I know, I know, that title. I’m sorry. I’m trying to delete it. It’s the fantasy football playoffs, and you really should have better running back options than what is available on the wire. Still, here are three guys who should be able to help you out this week. They’re available in over 50% of Yahoo! leagues. Of special consideration is also Peyton Barber, but he is wholly contingent on Doug Martin being out, and as of writing this, he appears to be a go this weekend.
Theo Riddick at Tampa Bay (40% owned)
Ameer Abdullah is still limited as of writing this (during Thursday Night Football). Last week without Abdullah, Riddick went for 62 yards and a touchdown on ten carries. While rookie Tion Green, who is definitely a real person, will get a bulk of the touches again, expect a Riddick-heavy game plan with Stafford banged up.The Buccaneers have allowed double-digit fantasy days to running backs in three-straight games. Riddick is essentially free in over 50% of Yahoo! leagues.
UPDATE: The clouds have parted and it appears Ameer Abdullah will be available to be ankle tackled Sunday. I no longer believe in Riddick, which sucks, because the article is named after him.
Instead, I offer:
MIKE DAVIS IS AVAILABLE IN 37% OF LEAGUES. BUT HE’S TRASH. IF YOU PLAY HIM YOU’VE ALREADY LOST
Giovani Bernard versus Chicago (23% owned)
Joe Mixon remains in the concussion protocol, and with Jeremy Hill already on IR, that leaves Giovani Bernard. If you doubt that we’ll see a lot of anyone else, or that he won’t be involved: Bernard played literally every single snap after Mixon went out last week. While the Bears are a middling matchup (sixteenth-most points, seventeenth-fewest, however you want to say it), but Bernard is a shoo-in for 20+ touches, which means he probably has a seven-point floor.
Andre Ellington versus San Francisco (9% owned)
Ellington was pressed into service last week at wide receiver due to injuries, but the Texans may have just found a formula they like with their new asset. He lined up out wide and hauled in five of his six targets for 56 yards. This isn’t the best play, but the 49ers allow the most fantasy points to running backs this season, so it’s a Hail Mary that the Texans liked what they saw. This isn’t the preferred play, but probably the best bet of getting you some points this deep in the weeds.
UPDATE:
