What Is The Value Of Steven Jackson, Jonathan Stewart, and Andre Williams In Week 14?

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With this being the first week of the playoffs in most fantasy leagues, a lot of owners have dilemmas on to who to start as their running backs this week. I will talk about three running backs (Steven Jackson, Jonathan Stewart, and Andre Williams), and talk about how they can be beneficial to your line up if you don’t have any obvious players to start over them.

Nov 9, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson (39) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Steven Jackson, RB, Atlanta Falcons (Owned in 81.3% Of ESPN leagues)

Steven Jackson has an interesting match up Monday Night against the Green Bay Packers. The Packers allow on average 4.5 yards per carry, which will be beneficial for Jackson. I have a feeling that this game is going to be a shoot out, which will make Jackson a good candidate for scoring a touchdown in this game.

Steven Jackson will be a solid RB2 this week. He will be a very safe option for your line up, because he’s going to get a good deal of work. This game is going to be a shoot out and Jackson is going to get multiple opportunities around the goal line. If he gets into the end zone this week, he will be very productive for your line up. What makes him a safe option is that worst case scenario he’s going to rush for 40-50 yards and catching a couple balls giving you some fantasy points, and you’re not walking away empty handed. The down side of Steven Jackson is that he’s not a lock to score a lot of fantasy points, because he doesn’t have the speed to bust out big runs anymore. If you own Jackson on your roster, and you don’t have any obvious choices to start over him, don’t be overly concerned because he has a good chance of scoring a touchdown this week.

Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers (Owned in 43.6% of ESPN leagues)

Stewart has a dream matchup against the Saints this week. The Saints are one of the worst defenses against the run, and Stewart is going to a get a lot of work due to teammate DeAngelo Williams being out this week with a fractured hand. Stewart has had a rough season that has been plagued with injuries. He has only produced a dismal 408 yards and two TDs for the season. This week will give Stewart a great opportunity to improve upon those numbers.

Stewart is considered a high end RB2 this week. I really like the match up he has against the Saints. If he doesn’t have a good outing this week, then he can never be trusted again in fantasy. He has the backfield to himself this week against a weak run defense, and that equation should lead to fantasy points for your team. I wouldn’t be afraid to start Jonathan Stewart this week.

Andre Williams, RB, New York Giants (Owned in 31.1% of ESPN leagues)

Yes, Andre Williams is a startable option this week. Starter Rashad Jennings is questionable this week, and is a game time decision. If he doesn’t play, Williams will get a lot of touches against a dismal Titans run defense. Williams has been atrocious this season averaging just 2.9 yards per carry. However, Williams does have five touchdowns on the season and has a very good nose for the end zone. The Giants are going to be able to move the ball at will against the Titans, and this will give Williams a lot of opportunities around the goal line. Williams is a load to tackle, which makes him very good in scoring opportunities.

Even with Williams horrible season this year, I’m looking at him as a serious candidate for starting in some of my line ups if Jennings is out. He’s going to get opportunities to score, and against a bad run defense he has a chance to break 100 yards. I like Williams as a sneaky start this week if Jennings is out.

Please follow me on Twitter @bmatz08 for fantasy football news and advice.

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