For a lot of fantasy owners, Knowshon Moreno has been the find of the season. He was an afterthought in many leagues on draft day, but the fumble problems of Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman opened the door for Moreno to emerge. He’s run with that chance and has been a top-five fantasy running back this season, highlighted by a dominant 37-carry, 224 yard performance in Week 12.
Unfortunately, Moreno also sustained a bone bruise on his ankle in the contest. He was a limited participant in practice on Thursday, but his status is anything but certain for Week 13’s showdown against the Chiefs. With playoff spots and first round byes on the line this week in a lot of leagues, that cloud of doubt couldn’t come at a worse time for many fantasy owners.
Losing Moreno is problem enough. But his late start time and lack of a clear handcuff makes it even more challenging a situation for his owners. Assuming Moreno is a game-time decision, you’ll be left with backup options that are limited to 4 PM ET games and later.
More Fantasy Football: Seahawks-Saints Matchup | DraftStreet | Podcast
The preferable choice is to have Montee Ball on hand. This won’t be an option for everyone, but he is currently available in more than 40 percent of Yahoo leagues. Ball’s issue is that while he is probably getting the first crack if Moreno can’t go, his ball-security woes could limit his workload. If the rookie does happen to fumble again, he could end up riding the pine for the second time in two weeks.
Then there’s Ronnie Hillman. He remains mostly unowned, but has had moments this year as the no. 2 back in Denver. While it’s likely Ball would get the first shot, Hillman could easily be worked in. If Ball’s fumble woes continue, Hillman would be in position to assume the lead role this week. The problem is, unless something is announced before hand owners have no way of knowing how it will shake out. It is also possible that even if Moreno is out, Hillman could see very little action.
C.J. Anderson is also in the mix, but practice reports indicate he’s behind the other two. That leaves him as a poor fantasy option.
Of the other 4 PM backs, Rams’ RB Benny Cunningham looked like a perfect replacement early in the week, but it’s looking more and more like starter Zac Stacy (concussion) is going to be cleared in time to play against the 49ers. If Stacy isn’t cleared between now and Saturday, then owners can look at Cunningham, who is owned in just a quarter of Yahoo leagues, as a solid fill-in option. The matchup against the 49ers is tough, but he should see most of the work.*
*(Update Stacy has been cleared and is probable. Cunningham is no longer an adequate Moreno replacement)
The other late afternoon games feature some options that should be available in your league. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Brandon Jacobs* and Roy Helu have all had their moments this year but all are risks due to workload.
*(Update Brandon Jacobs is out for Week 13- so you can cross him off the list of options)
Green-Ellis racked up 16 rushing attempts for 62 yards in Week 11 before the Bengals bye, but that was in part due to Giovani Bernard aggravating his rib injury. With two weeks to heal, Bernard should be in better shape to handle the load. That leaves owners guessing if they’re getting the Green-Ellis who gets 18 carries or the guy who gets 10.
More Fantasy Football: Matchmakers | Heartbreakers
As for Helu, outside of a nice three week stretch, he’s done very little to prove that he is worthy of starting. Helu hasn’t scored in five games, and with the Washington offense struggling, and Alfred Morris still seeing the majority of the carries, don't expect the Redskins' second best running back option to turn things around anytime soon.
Having to rely on Knowshown Moreno this weekend is an unenviable position, but with many seasons on the line, owners have to make the best of a bad situation. Check for updates on his and Ball’s practice reps, while also keeping tabs on Stacy and Cunningham. Hopefully Moreno is ready to go Sunday, but at least avail yourself some insurance in case he isn’t.