Fantasy Football Handcuff Report: Week 13

It almost never fails. Invariably at least one RB who you’ve never heard of bursts upon the scene and becomes a viable back that you can insert into your fantasy lineup for the stretch run of the fantasy football season.

Based on his Week 12 performance, (104 rushing yards, three catches and a TD), Jonathan Williams should be given another opportunity to be the lead back in the Colts backfield while Marlon Mack ’s broken hand heals. Williams should be able to do some damage against the Titans this week. They’ve given up 10 total TDs to RBs on the season.

Lions RB Bo Scarbrough looked good in Week 12, rushing 18 times for 98 yards for a 5.44 YPC.He should be the Lions’ lead back going forward but the Bears, Vikings, Buccaneers and Broncos are his next four opponents and they all have tough run defenses. Remember, opportunity does not always lead to big time fantasy production.

Falcons RB Devonta Freeman who was dealing with a foot injury, is set to make his return to action on Thanksgiving night. Fantasy owners shouldn’t expect too much from Freeman. He’s facing the Saints, and they’ve given up just 129 rushing yards to RBs in their last four games.

Heading into Week 13 David Montgomery ’s rookie season could be filed under “B” for bust. He ran for just 22 yards on 13 carries (1.69 YPC) against a Giants defense that gives up 123 rushing yards per game. You can’t start Montgomery during this crucial part of your fantasy season.

The Jaguars run defense has fallen apart over the past few weeks. The Jags have given up 623 rushing yards over their last four games. Too bad the Buccaneers, the Jags’ next opponent, use a 50/50 time share between Ronald Jones and Peyton Barber in their backfield.

The Jaguars’ recent shortcoming defending against the run should remind all fantasy football players that they can’t only look at season long averages to determine who to plug into their lineups. Now is the time for fantasy football players to pay attention to recent trends. There are plenty of resources that break down statistics into anywhere from two to five week intervals.

Pay attention to the running back situation in Seattle. Chris Carson ’s fumbling problems may cause Rashaad Penny to eat into his playing time. Carson has lost four fumbles on the year, (his fourth coming in Week 12), and Penny had a season high 14 carries in Week 12. Coincidence? Probably not.

Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott has averaged 3.13 YPC and hasn’t had a 100 yard rushing game in three straight contests. You’re never going to consider benching Elliott as a fantasy player but, you have to wonder if all of the time he missed in preseason training camp is starting to catch up to him.On the other hand, perhaps his recent slump is due to his playing against tougher oppositionin recent weeks. Just something to think about…