The NO rushing offense was #28 with Bush playing - don't expect it to be any better with Bush out. I would leave Stecker out of this mix. The only reason to consider Smith is the matchup against Denver, but the Broncos best rush D performance so far came against KC - the KC line just isn't performing well. It's also supposed to be wet & fairly cold in Denver today. Smith's performance against Oakland was great, but then Oakland has given up 8 rushing TDs in the last 3 weeks alone.
Of the 3 remaining backs, Gore has the toughest matchup facing the #1 rushing D. Minnesota is only giving up 70 yds/game on the ground and have given up only 5 rushing TDs all year. Fargas has the 2nd toughest matchup. GB has only given up 4 rushing TDs all year. In terms of years/game, the Packers and Seahawks are about the same, but the Seahawks have given up 14 TDs on the ground.
Go with James - for the 2nd back, I'd take Fargas.
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The NO rushing offense was #28 with Bush playing - don't expect it to be any better with Bush out. I would leave Stecker out of this mix. The only reason to consider Smith is the matchup against Denver, but the Broncos best rush D performance so far came against KC - the KC line just isn't performing well. It's also supposed to be wet & fairly cold in Denver today. Smith's performance against Oakland was great, but then Oakland has given up 8 rushing TDs in the last 3 weeks alone.
Of the 3 remaining backs, Gore has the toughest matchup facing the #1 rushing D. Minnesota is only giving up 70 yds/game on the ground and have given up only 5 rushing TDs all year. Fargas has the 2nd toughest matchup. GB has only given up 4 rushing TDs all year. In terms of years/game, the Packers and Seahawks are about the same, but the Seahawks have given up 14 TDs on the ground.
Go with James - for the 2nd back, I'd take Fargas.