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Fantasy Football Week 12 Start or Sit: Doug Martin

By @aaroncharleskc

Doug Martin

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a cluttered mess to deal with at the running back position this week. There’s a good chance Doug Martin will return from his injured ankle, though, he’s currently listed as questionable. He was limited in practice this week, but coach Lovie Smith said he ‘looked pretty good’.

So what exactly is Martin’s fantasy football value for this weekend?

Well, if the former Pro Bowl selection plays, he will join a crowded backfield that includes Charles Sims, Bobby Rainey and Mike James. Sims was limited in practice Thursday with an ailing ankle, but the fact he practiced fully on Friday bodes well for his chance of stealing touches from Martin.

Sims, and Martin’s health, will be the biggest obstacles to Martin’s workload. This is odd because both Sims and Martin have averaged less than three yards per carry this season, while Rainey has averaged 4.3 yards per carry. Regardless, Sims and Martin are expected to lead the way if healthy.

The Bucs weak rushing attack will take on a Chicago Bears defense that ranks 14th in yards allowed on the ground. It wouldn’t matter if it were the league’s worst rushing defense, because there are just too many obstacles and question marks to start Martin this week.

The five games in which he was able to start this season, Martin averaged just 4.6 fantasy points per game. It’s time to stop treating him like the explosive rookie Pro Bowler we saw in 2012, because he has not played at anywhere near that level since.

Even if he gets the bulk of the touches, which you definitely can’t count on, his upside is very small. Martin is a must-sit in all formats until he proves that he can be fantasy relevant again.

Aaron Charles is a writer for www.rantsports.com. Follow him on twitter @aaroncharleskc or add him to your network on Google

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