Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
This is it. Week 12 is the final week with teams on a bye. Previous bye weeks affected the quarterback or wide receiver positions. However, the running back position will be a little thin this week. Fred Jackson, C.J. Spiller, Giovani Bernard, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, LeSean McCoy and Marshawn Lynch are all unavailable in Week 12. These six running backs rank in the top 35 in fantasy points, and Lynch and McCoy rank No. 1 and 2 respectively.
With many fantasy owners losing their No. 1 running back to the bye they will be scrolling through the waiver wire for a productive back. Don’t worry, I did that work for you. Here are three running backs widely available that will have a big game in Week 12.
Bobby Rainey: Boy was I wrong about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ backfield. I was all about Brian Leonard being the starter for the rest of the year, but the former Cleveland Browns back stole the show. He had 30 carries for 163 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught a pass for another touchdown. His two rushing scores were from 43 and three yards out, proving he can break out for the long run or barrel through the trenches. Rainey is owned in just 2.3 percent of ESPN leagues and has a decent matchup in Week 12 against the Detroit Lions.
Donald Brown: Tell me if you heard this before: Donald Brown outplayed Trent Richardson. Brown had 80 yards and two touchdowns in Week 11 while Richardson had just 22 rushing yards. Despite the production from Brown, the two backs will continue to split time in the backfield. I think the Indianapolis Colts should have held onto that first-round pick and promoted Brown as the starter instead of making the trade. Brown will be a flex play in Week 12 against the tough Arizona Cardinals defense. With nine full days of rest, Brown should be a nice play in deeper leagues.
Rashad Jennings: The backup Oakland Raiders running back has played really well as of late. He scored over 20 fantasy points in two of the last three games and has totaled over 100 yards in the last three games. He had 22 carries for 150 yards and a touchdown on Sunday. With the starting quarterback still undecided, Jennings could be in line for another big game. Even if Darren McFadden returns, Jennings will still find a place in the offense. Up next for the Raiders is the Tennessee Titans, ranked fifth in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs.
Bill Pivetz is a fantasy football writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @Mr_Piv1127.
