Fantasy Football Rankings 2012 (Running Backs): Does Marshawn Lynch Deserve Downgrade?

They are the workhorses of their respective teams and the core of all fantasy lineups -- running backs often make or break a fantasy owners' season and have a major say in the relative success of the fake team.

SB Nation's own Mike Gallagher recently ranked the running backs, and the Seattle Seahawks' Marshawn Lynch fell well back due to implications surrounding his potential suspension.

After putting up huge numbers in 2011, the Skittles-powered back is facing discipline from the NFL due to a DUI charge stemming from an arrest near his hometown of Oakland, Calif. in July.

So what are the fantasy implications? Lynch is ranked No. 22 according to Gallagher's list

First, the downgrade is appropriate due to the question marks surrounding Lynch's status with the NFL and the Seahawks' lack of offensive firepower. Simply put, any back lining up in the Seahawks' backfield is going to have a tough time finding running room unless the thin corps of receivers can prove to be a viable threat.

That's a tall order, though, and owners shouldn't count on Lynch in any capacity.