NFL Week 12 Running Back Waiver Wire Report

Jennings could pay great dividends for the rest of the season

Week 12 is upon us and fantasy owners are either fed up with the likes of Ray Rice, Trent Richardson and Lamar Miller or in need of a replacement for running backs such as LeSean McCoy, Giovani Bernard, C.J. Spiller, Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch who all have a bye week.

Surprisingly, there are a few running backs out there that are widely available and ready to help your fantasy team in Week 12 and beyond.  Bobby Rainey, Rashad Jennings and Donald Brown lead the pack of Week 12 running back waiver wire pick-ups.

Bobby Rainey (RB – TB)

Bobby Rainey recently got the starting running back gig in Tampa due to injuries to Doug Martin and Mike James. Rainey did not disappoint in his first start racking up 160 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries. Rainey also caught two passes out of the backfield for four yards and a touchdown as well.

Rainey’s monster performance in Week 11 will likely make him the most sought after waiver wire pick-up of week 12.  With Rainey’s speed and pass-catching ability, he has a lot of potential to make a lot of plays for the rest of the season and he’s relatively fresh not having played many snaps this season.

Rainey is only owned in 2.2% of ESPN and 26% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues and owners need to do whatever they can to get him on their fantasy teams.

Rashad Jennings (RB – OAK)

There was a lot of hype around Rashad Jennings back in Week 3 when Darren McFadden had a hamstring injury leaving Jennings as the only healthy back in Oakland.  Unfortunately, Jennings couldn’t stay healthy and got hurt in his first start at running back in Week 4 and was unheard of until McFadden’s most recent hamstring injury.

Jennings has put together three straight double-digit fantasy performances in PPR leagues and has scored 20 plus points in two of his last three games.  Jennings is really impressing his coaching staff and multiple sources inside the locker room are saying that Jennings will be a bigger part of the offense in the coming weeks.

Jennings is not the sexy pick-up of the week, but given his production in the last three weeks and McFadden’s inability to stay healthy, makes Jennings a no-brainer add this week if he’s available in your league.  Jennings is only owned in 43.7% of ESPN and 59% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues might stay relevant even when/if McFadden returns.

Donald Brown (RB – IND)

Donald Brown had his best game of the season on Thursday night racking up 80 yards on the ground and two touchdowns. Brown also had a nice 14 yard reception out of the backfield.

The Colts aren’t ready to give Brown the starting job and insist that they will ride the hot hand at the running back position.  If recent weeks are any indication, Brown will have the hot hand a majority of the time with Richardson struggling to get anything going on the ground.

It may be time for Trent Richardson owners to pull the plug and give Brown a shot as a low end RB2 or Flex play.  Brown has outplayed Richardson in almost every week since Richardson arrived in Indy.  Brown is only owned in 7.8% of ESPN and 27% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues and is a great acquisition ff Rainey and Jennings are not available.

 

 

 

 

C.J. Spiller Trying to Salvage his Season

C.J. Spiller showed some signs of life during Week 9

CJ Spiller returned back to fantasy relevancy on Sunday with a monster game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Showing his old form of speed and quickness, Spiller gained 116 yards on just 12 carries while adding 39 receiving yards. With such an effective all-around game this week, Spiller seems to be back in the good graces of his owners.

As healthy as he has been in nearly a month, Spiller was finally given a respectable workload by the Buffalo coaches as his 12 carries against the Chiefs were the most he has had since Week 4. Spiller also broke off some long runs throughout the day including a 61 yard scamper showing that he may finally be nearing 100% health-wise.

While Spiller’s health may be taking a turn for the better, there are some obstacles that may continue to hamper Spiller’s immediate fantasy value. Fred Jackson continues to take carries away from Spiller and actually led the team in carries once again on Sunday. The more Jackson plays a role in the Bills offense, the more fantasy owners need to rely on a big play from Spiller in order to get a productive fantasy day from him.

