Michael Bush to start for Raiders

With Darren McFadden on the shelf for about a month due to a meniscus injury, the debate over who would fill in as the starting running back for the Oakland Raiders centered around Michael Bush and Justin Fargas. On Wednesday, we got our answer and it's Bush. Head coach Tom Cable initially said that he wasn't going to name a starter because the carries would be split equally between the two runners, but he did announce Wednesday that Bush would start against the New York Giants with Justin Fargas in reserve.

Fantasy Analysis:
Bush has actually been the Raiders' most effective runner this season. McFadden has more carries and yards, but he has averaged just 3.1 yards per carry while Bush is at 4.0. The Giants are in the bottom half of the league in rush defense, but you can't possibly like any Raider this week. Even if Eli Manning doesn't play, this game has the makings of a blowout -- which would really be nothing new for Oakland -- and will force the Raiders to pass the ball often. Bush does have seven catches this season, so that's something. Maybe he'll get some garbage-time points, but he is nothing more than a flex play. McFadden will be out for about four weeks, and looking ahead, it doesn't get any easier for the Raiders and Bush. After this game, they play at home against Philadelphia and the Jets before a road trip to San Diego followed by their week nine bye.