The Indianapolis Colts fell behind the Cincinnati Bengals in a hurry Sunday. As such, the team's running backs became largely decorative, as Trent Richardson and Donald Brown combined for only 10 rushes in the game, keeping their production low. Both had contributions on the receiving end, but overall, it was a bad game for Brown and Richardson alike in the Colts' 42-28 loss.
Donald Brown, Trent Richardson can’t do much on the ground, fantasy owners mourn
The two running backs combined rushed for fewer yards than the Colts’ quarterback. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Brown ran the ball four times for 11 yards, adding 18 receiving yards on four catches. Brown has scored 12 or more fantasy points in three of his last five games, but has scored two and zero in the other two. Richardson, meanwhile, ran for 20 yards on six carries, but did have 68 receiving yards on five catches. The 88 total yards is his most as a Colt and most of 2013, and his eight fantasy points is the most he’s had since Week 4.
Fantasy impact: Both running backs offer decent PPR value, as quarterback Andrew Luck has looked their way reasonably often, moreso since wide receiver Reggie Wayne went down. On the other hand, neither has topped 100 yards from scrimmage in a game yet this season, and they have only seven touchdowns between them.
It’s hard not to be disappointed with the fantasy production of either Colts running back. The only reason they should be used in fantasy matchups is for owners with no other choice; they are supremely hard to count on.
