Fantasy football trade advice, Week 12: Buy-low, sell-high running back trade candidates

If Rob Kelley’s performance in Week 11 proved anything, it was the fact that there are still gems out there at the running back position. There are two weeks left to grab a playoff spot and owners will be scrambling to get the best talent, especially if they are sitting on the cusp. Making the right deal now can make or break a fantasy season.

There are plenty of players to deal and trade for this late in the season. So, who should owners buy and sell this week? Here are the running backs on the rise and decline heading into Week 12.

Hightower stepped up big after Mark Ingram left the game early Thursday night with a concussion. He carved up the Carolina Panthers defense for 124 total yards — 69 rushing and 57 receiving — and was Drew Brees’ top target. This was Hightower’s third straight outing with double-digit rushing and receiving yards.

The six-year veteran is showing his value as a versatile option out of the backfield for New Orleans. With Ingram out, Hightower has the chance to takeover as the go-to rusher in the Saints backfield. He should be available in a lot of leagues still or can be bought pretty cheap for a low-end RB or receiver.

Current standard fantasy average: 4.6 points

Yahoo! fantasy ownership: 51 percent

Next four games: LA, DET, at TB, at ARZ

Gillislee is another running back that performed well playing clean-up duty for starter LeSean McCoy. Gillislee had 14 carries for 72 yards in the Bills’ Week 11 win after McCoy’s exit with a broken thumb.

McCoy is having surgery on his thumb Monday, and for now the Bills believe he will play Week 12 against Jacksonville. However if McCoy is out, Gillislee is a good pickup in a run-heavy offense against a weak run defense. Even if McCoy does play, he could be limited making Gillislee still an attractive option.

Current standard fantasy average: 6.6 points

Yahoo! fantasy ownership: 25 percent

Next four games: JAX, at OAK, PIT, CLE

So this is a interesting one. Hill has not been very spectacular this season, but he did average 88 yards per game the past month and has scored three of the last four outings. This has been by far Hill’s best month.

Hill will see a lot more action going forward now that the Bengals have two big offensive weapons, Giovani Bernard and A.J. Green, out for the season. Big selling point. With a struggling offensive line and passing game, the Bengals are likely to turn to the run more, which is also a good selling point on Hill. Best deal him this week before taking on the No. 1 rushing defense in the NFL.

Current standard fantasy average: 10.9 points

Yahoo! fantasy ownership: 94 percent

Next four games: at BAL, PHI, at CLE, PIT

It took a month, but Gurley finally relocated the end zone Sunday. He scored early in the game on a 24-yard run, his first 20-plus yard run and longest of the season. The rest of the game, the second-year back rushed for 52 yards on 19 carries. Not overly impressive, but one of Gurley’s best performances this season.

Owners desperate at running back would be wiling to deal someone for Gurley. He is consistent, has a a good looking schedule the next few weeks and if he is once again finding the end zone, Gurely makes a solid sell as a RB2 option.

Current standard fantasy average: 9.7 points

Yahoo! fantasy ownership: 100 percent

Next four games: at NO, at NE, ATL, at SEA