Clevelad Browns to go with the ‘hot hand’ at running back
Ben Tate is returning to the starting lineup for the Cleveland Browns after he was injured after only six carries and 41 yards in Week 1, but his workload is likely to be lighter with the development of Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell who ahve filled in admirably while he was out.
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West has justified the preseason hype he generated as a fantasy sleeper and a dependable reserve to Tate who signed with the team after beginning his career with the Houston Texans and the former top recruit Crowell has been a revelation after he signed as an undrafted free agent. The duo has combined for 345 yards and five touchdowns on 74 carries, but Tate believes the team is going to ride the hot hand moving forward.
"“Whoever’s got the hot hand and whoever’s going to get us the win, that’s who we’re going to roll with,” Tate said, via Pro Football Talk."
This is not what fantasy football owners of any of these three backs want to hear, but it is the smart play for first-year Browns head coach Mike Pettine as it gives them the best shot at winning.
Tate has never been the featured ball carrier in his career after only starting when Arian Foster was injured with the Texans, so he is not used to the pounding that comes with 300-plus carries, so working in the two rookies during the game will keep all three fresh against a tired defense.
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