Five backs you should handcuff

As we near the 2012 Fantasy Football season, here are five running back combos that absolutely need to be together to ensure Fantasy Victory.

Adrian Peterson & Toby Gerhart- Minnesota Vikings

All signs in Minnesota point to a healthy Adrian Peterson's return to the backfield. The best runner in the league peeled the letter ‘L' from the alphabet a year ago when he tore just about everyone of them in his left knee is promising to be ready for week one. If he isn't the team will lean on Toby Gerhart.

Gerhart proved serviceable in AP's stead finding his legs in week 16 against the Washington Redskins. The third year runner plowed through the Skins for 109 yards on just 11 carries.

Arian Foster & Ben Tate- Houston Texans

Here's the bottom line in Houston. Ben Tate could start and star for over half the teams in the NFL. He eclipsed the 100 yard mark four times last season. Two of them came in concert with Foster finding the century mark as well.

Foster is the number one, but Tate gives the Texans the best one-two running back punch in the league.

Darren McFadden & Mike Goodson- Oakland Raiders

McFadden breaks down more than the 1978 Plymouth Volare I used to drive in my teenage years. Run "DMC" has found his first four seasons a bit "Tricky" and has found the need to "Walk This Way" as opposed to run, missing 19 games.

With Michael Bush now in Chicago, the job of McFadden's backup now falls in the hands of Mike Goodson. The former Carolina Panther's best season came in 2010 when he ran for 452 yards on 103 carries.

Ryan Mathews & Curtis Brinkley- San Diego Chargers

For those who have waited two years for Ryan Mathews to explode from a fantasy perspective, your wait may finally be over. The ultra talented Charger gained 100 yards or more rushing for three straight weeks down the stretch last season and scored twice against the tough Baltimore Ravens run defense. More importantly, the goal line vulture known as Mike Tolbert is gone and there is nothing stopping Mathews from becoming a top fantasy producer.

Mathews has suffered injuries in the past and while he will see his workload increase, Curtis Brinkley isn't a bad play as his back-up. Brinkley has little track record to speak of. In two seasons, he has only 32 carries, but we are going on recent history here. He will see work for the Chargers this season.

Reggie Bush & Daniel Thomas- Miami Dolphins

Reggie Bush arrived in South Beach and proclaimed himself a number one running back, and he delivered. Bush ran 216 times, a career high by 59, and his 1,086 yards nearly doubled any previous season high.

Daniel Thomas was the perfect compliment for Bush last season. The rookie ran for 581 yards on 165 attempts and although his workload might not increase, his production certainly will. Thomas failed to find the end zone rushing last year. With Bush another year older and trying to put together two back-to-back healthy seasons, Thomas will get his chance.