Bears considering RB rotation: With RB Matt Forte out for an undetermined amount of time, the Bears could split the carries between Marion Barber and Kahlil Bell. Barber has done a respectable job as Chicago’s No. 2 RB this season, but coach Lovie Smith said Bell’s running style is closer to Forte. In top form, either Barber or Bell could be worth a roster spot in deeper leagues and maybe a flex play with the right matchup. But if they end up splitting carries, they hold little value. It doesn’t help that QB Caleb Hanie doesn’t strike fear in opposing secondaries and Smith says the team isn’t looking for help at the position. This week, the Bears face the rejuvenated Broncos defense, and with seemingly no reliable weapons, there’s little to be optimistic about from a fantasy perspective.

Vick, Maclin expected back: After missing three weeks with broken ribs, Eagles QB Michael Vick plans to play Sunday at the Dolphins. He could also have one of his weapons back with WR Jeremy Maclin (hamstring) expected to return to action. Last Sunday’s game against Oakland notwithstanding, Miami has been one of the league’s worst teams at slowing down fantasy quarterbacks and receivers. From that standpoint, both Vick and Maclin are solid plays in Week 14, but you are forgiven if you’re a little skeptical heading toward Sunday.

Hillis is day-to-day: Add a hip injury to Peyton Hillis’ resume of disappointment in 2011. Browns coach Pat Shurmur says the RB is day to day leading to Thursday’s game against the Steelers. At this point, we can’t recommend any Browns running back. Hillis has been a major letdown, Montario Hardesty didn’t see a carry last week and Chris Ogbonnaya is once again buried on the bench despite being the most productive Cleveland runner this season. The offense is terrible (as evidenced by its status as the 30th-ranked outfit in the NFL) and most times doesn’t seem to have a real plan. Going forward, you can cross any Browns off your list.

– Marcas Grant

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