NFL Quick Hits: West, Ware in RB committee for Chiefs
As fantasy owners, we all hate running back committees, right? Well, it looks like we have another one in Kansas City. When asked Thursday how he'd balance the workloads of runners Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware, Chiefs offensive coordinator Doug Pederson said the following, according to the team's website:
"I think it's still that running back by committee. And I think you have to use them both, and here's two young running backs that are playing a lot and we're getting to that time of the season now where bodies are really getting sore and nicked up and banged up. To use two different guys â you see Charcandrick is more of that slasher, quick-cutting guy and here comes 32, a big physical fullback-type, halfback-type guy that can hit you downhill so it's a little bit of a change of pace I think for a defense. And it's great to give both of those guys equal opportunity."
What to do now? West seems to fit Andy Reid's usual lead-back type -- speedy, good hands, etc. -- while Ware's size might make him the favorite for goal-line carries. This is certainly some guesswork, but I suspect that West will get more touches, and he's my RB16 to Ware's RB32. I might move West down just a bit, but Ware won't go any higher.
In other news ...
On Thursday's wild Packers-Lions game: Yes, it was a facemask ... Here's a link to a story about why Eddie Lacy inexplicably disappeared ... Ameer Abdullah led the way again in the Lions' backfield, carrying 13 times for 67 yards. He's going to break a big one during your fantasy playoffs.
Bengals TE Tyler Eifert sounds pretty iffy for Sunday's game -- the team's website beat writer called him questionable "at best" in a Thursday tweet. Potential alternatives for Eifert owners include Scott Chandler (owned in 47.5 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) and Vance McDonald (3.7 percent owned). McDonald has a 10-136-2 line over the last two games.
All systems are go for Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, who suffered a concussion against the Seahawks. He's my QB2 - big day coming.
So, Martellus Bennett and the Bears are feuding? Zach Miller -- who was limited by a rib injury during Thursday's practice -- might remain a decent option.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bears' "offensive plan now calls for a shared workload" between Matt Forte and Jeremy Langford, and "plans appear in place for Forte and Langford to take the field together more often." I've got Forte at RB20 and Langford at RB26.
Jaguars WR Allen Hurns hasn't practiced this week due to a concussion, and his status for Sunday doesn't look good. Marqise Lee would likely start if Hurns can't.
Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said this on Thursday:
I'll believe it when I see it, as rookie Cameron Artis-Payne is rarely active, and both Fozzy Whittaker and Mike Tolbert are different kinds of backs than Stewart. Maybe things will change if the Panthers lose a game, but until then -- unless they're in a blowout -- they'll probably continue to ride Stewart.
Patriots WR Danny Amendola (knee) has been back at practice in a limited fashion this week, and should be ready to go against the Eagles. Lots of targets should be expected.
Expect Bills RB Karlos Williams (shoulder) to miss Sunday's game.
Austin Davis will start at quarterback for the Browns. As noted by Evan Silva of Rotoworld, Davis targeted WR Brian Hartline on five of his 10 attempts Monday night. Hartline is owned in 0.9 percent of FOXSports.com leagues, and I've got him at WR49.
Eagles RB Ryan Mathews (concussion) still isn't practicing, and is likely to miss the game at New England.
The biggest fantasy mystery of the week for me is how much the Dolphins will use Jay Ajayi to spell Lamar Miller. The 'Fins will almost certainly run more.
DFS notes (salaries from DraftKings): Cam Newton ($7,400) is the chalk at QB, Roethlisberger ($6,600) is very reasonable, and Ryan Fitzpatrick ($5,200) is a stone cold bargain ... There are plenty of affordable RBs, including Shaun Draughn ($4,000), C.J. Anderson ($3,500) and David Johnson ($3,400). However, if you have the cash to spend on LeSean McCoy ($5,700) or DeAngelo Williams ($5,600), I won't argue ... I really like Alshon Jeffery at $6,900. If you want to go cheap at WR, Hartline ($3,400) and DeVante Parker ($3,300) are in play. Antonio Brown ($8,600) is the obvious pay-up option ... Sure, you can pay $6,400 for Greg Olsen against the Saints - it's a fine idea. However, the Pats should throw plenty to Scott Chandler, and he's at the minimum $2,500 ... My favorite DSTs face bad backup QBs: Bengals ($3,400), Redskins ($2,300) and Dolphins ($2,300).
Need help over the weekend? Find us on Twitter (@jhalpin37, @FOXSportsFowler, @FOXSportsMeyer, @FOXSportsFoster), check out our Week 13 rankings and come to our chat on Sunday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. ET (I'll have the 11 o'clock hour). We'll have your questions covered, but can't stress enough that waiting until 15 minutes before kickoff is a bad plan.
Good luck this week!
