Week 14 RB Rankings: Start Sit, Zeros to Hero's

Rustyn has been out partying with famous band members kicking it old school with the likes of Metallica and Machine Head. I know you all love his RB articles but he is to hung over after this concert to give you his best. Man I can’t blame him for living a little. I’ll try my best to fill in…

First I’ll give you my TOP 10 RB’s this week and then the second tier starters for week 14. I’ll follow that up with a couple Zeros to Hero’s, running backs that could help you win the playoffs if you’re in a serious pinch. Finally we will look at situations to avoid or else you could get burned.

My TOP 10 RB Starts for week 14 are:
[table "9" not found /]

My Second Tier RB Starts for week 14 are:

Zeros to Hero’s

Jerome Harrison, RB Browns

PPR leagues need to listen up. All year he has produced with little opportunity and now is shinning with Jamal Lewis down and out. Look for this PPR back to continue to produce. Week 14 he has a tough matchup but after that it’s nothing but green grass.

Sammy Morris, RB, Patriots

I have no idea what Bill Belichick is going to do but history tells us he trust Morris. Morris had 65 yards on just 11 touches Sunday and with the Panthers and Bills (both horrible run Defenses) the next two teams on the schedule, Morris is a nice value down the stretch if you’re hurt at RB.

Quinton Ganther, RB WAS

Quinton Ganther has taken over as the Redskins’ starting tailback and is a must add.  Ganther has a highly favorable Week 14 matchup at Oakland and could possibly be used for the remainder of the season.

Situations to Avoid

Julius Jones and Justin Forsett

Julius Jones (chest) came out of Sunday’s win over the 49ers in full health despite 25 touches. The Seahawks didn’t ease Jones back into the lineup. He started and carried the load, in part because Justin Forsett was nursing a quad strain. Expect the timeshare to be more even going forward, as long as Forsett is 100 percent

Matt Forte and Kahlil Bell

Bears coach Lovie Smith admitted that part of the plan in Week 13 was to get rookie Kahlil Bell involved in the running game. “We would like to play more than one guy,” Smith said. “One guy can’t take that type of load constantly.” Matt Forte seemed open to giving up some carries, saying, “It’s good to have two running backs. You can’t run every play all the time.” Forte also revealed that his hamstring injury from the preseason bothered him more than he let on. It’s sounding like a real possibility the Bears will lighten his carries down the stretch.

Chris Henry and Arian Foster

Texans coach Gary Kubiak said Wednesday that he plans to get rookie RB Arian Foster “very much involved” on offense going forward. Foster hasn’t touched the ball since being activated from Houston’s practice squad in mid-November, but he has an opportunity with Steve Slaton out for the year. Foster offers pretty good size (6’1/215) and a running style that fits the Texans’ one-cut-and-go scheme nicely. Grab him in deep leagues if you’re hurting for a RB otherwise avoid this situation.

Touchdown Turner has his owners in a bad spot.

Michael Turner, Jerious Norwood and Jason Snelling

Michael Turner said Monday that his aggravated high ankle sprain is feeling “better.” Falcons coach Mike Smith has yet to rule Turner out for Week 14, but the same was true of last week. He’s questionable at best to face New Orleans. Falcons coach Mike Smith indicated Monday that Jerious Norwood still isn’t 100 percent after battling a hip injury for much of 2009. Norwood started over Jason Snelling Sunday, but generated a measly 42 yards on 13 touches and was replaced on all goal-line carries. Smith’s comments indicate that Norwood’s role on offense won’t increase soon. Jason Snelling rushed ten times for 35 yards and added two catches for 17 yards in Sunday’s loss to the Eagles. Snelling was given the ball four straight times inside the five-yard line late in the first half. He didn’t come close to getting in the end zone on any of them. Snelling came off the bench behind Jerious Norwood and all of his yardage came in garbage time. Snelling can only be considered a goal-line handcuff to Michael Turner at this point.

If you liked this article, make sure to check out our other great Week 14 articles:

• WR Rankings (Start/Sit)
  
• Waiver Wire Pickups
• IDP Rankings (Start/Sit)