Fantasy Football Sleepers Week 11: 5 Emergency RBs to start

Oct 27, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) carries the ball during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

If you need running back help this week, there are still options with upside that you may be able to get your hands on. These options aren’t necessarily locked into lineups on a week-to-week basis, but are good plays this week due to opportunity and matchup this week.

Andre Ellington-Arizona Cardinals

The potential for a huge week from Ellington is always there, but his limited touches are limiting his upside. The Cardinals are working on getting him more touches going forward which should pay off for fantasy owners. He gets a nice matchup this week as the Cardinals travel to Jacksonville. The Jaguars allow the fifth-most fantasy points per game to opposing RBs, so Ellington is a solid flex play who should produce if he gets the touches.

Rashad Jennings-Oakland Raiders

Nov 10, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Rashad Jennings (27) tries to get away from New York Giants outside linebacker Keith Rivers (55) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /

Darren McFadden is out again this week and Terrelle Pryor may join him on the sidelines leaving Matt McGloin as the Raiders starter. Ultimately, their absences should mean plenty of work for Rashad Jennings out of the backfield. The Texans run defense has struggled recently although the did keep opposing RB’s out of the end zone in the last two games. Jennings will be extremely involved, but how much he’ll be able to do does depend on the other parts of the Raiders offense. Jennings is a flex option this week and could be an RB2.

Bobby Rainey-Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Rainey racked up 45 yards and a touchdown on just eight carries last week after Mike James went down with his broken ankle. Rainey’s role is still undefined which makes him a risky play, but he’ll definitely get some of the workload and is in a nice matchup against the Falcons. He’s a flex option only if you’re digging deep this week due to injuries or bye-weeks.

Joique Bell-Detroit Lions

Bell got 10 carries last week and should be somewhat involved as the Lions head to Pittsburgh this week to take on the Steelers. His fantasy value is tied to his ability to find the end zone which is always a gamble, but against the Steelers D who allows the ninth-most fantasy points per game to opposing RB Bell is definitely worth a look if you’re desperate for a flex option.

Mark Ingram-New Orleans Saints

Nov 10, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (22) scores a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of a game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Cowboys 49-17. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Ingram finally showed back up after a disappointing start to the season. He had a huge game against the Cowboys running for a touchdown and 145 yards. He got 14 carries which is a good sign, but he’ll have to share workload with Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas. Ingram’s still extremely risky, but there is upside after last week.

If you have any questions about who I’d start/sit for week 11, 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.

Home/Arizona Cardinals