Matt Forte became the latest casualty for Fantasy owners when he suffered a sprained MCL in Week 13 against Kansas City. He might return this year, but he is no longer a useful Fantasy option this season with the playoffs starting in most leagues in Week 14.
With Forte out, Marion Barber is now the starting running back for the Bears, and he should be added in all formats. Barber, who is owned in 64 percent of leagues on CBSSports.com, is not going to play like Forte. But he does have plenty of value as either a No. 2 running back or flex option.
Barber has five touchdowns in the nine games that he's played, and he should remain a candidate to score each week. He has only four games with double digits in carries, but he should be able to handle an increased workload
Barber will face the Broncos in Week 14, who have only allowed one touchdown on the ground to an opposing running back this year, but three running backs have gained more than 100 total yards against Denver in each of the past three weeks. Barber should be looking at quality production in this matchup.
The Bears also plan to give Kahlil Bell (not owned in the majority of leagues on CBSSports.com) a chance to share the ball with Barber, and Bell had four carries for 34 yards against the Chiefs. He is worth adding in deeper leagues if you lost Forte.
Neither Barber nor Bell will help you get over the loss of an elite talent like Forte, but Barber should prove to be a suitable replacement, especially if he can continue to score when the Bears get in the red zone.
In case you haven't noticed ... Maurice Morris continues to prove he's a useful Fantasy option since Kevin Smith (ankle) is having trouble staying healthy. Smith returned in Week 13 at New Orleans but he couldn't finish the game, leaving his status for Week 14 against Minnesota in doubt. But Morris has still managed double digits in Fantasy points in each of the past two games with Smith getting hurt. Morris, who is owned in 76 percent of leagues, should be added in all formats. Smith could be forced to miss several weeks, which would make Morris a quality Fantasy option in all leagues if he becomes the starter for the Lions once again.
Each Tuesday we will highlight players who might be available in your league and whether you should consider picking them up off waivers based on their recent performances. The players chosen are based on the percentage of ownership in CBSSports.com leagues.
Add 'Em
Matt Moore, Dolphins
Owned: 42 percent of leagues
Week
13: Completed 13 of 25 passes for 162 yards and one touchdown and
had five carries for 22 yards and a touchdown vs. Oakland.
Analysis:
We told you to add Moore last week, and we'll tell you again after he
had his third game with at least 20 Fantasy points in his past five
outings. Moore has nine total touchdowns and just one interception over
that span, and he's using all his weapons with Brandon Marshall, Anthony Fasano, Davone Bess, Brian Hartline and Reggie Bush. He has another favorable matchup in Week 14 against the
Eagles, who have allowed multiple touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks in
three of their past five games.
Rex Grossman, Redskins
Owned: 20 percent of
leagues
Week 13: Completed 19 of 46 passes for 221 yards, one
interception and one fumble vs. the Jets.
Analysis: We
expected Grossman to struggle in Week 13 against the Jets, and he had
just four Fantasy points. But this was the week we were waiting for with
Grossman based on his matchup with the Patriots. New England has been
terrible in pass defense all season, and Vince Young and Dan Orlovsky each had
at least 20 Fantasy points against the Patriots the past two weeks.
Grossman had at least 20 Fantasy points in each of his two games prior
to facing the Jets, and he should be considered a sleeper in Week 14.
Avoid 'Em
Vince Young, Eagles
Owned: 49 percent of leagues
Week
13: Completed 17 of 29 passes for 208 yards, one touchdown and four
interceptions and had five carries for 32 yards at Seattle.
Analysis:
Michael Vick (ribs) is expected to
return in Week 14 at Miami, but even if he's out it's not worth using
Young in any leagues against the Dolphins. Miami has been solid in pass
defense of late with Carson Palmer in
Week 13 the lone quarterback to reach 20 Fantasy points since Week 8.
Young also ruined any faith Fantasy owners might have in him with his
terrible performance against the Seahawks in Week 13.
