Damn these Broncos keep me busy. It seems they’re in a 5 alarm Running Back crisis every three weeks. I’m of course talking about Ronnie Hillman‘s recent foot injury that will likely keep him out for the next two to three weeks. Over the last four games, Hillman had been a savior for Montee Ball owners, like myself. He’s actually been the 9th best Running Back in RCL’s over that time, and that includes last week’s 6 carry game. If we removed week 10 and replaced it with week 6 it would be even higher. Unfortunately it was short lived due to the aforementioned injury.
We now turn to C.J. Anderson and begrudgingly Ball in some cases. Anderson blew up last week gaining 163 total yards and a TD on 17 total touches. He’s also been touted as the team’s “Best Running Back” by Mike Klis of the Denver Post. Outside of one game against the Raiders and the endorsement of a beat writer, there’s not a lot to draw from. He’s had just over 20 career carries and gets mentioned on deep league watch lists from time to time. Will Anderson stick as the starter in what’s been called a “Hot Hand Situation” by coach John Fox? That’s a question I can’t answer. But I do know this, Monte Ball’s never had hot hands, ever. In fact I’m pretty sure even wearing fleece mittens in a sauna he still has chilly paws. Doesn’t mean he won’t find a way to suck value away from Anderson though. Ball has a way of ruining everything, in fact I heard he gave Hillman a hug only moments before his injury last Sunday. Starting to make sense now, right? Yes, Ball is a nuisance and we’d all be better off without him for a long time. Then again, maybe this is his shot for redemption. His chance to provide weeks of value going into the playoffs. Maybe winning over the hearts and minds of the Fantasy Football Collective. Wow, the Fantasy Football Collective sounds like a non-profit organization aimed at saving under maintained fantasy teams. They would all wear button up knit sweaters, and have dumpy bodies, with awkwardly groomed facial hair. Then again these fearless guys and gals are doing the lord’s work, so maybe I should cut them some slack. Oh sorry about my A.D.D there, back to Ball, so maybe this is his shot at redemption, and maybe I shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss him for flavor of the week Anderson. This is a former 1st round pick from 2013, which is only a year ago. One that was highly decorated in college, being voted an All-American in back to back years at Wisconsin. His career YPC isn’t horrible either at 4.2, though that’s heavily supported by last year’s 4.7. He’s got a real shot to do something if Anderson slips up. So the question remain the same with Ball, “will he finally step up and take the job he’s been handed so many times?” I guess the next few weeks will tell us.
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Alfred Blue – Our boy Blue is “Potentially” back for an encore to his week 3 start against the New York Giants. Whether this comes to fruition or not, is dependent upon the status of Arian Foster. The report that broke hours ago is, that Foster will be inactive for Sunday’s game. If this is indeed the case then Blue should be owned and started universally. I’d expect him to see 20+ touches against a pretty bad Browns run defense. As colleague Sky just mentioned on Twitter, the Browns run defense is 2nd worst in YPAA (4.7) and 5th worst in YPGA (134.2). So the matchup is tasty. Blue is definitely a stash to hang onto going forward, because you never know what could happen with Foster from week to week.
Cleveland Running Backs – Last week gave us even less clarity as to who the HBIC (thanks Jen) is. I’m going to throw my endorsement behind Terrance West going forward. He seems to be the best of the bunch, plus he has the momentum of the last few weeks. Isiah Crowell doesn’t look far behind, and I love the way he attacks the line as if he was shot out of a cannon. That obviously leaves Ben Tate as my least favorite, but as I said last week who knows with this group. I could totally see Tate coming in and having the biggest game of the three, then again I could make the same statement about Crowell or West. So it doesn’t mean a lot. There and lies the problem with this committee.
Theo Riddick – The time maybe here for Riddick again this week. As Reggie Bush looks to be more than likely sidelined for week 11. He didn’t do much last week against Miami’s solid run defense, and it gets no better this week against the Cardinals elite group. We’re looking for some PPR value and maybe a TD out of Riddick this week, I wouldn’t expect a C.J.Anderson type explosion from him.
