Week 15 Fantasy Football Rankings: Looking at the Top RBs

Now that the fantasy football playoffs are in full force, having a stud RB can be so clutch. One reason is because with limited team left for a shot at the fantasy title, maybe your opponent doesn't have nearly as legit of a RB.

That being said, it gives you a major and distinct advantage which only increases your odds of winning. So, here are the top fantasy RBs of Week 15.

4. Reggie Bush, Dolphins (at Bills)

For starters, if Miami wants to win this game it will have to keep the rock on the ground with Reggie Bush. Buffalo's pass defense relies a lot of getting INTs and Miami isn't good enough in the passing game to be one-dimensional.

Nonetheless, it is somewhat of a surprise to see Bush becoming more consistent on the ground as he has in recent weeks. However, because of that surge he's a great fantasy RB in Week 15.

Buffalo ranks No. 25 against the rush and allows 130 yards per game while the Dolphins rank No. 12 in rush offense and gain almost 120 yards per game. Reggie has gained 203 rush yards the past two games and hit over 100 at the Giants midseason.

Potentially this is building something for 2012, but it's certainly a strong closure for 2011 after such a rough start.

3. Michael Bush, Raiders (vs Lions)

Since he took over for Darren McFadden, Raiders RB Michael Bush has been bowling over, through and around opposing defenses.

Oakland still ranks in the Top 10 in rush offense (No. 6) and gains almost 140 yards on the ground per game. Their opponent this week are the Detroit Lions who rank No. 27 in rush defense and allow 136 rushing yards per contest.

So, it's safe to say that nothing will really give until maybe late in the game when Detroit is worn down. As for Bush, he'll be fed early and often because not only is that Oakland's strength, but they need to keep the Lions explosive offense off the field.

No matter who they've gone against and where it was, the Lions haven't been able to stop anyone on the ground this season. Therefore, don't expect that to change against The Silver and Black.

2. Marshawk Lynch, Seahawks (at Bears)

Week 15 is a big NFC showdown at Soldier Field in Chicago between the Seahawks and Bears. Seattle comes in on fire and Chicago is fighting to somehow earn a playoff berth despite all their injuries.

Well, unfortunately for the Bears, the Seahawks couldn't have visited at a worst time. RB Marshawn Lynch has gained over 100 rush yards in five of his last six games and is arguably the best back in gaining yards after contact.

Seattle has a weak pass offense by comparison also, so if they want any chance to keep their own playoff contention shot alive, feeding the beast is crucial

Chicago may have the NFL's No. 10 ranked rush defense but much like the Broncos, Chiefs, and Raiders have done the past three weeks, you have to fight fire with fire against the Bears. Plus, it's a road game and you can't really expect too much out of Tarvaris Jackson if the game is left on his shoulders.

1. Arian Foster, Texans (vs Panthers)

Even when WR Andre Johnson is healthy, RB Arian Foster has to remain a key focal point of coach Gary Kubiak's offense. The Texans rank No. 2 in rushing and are winning with a third-string rookie QB in TJ Yates.

So, even with the pressure on when Johnson isn't playing, before Matt Schaub went down Houston still had an established gunslinger under center. Now, Foster has no choice but to produce in order to keep letting Yates get acclimated and develop.

Luckily this week Foster gets to continue that trend against the Carolina Panthers who allow almost 130 rush yards per game (rank No. 24). Foster may not garner much more than 100 rush yards but he'll also get some solid receiving yards too.

Yates needs him on screens, check-downs, and designed plays in the flat, so another 50 yards off receptions will suffice for Foster, because it only makes their offense that much more dangerous. Not to mention limiting Carolina's possessions against their top five defense gives Houston a major advantage.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27