Dan Orlovsky, Colts
Owned: 2 percent of leagues
Week
13: Completed 30 of 37 passes for 353 yards, two touchdowns and one
interception at New England.
Analysis: Orlovsky took advantage
of a great matchup in Week 13 against the Patriots, but he should
struggle this week at the Ravens. Baltimore has yet to allow multiple
touchdowns to any quarterback this season, including matchups with Ben Roethlisberger twice, Matt Schaub
and Mark Sanchez. Orlovsky should
struggle with the defensive pressure he is going to see from the Ravens,
and we're not expecting much from him in Week 14 or going forward.
Scout 'Em
Donovan McNabb, free agent
Owned: 7 percent of
leagues
Week 13: Did not play.
Analysis: McNabb
cleared waivers after being released by Minnesota, and he can now sign
with any team he wants. The Bears should make a call because Caleb Hanie showed in his game against the Chiefs in Week 13 (minus-1
Fantasy point) that he is not the answer to replace Jay Cutler (thumb). McNabb will never return as a starting Fantasy
option in the majority of leagues, even if he signs in Chicago, but he
could be a No. 2 quarterback in deep two-quarterback leagues.
Matt Flynn, Packers
Owned: 6 percent of leagues
Week
13: Did not play at the Giants.
Analysis: The Packers are
chasing perfection at 12-0, but at some point they might decide to rest Aaron Rodgers. Just in case you are a Rodgers owner you might want to
grab Flynn now. The Packers face the Chiefs in Week 15, Chicago in Week
16 and Detroit in Week 17. If your league runs to the end of the season,
you might want to grab Flynn now in case he gets a surprise start with
Rodgers getting a rest.
Add 'Em
Ryan Grant, Packers
Owned: 59 percent of leagues
Week
13: Had 13 carries for 29 yards and one catch for 17 yards at the
Giants.
Analysis: We're not going to tell you Grant has the
chance to do much even with James Starks
(ankle) likely out in Week 14 against Oakland. But if you're stuck in
some deeper leagues, at least you know Grant will get touches in a good
matchup, and maybe the Packers will lean on him just a little bit more
against the Raiders, who have allowed a running back to score in four of
the past five games.
Toby Gerhart, Vikings
Owned: 54 percent of leagues
Week
13: Had 21 carries for 91 yards and eight catches for 42 yards vs.
Denver.
Analysis: Adrian Peterson
(ankle) could be out again in Week 14 against Detroit, which would allow
Gerhart the chance to remain the starter. He now has double digits in
Fantasy points against some tough opponents in Atlanta and Denver the
past two weeks, and he has a favorable matchup against the Lions, who
will again be without defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (suspended). Detroit has allowed a running back to reach
100 total yards or a touchdown in each of the past four games. If
Peterson returns forget about Gerhart, but right now it looks like
Gerhart will start again.
Ricky Williams, Ravens
Owned: 26 percent of
leagues
Week 13: Had 16 carries for 76 yards and a touchdown
at Cleveland.
Analysis: Williams did a great job in sharing
carries with Ray Rice against the
Browns, and he could have a similar role in Week 14 against
Indianapolis. If you're stuck and looking for a running back in a deep
league, add Williams and hope he gets some garbage-time touches against
the Colts, who have allowed 14 touchdowns to opposing running backs this
season.
Isaac Redman, Steelers
Owned: 25 percent of
leagues
Week 13: Had eight carries for 51 yards vs. Cincinnati.
Analysis:
The Steelers play the Browns in Week 14 on Thursday night, and they
might not want to wear down Rashard Mendenhall
on a short week with the playoffs in sight. Redman could see additional
work and end up playing like Williams did last week against the Browns.
Like Williams, you will only want to use Redman in a deeper league, but
consider him a sleeper against Cleveland, which has allowed 10
touchdowns to opposing running backs this season.
