Fantasy Football: 10 Best RB Matchups This Weekend

Week 12 bursts out of the gate on Thursday with three Thanksgiving day games, so make sure those lineups are set early.

Some big name RBs have statuses that are up in the air for this week's matchups, including Adrian Peterson, Darren McFadden and Fred Jackson.

While Peterson is a must-start if he is cleared to play, McFadden probably won't get many touches if he plays Sunday. The Raiders have a more-than-capable backup in Michael Bush who can shoulder the load against the Bears.

Fred Jackson is the focal point of the Bills offense. If he's playing, he's a must-start as well.

But, here are 10 backs you can count on to play and produce this weekend.

Sleepers: DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Beanie Wells.

10. Kevin Smith vs. Green Bay Packers

Kevin Smith is unlikely to replicate the monster numbers he put up last week against Carolina, but an 100-yard game and a touchdown seem reasonable.

Smith hasn't been named the starter yet, but it's a safe bet he'll get the majority of the touches on Thursday.

9. Michael Bush vs. Chicago Bears

Michael Bush has shown he has lead back capability in the absence of Darren McFadden. He's averaged 115 ypg in the Raiders' last four contests.

The Chicago Bears defense, as usual, is excellent against the run. But Bush has the style to pound out those extra yards after contact. The man always falls forward.

8. Ryan Grant vs. Detroit Lions

A fully-healthy Ryan Grant and an on-the-shelf James Starks is great news for fantasy owners of this RB.

The Lions front seven were heavily hyped during Detroit's 5-0 start, but haven't played at a very high level against the run as of late. I expect Grant will have his best fantasy performance of the season this Thursday.

7. Ray Rice vs. San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers have the best fantasy defense against RBs, giving up an average of only 8.3 points in standard scoring.

But Ray Rice is a unique back. He can easily double that average as he gains points as a receiver and runner. I suspect we'll see a lot of screens in the Ravens game plan on Thursday. And, who knows, maybe Rice will throw his second touchdown of this season in Week 12. 

6. Arian Foster vs. Jacksonville

Coming off of a bye week, Foster should be rested and ready to put big numbers against Jacksonville.

Even splitting time with Ben Tate, there will be plenty of carries to go around. Also, Foster is the deadlier weapon in the passing game and is a favorite target of Matt Schaub.

5. Rashard Mendenhall vs. Kansas City Chiefs

A top 10 scoring back against a bottom five run defense sounds like a good matchup to me.

Mendenhall only had 44 yards rushing last week, but he ran for two touchdowns. Look for that yardage to at least double this week.

4. LeSean McCoy vs. New England Patriots

If LeSean McCoy can get to the second level against the Patriots defense, it is likely to turn into a touchdown. I suspect that will happen at least once.

Just like last week, most of McCoy's fantasy points could come from one or two plays this Sunday. It can be a frustrating thing as his fantasy owner, but the points all count the same.

3. Michael Turner vs. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings defense is much better against the run than the pass. But still, Michael Turner's punishing style of running is the type that can give them trouble. LeGarrette Blount had two TDs and 77 yards against them in Week 2 while Michael Bush had 109 yards and a touchdown last week.

I see Turner putting up similar numbers while gaining most of his fantasy points in the second half.

2. Steven Jackson vs. Arizona Cardinals

You have to hand it to Steven Jackson, he makes the most out of inconsistent (and often poor) offensive line play in front of him.

Arizona's run defense has given up some big games on the road to Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson. Rice had three TDs against the Cardinals in Week 8 and Adrian Peterson had 122 yards and three TDs in Week 5.

Jackson himself ran for 130 yards against the Cardinals in Week 9. It should be another big day for Mr. Jackson.

1. Matt Forte vs. Oakland Raiders

The best RB matchup this week looks to be Matt Forte against the Raiders. Matt Forte is the focal point of the Bears rushing and passing attacks. The Raiders are in the bottom third of the league in both rushing and passing defense.

Forte is a playmaker, and it is guaranteed he will have the ball in his hands a bunch on Sunday. I expect him to break at least one long run in this game against a Raiders defense that is ranked 25th in rushing yards allowed. Tack on Forte's customary five receptions and it will be another top-notch week for Forte.