If breaking down the details for this year’s fantasy running backs doesn’t make you want to take LaDainian Tomlinson first overall in your re-draft league, I don’t know what will. Seriously, people.

When you’re talking fantasy running backs, what separates the vets from the noobs is consideration of a few minor factors beyond how high-powered a RB’s offense was last year and where the RB ranks on cheat sheets this season. Looking at the slight details like what defenses they face, contract lengths and ages can help you make the call between two closely-ranked RBs in your draft.

Let’s jump into how these factors will affect some top fantasy RBs this season with some good ol’ plus/minus analysis — and we go with negative first around these parts.

The Age Old Rule

First, let’s talk age. When you’re an old RB, you’re like a hot potato. No one wants to get stuck holding you when you crack.

Minnesota rookie Adrian Peterson has been updated to questionable for this week against the New York Giants. By questionable, Minnesota probably means “scaring the Giants defensive game plan.” I have to doubt that they would throw him to the wolves on his first game back from injury against the bruising Giants blitz attack unless they agree that they have no offense besides their running game. If he does suit up, I would expect Chester Taylor to still have the start. If you are praying for his return this week, make sure you have another smart play.

The Buffalo Bill’s rookie RB Marshawn Lynch, without a doubt the second-best rookie RB in the league this year, will not play again this week against Jacksonville. From what I hear, the Jacksonville defense is pretty tough, so I wouldn’t have liked to see the second best rookie breaking out against them on his return from an ankle injury.

Someone just told me that you can buy a turkey at the store these days. Who knew? I just spent the last week in a ditch waiting for a gobbler to get caught in my cage full of blown up surgical gloves–finally got one.

Bet you thought I wasn’t going to get you your fantasy update before turkey day…but you were wrong.

It seems no running back will make it to the playoffs unscathed this year. Almost every single one in the league has sat at least one game or had an injury scare. This week, you may be able to snag a back up before your league handcuffs their players, and these backups could save your season.

Give thanks if you don’t own a player on this huge list.

Vince Young, QB Tennessee Titans
Reggie Bush, RB New Orleans Saints

Don’t worry about these two top NFL draft picks.

Not only has this year been a year for the quarterback, but this entire season has been week looks to be a horrible week to be a running back. Most of the starters around the league are banged up in some way.

Just take a look at the hit list sitting this week:

• Larry Johnson - Kansas City Chiefs
  foot injury that could be worse
• Marshawn Lynch - Buffalo Bills
  knee injury keeping him out this week at the very least
• Shaun Alexander - Seattle Seahawks
  lucky to have an injury to blame on his weak performances lately

Unfortunately for our fantasy teams, these three represent some of the few running backs not splitting carries this year in the NFL, a trend that is hurting many a team. The NFL is trying to kill fantasy football, I swear.

If you are unfortunate enough to have any of these three players, look at Maurice Morris from Seattle subbing in for Shaun or Priest Holmes–if you have no better options.

The games aren’t even over, but already, there have been several injuries that could go on to help your team. On the injury side…

Brian Griese, QB Chicago Bears

Brian Griese was knocked out for the Bears this week, so Rex Grossman may or may not be returning top his fluctuating position as one of the most inconsistent and sometimes just plain bad starting QBs in the league.

Adrian Peterson, RB Minnesota Vikings

Two running backs had season-changing events in the Packers/Vikings game. Adrian Peterson–the star (only existent member) of the Vikings offense–went down with an injury to his knee. Watch the injury reports but now might not be a bad time to make sure Chester Taylor isn’t available on you wire if you are in need of a solid running back. Don’t expect fantastic “All Day” AP numbers from Taylor, but if you remember the guy, he was good for a few fantasy points years back.