If you've played fantasy football for more than one month, you've probably learned all about how important it is to have running back depth. Nobody can predict injuries and even the most durable players can go down. Larry Fitzgerald was almost out and hadn't missed a game since 2007 while Ray Rice was hurt on Sunday after playing in 16 games for every season since his rookie campaign in 2008.
Fantasy football waiver wire: 5 running backs to target in Week 3
There were a slew of injuries to backs this week and their backups will have more value entering Week 3. We break down the fantasy implications.
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If you’re in a competitive league, it’s not going to be easy to fill the void left by your back going down. Therefore, you’re going to want to stay one step ahead.
Obvious Adds
Bernard Pierce, Baltimore Ravens (owned in 46 percent of leagues)
Joique Bell, Detroit Lions (owned in 74 percent of leagues)
It's a similar story, but a different genre for Bell this week. Last week, he came up big with two scores and put up huge stats to build his value. This week, Reggie Bush is dealing with a knee injury and Bell saw plenty of action again.
It was completely obvious that Bell needed to be owned in all leagues last week, so there’s little reason to explain that claim.
Here are some obvious pickups and a couple guys that might be more of a stash:
James Starks, Green Bay Packers (owned in 11 percent of leagues)
After Eddie Lacy went down with a concussion, no other running back saw a carry besides James Starks. He carried the ball 20 times and became the first Packer back to rush for 100 yards since 2010. The Buffalo product added for catches on his five targets, too.
The Packers aren't giving much info on Lacy's injury, but that suggests that he could miss time. Lacy took helmet-to-helmet contact and was a little woozy while walking to the sideline. Starks should be picked up in all leagues.
Montee Ball had an embarrassing fumble in the first quarter of Sunday's game in New Jersey. Moreno has been the butt of a lot of jokes for his inability to make plays and coughing up the ball, so his multiple-TD game was a bit of a shock. In fact, it was the first time he's done that in 26 contests.
The Broncos appear to have lost confidence in Ball and especially Ronnie Hillman. Hillman saw just two snaps compared to the 46 for Moreno and 28 for Ball. Peyton Manning's strong offense makes the Broncos a powerhouse so there are a lot of touchdowns to be had. He's a must-own player.
Jacquizz Rodgers, Atlanta Falcons (owned in 21 percent of leagues)
Steven Jackson went down with a thigh injury on Sunday and Quizz took over most of the duties in his absence. He's going to be a little under the radar because Jason Snelling picked up a rushing TD, but Quizz's 11 carries were far more than Snellings' two. He should be owned in all leagues.
Standard/Deep Pickups
Pead's numbers weren't very good in his first game in 2013 with just one carry for one yard and two catches for 18 yards. However, he saw just 10 snaps less than starter Daryl Richardson. Richardson had a costly drop that lead to a pick six, which may have been the difference for the Rams in a loss.
Richardson is far from safe and he’s not too much of a talent. It’s going to be tough to start Pead in even the deepest of formats, but in just his first game, he’s could be on his way. He’s a speculative add for owners with garbage on their bench.
Jordan Todman, Jaguars (owned in zero percent of leagues)
The Jaguars are bad. Really bad. Maurice Jones-Drew has yet to do anything, and their passing game is a complete joke. Todman looks to be the best bet behind MJD, so he does have some value. That said, there just isn't enough upside to pick him up for any owner in a 12-team league.