Avoid 'Em
LaRod Stephens-Howling, Cardinals
Owned: 5
percent of leagues
Week 13: Had two carries for 16 yards and
one catch for 52 yards and a touchdown vs. Dallas.
Analysis:
Stephens-Howling was the hero against the Cowboys with his touchdown
catch in overtime, but he has minimal Fantasy value going forward. He
could see an increased role if Beanie Wells
(knee) was lost for the season, but Wells appears determined to play
through his knee injury. This was only the second touchdown on the year
for Stephens-Howling, and he just doesn't touch the ball enough to be
Fantasy relevant in the majority of leagues.
Scout 'Em
Ronnie Brown, Eagles
Owned: 15 percent of leagues
Week
13: Had two carries for 11 yards at Seattle.
Analysis: LeSean McCoy should be able to play for the rest of the season, but he
has a nagging toe injury to monitor. If the Eagles decide to be cautious
with McCoy and shut him down, we could see Brown taking on increased
carries in a shared role with Dion Lewis.
McCoy owners should definitely own Brown in all leagues, and he could
even get a rare touchdown in his return to Miami this week depending on
how the game unfolds.
Brandon Saine, Packers
Owned: 1 percent of leagues
Week
13: Had six carries for 16 yards and four catches for 29 yards at
the Giants.
Analysis: With Starks out and Grant not known for
his receiving prowess, the Packers could turn to Saine in passing
situations. He played well against the Giants and he could see an
increased role going forward. If you want to take the safe Green Bay
running back with Starks out then go with Grant. But if you want the
Packers running back with upside then add Saine now since he could have
plenty to offer depending on how long Starks is out.
Add 'Em
Malcom Floyd, Chargers
Owned: 45 percent of
leagues
Week 13: Had four catches for 108 yards and a
touchdown at Jacksonville.
Analysis: Floyd returned in Week 13
after being out four games with a hip injury and once again showed his
big-play ability. He only has two touchdowns on the season, but he has
three games with at least 100 yards in only eight games played. The
Chargers close the season with favorable matchups against Buffalo,
Detroit and Oakland in three of their final four games, and Floyd should
be considered a solid No. 3 Fantasy receiver in standard formats.
Riley Cooper, Eagles
Owned: 15 percent of leagues
Week
13: Had five catches for 94 yards at Seattle.
Analysis:
We'll continue to mention Cooper here as long as Jeremy Maclin (hamstring/shoulder) is out, and Maclin has now missed
the past three games. During that time Cooper has racked up 29 Fantasy
points with at least seven points in each game. If Vick returns as
expected that could hinder Cooper since he had a tremendous rapport with
Young, but Vick will likely realize Cooper is a playmaker and a solid
Fantasy option. He would be considered a solid No. 3 Fantasy receiver in
all leagues against Miami if Maclin remains out.
Demaryius Thomas, Broncos
Owned: 7 percent of
leagues
Week 13: Had four catches for 144 yards and two
touchdowns at Minnesota.
Analysis: Thomas is not going to
become a consistent Fantasy option with Tim Tebow
as the quarterback in Denver, but it's hard to overlook his production
against the Vikings. This could be what happens with the Broncos going
forward; teams will try to take away Eric Decker,
who is clearly Tebow's No. 1 option, and Thomas could see more targets.
He is only worth adding in deeper leagues, but as Tebow develops and
starts to use more of his weapons then Thomas will benefit.
Devin Aromashodu, Vikings
Owned: Not owned in the
majority of leagues
Week 13: Had six catches for 90 yards vs.
Denver.
Analysis: The Vikings plan to replace the injured Michael Jenkins (knee) with Aromashodu, who had a whopping 15 targets
against the Broncos. Christian Ponder
clearly tried to get Aromashodu the ball as often as possible, and he
will start opposite Percy Harvin for
the rest of the season. The Vikings could be throwing a lot to end the
season, especially if Peterson remains out, and Aromashodu should be
heavily targeted in matchups against Detroit, New Orleans, Washington
and Chicago, his former team. In deeper leagues, consider Aromashodu a
solid sleeper to end the year.
