Bye Weeks: Kansas City, New Orleans

The Browns running backs rushed for 173 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Steelers back in Week 1.

Grab a Helmet

Ben Tate v. PIT: When starting, Tate should always be in your lineup. The former Texan has always been a solid fantasy option when healthy, so take advantage whenever possible. Coming off a multi-week knee injury, Tate looked dominant as he dropped 123 yards rushing in a game his team was down by 25 points. All three Cleveland backs have had success behind a line that continues to maul defenses, and this week the Browns host a Steelers defense that is closer to satin drapes than Steel Curtain. Despite some talk of ceding reps to his talented rookie backups, Tate dominated carries with 22, as 13 went to West and Crowell. Look for Cleveland to go run heavy again, and push for 40+ team carries in a game that should be tight into the 4th quarter.

Lamar Miller v. GB: There are reports that Knowshon Moreno could return this week, but I still think Miller is a worth start. Miller is making the most of his carries (5.5 average), and should be helped by the return of Miami’s best offensive lineman, Mike Pouncey. Miami would be advised to pound the rock against a Green Bay defense giving up the most rushing yards per game (163). Expect Miller to get plenty of carries even if Moreno plays, and continue to be a factor in the passing game, where he has amassed 12 catches. Pencil Miller in as a strong RB2 play if Moreno remains out and strong FLEX play if Moreno starts.

Chris Ivory v. DEN: It literally makes me ill to suggest that after last weekend’s debacle any Jets’ offensive player could be a fantasy asset, but Ivory has quietly racked up solid numbers. Ninth in the league in rushing yardage, and averaging over 5 yards per carry, Ivory could be the Jets only hope to compete against the Manning-led Broncos. Ivory runs with a violence that gives the offense a swagger, and the Jets simply have to get the ball in his hands more often. If the Jets can keep it close, it’s going to be on the back of Ivory, making him a slightly risky, but high upside RB2.

Grab Some Pine

Jonathan Stewart, Chris Ogbonnaya, Fozzy Whittaker @ CIN: Reports out of Carolina this week have the Panthers bringing in Deshaun Foster and Stephen Davis for tryouts. Fantasy footballers from the early 2000s remember these guys as players long on talent and short on health. The 2014 iteration of the Carolina backfield is a similarly frustrating MASH unit of ineffectiveness. Even when healthy, the holes to run through are few and far between. Carolina could be looking at their fifth different starting running back this week as they hit the road to take on Cincinnati. Stop trying to find a useful member of this backfield, I know I have.

Toby Gerhart @ TEN: At the start of the year Gerhart had health and opportunity, and that was enough to make him a high round pick in many fantasy leagues. After five weeks Gerhart owners are left to pick up the pieces of a tragically bad beginning. His touches (and health) have dwindled each week, culminating in a season low of 5 in a game that was close throughout. Jaguars coaches have seen the light, and it looks like rookie Storm Johnson could get a longer look starting this week at Tennessee. Hey, as least Gerhart gives me an easy sit recommendation (never be afraid to pick the low hanging fruit!)

Stevan Ridley @ BUF: Once a frequent resident in the Belichick doghouse, Ridley seems to be once again carving a niche in the Patriots offense as the power complement to the versatile Shane Vereen. With three 19+ carry games and two 100-yard contests, Ridley has been useful a piece of fantasy rosters so far this season. Despite a few good games, he also sports two duds, where he combined for a 13-49 line. Patriot skill players have been very game plan dependent the last few years, and this seems like it could be a pass heavy week as they travel to Buffalo and their third-ranked run defense. With no value in the pass game, Ridley is a shaky start this week at best.

Wide Receivers