Fantasy Football Week 12: Cedric Benson and Underrated RBs You Must Play

Ray Rice may have fizzled for the Ravens yesterday, but fantasy owners still have plenty of chances to salvage their Week 12 backfields. These three runners haven’t gotten much hype in 2011, but they’re set up for big games on Sunday:

Cedric Benson, Cincinnati

Benson has been up and down this season, no doubt, but Cincinnati’s second meeting with struggling Cleveland is a great opportunity to start him. Back in Week 1, Benson ran for 121 yards and a touchdown against the Browns.

Cleveland’s 29th-ranked run defense hasn’t exactly improved after that rough start to the season. With the Bengals at home and likely to be protecting a lead late, Benson should be in for another big day.

LeGarrette Blount, Tampa Bay

The Titans defense hasn’t even resembled its stout reputation this season, especially against the run. Tennessee is giving up 124.3 rushing yards a game, 23rd in the NFL.

A healthy Blount racked up 107 yards and a TD on the ground against the fearsome Green Bay run defense. He should have a field day against the mediocre Titans, especially if Tennessee’s offensive woes give the Bucs a late lead to protect.

Shonn Greene, NY Jets

With Fred Jackson out of commission, the slumping Bills are heading for a beating at the Meadowlands. There should be plenty of late-game clock-killing carries for Jets runners, and it looks like Shonn Greene will get the bulk of that load.

Greene is listed as probable for this week, while LaDainian Tomlinson is not expected to play. With Buffalo’s run defense ranked just 20th in the league, that makes Greene a fantasy option to bank on.