Week 16 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Rashard Mendenhall and 5 RBs to Start

In Week 16 of the fantasy football season, the following five running backs are worthy of starts:

Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers

There's a lot to like this week with Mendenhall. His matchup with St. Louis, the 28th fantasy run defense in 2011, is one that he should be able to exploit. What's more, if Ben Roethlisberger doesn't play, Mendenhall should get plenty of opportunities to do just that.

Expect 20 or more touches with Charlie Batch starting. If he gets that many, 100-plus yards and a score isn't out of the question.

Reggie Bush, Miami Dolphins

The time for questioning the validity of Bush's fantasy impact is long gone. He's rushed for 406 yards over his last three games, making him the top running back (yards-wise) in the NFL over that stretch.

The Patriots will be focusing a lot of their attention on Brandon Marshall, which could mean Bush has another big day. You have to start him based on past results. 

Willis McGahee, Denver Broncos

McGahee's health was the only real question in this matchup, and he has been listed as probable. The Broncos have shown that they'll run no matter what the down, distance or score.

Against the Bills, who have been gashed against the run in recent weeks, McGahee is someone you can't afford to keep on the bench.

Kahlil Bell, Chicago Bears

Since we don't know if Bell is the starter or not in Chicago, there's some risk here. However, based on last week's performance, there's no reason for the Bears not to give Bell the majority of the touches on Sunday against the Packers.

Green Bay's defensive line (Ryan Pickett out, Mike Neal questionable) is banged up, and running backs have done well in the passing game this season against the Packers defense. There's risk, but real potential, too.

DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers

Do we enter the Tampa Bay rule here? The Buccaneers have consistently been in the bottom five of fantasy defense against running backs in 2011. They currently sit at No. 32.

Williams isn't guaranteed a bunch of carries. What's more, Cam Newton takes some of the goal line carries. However, with the potential that exists in this matchup for Williams to have a 100-yard or more day, don't you have to start him?