Week 12 Fantasy Football Rankings: Michael Bush and More Rising RBs

Injuries have taken their toll on the ranks of fantasy football running backs of late. Fred Jackson, James Starks and Adrian Peterson joined Felix Jones and Darren McFadden among the NFL's wounded, leaving fantasy owners scrambling for new faces.

Meanwhile, these three backs figure to benefit the most from their peers' plight, at least as far as fantasy rankings are concerned.

Michael Bush, Oakland Raiders

Michael Bush has been brilliant in McFadden's stead with the Raiders, racking up three touchdowns and well over 100 total yards per game in his last four outings. With Run DMC expected to miss Sunday's game against the Bears, Bush will once again be called upon to carry the load for the Silver and Black in their pursuit of the AFC West crown.

Chicago boasts a solid run defense, but such trivial matters have yet to deter Bush, who plowed through a rather stout Vikings squad last weekend.

Joe McKnight, New York Jets

With Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson both banged up and ineffective, Joe McKnight rose to the occasion for the Jets offense against the Broncos, racking up 121 total yards between 16 carries and six catches.

That performance should be enough to earn the former USC standout more touches against the Bills, who (lo and behold) sport the sixth-most fantasy-friendly run defense of any in the NFL. Look for J-Mac to take full advantage of Buffalo's weakness on defense, both on the ground and through the air.

Cedric Benson, Cincinnati Bengals

Cedric Benson need not worry about taking over for injured players on his own team, allowing him instead to focus on plowing through the fantasy running back rankings with another fine game against the Browns. Benson has cleaned up against Cleveland, running for at least 100 yards in three of his last five games against Ohio's other team, including a 121-yard, one-touchdown performance in Week 1.

The Browns have only declined defensively since, which should leave Benson plenty of room to roam on Sunday in the Queen City.