Returning Starters – It looks like there’s a few temporary starters who will move back into the handcuff role this week, in Andre Williams and Branden Oliver. Each have been useful in small doses, but that mostly describes Oliver. Williams has not been nearly the coup I thought he’d be when Jennings went down. The early reports are that Rashad Jennings will be handling a significant workload once again in week 11. Based on that wording I’m not sure where this leaves Williams. Oliver on the other hand should maintain some value in PPR formats as I could see him sliding into the Danny Woodhead type role with Ryan Mathews back this week. Mathews is also a constant injury concern. So if you’re depending on the Chargers back going into the playoffs, it’s best to keep Oliver stashed on your bench.
Fuzzy Handcuffs
These guys are fun, fun, fun! Not for everyday use but good to own, and a blast when they’re in the mix. We may wish for a bit more run but have to accept that they’re splitting time and getting the most of their opportunities. Most of these handsome devils could probably be studs if given the chance.
| Team | Starter (carries/targets/rec) | Handcuff(s) (carries/targets/rec) | Depth Backs |
| Indianapolis Colts | Trent Richardson (Bye) | Ahmad Bradshaw (Bye) | Dan Herron |
| Cincinnati Bengals | Giovani Bernard (DNP) | Jeremy Hill (12/2/1) | Cedric Peerman |
| Detroit Lions | Joique Bell (10/3/2) | Reggie Bush (4/1/1) | Theo Riddick (3/3/2), George Winn |
| New England Patriots | Shane Vereen (Bye) | Jonas Gray (Bye) | Brandon Bolden, James White |
| San Diego Chargers | Ryan Matthews (DNP) | Branden Oliver (Bye) | Donald Brown, Ronnie Brown, Shaun Draughn |
| Denver Broncos | Ronnie Hillman (6/5/2) | C.J. Anderson (13/7/4), Montee Ball (DNP) | Juwan Thompson, |
| Kansas City Cheifs | Jamaal Charles (18/4/3) | Knile Davis (1/1/1) | De’Anthony Thomas, Cyrus Gray |
Standard Issue Police
Whether you’re in the back of a squad car or sitting on the corner while the Po-Po search your whip, you’re going nowhere. Do you know why? Because those things are locked on your wrists with a death grip. Much like those cuffs, these running backs are firmly locked into their positions. Not for a lack of ability, but because the starters are firmly entrenched in their roles. These backs could have value on any given week but more than likely you’ll need an injury to make these guys startable.
| Team | Starter (carries/targets/rec) | Handcuff(s) (carries/targets/rec) | Cuffs to the Cuffs |
| Cleveland Browns | Terrance West (26/0/0) | Ben Tate (10/2/2), Isaiah Crowell (12/0/0) | |
| Tampa Bay Bucs | Doug Martin (DNP) | Bobby Rainey (6/5/4), Charles Sims (8/2/2) | Mike James |
| Carolina Panthers | Jonathan Stewart (11/4/4) | DeAngelo Williams (13/3/3) | Chris Ogbonnaya, Fozzy Whitiker (Injury) |
| New Orleans Saints | Mark Ingram (27/5/3) | Khiry Robinson (DNP) OUT, Pierre Thomas (DNP) OUT | Travaris Cadet (2/5/3) |
| Baltimore Ravens | Justin Forsett (20/1/0) | Lorenzo Taliaferro (3/0/0) | Bernard Pierce (8/0/0) |
| Houston Texans | Arian Foster (Bye) | Alfred Blue (Bye) | Jonathan Grimes |
| San Francisco 49ers | Frank Gore (23/1/1) | Carlos Hyde (4/0/0) | |
| New York Jets | Chris Ivory (8/0/0) | Chris Johnson (11/3/2) | Bilal Powell |
| Philadelphia Eagles | LeSean McCoy (12/3/1) | Darren Sproles (1/2/1) | Chris Polk |
| St. Louis Rams | Tre Mason (14/6/4) | Benny Cunningham (4/4/2) | Zac Stacy |
| New York Giants | Rashad Jennings (DNP) | Andre Williams (13/5/2) | Peyton Hillis (1/2/1) |
| Buffalo Bills | Fred Jackson (3/5/4)) | Anthony Dixon (9/0/0), Bryce Brown (7/7/6) | C.J. Spiller |
Duct Tape Cuffs
These are of the homemade variety, you’ll use them in a pinch (i.e the starting stud goes down) but they’re always in your drawer (wavier wire) ready to step in and do their job. It may be to the bare minimum degree but they can buy you some time.
