Fantasy Football Week 9 Start or Sit: Ben Tate

By Brandon Raper @Brandon__Raper on October 30, 2014

Week 9 of the fantasy football season is upon us, and with six teams on their bye, you’ve probably got some tough decisions to make in your lineup. You can take chances on the waiver wire, sure, but if you planned ahead a little bit, you should have some strong plays on your roster already. One of those guys you should plug in immediately is Cleveland Browns RB Ben Tate.

This week, with fantasy stars like Eddie Lacy and Matt Forte out of the picture, Tate’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers just got that much more attractive. In his first year with the Browns, Tate got off to a slow start with a knee injury costing him two starts. However, since his return, he’s been the clear workhorse in Cleveland’s rushing attack, with no less than 15 carries in his last four starts.

Some owners will certainly be scared away from Tate based on his last two performances against the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders. Limited to 36 and 26 yards, respectively, and with just one score, Tate failed to live up to lofty expectations. Still, facing a Buccaneers defense that is giving up an average of 123.9 yards per game, he’ll have every opportunity to pound the ball and find open space.

The only real drawback you’re going to see from Tate is his clear lack of production in the passing game. QB Brian Hoyer has been serviceable thus far, but he’s only hooked up with Tate for three completions for four yards.  Versatility from the running back position is always a nice thing, but considering that a healthy Tate has relegated rookies Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell to change-of-pace duties, the carries are going to be there.

This is the time of year when each fantasy lineup call you make can have a major impact on your playoff outlook. Start Ben Tate with confidence this week. The matchup is just too good to miss.

Brandon Raper is the lead golf writer and an NFL contributor for Rant Sports. “Like” him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter @Brandon__Raper, and join him on Google+.