Bye Weeks: N/A

Frank Gore: This may be Gore's last legitimate chance at RB2 value for the rest of the season.

Grab a Helmet

Frank Gore @ OAK: After watching Trey Mason do his best Eric Dickerson impression while running roughshod over the Raiders last week, it’s simply now or never for Gore and the 49ers. With their playoff hopes dangling by a thread, and his 49er career steaming along to a likely end, look for 20+ carries out of Gore this weekend. Sitting at a career worse 3.9 ypc, Gore and the 49ers offense has looked horrible for a few weeks. But just when it seems the Niners need to right the ship, they turn to their old captain. Nothing more than a mediocre RB3 most of the year, this might be the final chance for Gore owners to enjoy some RB2 value late in the fantasy season.

Jonathan Stewart @ NO: No reason to check your calendars, this is not 2011, I promise. 2011 represents the last time Stewart was a valuable fantasy commodity. It was also the last time he averaged more than 4.0 ypc until this year. Opportunity is once again knocking for the 7th year back, and circumstances couldn’t be better for potential sleeper value this week. With a hand injury to running-mate DeAngelo Williams, and a sieve-like Saints defense, look for Carolina to establish a run-based gameplan centered around Stewart. He looked very spry last week, putting up 110 total yards in a blow-out loss against the Vikings. With the potential for 20+ touches this week in a must-win game, Stewart is a high-upside FLEX play.

Dan Herron @ CLE: Since entering the lineup in place of an injured Ahmad Bradshaw two games ago, Herron has compiled 153 yards rushing on 20 carries. Good for a ho-hum 7.65 yards per carry. Add in 7 catches and the long rushing score, Herron has certainly lessened the loss of the fiery Bradshaw, and given the Colts something to do with the running game than simply throw it in a dark hole when giving it to Trent Richardson. In Week 14 Herron heads home to the state he played his college ball, so expect him to be extra motivated in front of the Cleveland crowd. You probably just added Herron off the waiver wire, so he might not have an obvious starting role on your squad. At the very least he’s a strong FLEX option in standard and PPR leagues as someone who could provide sneaky RB2 value the rest of the way.

Grab Some Pine

Lamar Miller v. BAL: Miller has languished in the middle of the RB2 pack for most of the season, failing to have a true breakout game. He’s been a fine option most weeks, but nothing to get very excited about. (much like a buffet with mediocre food). The volume hasn’t been there (no 20 carry games) and the match-up against Baltimore’s #1 defense against running backs is scary. Miller makes for an unsexy FLEX play this week and not much more.

LeGarrette Blount/Jonas Gray/Shane Vereen @ SD: This is not an indictment against any of these players, but rather the total bait and switch tactics that go on weekly in New England. I almost expect Kevin Faulk to be signed Sunday morning and catch 8 passes and run for a score against San Diego. This quote from Pats offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels sums up why running back roulette is not something I want to play with the Pats runners this week. “I think there are so many variables that go into how we use them on a weekly basis — the style, the game plan, the personnel groupings we’re using, what we anticipate getting from the defense and the types of things that we choose to do during the course of the game.” Too many variables for me! Sit ‘em all!

Fred Jackson/Anthony Dixon @ DEN: When did Anthony Dixon become Boobie Dixon? He’s been in the league for 5 years and suddenly he resurrects a nickname he earned in college? It didn’t make sense then, and it doesn’t now, and his sit recommendation is compounded by a poor match-up against a dominant Denver run defense. The Broncos have only allowed 1 rushing touchdown at home this year. While lacking an odd nickname, Fred Jackson seems to have let father time catch up to him. Injuries and ineffectiveness have damaged his value. The match-up is just too risky for you to be starting these guys, even as FLEX plays, as your lineup needs more upside than these two can offer.

Wide Receivers