| Team | Starter (carries/targets/rec) | Handcuff(s) (carries/targets/rec) | Handcuff to the Handcuff |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | Le’Veon Bell (11/10/8) | LeGarrette Blount (5/0/0) | Dri Archer |
| Green Bay Packers | Eddie Lacy (18/6/3) | James Starks (5/1/0) | John Kuhn, DuJuan Harris |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | Denard Robinson (15/3/2) | Toby Gerhart (4/0/0) | Storm Johnson, Jordan Todman |
| Minnesota Vikings | Jerick McKinnon (Bye) | Matt Asiata (Bye) | |
| Atlanta Falcons | Steven Jackson (16/2/2) | Antone Smith (4/0/0), Davonte Freeman (3/1/1) | Jazquizz Rodgers |
| Washington Redskins | Alfred Morris (Bye) | Roy Helu (Bye) | Silas Reed |
| Tennessee Titans | Bishop Sankey (17/3/3) | Shonn Greene (3/0/0) | Dexter McCluster, Leon Washington |
| Oakland Raiders | Darren McFadden (7/7/4) | Maurice Jones-Drew (3/1/1) | Latavius Murray, Marcel Reese, Jamize Olawale |
| Dallas Cowboys | DeMarco Murray (19/7/6) | Joseph Randle (7/0/0) | Lance Dunbar |
| Miami Dolphins | Lamar Miller (4/2/1) | Damien Williams (7/3/3) | Daniel Thomas, LaMichael James |
| Seattle Seahawks | Marshawn Lynch (21/1/1) | Robert Turbin (6/0/0) | Christine Michael |
| Chicago Bears | Matt Forte (17/7/3) | Ka’Deem Carey (2/1/1) | Senorise Perry |
| Arizona Cardinals | Andre Ellington (18/5/5) | Stepfan Taylor (DNP) | Robert Hughes |
Thanks for reading and Happy Handcuffing!
Don’t forget to send me all your Running Back Questions on twitter @ralphlifshitzbb.
Hey bro nice read, looks like I’m starting Blue this week so Rainey is benched. It’s a deep league (14 team) and Benny Cunningham is out there. Would you drop Rainey for Benny? It’s .5 ppr. Thanks and keep up the good work.
@TobiasFunkeAnalRapist: Go for it Rainey’s days of relevancy are done with.
My roster would you trade Percy Harvin, Charles sims and odell Becham for golden Tate and rashad Jennings and also ROS Alshon or Golden tate
Aaron Rodgers – Packers
RB – LeSean McCoy – Eagles
RB – Andre Ellington – Cardinals
WR – T.Y. Hilton – Colts
WR – Kelvin Benjamin – Panthers
TE – Larry Donnell – Giants
PK – Steven Hauschka – Seahawks
DEF – Baltimore Ravens – Ravens
Bench:
QB – Ben Roethlisberger – Steelers
RB – Fred Jackson – Bills
RB – Charles Sims – Buccaneers
WR – Odell Beckham Jr. – Giants
WR – Percy Harvin – Jets
WR – Roddy White – Falcons
TE – Delanie Walker – Titans
@Dom B: Yes you’re getting the better of that trade.
Wuddup Ralph… Im in a competitive money league and have 2 good D/ST (Cards, Lions). Just read that Foster might not play so I picked up Browns D. Who would u rather start this week? And also who is the better play at TE? Kyle Rudolph or Travis Kelce…. thanks for the read
@BEATS by Ray: Wuddup Ray-Ray! Don’t bother with Browns, go Lions D. They crush the Run and the Stanton is Junk.
