While it may seem like we have a world of changes at the running back position every week, that’s actually not the case at all. Have there been changes? Yes. Some. But not a lot. The biggest obstacle for fantasy owners this year is coaches’ usage, not injuries. Sure, we’re dealing with a few bumps and bruises, but look at the situations causing the most aggravation – Green Bay, Baltimore, Miami, Denver and Chicago. In each situation, the coach has decided to either run with a committee or just simply not use the primary as a bell-cow and it’s killing us. When you look at just how many committees we’re subjected to and then combine them with the injuries we’ve had – and, of course, Le’Veon Bell’s hold-out – we’re looking at one of the biggest disaster years at the position in years. I honestly cannot remember the last time it was this bad.
Nevertheless, the changes on the Handcuff Grid are minor in quantity. In quality…well, that’s a different story.
Atlanta Falcons
The news none of us wanted to hear got dropped on us Tuesday as the Falcons announced Devonta Freeman would be placed on Injured Reserve. He is scheduled to have groin surgery this Thursday. Right? Where the heck did this come from? First it was a bone bruise in the knee. Then it was the foot. Now it’s the groin? It’s like something out of a fantasy horror movie. There was a report that he would be able to return to the team in Week 16, but just stop. Don’t even think it. It doesn’t matter if you have an IR spot or not. It’s a waste. You’re never going to use him in your fantasy championship and do you really think the Falcons are going to run him heavy if, somehow, he does make it back? Stop with the nonsense. Focus on the fact that Tevin Coleman is officially the new lead back here with Ito Smith staying ready and able to poach as many touchdowns as he possibly can. Both are likely owned already
San Francisco 49ers
Fantasy owners got a real slap in the face from Kyle Shanahan this week as not only did he let a banged-up Matt Breida run wild in Monday’s game against the Packers, but then he used Raheem Mostert as his secondary back instead of Alfred Morris . In fact, Morris didn’t see a single carry, much to the chagrin of his fantasy owners hoping to at least get a vulture touchdown or something. Now the question is – did Morris fall out of favor? Was he hurt? Or was this strictly a match-up decision in order to get more speed out of the backfield? With no injury reported, we’re going to assume the latter and investigate further, but fantasy owners can probably feel safe in dumping Morris. He’s really nothing more than a change-of-pace back or a secondary handcuff. Even with as bad as the position looks right now, he’s never going to be your fantasy savior.