Backfield situations changing for Week 15
Michael Fabiano | Tags: Aaron Brown, Arian Foster, Beanie Wells, Brian Westbrook, Chris Brown, Chris Jennings, Correll Buckhalter, Jerome Harrison, Kevin Smith, Knowshon Moreno, Leonard Weaver, LeSean McCoy, Maurice Morris, Mike Bell, Peyton Hillis, pierre thomas, Quinton Ganther, Reggie Bush, Ryan Moats, Tim Hightower
Running backs might not be lifeblood of fantasy football anymore, but the position is still important to success. With several backs going down with injuries in recent weeks, a number of depth charts now have a new look.
Here’s an idea of what to look for in Week 15:
Arizona
Tim Hightower lost another fumble last week, so look for rookie Beanie Wells to see more of the workload against the Lions. He’s a solid sleeper and worth starting as a No. 2 fantasy back based on this favorable matchup.
Cleveland
Jerome Harrison started last week against the Steelers, but it was rookie Chris Jennings who saw more carries and scored more fantasy points. Even with a great matchup against the Chiefs on tap, it’s hard to trust either as more than a flex player.
Detroit
Kevin Smith (knee) is done of the season, and rookie Aaron Brown is reportedly in coach Jim Schwartz’s doghouse. That leaves veteran Maurice Morris to see most of the carries in Week 15. However, he’s a shaky flex option at best.
Denver
Knowshon Moreno should see an increase in carries with Correll Buckhalter (ankle) injured, but Moreno is also at less than 100 percent. Barring setbacks, he’s a must-start against the Raiders. Otherwise, Peyton Hillis would be a hot name on the waiver wire.
Houston
Arian Foster has been handed the top spot on the depth chart and will start this week against the Rams. Based on what is a terrific matchup, the rookie out of Tennessee is a viable flex starter across the board. Ryan Moats and Chris Brown are both risky choices.
New Orleans
Mike Bell (knee) is expected to return to action Saturday night against the Cowboys, so a full-blown backfield-by-committee with Bell, Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush should be expected. I’d start Thomas, with caution, as he’s bound to lose carries.
Philadelphia
Rookie LeSean McCoy continues to start in place of Brian Westbrook (concussions), but Leonard Weaver has been a far better fantasy option. In fact, it’s now time to start Weaver over McCoy in standard leagues.
Washington
Quinton Ganther started and scored 21 fantasy points against the Redskins in Week 14, but this week’s matchup against the Giants is a bit more difficult. Still, Ganther is a viable flex option in larger formats for fantasy owners.