I like Rudolph go peep Smokey’s post.
ROS Alshon Jeffrey or Golden Tate
@Dom B: Tate probably, I like that Lions passing attack. This week Jeffrey is the better play with no Marshall tho
0.5 PPR, 3pt bonus at 300 pass/100rush/rec yds, start 2RB, 2WR, 1W/R/T. Give Forsett and R. Wilson for Brees and a WR (something like Beckham, Evans or Hopkins)?
My team:
QB – Wilson
RB – Forsett, Bradshaw, Anderson/Hillman, Mason, Hill, K. Davis
WR – Dez, Benjamin, Roddy
Flex – Gates or one of the above
My team’s likely to make the playoffs as a mid/low seed. Brees has a nice schedule, though Wilson has barely outscored him so far. Make the deal for Brees, or stick with what I have? If the latter, would you drop Davis for RG3 to rotate with Wilson?
@Steve Stevenson: I don’t like giving up Forsett, you struck gold and he’s more than a throw in. Davis for RG3 is a better move IMHO
McKinnon, K Allen, R Mathews or Sanu in a flex non-ppr?
@Nick: I’m thinking they go all in on Mathews first week back. It’s the Raiders so the matchup is great. Start Mathews. I’d rank them Mathews, Sanu, McKinnon, Allen
Have Blue and Randle as handcuffs and blue is paying off this week. Would you drop Randle for Helu? He was just dropped and i’ve always like him before the year and hes put up ypc and great receiving yards although in little carries. It is the NFL and as lucky as Morris has been without little nagging injurys, I feel his time is coming lol
@BraunWeasleys: Stick with Randle, Murray’s time wil come before Morris’
Flex sims vs blue?
@the don: Blue No Diggity!
Is it safe to drop Hilman or do you see him making an impact when he patches himself up?
Also, who do you like better: Hurns or Shorts
@Toby: Answer is below but drop Hillman and pick one of the Jags. Splitting hairs…
10 team 1/2 ppr
Qb newton wr calvin cobb evans rb lacy west te olsen flex p manning
Bn gordon murray fitz ivory sims reed
I give cam cobb i get brees beckham
@Barker: Hmmmm go for it. Cam is a sinking ship and half the boat is already in.
Riddle me this king Ralph:
Start one ppr: blue, Anderson, Matthews
Start 3 ppr: j Matthews, Crabtree, gates, Lafell, wayne
Thx bro!
@Matlock: Blue has the highest floor so Blue. I like Mathews the best but there is still some uncertainty.
With the WR’s I like LaFell, Wayne, and Matthews. Crabtree is spouting off and Sánchez has chemistry with Matthews so he gets the edge.
Ralph would you trade ryan mathews and mohamed sanu for shane vereen?
@Toby: drop Hillman and pick one of the Jags splitting hairs
@Joe: I’d stick w/ Mathews and Sanu.
@Joe: i wouldnt mathews is more valuable on his own
@Barker: what about mohamed sanu and reggie wayne for shane vereen?
@Joe: I’m not as high in Vereen, from week to week his value is very unreliable.
I am in desperate need of a RB. I have been offered my choice of McKinnon and West or McKinnon and Vereen for my Josh Gordon. Is Vereen the best of the two offers?
@Robert: I’m inclined to say West, is it PPR? Both are good trades tho.
1 point per 10 yrds
@Robert: Go West, Vereen’s value is PPR dependent
Riddle me this king Ralph:
Start one ppr: blue, Anderson, Matthews
Start 3 ppr: j Matthews, Crabtree, gates, Lafell, wayne
Thx man; sorry if this got posted twice
@Matlock: Answer above
PPR
RB – Ryan Mathews or CJ Anderson?
Flex – Ryan Mathews, CJ Anderson, Keenan Allen, Jordan Matthews or the piece of poop Michael Floyd
TE – Travis Kelce or Kyle Rudolph
@Boltz Wagon: Go Ryan Mathews…
@Ralph Lifshitz: And Rudolph, Smokey breaks it down it his post from yesterday.
