As fantasy football playoff pictures come into focus, the status of Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard has become a hot topic for fantasy owners. Those who have Bernard on their teams either spent a nice chunk of their auction budget, expended a first or second-round pick on him, or traded away a valuable asset in-season.
Bernard has missed a few games with an injured hip, and rookie Jeremy Hill has been very impressive in his place. Now, where Bernard once ruled, a committee may have been born. Here's how one fantasy writer believes Bernard and Hill owners should proceed.
Giovani Bernard
Heading into the season Gio was believed to be a bell cow of sorts-in a fantasy sense, not in real life. Bernard is a smallish back, but his playmaking chops are unquestioned. He always dazzled in his rookie campaign where his former backfield mate BenJarvus Green-Ellis plodded, and when "The Law Firm" was let go this offseason it seemed like it would be so Bernard could carry a full load.
Bernard believers were pretty much right. In seven games he averaged 4.1 yards per carry on 15 attempts as well as four targets in the passing game. Bernard reportedly practiced well on Wednesday, but offensive coordinator was non-committal about his role going forward. "I think my concern is keeping him healthy, whatever that means," Jackson said.
That's not super encouraging.
Jeremy Hill
To fantasy owners in the preseason Hill seemed like an annoying pox, a bruiser brought in to vulture touchdowns from Bernard near the goal line. He has proven to be much more than that though. Hill is his own man, and while he has gotten plenty of goal line opportunities, so has Bernard.
Rather than being hammer at the end of drives, he and Bernard have been a true thunder-and-lightning combination. Since Bernard's been out, Hill has excelled in the lead role. He lit up the Jaguars defense in Week 9 for 154 yards and two touchdowns, then gashed the Saints two weeks later for 152 yards.
When asked about Hill's role with Bernard returning, Jackson said there would be more work for him than earlier in the season. "I think Jeremy has done a tremendous job and he earns the right to play, there's no question about that," Jackson said.
What To Do
Well a lot of people own both guys. If so, bravo on that because you've weathered the injury to Bernard exceptionally well. Now there's a decision to make, and in Week 12 the right decision is Hill. He is already the more prototypically-sized back, and he has been awesome in his big chance.
Bernard is stronger and more durable than he's given credit for, but removing a hot hand like Hill's right now is unwise in the midst of a heated playoff chase. They do not have the luxury of letting Bernard work his way back into shape during games, so while he will get his opportunities, he can expect more of a Darren Sproles-ish role rest of season. Go with Hill until proven otherwise.
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