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Fantasy Football Sleepers Week 10: 5 RB’s to Start

By Zachary Thompson

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Nov 3, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Rashad Jennings (27) celebrates with tight end Mycal Rivera (81) after scoring on an 8-yard touchdown run against the Philadelphia Eagles at O.co Coliseum. The Eagles defeated the Raiders 49-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Rashad Jennings (27) celebrates with tight end Mycal Rivera (81) after scoring on an 8-yard touchdown run against the Philadelphia Eagles at O.co Coliseum. The Eagles defeated the Raiders 49-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Editor’s Note: FanSided partner FanDuel is hosting a one-week $250 Fantasy Football league for Week 10. It’s free to join and first prize is $50. Starts Sunday at 1pm ET. Here’s the link.

With injuries, timeshares, and scarcity across the NFL, running back is one of the hardest positions to fill on a week-in, week-out basis for fantasy football owners. This week, there are some lesser-known options that I think are in a good place to exceed their expectations. If you find yourself in a tight spot looking for a RB, these are the names I recommend you look for:

1. Rashad Jennings-Oakland Raiders

Jennings is going to get the start for the Raiders this week as they travel to New York since Darren McFadden has been ruled out. Last week, Jennings ran for 102 yards and a touchdown while catching seven passes for an additional 74 yards. He makes a great play espeically in PPR leagues against the Giants since he should be their primary back and get a full workload against a Giants team that has struggled defensively. In non-PPR leagues, he’s a nice flex play, but in PPR he’s a RB2 with significant upside.

2. Mike James-Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Nov 3, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Mike James (25) passes the ball to Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Tom Crabtree (84) (not pictured) for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the 1st half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Mike James (25) passes the ball to Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Tom Crabtree (84) (not pictured) for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the 1st half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /

James is another back getting plenty of work since Doug Martin is now on IR and out for the season. He’s actually still widely available in many fantasy leagues, and in a great matchup this week against Miami who allows the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing RBs. James had a huge game last week rushing for 158 yards and throwing a TD. He’s a RB2 this week in a nice matchup.

3. James Starks-Green Bay Packers

Starks doesn’t get tons of carries in his time-share with Eddie Lacy, but he’s proven he can be effective when he does get his opportunity. He finished with 40 yards and a touchdown last week after 57 and a touchdown the week before. The Pack will need to lean on their running game without Aaron Rodgers so expect Starks and Lacy to get lots of carries this week against the Eagles who were slashed by Rashad Jennings last week.

4. Andre Brown-New York Giants

Brown returns this week for the Giants who need a running back boost after losing so many to injury throughout the season. This week, Brown takes on the Raiders, but his role is still undefined so it’s a risky play with some upside since he should get any work around the goal line.

5. Shonn Greene-Tennessee Titans

Nov 3, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Shonn Greene (23) breaks away from St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins (21) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Titans defeated the Rams 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Shonn Greene (23) breaks away from St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins (21) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Titans defeated the Rams 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports /

If you have to gamble on a short-yardage back, Greene is a good option since he and the Titans host Jacksonville who have allowed multiple rushing TD’s to opposing RB’s in each of their last three games and have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing RB’s this season. Greene found the end zone last week and should get all the short yardage work this week.

If you have any questions about who I’d start/sit for week 10, you can find me on twitter @ZT_Sports or drop the question in the comments at the bottom of the page. For information on other positions, starter rankings, waiver wire pickups, and plenty of fantasy football insight, check out our Fansided fantasy football page. MAke sure to check out our Fanduel freeroll this week as well

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