Fantasy Football (NFL) 2008: Week 14 Sleepers and Keepers Running Backs (RBs)

Well most people are entering the playoffs. Congrats! Now let's get down to business. I myself have several teams in the playoffs. Week 14 will bring us some sweet matchups if we pour through some stats and check out the defenses.

So here are you're must starts for the first week of playoffs.

1) Peyton Hillis - This guy has been lighting it up since taking the rushing reins in Denver. He's legit on both the run and the pass game. Hillis is a game changer that will help relieve some of the pressure on Jay Cutler. And of course he goes up against the mighty Kansas City Chiefs who are ranked second to last on run defense.

2) Tim Hightower - Arizona has too many offensive weapons for St. Louis to handle even with a semi-healthy Steven Jackson. Kurt Warner will get his yards and his receivers will get their touchdowns. But when the game turns ugly and the score is too high look for Hightower to convert on some great yards and grab a TD or two.

3) Michael Turner - Week 13 had DeAngelo Williams and Brian Westbrook at 4 TDs each. Well the man who does that this week is Michael Turner. New Orleans rushing defense is porous at best. Matt Ryan is doing great allowing Turner to catch offenses on change of pace plays. Turner will shred New Orleans at the goal line even when Drew Brees throws for 400 yards again. Matt Ryan to Roddy white which will set up an inside the 10 explosion by Turner. Press play and repeat four times.

4) Ryan Grant - Quite in his last match due to a sprained thumb in the second quarter. I expect Rodgers to throw a decent amount and have a good game. The Texans won't be able to keep up unless Matt Schaub miraculously grows another knee. This will lead to Grant dragging down the time clock and amassing a hundred yard game. Should get one TD.

5) Steve Slaton - Playing on the other side of the ball. Slaton will get some heavy work in the first quarter then Houston will attempt to open up their passing game. Slaton is a darn good short yardage receiver. All in all a pretty even day. Slaton will be the top fantasy point getter on the Houston Texans this day.

6) Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor - Um guess who plays Detroit this week. Either one of these guys will be good starts. Peterson will get the majority of the red zone work and carries. Taylor is an excellent change of pace back and shouldn't disappoint this day either. Detroit will surprising stay close in this game thanks to Megatron and Culpepper warming up to each other. Minnesota will realize their passing attack sucks once again and run the ball. I say both backs break 100 yards.

7) LeRon McCain - Quietly replacing Mr. "too fragile" McGahee. McCain is putting up some decent numbers this year and is a large part of the resurgence on offense for the Ravens. Well that and the amazing Joe Flacco. Look for McCain to once again assert his alpha maleness among the three running backs. Washington isn't particularly weak on defense it's just the Ravens have found their offense.

8) Sammy Morris - This man is underappreciated. Morris is a great back that gets quality touches. I watched the New England Pittsburgh game and I thought Morris was by far the best player on the field. Belicheck doesn't like to lose and Seattle is just plain disorganized. Morris should do very well and top the century mark.

9) Marshawn Lynch - People that drafted Lynch are finally reaping the benefits, though a little too late to make up for an average half season. So if you got him you should play him. He's about the best thing the Bills got since Edwards went down. With Losman taking the snaps the Bills might run the Ball 95% of the time. The dolphins are coming to town and the Bills need to assert a positive running game if they want to win this one.

10) Matt Forte - MVP for the year. Well at least Rookie of the year. This guy is putting up great numbers no matter who the other team is. He leads the Bears in all kinds of categories, if he could throw Orton might be out of a job. Jacksonville isn't particularly good or bad so I see Forte getting lots of looks and touches. The guy is a machine.