Spiller and the Bills are also hitting a rough patch in their schedule in the coming weeks. They face off against the Steelers next week and then face the Jets and their stout run defense in Week 11 before getting a bye in Week 12.

That being said, Spiller could provide value after the Bills Week 12 bye. He should be fully healed by then and will be facing a favorable schedule when the fantasy playoffs roll around (the Bills face the Buccaneers, Jaguars, and Dolphins in Weeks 14-16).

While owners who have drafted Spiller are probably not in playoff contention, today’s performance should make other owners feel confident in trying to acquire Spiller for a stretch run.

Week 10 Running Back Waiver Wire PickUp Report

Andre Brown could provide a huge spark down the stretch

Week 10 is upon us and with injuries still plaguing the NFL and four teams (Cleveland, Kansas City, New England and the New York Jets) on a bye week, it’s time to get some much needed running back help off the waivers.

Running back has been one of the most unpredictable and inconsistent positions this season, but there are surprisingly some decent options out there that are widely available and ready to help your fantasy team. Zac Stacy, Andre Ellington, Mike James and Andre Brown lead the crop of Week 10 running back waiver wire pick-ups.

Zac Stacy (RB – STL)

It’s amazing that Zac Stacy is on this list and isn’t 100% owned in all leagues. Surprisingly, Stacy is only owned in 72% of Yahoo and 64% of ESPN Fantasy leagues so it’s worth mentioning that he is still available in several leagues and is a must-add player for Week 10.

Since being handed the starting job, Stacy has been nothing short of sensational. Stacy has eclipsed double-digit fantasy points in four straight games and is coming off a Week 9 explosion of 127 rushing yards, two touchdowns and six catches for 51 yards. Stacy is the new focal point of the Rams offense and could very easily be a top 10 running back from here on out.

Andre Ellington (RB – AZ)

It’s a shame that Andre Ellington is on this list as well. Ellington should be owned in all leagues but it looks like owners have been skeptical to add him for some reason and it appears that some owners may have even dropped him during his bye week.

Ellington earned the starting running back job in Week 8 and did not disappoint. He racked up 154 yards and a touchdown while also tacking on two catches for eight yards. The Arizona coaching staff loves Ellington and are trying to get him in space as much as possible.

Expect good things from Ellington coming off a bye week and he has a favorable schedule until week 15 and 16 when he takes on Seattle and San Francisco. Ellington is only owned in 63% of Yahoo and 37% of ESPN Fantasy leagues, so scoop him up if he’s still available.

Mike James (RB – TB)

Mike James got thrust into Tampa Bays starting lineup when Doug Martin went down with an injury and he’s been doing more than holding his own as a starter. James had a relatively quiet first week as a starter but with his second chance in Week 9, he absolutely exploded against Seattle on Sunday rushing for 158 yards and catching two passes for eight yards. James even threw a touchdown pass as well on a trick play early in the game.

James may not have top 10 RB potential the rest of the season, but there is nothing not to like about a player that’s getting twenty-plus carries a game in a run first offense. James has a great match-up this week against Miami which makes him a high end RB2 and Flex play this week. Depending on your running back depth, James could provide a nice spark for the rest of the season.

Andre Brown (RB – NYG)

Andre Bwown has confirmed that he will make his 2013 debut during in Week 10. Brown practiced on Monday in what he called some “special plays” and could very easily lead all Giant running backs in touches in week 10.

It’s still very unclear how much playing time Brown will get this week, so owners should not feel comfortable starting him. However, Brown could provide a nice spark in Week 11 and beyond once it’s clear how healthy he is. In a year when many owners are struggling to find a solid RB2 and in some cases, RB1, Brown could be the savior for a lot of owners down the stretch.

Jimmy Graham Needs MRI on His Foot

Graham has an extra week to recover from a foot injury

The New Orleans Saints are one of the most notorious NFL organizations for downplaying or flat out lying about the status of injured players. So Jimmy Graham owners are being left in the dark this morning as to the playing status of the their all-star tight end after he injured his foot during Week 6.

It turns out that Graham will have an MRI on his foot on Monday to determine the extent of his injury.

Graham suffered the foot injury during the New England game and was briefly able to return to the field. However, before the game ended, Graham had to be helped back to the trainer’s room and never returned.

He was not in the locker room after the game and the Saints offered no comment on the extent or nature of Graham’s injury.

The Saints tight end is off the to the best start of his career, but the Patriots shut him down during Week 6 holding him to zero receptions on six targets.

It might be some time before we know the extent of Graham’s injury, but the Saints have a Week 7 bye giving him some extra time to recover.

 

 

 

DeMarco Murray Sidelined with Another Injury

Murray missed 9 games during his first two seasons with the Cowboys

Once again, fantasy owners will be making plans for life without Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray. He will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of a left knee injury he suffered during Sunday night’s win over the Redskins.

Murray was diagnosed with a sprained MCL after limping off the field during the second quarter in obvious pain. 

Murray missed 6 games with injury season and is known for being one of the more fragile backs in the league. His status is completely up in the air for Week 7 in Philadelphia, but fantasy owners immediately begin the search for a suitable replacement.

DeMarco Murray Sidelined with Another Injury

Murray missed 9 games during his first two seasons with the Cowboys

Once again, fantasy owners will be making plans for life without Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray. He will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of a left knee injury he suffered during Sunday night’s win over the Redskins.

Murray was diagnosed with a sprained MCL after limping off the field during the second quarter in obvious pain. 

Murray missed 6 games with injury season and is known for being one of the more fragile backs in the league. His status is completely up in the air for Week 7 in Philadelphia, but fantasy owners immediately begin the search for a suitable replacement.

2 SLEEPER Quarterbacks POISED TO PERFORM IN WEEK 2

Terrell Pryor should make a dent in the Jacksonville defense

Week 2 brings some very tough match-ups for several quality quarterbacks. Tom Brady already struggled against a much improved Jets defense on Thursday night and Russell Wilson, Colin Kaepernick, Tony Romo, Matthew Stafford and Robert Griffin III all have tough match-ups this week.  All of these quarterbacks are also playing on the road except Russell Wilson.

Here are a pair of unheralded quarterbacks who might prove to be worth more than just backups before the season is over.

Terrelle Pryor

Terrelle Pryor was the leading rusher in the NFL before LeSean McCoy went off against the Redskins on Monday night.  Pryor put together a decent debut on the road against the Colts in week 1 and has possibly the most favorable match-up of any quarterback in the NFL this week as he takes on the Jaguars at home.

Pryor will be one of the best athletes on the field with his 6′ 6″ 233 pound frame and sub 4.5 second 40 time.  Pryor is a threat to score on the ground on every single play and if he improves on his performance from last week, he could even end up outscoring a few of the elite quarterbacks this week. Tom Brady owners already wish they could have started Pryor this week and Russell Wilson and Tony Romo owners should seriously consider starting Pryor this week because this could be his coming out party.

Jay Cutler

Jay Cutler has a great match-up during Week 2 as the Bears take on the Vikings at home.  Cutler put up decent numbers against one of the most talented defenses in the NFL (Cincinnati Bengals) last week.  The Vikings play the run fairly well, so Cutler will get plenty of chances to air it out on Sunday and he is almost a lock to throw for 250 plus yards with a pair of touchdowns through the air.

With an improved offensive line and one of the best receivers in the league (Brandon Marshal) at his disposal, Cutler could put up some monster numbers this week. Once again, Russell Wilson and Tony Romo owners should seriously consider starting Cutler this week as both of them have extremely tough match-ups on the road.

