Reggie Bush (MIA): Not only is Bush Miami’s clear-cut #1 back, he’s also getting goal-line carries. Add in a few receptions per game and he’s poised for another good game against the Eagles.
Michael Turner (Atl): After 2 straight sub-par weeks, Turner will bounce back against a weak Carolina run defense.
Ryan Matthews (SD): The Chargers have finally figured out he’s their best back. With injury concerns behind him, Matthews will put up big numbers against a bad Buffalo run defense.
Roy Helu (WAS): The Redskins have settled on Helu as their top back, in fact, he’s the only one who got a single carry last week against the Jets. May not put up huge yardage this week against New England, but he’ll make up for it with receptions.
DeMarco Murray (DAL): Teams have discovered ways to slow down Murray, but it’s time for the Cowboys to make an adjustment. Expect Murray to be a solid start against the Giants.
NOT HOT
Brandon Jacobs (NYG): He split carries with Ahmad Bradshaw last week, but as Bradshaw gets healthier, Jacobs gets less involved. The Giants will attack the Cowboys more with Eli Manning anyway.
Daniel Thomas (MIA): Thomas has showed signs of promise, but doesn’t get enough carries to warrant a start against Philadelphia.
Pierre Thomas (NO): With Mark Ingram healthy, Thomas will take a backseat. He’s getting fewer carries every week and now has to face a stout Titans run defense.
Peyton Hillis (CLE): Just because he’s healthy, doesn’t mean you should start him. Hillis is clearly not the same back he was a year ago. He’s also got a tough matchup against the Steelers top 5 run defense.
Ryan Grant (GB): Even if James Starks is out, Grant is not a safe start this week. Rookie Brandon Saine is stealing some of his carries and the Packers rarely run to begin with.
