For some this is the first week of the playoffs so it is time to take stock of your roster, pull out all the stops, and plan for the next two weeks because they are all that matter in the Fantasy realm. This is the time you ride your studs because they are no good to you after these two weeks. However, for those looking to tweak, some nice one-week starts are listed below -- players who could get you to the next level. So, pay attention and we will see you next week in the Natty.
Last Week's Running Back Starts: John White (35), LaMichael James (33), Silas Redd (5), Branden Oliver (27), Chris Nwoke (29), Mike DeWitt (17)
Grade: B. If Redd hadn't gotten hurt this would have been a straight flush.
Last Week's Running Back Sits: Henry Josey (1), Brandon Wilds (12), Doug Martin (0), Alfred Morris (11), Bobby Rainey (10)
Grade: A. None of these sits would have made your week, so they were best to leave on the pine.
Start Em! Running Backs (BCS)
Le'Veon Bell, Michigan State vs. Indiana: Bell has taken over the lead rushing duties in the Spartan backfield with 63 carries in the last four games compared to 42 for Edwin Baker. When Michigan State faces the Hoosiers this weekend, Bell should run through and around them and should head to the sideline around the third quarter with more than 100 yards rushing and multiple scores.
Jeff Demps, Florida vs. Furman: Chris Rainey will be the main man in the backfield against the Paladins, but Demps should put together a solid Fantasy performance in about 10 carries. He will likely break one long touchdown run which will leave you with a good contribution from the speedy Gator.
Brandon Pendergrass, Wake Forest vs. Maryland: Even if Josh Harris is healthy enough to play against the Terps, Pendergrass will likely get the start and will punish the Maryland ground defense. The Terps are surrendering more than 230 yards per game so you better believe that Pendergrass will be worth at least half that and a couple of scores.
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Jyruss Edwards, Louisiana-Monroe vs. Florida International: Edwards is one of the hottest backs at this time, and even though he is facing a Golden Panther defense that is only allowing around 130 rushing yards per game, he is too hot to sit. Edwards may not reach the triple scores he has the last two games, but he should be worth at least 120 total yards and a score or two.
Kenny Turner, New Mexico State vs. BYU: Every time you think a team will shut down Turner (like Georgia) he somehow ends up still putting together a complete game, and I expect no different when the Aggies take on BYU. Turner may not reach 100 yards rushing, but he is such an integral part of the passing game that he will end up with 150 total yards and at least two touchdowns.
Adonis Thomas, Toledo vs. Central Michigan: Like the two aforementioned tailbacks, Thomas can hurt a defense on the ground or through the air. Thomas has not missed a step since sitting out with an injury and will be sure to put the hurt on the Chippewas. He could feasibly have more than 150 total yards of offense and at least two scores in this game.
Sit Em! Running Backs (BCS)
Lyle McCombs, Connecticut vs. Louisville: Yes, he will get a ton of carries and he may even reach the 100-yard mark, but McCombs has only reached the end zone in two games this season and is facing a Cardinal squad that is allowing just 110 yards rushing per game. If you want to win and advance, you would be smart to sit McCombs.
Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati vs. Rutgers: This may seem odd to recommend sitting one of the nation's most dynamic running backs, but hear me out. First of all, Rutgers has a stout rush defense that ranks 58th in the nation. More importantly though is that the Bearcats will be facing the Scarlet Knights without Zach Collaros. Sure, Munchie Legaux did well against West Virginia, but his presence as a runner will detract from Pead's performance. Pead could still go off, but he is a bit too risky to give starting him a thumbs up.
Giovani Bernard, North Carolina vs. Virginia Tech: With quarterback Bryn Renner likely back in the starting lineup, you would think Bernard should be a solid play. You could do worse but the Hokies are too stingy and too disciplined to let him hurt them too much. The Beamers are giving up just a hair over 100 yards rushing per game, but are equally good against the pass, thus Bernard will be hard pressed to see much room either way.
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Chris Nwoke, Colorado State vs. TCU: Nwoke looked a lot like Gartrell Johnson against San Diego State last week but I don't have to tell you that the Horned Frogs are not exactly San Diego State. Coming off a big win over Boise State, TCU is rolling and will be sure to shut down the Rams' top weapon.
Matt Brown, Temple vs. Army: Brown has a nice history against Army with more than 200 yards rushing against them just last year, but Bernard Pierce is back at practice and will likely see plenty of snaps against the Black Knights.