Looking for updates on all the muddled running back situations? Let’s take a look at the early week news as we head towards Week 13:
Atlanta Falcons
Notes for Week 13: Jacquizz Rodgers continues to eat into Michael Turner’s playing time
According to Jay Adams of the team’s official website (click here for the post), the split between the two:
- RB Jacquizz Rodgers – 31 snaps offense, 6 snaps ST
- RB Michael Turner – 23 snaps offense
It’s extremely interesting and speaks volumes. While Rodgers is far from a must use option, if you are in need of a FLEX play he is looking like a worthwhile option. Will he “officially” take over the lead back duties? Time will tell, but it certainly appears to be moving in that direction for 2013, if not sooner.
Buffalo Bills
Notes for Week 13: C.J. Spiller will continue to see the lions share of the carries
Chris Brown of the team’s official website is reporting that:
“Gailey did reiterate that Spiller will continue to get the majority of the work.”
The report comes after Spiller played on 29 snaps this past Sunday, compared to Fred Jackson’s 32.
Despite the number of snaps, Spiller rushed the ball 14 times for 107 yards while Jackson got six carries for 16 yards. In Week 13 the Bills face a Jacksonville defense allowing 136.0 rushing yards per game and 14 rushing touchdowns. He has to be viewed as a Top 5 option.
Carolina Panthers
Notes for Week 13: Jonathan Stewart did not return Monday night after an ankle injury
DeAngelo Williams failed to impress in his absence, much like e has struggled all season log (3.2 yards per carry). If Stewart, who was a low-end option to begin with, is forced to miss this weeks game owners will want to look elsewhere for a replacement.
Chicago Bears
Notes for Week 13: Matt Forte injured his ankle in Week 12
We still have no word as to the extent of the injury, so owners need to try and protect themselves with Michael Bush if possible. As it is, the Bears draw a tough matchup with the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13, as they are allowing the 12th fewest rushing yards in the league (108.6 per game). Monitor the news, but be prepared to go without Forte.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Notes for Week 13: Jalen Parmele injured in Week 12
He was forced from the Jaguars Week 12 game, returned in the fourth quarter only to re-aggravate the leg injury. At this point you have to think that he is a long shot to play in Week 13, but time will tell.
Rashad Jennings stepped in to rush for 43 yards and a touchdown, though he averaged 2.7 yards per carry in the process. The Bills do offer a favorable matchup, having allowed a league leading 16 rushing touchdowns. However, Jennings has been so poor that even that would cap his value to being a low-end RB2.
Miami Dolphins
Notes for Week 13: Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas are sharing carries
According to Ben Volin (via Twitter):
“Snap breakdown: Rishard Matthews played 22 snaps, Marlon Moore only 6. Reggie Bush 30, Daniel Thomas 29. Nolan Carroll 31, RJ Stanford 28″
While Bush got more touches, it’s clear that he has lost his grasp of lead back duties. While Bush remains the better fantasy option, thanks to being more electric and having more ability in the passing game, he has fallen to more of a FLEX option, at best. This could easily develop into a hot hand situation, making both backs risky options.
New York Giants
Notes for Week 13: Andre Brown has been lost for the season due to a broken leg
While David Wilson figures to move up and get a handful of touches, the real impact is that, as long as he’s healthy, Ahmad Bradshaw will return to being a virtual every down back. He had been losing goal line carries in recent weeks, but we should start to see the TDs work back into his arsenal.
Wilson would be a much bigger threat to Bradshaw had he been able to master ball security and pass protection. At this point, however, the coaching staff has not shown trust him in.
Oakland Raiders
Notes for Week 13: Darren McFadden expected to return
According to Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle (click here for the article):
“McFadden back this week: Teammates expect running back Darren McFadden to return this week, after he missed his third straight start Sunday with a high ankle sprain.”
Time will tell, but given McFadden’s history of slow recoveries I wouldn’t be holding my breath. Plus, even if he does return Marcel Reece has done more than enough to justify remaining a major part of the offense. Remember, prior to getting injured McFadden was averaging a measly 3.3 yards per carry.
While McFadden owners can be hopeful, I wouldn’t plan on using him this week even if he does dress.
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Make sure to check out all of our Week 13 rankings:
Professor! I lost Andre Brown…This is the order how I’d rate these free agents for the ROS; but more importantly, how would you?
1) Bryce Brown: DAL,TB,CIN,WA,NYG
2) Knowshon Moreno: TB,OAK,BAL,CLE,KC
3) Beanie Wells: NYJ,SEA,DET,CHI,SF
4) Michael Bush: SEA,MIN,GB,ARI,DET
I already own McCoy, so it’d be nice to own his handcuff in case he’s out for any extended time. Bush could do well if Forte remains out. Moreno could produce, but he’s in RBBC. Beanie looked good but their schedule could be really tough.
I appreciate your input as always! Hope you had a good holiday…
I don’t trust Moreno, honestly, so I’d probably go Brown, Wells, Moreno then Bush. While Wells’ schedule is tough, he has significantly more upside in the TD department.
you left out Philly. Thoughts?
There’s not much motion because I don’t expect McCoy to play. Tha makes Bryce Brown a very solid option once again, especially with whe he’s shown