Ten Worst Rush Defenses: Who To Start Ahead of Clinton Portis, Brandon Jacobs and Brian Westbrook

by faketeams on Nov 23, 2008 9:45 AM EST in Football

While there is never a great time for elite RBs like Clinton Portis, Brian Westbrook and Brandon Jacobs to be question marks, there are great match-ups for much less-heralded RBs to fill-in. Amongst these are Denver Bronco Peyton Hillis, Tampa Bay's Warrick Dunn, and Pierre Thomas of New Orelans. Addtionally, Steve Slaton of Houston, Jamaal Lewis of Cleveland and whoever the Ravens start offer match-ups that could see them produce as RB1s.

In the case of Brian Westbrook, I'd be comfortable starting any of those backs. For Brandon Jacobs and Clinton Portis, the decision is tougher. Will the Giants utilize their depth at RB to give Jacobs an much reduced role against the Cardinals? If you believe so, sitting him for Warrick Dunn or Peyton Hillis is a safe bet.

Portis offers more of a challenge. After he played last week, one can only conclude he will continue to carry the load as long as he is active. The rest is puffery.

For more injury updates, read Will Carroll's Last Minute Med Check at SI.com.

Ten Worst Rush Defenses:

Rank	Team	RYA	Vs
32	Oakland	211.3	@DEN
31	Detroit	191.7	TB
30	St. Louis	172.7	CHI
29	Cleveland	167.3	HOU
28	Houston	164.3	@CLE
27	Green Bay	160.3	@NO
26	Buffalo	133.7	@KC
25	Jacksonville	125.3	MIN
24	Indianapolis	124	@SD
23	Philadelphia	120.3	@BAL

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Questions....

Hightower or Brandon Jacobs?

Kellen Winslow or Shockey?

Burres or Toomer?

by walkoffwalk on Nov 23, 2008 10:18 AM EST reply actions

Choices

Wow. These are very tough. I’d punt but with my life on the line I’d go with Hightower, Winslow, and Toomer.

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by faketeams on Nov 23, 2008 10:27 AM EST up reply actions

i know, my entire team is nursing some sort of injury....i also have Steven Jackson (out) and Slaton (probable)

by walkoffwalk on Nov 23, 2008 10:30 AM EST up reply actions

Slaton

I’m starting him against Cleveland. My other choices were Cedric Benson, Ahmad Bradshaw and Ronnie Brown. Brown is still a serious consideration, but I can’t see Bellicheck not shutting down the Wildcat this week.

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by faketeams on Nov 23, 2008 10:48 AM EST up reply actions

If Jacobs is good

…I’d start him, but I worry that he will share more than he typically does.

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by faketeams on Nov 23, 2008 10:59 AM EST up reply actions

any reason why Winslow (Q) over Shockey?

by walkoffwalk on Nov 23, 2008 11:01 AM EST up reply actions

Winslow

Is the better TE. Shockey has not clicked with brees all season

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by faketeams on Nov 23, 2008 11:27 AM EST up reply actions

True

by walkoffwalk on Nov 23, 2008 12:10 PM EST up reply actions

sorry....2 more.

Quinn, Collins, or Favre?

Bironas or Gostkowski?

by walkoffwalk on Nov 23, 2008 10:20 AM EST reply actions

No Quinn, so it’d be Collins or Favre. I’d choose Favre.

Bironas as the kicker. if Ten moves the ball through the air but does not get the TD, I can see the offense sputtering some in the red zone and settling for FGs.

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by faketeams on Nov 23, 2008 10:29 AM EST up reply actions