Week 12 Fantasy Football Rankings: Looking at the Top RBs

With the fantasy football regular season coming to a close and the playoffs coming up, if you're still in the hunt, having a stud RB can give you a distinct advantage.

There's been injuries, guys who have underachieved, as well as varied matchups, therefore, having the right RB can sway the odds in your favor. To that end, here are the top four fantasy football RBs of Week 12.

4. Matt Forte, Bears (at Raiders)

Even when Jay Cutler was under center and healthy, RB Matt Forte was the Bears' offense.

Matt Forte is dominating even when defenses stack the box.

Not only is he a damn good rushing threat, he can beat any LB on a route when being covered. And with offensive coordinator Mike Martz's west coast offense, it revolves around Forte.

This week the Bears play the Raiders in Oakland, however, the Raiders rank just No. 20 against the pass and No. 25 against the rush. Total, they allow 370 yards, thus giving Chicago much hope to move the ball.

As for Forte, he'll once again be the main course and slice through the Oakland defense. His numbers will come early and often, so in terms of fantasy, he'll be solid. However, the question is how long he can last, because the Bears need a win and Oakland will adjust as the game progresses.

3. Michael Turner, Falcons (vs. Vikings)

The Minnesota Vikings may have one of the better pass-rushers (Jared Allen) and rush defenses in the NFL (ranked No. 9), but they're not going to stop Atlanta's Michael Turner.

For one, the Falcons have a very balanced offense and Minnesota is quite weak in defending the pass. So, although you can anticipate Matt Ryan slinging the rock early on, don't be surprised if Turner gets a taste of the passing game action.

To try and stop The Dirty Birds' aerial assault, putting seven/eight guys into coverage will be needed.

That is when Turner will get his rushes and then take over the game. So if you have him, don't be surprised by a slow start because he will have decent numbers by halftime and then a strong finish.

2. Michael Bush, Raiders (vs. Bears)

Earlier it was Matt Forte for Chicago and now for his game-time counterpart, Michael Bush from Oakland.

Even when Darren McFadden was healthy, he and Bush provided the Raiders with arguably the NFL's best two-back tandem.

And since being the lone man in the backfield, even when a rusty Carson Palmer was under center, Michael Bush has kept Oakland dominating on the ground. His performances have allowed Palmer to gradually get back into the game-flow, so Bush's production will be key once again.

The Bears rank just No. 30 against the pass, however, they are No. 10 against the rush. Although the emphasis will be on the pass, Bush will play a part in setting it up.

If Palmer can have minimal success with no turnovers in the first quarter, Bush will have a solid game as Chicago won't stack the box. Even then though, Bush will still have a solid game as Oakland is just too good on the ground.

1. Arian Foster, Texans (at Jaguars)

Despite having Matt Leinart under center, the Houston Texans will still have a solid ground game against Jacksonville.

You would expect the Jaguars to stack up against RB Arian Foster, and yes, they most likely will. However, stopping the run is Jacksonville's weakness.

Even when Matt Schaub was under center, the Texans' offensive strength was running the ball. They are No. 2 in the league in rushing, and expect them to be an even more run-oriented team without Schaub.

Not to mention they've had two weeks to prepare and the Jaguars are banged up defensively.

That being said, Foster will put on the best show of all the RBs in Week 12 and his versatility will keep the Jaguars guessing. Plus, in passing situations he'll be a nice safety outlet for Leinart if Andre Johnson isn't open downfield.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27