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Fantasy Football Sleepers: Week 14 RB’s to Start

By Zachary Thompson

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Dec 1, 2013; Toronto, ON, Canada; Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller (28) runs the ball in for a touchdown during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at the Rogers Center. Falcons beat the Bills 34 to 31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2013; Toronto, ON, Canada; Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller (28) runs the ball in for a touchdown during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at the Rogers Center. Falcons beat the Bills 34 to 31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

Fantasy seasons will all come down to this weekend. If you’ve made the playoffs, it’s time to finish the job with a successful playoff run. One of the keys to victory in your league is always getting production from your running backs. If you need a boost from a sleeper, check out these five options who are in positions to succeed today:

C.J. Spiller-Buffalo Bills

Spiller didn’t do much to get your team to the playoffs if you drafted him highly, but he could be peaking at just the right time. Last week, after resting and recovering during the bye week, he ran for 149 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries against the Falcons for his best game of the season. This week, he’ll face another strugging rush defense in Tampa. The Bucs have allowed 343 yards and 5.0 yards per carry over the last three weeks.

Joique Bell-Detroit Lions

Nov 28, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell (35) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter of a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell (35) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter of a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

Bell is coming off his best game of the year as he and Reggie Bush feasted on the Packers defense on Thanksgiving. He took his 19 carries for 94 yards while scoring a touchdown and adding 34 yards on three catches. He could be in store for an even heavier workload with Reggie Bush expected to be a gametime decision this week. If Bush is out, Bell has RB1 upside against the Eagles but is definitely worth a flex consideration regardless of Bush’s status.

Chris Ivory-New York Jets

Ivory is about the only Jet worth playing these days. As long as New York doesn’t get blown out, Ivory should get plenty of carries and be able to have a good day against the Raiders who allowed DeMarco Murray three rushing touchdowns on Thanksgiving.

Rashard Mendenhall-Arizona Cardinals

Mendenhall is coming off a good game last week when he ran for a season-high 76 yards on 18 carries. His backfield-mate Andre Ellington missed last week’s game but is expected to return this week to share time with Mendenhall. Mendenhall has had a few decent games since the Cardinals bye and is worth a flex look this week as he faces the Rams who allow the 5th most points to opposing running backs.

Donald Brown-Indianapolis Colts

Dec 1, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Donald Brown (31) tries to break a tackle by Tennessee Titans linebacker Zaviar Gooden (50) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeats Tennessee 22-14. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Donald Brown (31) tries to break a tackle by Tennessee Titans linebacker Zaviar Gooden (50) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeats Tennessee 22-14. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

While he’s not in a great matchup against the Bengals, Brown is now the starter in Indy which should result in a good amount of touches in a Colts offense that desperately needs to get back on track. Last week, he did score the Colts only offensive touchdown while rushing for 54 yards. He’s also very involved in the Indianapolis passing game which is a help in PPR leagues. Brown is a solid flex play with RB2 potential.

For more week 14 sleepers check out our sleeper posts for each position: QB, WR, TE, D/ST, K and make sure to bookmark our fantasy football page.

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