Given a RB need only score a TD (and catch a couple/three passes in PPR formats) to be a weekly contributor, going against the top rush defenses doesn't automatically send fantasy footballers to the free agent pool or their team's bench for a substitute. However, it doesn't hurt to know which RBs are facing the tougher defenses in the event of a tie.
Nor does it hurt to know whether a QB will be forced to the air more frequently if his RBs have a less than favorable match-up as appears to be the case for Carolina Panthers' QB Jake Delhomme. Will RBs D'Angelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart move the chains against a stout Minnesota rush defense or will the Panthers be forced into the air to move the ball?
Ten Best Rush Defenses:
| Rank | Team | RYA |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philadelphia | 52 |
| 2 | Tennessee | 60.5 |
| 3 | Pittsburgh | 64 |
| 4 | Baltimore | 70 |
| 5 | NY Giants | 76 |
| 6 | NY Jets | 76.5 |
| 7 | Minnesota | 82 |
| 8 | Chicago | 83.5 |
| 9 | Dallas | 84.5 |
| 10 | Arizona | 90 |