Cincy Jungle adds to its weekly Fantasy Football report by taking an inside look on which running backs are set to put up big numbers, and which you should avoid starting on your roster for Week 9. Be sure to check out my WR post and also my QB/TE article.
START:
Denard Robinson
After two straight performances of 100+ yards, Robinson has solidified his status as Jacksonville's starting running back, and it will be his to lose. The converted Michigan signal-caller, Robinson will be turned to often to help out rookie quarterback Blake Bortles. Against a tough Miami D-line, he managed 108 yards on just 19 carries, averaging an impressive 6 YPC mark. If you haven't picked up this running back yet, might want to consider grabbing him. If you had the foresight to have already done so, start him.
Ronnie Hillman
The Broncos running back might be overlooked because of the alll the other offensive weapons that Denver has with Peyton Manning, the Thomases, Welker, etc. However, that didn't stop Hillman from gathering 109 yards on 20 carries. With Manning setting up the run with the pass, expect the YPC of over 5 yards to continue like last game.
The Patriots, whom the Broncos face on Sunday, are good against the pass, so I wouldn't be surprised if the Broncos turned to the running game to open some some holes for Manning later on. Fantasy owners: be there to capitalize.
Justin Forsett
Ravens running back Justin Forsett is a little banged up. He did go through practice this week and should be ready to rule against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football.
He admitted he was "hobbled" from an ankle sprain in Week 8, which may explain why he only rushed for 68 yards on 17 carries. He did average over 100 rushing yards per game in his previous two games, and the putrid Steelers defense has allowed four rushing TDs to RBs in their last three games.
The Ravens even had for 152 rushing yards from their tailbacks back in Week 2. Forsett wasn't featured in that game, so his 56 rushing yards are misleading. Forsett is a risky RB2 this week, but as long as he plays, you need to playing i
SIT:
Branden Oliver
Oliver has been very inconsistent this season, marked by very solid performances and then ones like the 13 carries, 36 yard performance against Denver. No scores either, just in case you were wondering. With the Dolphins playing host to the Chargers this Sunday, San Diego will likely give Oliver plenty of chances to set up the pass.
however, I wouldn't risk the inconsistency that I've seen against a tough Miami D-line. I'd suggest waiting on him a week or two to see if he can perform on a consistent basis before making him a go-to guy on the fantasy roster.
Jonas Grey
You may not have a choice to start this running back if you had to pick him up after injuries, and if that's the case, so be it. But if you have the option to, don't start Grey against the Broncos defense this week. Denver's front line has played exceptionally well this season, improving as the weeks go on. Branden Oliver (see above) found that out the hard way last week when he was shut down.
The Patriots will turn to Tom Brady's hot hand over and over again this week, hoping he can mirror the numbers he put up against the Bears last Sunday. If that's the case and if the Patriots have their way, Jonas Grey will be reserved for taking up clock and for a change of pace - and not much beyond that.
Chris Ivory
This is a case that's up for debate, as it could go either way. I have Ivory down under the "sit" category is for a few reasons. First off, the Chiefs played like they were a team on a mission against the Rams last week, with the No. 3 ranked defense overall. Although their rush defense is middle of the pack, they'll be able to focus on that part of the Jets offense....since it's about all they have going for them the last few games.
Vick will be starting QB for the Jets, which will inherently take a few touches away from Ivory as they like to use Vick as a rusher. Although Ivory did get two scores against the Bills, he was otherwise a small factor with just 43 yards. The Jets will want to see how Vick operates in the passing game over Geno, so start Ivory with that risk.