Fantasy Football: Start/Bench -- Running Back (Week 8)

Here are the players you should "start" and who should come "off the bench" for your fantasy football team.

Start

Lamar Smith, Miami Dolphins: Smith is having a break out season and that streak is going to continue. This week the Dolphins are playing the Seattle Seahawks and it looks like a very good match up for Smith. Seattle was ranked 25th against the rush last year, giving up 107.5 rushing yards a game. I'm looking for Smith to have around 145 yards and two touchdowns.

Warrick Dunn, Tampa Bay Bucs: Dunn has a history of playing big against the Vikings and I'm seeing it again. Even though the Vikes shutdown Ahman Green, the Vikings have to play against a totally different player. Dunn and Green are exactly the opposite, one a power hitter and the other a quick speedy runner. Last time Dunn went against the Vikes he had 65 yards on 11 carries before he sprained his ankle going into the end zone for a score. Warrick will have about 110 and a TD.

James Stewart, Detroit Lions: Stewart has been pounding defenders as of late and is ready for more. The Lions are playing a Cincinnati defense that was one of the worst last year. Stewart hasn't had a very good breakout game since Minnesota two games ago, and I'm seeing one this week, especially in the Silverdome. He should get 130 yards and two touchdowns.

Tiki Barber/Ron Daynem, New York Giants: If you have either one of these players, start them. Washington had one of the worst rushing defenses in the league last year (27th). Injuries have killed them and they will not survive the night. They should get 195 yards and three touchdowns between them.

Bench

Ricky Williams, New Orleans Saints: Ricky will not be on this list very often, but he is this week. You can see the Rams scoring almost every time they have the ball, which means the Saints are going to have to play catch-up. That means not very many touches for Ricky. The Rams are playing at home and you know how fast they are on that turf. Enough said.

Stacey Mack, Jacksonville Jaguars: Mack has surprised fantasy owners the last few weeks taking over for the injured Fred Taylor. This week they are playing the Ravens and anybody that has a running back playing against the Ravens should not start them. That's my rule of thumb.

Eddie George, Tennessee Titans: George has had a very disappointing year so far and it's going to continue through Monday Night. The Steelers defense is the best in the league this year. If I have Eddie George on my fantasy team I would try to find a trade as soon as possible.

Shaun Alexander, Seattle Seahawks: Seattle is playing a Miami team that is ranked seventh against the run this year and putting a second year player against that isn't a good idea. Miami will shut him down easily with their vigorous defense. Shaun Alexander was a good pickup for Ricky Watters, but not this week.