Attempting to decipher which running backs to insert into your fantasy football lineup can be a daunting task. Many of us who don’t have the pleasure of owning some of the elite players at this position consistently struggle with matchups and understanding who to play.

I am going to help some of you with this today, and every week throughout the 2012 NFL season.

Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers

The last time Gore took on the Detroit Lions he rambled for 141 yards and scored two touchdowns. This was against a healthY Lions’ defense on the road with both Corey Williams and Ndamukong Suh playing.

The aforementioned Williams will not be playing as San Francisco looks to continue success on the ground that saw them run for 186 yards last week against the Green Bay Packers.

I don’t foresee Detroit being able to stop Gore. Additionally, you have to take into account that there is a good chance San Francisco will be playing from ahead for a majority of the game. This gives Gore more touches on the ground.

Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

AP surprised an unsuspecting NFL crowd by scoring two touchdowns in his return from action last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Peterson and the Vikings will now be going up against an Indianapolis Colts rush defense that allowed 114 yards and three scores against the Chicago Bears in the season opener.

It all depends on how the game plays out. If it is a shootout between two young quarterbacks, Andrew Luck and Christian Ponder, the running back might not have a dramatic impact in terms of fantasy value.

With that in mind, it is important to note that Minnesota will do everything in their power to slow the game down and give Peterson an opportunity to make a difference. I fully expect the talented back to accumulate a minimum of 20 attempts. If that happens, you can easily expect 100 yards and a score. Definitely RB1 production right there.

C.J. Spiller, Buffalo Bills

Spiller has averaged about 130 total yards and 0.7 scores in each of his last seven starts. Those are numbers indicative of of a running back ready to take the next step in terms of fantasy value. The former first-round pick accumulated nearly 200 total yards and a touchdown against the New York Jets in the opener.

With Fred Jackson down to injury for the foreseeable future, there really isn’t any reason not to insert Spiller into your starting lineup.