Week 11 Waiver Wire Running Backs (RBs) - Deeper Leagues

November 11, 2013

RotoBaller Uncle Leo breaks down week eleven waiver wire running backs (RBs) for deeper fantasy football leagues. In a year where fantasy running backs are so thin, we deep digger into the waiver wire to find some hidden gems.

In this space we will highlight some NFL running backs that need to be considered on the week 11 waiver wire for deeper leagues, or running backs that are still just being overlooked in fantasy leagues.  For those who play in 12-14 team leagues (or more), have deep benches, or are really hurting at running back – look no further.  

Week 11 Waiver Wire – Running Backs (Deeper Leagues)

Donald Brown - RB, Indianapolis Colts - 16% owned in Yahoo leagues

Baller Move: Add in Deeper Leagues
Analysis: Brown had a decent game in Week 10 versus the Rams, as he excelled in the passing game racking up 5 catches for 64 yards and a touchdown. His rushing stats weren't pretty, but the Colts were getting dominated by the Rams all game and were forced to throw whenever they had the ball. Trent Richardson has not been a good fantasy running back all year, and has had only one game where he rushed for 60 yards. Wow. The Colts need to get something going on the ground, and Richardson has simply been ineffective. If you're in a deeper league and looking for a Week 11 waiver wire running back, target Brown and hope that he starts getting more touches down the stretch.

Jonathan Stewart - RB, Carolina Panthers - 21% owned in Yahoo leagues

Baller Move: Add in Deeper Leagues
Analysis: The Panthers have a running back committee in their backfield, as Stewart is getting work along with DeAngelo Williams and Mike Tolbert. None of the RBs had a great game in Week 10, but Stewart had 22 snaps while Williams only played 20. He was given 13 carries against a tough San Francisco defense, and managed only 41 yards. But Stewart is the most talented running back on this team, and Williams was only given 8 carries on the day. This is a good sign, and hopefully the Panthers will continue to get Stewart more touches than any other RB. If Williams were to go down with an injury, Stewart would become a solid FLEX/RB2 play on a weekly basis. If you're looking for a decent running back off the Week 11 waiver wire, then pickup Stewart. He's still only 21% owned in Yahoo leagues, and has a tasty matchup with a weak Patriots rush defense in Week 11.

James Starks - RB, Green Bay Packers - 22% owned in Yahoo leagues

Baller Move: Add in Deeper Leagues
Analysis: With the injury to Aaron Rodgers, an emphasis on the Green Bay running backs and their rushing attack has become even more important. Eddie Lacy has been a workhorse, and one of the best RBs in the NFL over the past few weeks. But Starks is finally healthy, and has been Lacy's backup and the change of pace running back for the Packers. If Lacy were to go down with an injury, Stark could easily work himself into weekly FLEX/RB2 value for fantasy owners. If you're a Lacy owner, or are looking for a running back to stash in deeper leagues, target Starks off the Week 11 waiver wire. He's still only 22% owned in Yahoo leagues.

Dennis Johnson - RB, Houston Texans - 21% owned in Yahoo leagues

Baller Move: Stash in Deeper Leagues
Analysis: The Texans have had some significant changes the past few weeks. Case Keenum has replaced Matt Schaub as their starting quarterback, and Arian Foster's injuries have finally caught up with him. Foster will miss the remainder of the 2013 NFL season with his most recent back injury, and Ben Tate is playing through a rib injury of his own. While Tate is the lead running back for the Texans, it wouldn't be shocking to anyone if he aggravated his injury or had to miss some time down the stretch. Dennis Johnson is the next in line, and will be the change of pace back for Tate for now. But if Tate were to miss anytime, Johnson would become the lead RB and find himself as a decent weekly FLEX play. Still only owned in 21% of Yahoo leagues, Johnson should be a RB target off the Week 11 waiver wire and stashed in all deeper leagues that have bench space.

Christine Michael - RB, Seattle Seahawks - 4% owned in Yahoo leagues

Baller Move: Stash in Deeper Leagues
Analysis: Marshawn Lynch has been an elite running back again in 2013, and has been beasting it recently as usual. But in Seattle's Week 10 matchup against the Falcons Michael rushed 8 times for 33 yards, all of that coming late in the game with the Seahawks in clock-killing mode. His runs were powerful, and he showcased his talented running back skill set. If Lynch were to go down with an injury, or miss any time, Michael would most likely become the lead running back for Seattle over Robert Turbin. This rookie possesses great talent, and could excel in a lead back role. If you are a Lynch owner, or have extra bench space in deeper league, target this running back off the Week 11 waiver wire and stash him as a potential lottery ticket down the stretch. It's a long shot, but this is football after all so anything's possible.
 
 
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Below you can find some more Week 11 articles written by RotoBaller's team of writers.  Check them out, as you prepare for you Week 11 fantasy matchups:

• Week 11 Waiver Wire – Wide Receivers (WR) & Defenses (DEF)
• Week 11 Waiver Wire Pickups - Quarterbacks (QBs)
• Rest of Season (ROS) Rankings – Standard and PPR Leagues
• NFL Injuries – Fantasy Football Injury Report for Week 11

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