Cardinals running back Andre Ellington will sit out this week against the Kansas City Chiefs due to a hip injury. This will allow RBs Stepfan Taylor and Marion Grice to show what they are capable of. Stepfan Taylor is declared the starter and Grice will manage the change of pace role. This is leaving fantasy owners asking themselves whether it’s worth investing in the Arizona run game this week.
More from Fantasy Football
- Top 10 fantasy football dynasty wide receivers heading into 2023
- Fantasy Football: How high should Alexander Mattison’s ADP rise after Dalvin Cook release?
- Top 10 fantasy football dynasty running backs heading into 2023
- Top 10 dynasty quarterbacks heading into 2023
- 5 players fantasy football owners should hope are traded this offseason
Oct 5, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Stepfan Taylor (30) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Stepfan Taylor
Taylor was drafted by the Arizona Cardnals in the 5th round of the 2013 NFL draft. Taylor is decent at running in between the tackles, and he will be utilized around the goal line. The drawback to Taylor is that he’s not very explosive, and he is more than likely not going to break off any large gains.
If you start Taylor this week, you are hoping that he gets a touchdown. I don’t think he is going to do enough with his touches to be a difference maker for your fantasy team. The odds of him getting a touchdown are good, because it is very likely that he will be used by the goal line. I could see starting him as a flex play in standard leagues (non PPR), because he will be valuable if he scores a touchdown. I don’t see him catching many balls, so he would be a risky option in PPR leagues.
Marion Grice
Grice is more of a receiving back compared to Taylor, who is more of a north-south between the tackles runner. Grice isn’t a speedster, but he does have more of a burst than Taylor. Grice isn’t a great runner between the tackles because he lacks the vision necessary to find the rushing lanes. He has great hands, and could be used in passing situations.
Grice’s receiving ability makes him a flex play in PPR leagues. Grice’s value will depend on the flow of the game. If the Cardinals are losing, they are going to use Grice in the passing game while they are playing catch up. If the Cardinals are ahead, they are more than likely going to use Taylor to control the clock. Grice is an interesting play in deep leagues. He is worth a shot in your line up if your team is hurting at running back.
If you’re in the playoffs, don’t get cute with your line ups by chasing high-upside players who are likely to score next to nothing for you. I consider both of these players a gamble, and I would only start them if I was in desperate need of a running back. The Cardinals signed Michael Bush a couple of weeks ago, and there’s a chance that he may get some touches as well. Again, don’t risk your season on Grice and Taylor unless you don’t have any reliable options this week.
Please follow me on Twitter @bmatz08 for line up advise and fantasy football information.
More from FanSided
- NFL rumors: Aaron Rodgers sets Jets up for Super Bowl run with new contract
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers land Amed Rosario from Guardians
- Colorado gives Pac-12 a possible death knell with move to Big 12
- NFL rumors: Dalvin Cook suitor maintaining very ‘real’ interest
- Braves get dose of bad news on Max Fried as ace nears return