 

 

 

 

2 SLEEPER Quarterbacks POISED TO PERFORM IN WEEK 2

Terrell Pryor should make a dent in the Jacksonville defense

Week 2 brings some very tough match-ups for several quality quarterbacks. Tom Brady already struggled against a much improved Jets defense on Thursday night and Russell Wilson, Colin Kaepernick, Tony Romo, Matthew Stafford and Robert Griffin III all have tough match-ups this week.  All of these quarterbacks are also playing on the road except Russell Wilson.

Here are a pair of unheralded quarterbacks who might prove to be worth more than just backups before the season is over.

Terrelle Pryor

Terrelle Pryor was the leading rusher in the NFL before LeSean McCoy went off against the Redskins on Monday night.  Pryor put together a decent debut on the road against the Colts in week 1 and has possibly the most favorable match-up of any quarterback in the NFL this week as he takes on the Jaguars at home.

Pryor will be one of the best athletes on the field with his 6′ 6″ 233 pound frame and sub 4.5 second 40 time.  Pryor is a threat to score on the ground on every single play and if he improves on his performance from last week, he could even end up outscoring a few of the elite quarterbacks this week. Tom Brady owners already wish they could have started Pryor this week and Russell Wilson and Tony Romo owners should seriously consider starting Pryor this week because this could be his coming out party.

Jay Cutler

Jay Cutler has a great match-up during Week 2 as the Bears take on the Vikings at home.  Cutler put up decent numbers against one of the most talented defenses in the NFL (Cincinnati Bengals) last week.  The Vikings play the run fairly well, so Cutler will get plenty of chances to air it out on Sunday and he is almost a lock to throw for 250 plus yards with a pair of touchdowns through the air.

With an improved offensive line and one of the best receivers in the league (Brandon Marshal) at his disposal, Cutler could put up some monster numbers this week. Once again, Russell Wilson and Tony Romo owners should seriously consider starting Cutler this week as both of them have extremely tough match-ups on the road.

 

 

 

 

Can Arian Foster Find Success Splitting Time with Ben Tate?

Tate rushed 9 times for 55 yards against the Chargers

Arian Foster owners will remain frustrated with their first round pick for yet another week, as head coach Gary Kubiak has revealed that he plans to use Foster and second-stringer Ben Tate to split carries this weekend against the Tennessee Titans.

Foster, who’s suffering from a right calf strain, rushed for 57 yards on 18 carries against the Chargers this past Monday, while also hauling in 8 receptions for 33 yards. Tate made the best of his 9 carries, racking up 55 yards, with 2 receptions for 7 yards. Foster averaged just 3.2 yards per attempt, while Tate averaged a much more impressive 6.1.

These numbers were still enough to score Foster 8 fantasy points for week 1, but fantasy owners were disappointed that he couldn’t penetrate the end zone. Foster was given just 1 carry inside the opponent’s 10-yard line and fell a yard short of the end zone.

Foster is one of the best goal line backs in the league and should be able to find the end zone this week at home against the visiting Titans.

Foster has acknowledged that he still doesn’t feel 100% healthy and it may be a couple weeks before he does. However, if Tate continues to be so efficient, Kubiak may choose to play out this “two-headed monster” for as long as it’s successful.

Steelers Running Back Le’Veon Bell to Miss at Least Another Month

There’s no telling when Bell might be ready to play again

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review is reporting that it will be at least a month until rookie running back Le’Veon Bell will actually be able to play for the Steelers.

Pittsburgh, like the Patriots organization, is known for flat out lying about the injury status of their players and this was apparent again with all the chatter that Bell might be able to return by Week 2.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin did his best to spin the story that Bell had not suffered a Lisfranc injury, but it’s pretty hard to deny that now.

At this point, Bell needs to rest the foot and hope that the injury does not require surgery. For Bell fantasy owners, the season is starting to slip further and further away.

The best case scenario is that Bell might be able to return by Week 6, but the harsh reality is that we may not see him play in a game until some time in November.