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Heading into week five, here are three running backs that I expect to have a down week:


Cedric Benson, Bengals: Benson is tied for fourth in the league in rushing (367 yards) through four games. However, this week he faces a stingy Ravens defense that leads the NFL in rushing defense (59.5 yards per game) and hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher in 39 consecutive games. On average, opposing rushers are averaging only 2.6 yards per carry against the Ravens. In 12 career rushing attempts against the Ravens, Benson has 23 yards and no touchdowns.

Steven Jackson, Rams: Jackson, who is tied with Benson in rushing, has accumulated a lot of yards. However, he has yet to reach the endzone through a quarter of the season. Coincidentally, Jackson's week five opponent (Vikings) hasn't allowed a rushing touchdown this season. If you have Jackson on your roster, he was likely selected as your team's number one back meaning you may not have enough viable options to bench him. But I would expect Jackson to post a pedestrian 50-70 yards and no scores against the stout Vikings run defense.

Clinton Portis, Redskins: Portis has yet to rush for 100 yards in a game this year and the last three games were against the Rams, Lions and Buccaneers, who are a combined 1-11. Although the Panthers are last in rushing defense (182.7 ypg), the Panthers have faced three teams with elite backs and/or rushing offenses(Eagles, Falcons and Cowboys). During the week, there was reports of a disagreement between Portis and fullback Mike Sellers (about Sellers' missed blocking assignments). Portis is averaging under four yards per carry and hasn't scored a touchdown yet this season.

See our Fantasy Studs (RBs) for week 5.