After Week 11's action many fantasy owners will be hitting the waiver wire hard in order to snap up some league-changing running backs for the stretch run. Playoff pictures are coming into focus, so this week's wire will focus on RBs who need to be owned.
Jonas Gray, New England Patriots
No, I'm not overreacting to his four-touchdown, 199-yard performance in primetime Sunday night. He looked absolutely ridiculous vs. the Colts, and I don't think he is that good.
It's clear that the Patriots don't view Shane Vereen as a workhorse back though. Gray is more built for that role, and he cemented himself in it with Sunday's huge game. His ownership is about to be close to 100 percent, so if you have a high waiver priority use it here. He will be useful, and you probably need the top waiver to grab him.
Dan Herron, Indianapolis Colts
Sadly, it appears that Colts running back Ahmad Bradshaw, whose had an impact like few other players relative to his draft position, is out for a while with a broken ankle. The obvious add is Trent Richardson, although it's a sound bet that someone in your league already has him.
Fantasy players everywhere are familiar with T-Rich's work-most are unimpressed. Maybe take a flier on third-stringer Dan Herron. Do I know much about him? Nope. I do know Richardson is not a big-time contributor, and that Herron is an unknown. Unless the Colts see Richardson as a 30-carry type back, Herron should have an opportunity to prove himself.
Charles Sims, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If you didn't grab Sims last week, it may be too late. But try anyway, since he is the new lead back in Tampa Bay. The situation's not ideal, and Sims himself wasn't impressive, but Bobby Rainey's abysmal workload proved that head coach Lovie Smith is casting his lot with the rookie rusher.
The third-round pick out of West Virginia is averaging a Doug Martin-esque 2.8 yards per carry in two games this season, so he's currently living off the 5.3 yards per carry he averaged as a Mountaineer. If Sims keeps struggling, expect Martin to return to a prominent role as long as he's healthy. It sadly seems safe to drop the underrated Rainey.
C.J. Anderson, Denver Broncos
He was well-added last week, but a re-injury to Montee Ball's groin means Anderson is in line for all the work next week if Ronnie Hillman is still out. He found it to be tough sledding on Sunday vs. the Rams, but their defense has been stout the last few weeks, and nothing went right for Denver.
Juwan Thompson, Denver Broncos
Anderson will be the lead back, but Hillman's injury could linger for up to six weeks. Thompson is the backup in that scenario, and he's proven the ability to vulture touchdowns. Also, if he starts a series, Peyton Manning's up-tempo offense doesn't allow for a ton of substituting. There's value to be had, and if Anderson gets banged up there will be no chance of getting Thompson with a low waiver.
Knile Davis, Kansas City Chiefs
Davis scored a touchdown on Sunday, and despite a five-carry, 10-yard performance, deserves to be owned. Davis is a talented back who shone when Jamaal Charles was hurt. Should Charles go down again, Davis instantly becomes an RB1. He's worth owning based on upside alone.
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