2 guys coming off injury ..Jennings and Rudolph. who would you use in a 1pt ppr flex spot?
@ty: Jennings, if he’s going back to that heavy workload that’s a difference maker.
Would you trade Odell and Percy for Alshon Jeffrey
Aaron Rodgers – Packers
RB – LeSean McCoy – Eagles
RB – Andre Ellington – Cardinals
WR – T.Y. Hilton – Colts
WR – Kelvin Benjamin – Panthers
TE – Larry Donnell – Giants
PK – Steven Hauschka – Seahawks
DEF – Baltimore Ravens – Ravens
Bench:
QB – Ben Roethlisberger – Steelers
RB – Fred Jackson – Bills
RB – Charles Sims – Buccaneers
WR – Odell Beckham Jr. – Giants
WR – Percy Harvin – Jets
WR – Roddy White – Falcons
TE – Delanie Walker – Titans
@Dom B: Yeah I think it’s an OK move. You seem to want Jeffrey, so go get em
for some reason ive always trusted your wisdom in regards to my pos lineup this week i present standard league pick crowell or michael floyd and steelers or texans defense thanks as always
@branden: I am a leader to the misguided youth of America like Marilyn Manson in the 90’s. That’s probably it…Crowell and Pitt. Michael Floyd should only be in your lineup if you’re tanking for a top pick next April.
non-ppr, choose a wr3, rb2 & a flex…
R Jennings , R Mathews, McKinnon, M Bryant, K Allen, Sanu…I currently have
RB2: R Jennings
flex: McK
WR3: M Bryant
let me know if I should change anything for week11, thanks!
@Nick: Jennings, Mathews, and Sanu
@Ralph Lifshitz: You like Sanu over Martavis? I Just dont think I can bench him til he gives me reason too…not to mention he is only my WR3 with Cobb & Beckham in front of him…
drop a.will for which of blue/sims/gray/b.brown (this would take a waiver claim, but i’m at the end anyway)/PT cruiser/starks/randle/riddick/cadet/blount? I have already mason/charles/bell (PIT)/miller. PPR. ROS question.
@The Harrow: I’d pickup Blue
Out of these choose 2 WR and one Flex Charles Sims, Alshon Jeffrey, Kelvin Benjamin, Roddy White TY Hilton, Malcolm Floyd also ROS Odell Beckham Jr or Alshon Jeffrey
@Dom B: Hilton, Benjamin, Jeffrey. ROS Jeffrey
Would you trade Alshon Jeffrey and delaine walker for Julius Thomas leaving Roddy White as flex
my roster
QB – Aaron Rodgers – Packers
RB – LeSean McCoy – Eagles
RB – Andre Ellington – Cardinals
WR – Alshon Jeffery – Bears
WR – T.Y. Hilton – Colts
TE – Larry Donnell – Giants
PK – Steven Hauschka – Seahawks
DEF – Baltimore Ravens – Ravens
Bench:
QB – Ben Roethlisberger – Steelers
RB – Fred Jackson – Bills
RB – Charles Sims – Buccaneers
WR – Kelvin Benjamin – Panthers
WR – Malcom Floyd – Chargers
WR – Roddy White – Falcons
TE – Delanie Walker – Titans
@Dom B: Yes but couldn’t you Flex Benjamin or Fred-Ex?
Would you trade kelvin Benjamin for golden Tate and Rashad Jennings
QB – Aaron Rodgers – Packers
RB – LeSean McCoy – Eagles
RB – Andre Ellington – Cardinals
WR – Alshon Jeffery – Bears
WR – T.Y. Hilton – Colts
TE – Larry Donnell – Giants
PK – Steven Hauschka – Seahawks
DEF – Baltimore Ravens – Ravens
Bench:
QB – Ben Roethlisberger – Steelers
RB – Fred Jackson – Bills
RB – Charles Sims – Buccaneers
WR – Kelvin Benjamin – Panthers
WR – Malcom Floyd – Chargers
WR – Roddy White – Falcons
TE – Delanie Walker – Titans
@Dom B: Yes for sure.
