travel to Atlanta to take on the Falcons, who rank fourth in the league in defense. On top of that, the Falcons have a very shaky secondary, so the Titans and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck might be a bit more inclined to go to the air as they did earlier in the season.

I also expect the Falcons to jump on the Titans early as they desperately need a win after a major blunder in overtime caused them to lose to the New Orleans Saints last week. If the Falcons play with a lead, Johnson's potential will be compromised as he may not get enough touches to get going. 

Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens

It has been over a month since Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice eclipsed 100 rushing yards in a game. It is likely that his streak will continue this week as the Ravens take on the Cincinnati Bengals and their second-ranked run defense.

Having said that, Rice does have added value as a receiver, since he has at least five catches in five consecutive games. However, unless you're in a PPR league, his score could be very pedestrian in Week 11. Thanks to the Bengals' stingy run defense, it wouldn't be surprising if the Ravens' coaching staff lets quarterback Joe Flacco air it out a bit.

That possibility is buoyed by the fact that shutdown cornerback Leon Hall will miss the remainder of the season. Hall had developed into one of the premier cover men in the league and was capable of taking receivers out of games. Without Hall in the picture, Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith should be able to run freely, which means Rice may be put on the back burner.

Michael Bush, Oakland Raiders

In the absence of Oakland Raiders starting running back Darren McFadden, backup Michael Bush has been absolutely spectacular. Bush has over 250 yards rushing and a score in two starts, and it seems quite likely that he is in line for yet another start on Sunday.

It won't be easy to find running room on the road against the Minnesota Vikings and their sixth-ranked run defense, though. Few opposing backs have been able to break through Minnesota's formidable front line. While Bush may have the tools to do it, he won't be able to cruise like he has in the past two weeks.

The Vikings also rank 30th against the pass, and since Carson Palmer was installed as the Raiders' starting quarterback, Oakland has passed the ball with much more regularity. All signs point to a passing barrage out of Palmer on Sunday, especially if Bush struggles early.

Indeed, unless the Raiders running back gashes the Vikings in the early going, I think the visitors will primarily lean on the arm of Palmer.