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2014 Fantasy Football Week 4 Waiver Wire: RB Lorenzo Taliaferro

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By @BPiv_Sports

Lorenzo Taliaferro

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Whether it’s because of injury, suspension or just poor play, a lot of second-string players are getting playing time early in the season. For the Baltimore Ravens, it’s a combination of all three. We all know about the Ray Rice situation and Bernard Pierce was out with a thigh injury. This led to Lorenzo Taliaferro to get carries and open up some eyes.

Pierce was the man going forward with Justin Forsett in the mix. Forsett played well in Week 1, but was somewhat quiet in Week 2. Taliaferro was bumped up to No. 2 running back with Pierce missing this week and made the most of it.

The rookie carried the ball a team-high 18 times for 91 yards and a touchdown, on his way to 15 fantasy points. Forsett, the de facto starter, carried the ball just 11 times for 63 yards. Forsett has been used on passing downs, which increases his value, but he doesn’t do much with the ball once he catches it (13 receptions for 32 yards).

Taliaferro may carry the ball less with Pierce expected to return in Week 4. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh mentioned the idea of going to a committee approach or using the hot hand. After this week, Taliaferro is the hot hand. He showed good run power and field vision, but as we know, things are always subject to change.

The Ravens face the Carolina Panthers in Week 4. The Panthers allowed Le’Veon Bell to rush for 147 yards on just 21 carries, but have held their two previous opponents to just 172 combined rushing yards.

Taliaferro is available in over 99 percent of ESPN.com leagues. If you are in a deeper league or in dire need of a running back, Taliaferro is the guy to own.

Bill Pivetz is a fantasy sports blogger for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @BPiv_Sports.

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