Looking at Ray Rice’s Potential Landing Spots and Fantasy Value Going Forward.

Ray Rice has been reinstated from his suspension, and from his name cache he is going to be a popular waiver wire candidate when he lands on a team. I have outlined some teams that could possibly pick him up and how that team could use him. This is a very interesting situation, not to mention what went on off the field, but where he lands could help a team carve their niche into the playoffs. I can’t remember the last time a player of Rice’s caliber was up for grabs this deep into the playoff race.

Aug 22, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) eludes the tackle of Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis Colts: With Ahmad Bradshaw out for the year, the Colts have a void at running back, They are currently being led by Trent Richardson and Dan Herron. Rice is an effective pass catcher, and he could be a good add for a team who is trying to make a Super Bowl run.

Arizona Cardinals: Andre Ellington left yesterday’s game against the Falcons with an injury. The Cardinals could be a major player in the Ray Rice sweepstakes, because they will need extra running back depth to help them make their playoff push.

New Orleans Saints: They like to use multiple running backs, and Rice would help the Saints out in the passing game. The Saints are in the playoff hunt and Rice adds a lot of value with his experience.

Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers would be a good fit because Rice could spell LeVeon Bell. Rice is familiar with the AFC North, and could help the Steelers rise up from a congested division as this year’s AFC North’s champions.

San Diego Chargers: The Chargers have experienced a lot of injuries this year at running back. Rice could give them the extra depth they need to help them get into the playoffs.

Detroit Lions: Like many other teams contending for a playoff spot, they also have been plagued with injuries at RB. Rice’s pass catching ability could help Detroit if they were to get into a pinch at RB.

Houston Texans: With chronic injuries to Arian Foster, Rice could be an experienced insurance policy. The Texans are still in the hunt to make the playoffs and having the extra insurance at running back would help them keep stability in their offense.

Rice is a risky pick up in fantasy even if he lands somewhere looks promising because it’s going to take time for him to learn the play book and gel with the team. Coming into this year, Rice was on the decline physically, and his fantasy output was on decline. I wouldn’t put him in my lineups during the playoffs because you don’t know what you are going to get from him. Unless I was in desperate need of a running back, I would stay away from Rice and let another owner take on this headache.

If you need advice setting your fantasy line ups this week you can contact me on twitter @bmatz08.