Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
RB
Justin Forsett, @NO (65%, 13) – Has averaged over 4 yards per carry in every game this season and is averaging 5.4 on the season which is #1 in the league for backs with over 60 carries. Forsett is averaging 20 touches per game over the last three and could do some serious damage against a vulnerable Saints run defense giving up 115 yards per game.
Shane Vereen, DET (60%, 11) – After Jonas Gray’s monster game last week, I fullly expect Belichick to switch gears and focus on Vereen coming out of the backfield this week. The Lions are 1st in the NFL in run defense, giving up just 68 yards per game. Look for Belichick to get creative with Vereen coming out of the backfield.
Denard Robinson, @IND (59%, 10) -4 starts, 4 double-digit fantasy games. The Colts run defense is nothing special as Jonas Gray proved last week. As long as the Jags don’t fall too far behind, Shoelace should get enough carries and catches to rack up double-digits again.
C.J Anderson, MIA (57%, 13) – The Broncos are short on healthy RBs which should mean plenty of touches for the sturdy Anderson (5’8, 225). He proved he can catch the ball last week and should be a multi-dimensional threat out of the backfield this week. The Dolphins have a tough D, but look for Anderson to have a lot of touches early to keep the pressure off of Peyton Manning.
Jeremy Hill, @HOU (56%, 7) – Beast. Hill is finally getting a chance to show what he can do while Gio Bernard has been out the last few games and last week’s 27 carry, 157 yard day was a good example. Hil lis already one of the better between-the-tackles runners in the league and even if Gio comes back this week, Hill will get his share of carries.
Joique Bell, @NE (41%, 8) – Was impressive as both a runner and receiver against a very tough Cardinals defense last week. He doesn’t get much of a break this week against the Patriots, but they can be run on inside.
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Tre Mason, @SD, (40%, 10) – The Chargers are giving up 4.4 yards per carry to opposing RBs (6th worst in the league) and Mason has been impessive the last two weeks. I think he is close to having a breakout game and this could be the week.
Jerick McKinnon, @GB (24%, 11) – Despite the recent signing of RB Ben Tate, the Vikings coaching staff are still claiming that McKinnon is the starting RB. It wouldn’t make much sense to bench their rookie 3rd round pick for a mediocre back like Tate anyway, but it was still a bit nerve-racking for McKinnon owners. He is a tricky play this week; the Vikes could fall behind quickly the way the Packers offense is playing and limit the Vikings running game, but it could also mean more catches for McKinnon. I think he has a couple big plays against a mediocre Packers D.
Chris Ivory, @BUF (20%, 7) – There are already a few feet of snow on the Bills field and I’ll take a power RB like Ivory all day in those conditions. The Bills have a stout run defense (9th in yards allowed), but neither team is going to be passing much and I think Ivory will get eough touches to crack double-digit fantasy points.
Bryce Brown, NYJ (6%, 6) – If there is any passing in the snow bowl in Buffalo, it will be short dump off passes to guys like Bryce Brown. He had 10 targets last week and could get close to that number again this weekend. Brown is an explosive player who is due to break a long run soon. C.J. Spiller is free agent next year and the Bills want to see what they have in Brown, who is under contract until 2016.
Boom Herron, @JAX (2%, 6) – Do you really think the Colts are going to trust T-Rich to be the every down RB? The Colts should put the Jags away early and once they do I think they will give Herron an audition for the #1 job.
Latavius Murray, KC (2%, 5) – The athletic freak Murray (6’3, 223, 4.38 40-time) is finally getting a chance to show what he can do in Oakland. He had 43 yards on 4 carries last week and is rumored to be getting close to a split with DMC tonight against KC. It’s a risky play against a very good Chiefs D, but if your desperate Murray has plenty of upside.