Better flex golden Tate or Rashad Jennings also ROS kelvin Benjamin or Golden Tate
@Dom B: This week Jennings is the better flex. I like Tate ROS. He’s settled in nicely in Detroit
Would you trade Lesean McCoy for Eddie Lacy
@Dom B: yes I’s prefer Lacy at this point.
drop a johnson or sanu for gray? non-ppr 10 team
@Nick: or Mckinnon but that might be to early…
@Nick: or witten since i have donnell, for gray
@Nick: What Johnson (hehe)?
@Ralph Lifshitz: it was Andre Johnson, but too late, Gray got snagged FAST! :(
I did get GB defense this morning but didnt see that the Colts are available vs. Jags next week..hmm..
Regarding Witten/Donnell, I plan to play them based on matchup through playoffs. Nobody is available on waivers except Rudolph, Reed, Gresham, so nothing for a 10-teamer…
@Nick: I like Rudolph more than Donnell going forward. I do not like Donnell
@Ralph Lifshitz: [email protected]Nick: But in all honesty, I’d probably drop Sanu or Donnell. I’m a huge Sanu fan, hence the previous endorsement over Bryant. Obviously that didn’t work out. So do what you will. As for the Witten thing, I think his ceiling is higher than Donnell. Donnell had two good games
MISSED QUESTION ABOVE
@Dom B: Sorry got it!
Defense week 11, I grabbed Green Bay. Role with them over these options??
Colts v. Jags
NE v Det
Cleveland @ ATL
Dallas @ NYG
St. Louis vs. SD
@Nick: Colts and then Pats. After yesterday’s games I think the Pats D beats up on the Lions outside at Gillette. But The Jags matchup may be too juicy to pass up.
@Ralph Lifshitz: So no to Green Bay in Minnesota? I’m actually hedging my bets on GB cause I have Rodgers & Cobb. As I saw on Sunday, Aaron did not have to do his job all 4qtrs cause the D showed up. You don’t think thats a good move? Colts are now taken, left with Pats /Dallas/STL…
@Nick: I like the Pats D more due to turnovers and such but Green Bay is close.
Hey Ralph, week 11 questions;
My starting lineup looks like this;
QB-Rodgers
RB-Murray & Ingram
WR-Cob @ Min, Beckham v. Dal, Sanu @ Houston
Flex-Rashad Jennings v. Dal
TE-Donnell v. Dal
K-Crosby @ Min
D- GB @ Min
bench options for week 11 are;
Mathews v. STL
McKinnon v. GB
K Allen v STL
A Johnson v. Cincy
Witten @ NYG
Besides advice on any changes to the starting lineup, do you think Crosby has a rough day in Minnesota where its outdoors/windy?…Novak, Tucker & Dawson are available so I think I’ll go get one of them & shed some of my GB bias but which is best for week 11? Novak has ST Louis at home, Tucker is going to NO and Dawson has Washington…
Put in Johnson for Sanu and I’d grab Tucker. I always opt for kickers in domes.
@Ralph Lifshitz: I can agree with Tucker. But Johnson for Sanu? Sanu has a great matchup against Houston..but he has been irrelevant the past 2 games…
J Brown, Hogan, Herron, L. Murray are all available but in a 10-team, none of them are worth a roster spot over my current team, right?
@Nick: I think Mallett’s arm strength will make both Johnson and Hopkins relevant down the stretch. Sanu has 5 catches his last two games.
@Ralph Lifshitz: thanks…& I guess the play for me this week with no waivers (all free agents during NFL games)…is to drop either Witten or Donnell for the next best WR/RB in L Murray, Boom Herron,,etc??
@Nick: Drop Donnell for Murray
@Ralph Lifshitz: So your OK with going Witten over Donnell this week? Should I make this move now, before others catch on to Murray, or is it far-fetched for him to do well in an 0-10 team?
@Nick: Yes Donnell stinks and you already have ODB, how connected to the Giants a passing attack do you want to be?
@Ralph Lifshitz: yea i Don’t, Haha. Made the switch so now rolling with Witten..