Timeshare running backs are in play this
season and Forte has scored in three straight games.
Grab a Helmet
Latavius
Murray vs. SD (THU): Ok, so Murray hasn’t exactly lit
the world on fire recently. He’s topped 10 standard fantasy points
in a game just once since Week 8, and has been over 4.3 yards
per carry just once since Week 9. So why is this guy you can trust
during championship week? Between the injury ravaged mess this
position is, his big play ability, and the match-up (San Diego,
despite being better recently, still surrenders the 5th-most fantasy
points to running backs) I like him this week. The attempts have
been there (20-plus carries in three of his last four) and it’s
only a matter of time before he pops one. Look for another 20-plus
carry day at home against the Chargers, with 100 total yards and
a score a decent bet.
Matt
Forte @ TB: As Forte’s illustrious Bears career nears
its end, he gets a crack as his former coach Lovie Smith when
Chicago heads to Tampa Bay. A stronger play in PPR leagues, especially
coming off a six-catch day against the Vikings last week, Forte’s
been solid since his return from a mid-season knee injury. He’s
splitting too much time with rookie Jeremy Langford to have a
very high ceiling, but the veteran knows how to gain yards and
find the end zone even on limited touches. Game flow isn’t an
issue for the pass catching back, so if you are looking for a
solid, yet unspectacular option to anchor your running back corps
for an important week, look for Forte to be that option.
Doug
Martin vs. CHI: On pace for a career year in yardage
and yards per carry, Martin brings his game back home to Tampa
to take on a Bears defense giving up a whopping 4.6 yards per
carry. The Bears have actually been stingy against the big run,
but they give up consistent chunks, and that fits right into Martin’s
wheelhouse. Martin was running wild with 70-plud yards in the
first half last week against the Rams, but a big 2nd half deficit
meant passing back Charles Sims soaked up the playing time in
comeback mode. This one should stay close throughout, giving Martin
a great chance at RB1 numbers.
Grab Some Pine
Jeremy
Hill @ DEN: Hill’s upside has been severely capped
this season with a paltry 3.4 yards per carry average. His value
has been lifted by the 10 touchdowns, but he’s basically been
a touchdown or bust RB2/3 this year, this after coming off an
elite rookie campaign that saw him average 5.1 yards per carry.
Denver’s defense was torched in the air last week, but held serve
on the ground limiting DeAngelo Williams to only 22 yards. Lack
of passing game work, and problems holding onto the ball have
also plagued Hill’s fantasy value. In a tasty match-up against
the 49ers last week, Hill could only muster 31 yards on 19 carries.
A hungry, wounded Bronco defense will be fire up in an important
game at home, making Hill a risky start.
Chris
Ivory vs. NE: After a scorching hot start to the season,
Ivory has cooled off considerably down the stretch, The healthy
return of Bilal Powell has meant a reduced red zone and 3rd down
role for Ivory, as he only has 2 catches the last two weeks, and
no scores in his last three games. He still looks spry and healthy,
but he’s being hit in the backfield more often, and the Jet’s
passing game in the red zone is humming. In his last game against
the Pats, Ivory was held to just 53 total yards in a close game.
Both teams still have everything to play for, and the Jets will
try to win this game in the air. New England has only surrendered
one 100-yard rusher this year, leaving Ivory as a capped RB2 option.
Lamar
Miller vs. IND: Just when you thought you had a bead
on Miller’s usage, and the match-up was sweet as can be,
he went out and put together an 11-touch 24-yard performance against
the Bolts. Injury, game flow, or a need to give rookie Jay Ajayi
some run all conspired to torpedo Miller owners in Week 15. Miller
has had some monster games, but his production and usage has been
as up and down as a see-saw at the park. The Colts provide yet
another juicy matchup, but stud center Mike Pouncey, the linchpin
of the line is out for the year. Plus, Miller may have suffered
another lower body injury and the Dolphins have folded up their
tents for the season. He could bust out for 125 and 2 scores,
or saddle you with 30 yards. His upside always makes him a starting
option, but Miller comes with too much risk during a must win
Week 16.