Avoid 'Em
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Raiders
Owned: 5 percent of
leagues
Week 13: Had one catch for 40 yards and a touchdown at
Miami.
Analysis: Even with Denarious Moore (foot) and Jacoby Ford
(foot) out, Houshmandzadeh had been quiet before his touchdown against
the Dolphins. He had just three targets against Miami, and he has just
three catches since joining the Raiders in Week 9. Moore and Ford should
return soon, and Houshmandzadeh will return to a reserve role. Don't
expect the touchdown catch to motivate him going forward for the rest of
the year.
Scout 'Em
Andre Roberts, Cardinals
Owned: 2 percent of
leagues
Week 13: Had six catches for 111 yards vs. Dallas.
Analysis:
Roberts is still looking for his first touchdown this season, but he has
played well of late. He has at least five Fantasy points in four of his
past five games. He had six targets against the Cowboys and he could
emerge as a go-to receiver for Kevin Kolb
along with Larry Fitzgerald and Early Doucet. Continue to monitor Roberts, especially if you are
evaluating receivers heading into 2012 in keeper and dynasty leagues.
Kyle Williams, 49ers
Owned: 1 percent of leagues
Week
13: Had two catches for 66 yards and a touchdown vs. St. Louis.
Analysis:
Williams has done a nice job for the 49ers of late with double digits in
Fantasy points in two of his past three games. But he had just two
targets against the Rams, and his best game in terms of targets was Week
11 against Arizona with five. If Williams continues to find the end zone
then his value will obviously rise, but we want to see it first before
recommending him in the majority of Fantasy leagues.
Golden Tate, Seahawks
Owned: 1 percent of leagues
Week
13: Had four catches for 47 yards and a touchdown vs. Philadelphia.
Analysis:
Tate has been the receiver to step up for the Seahawks with Sidney Rice (concussion) out. Tate now has two touchdowns in his past
two games, and he could become Tarvaris Jackson's
new favorite weapon to close the season. We still expect Doug Baldwin to play a prominent role, and Mike Williams and Ben Obomanu will
also remain involved. But Tate is the hot hand right now, and he could
be worth adding in deep Fantasy leagues to close the season.
Add 'Em
Anthony Fasano, Dolphins
Owned: 10 percent of
leagues
Week 13: Had four catches for 66 yards vs. Oakland.
Analysis:
Fasano has done well since Moore took over for Chad Henne (shoulder), and he has at least six Fantasy points in
five of his past seven games with four touchdowns over that span. Fasano
has been the most consistent target for Moore behind Marshall, and you
should consider using him with starting tight ends like Greg Olsen, Owen Daniels and Brandon Pettigrew struggling of late.
Avoid 'Em
Evan Moore, Browns
Owned: 2 percent of leagues
Week
13: Had two catches for 28 yards and a touchdown vs. Baltimore.
Analysis:
Moore scored the first touchdown for a tight end against the Ravens this
season, but he has not been a factor for the most part this year. This
was his first touchdown since Week 2, and he has just three catches for
31 yards since Week 9. Maybe the Browns will start to use Moore more for
the rest of the year, but he has a lot to prove before Fantasy owners
can count on him in the majority of leagues.
Scout 'Em
Kyle Rudolph, Vikings
Owned: 1 percent of leagues
Week
13: Had one catch for 19 yards and a touchdown vs. Denver.
Analysis:
The Vikings need to get Rudolph more involved since he will be the
starting tight end in 2012 with Visanthe Shiancoe
gone. Rudolph now has two touchdowns in his past three games, and he is
capable of doing more with increased targets. He only has six targets in
his past three games, but he has the chance to develop a solid rapport
with Ponder heading into 2012. Shiancoe could also be out in Week 14 at
Detroit with a hand injury.
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