When Tampa Bay running back Doug Martin went down, it was like damaging your favorite car. Your fantasy team’s backfield had to go to the shop.
But Martin wasn’t exactly darting in and out of traffic very well before his shoulder injury. He was a luxury sports car that sputtered to start the season before being towed to the garage with a shoulder injury.
Enter Mike James. The rookie put on a shocking display, his 158 yards being the driving force behind a near upset in Week 9 on the road against the Seahawks and their stiff defense. But he broke down the following week with ankle problems.
That put Bobby Rainey in driver’s seat at running back for the Buccaneers. After posting some impressive numbers in limited action vs. the Dolphins, Rainey hit the gas last week against the sorry Falcons — 163 rushing yards and two touchdowns, plus a receiving score.
It didn’t take long for fantasy gurus to joke: The only Tampa Bay RB who couldn’t score big was Martin.
But before you put Rainey in your lineup and hit cruise control, you might want to look in his fantasy rearview. Rainey was acquired from the Browns at midseason — the same Browns who haven’t found their way out of a backfield jam that has cycled through Trent Richardson, Willis McGahee and Chris Ogbonnaya.
Rainey’s big game came against an Atlanta defense that ranks 30th in rushing yards allowed, and his 2.6 yards per carry average with Cleveland should make you want to tap the brakes.
This week, the Bucs face a Detroit defense that has yielded the fifth fewest rushing yards. Next week await the Panthers, who rank third in rushing yards allowed and have given up just three scores on the ground all year.
But after that, the road clears — just in time for the fantasy playoffs. His following three opponents are the Bills (29th most rush yards allowed), the 49ers (21st-ranked fantasy run defense) then the Rams (30th-ranked fantasy run defense).
Rainey can put you on the highway to a title, but you might need to keep him parked a few weeks before cranking him up.
BIG WEEKS
Colin Kaepernick, QB, 49ers, at Redskins
He has been a huge disappointment this season, but gets a soft matchup Monday at Washington. A healthy Vernon Davis and Mario Manningham will help.
Andre Brown, RB, Giants, vs. Cowboys
Renewed Big Blue ground attack should be able to pad the stats vs. league’s worst fantasy run defense. Dallas has given up a combined six rushing TDs in past three games.
Torrey Smith, WR, Ravens, vs. Jets
The Gang Green defense has been generous to opposing air attacks. Expect a few deep shots to exploit Jets corners, and attack new safety and former Raven Ed Reed.
Coby Fleener, TE, Colts, at Cardinals
Had best game of his career last week, and now gets league’s worst defense against tight ends. Cardinals have allowed six TE touchdowns in past five games.
SMALL WEAKS
Cam Newton, QB, Panthers, at Dolphins
His team is coming off back-to-back big wins, and now travels on a short week to face an easily overlooked opponent. Envision a dud vs. fifth-stingiest fantasy defense.
DeMarco Murray, RB, Cowboys, at Giants
Giants haven’t given up 100 rushing yards to an opposing RB since Week 3 and just one rush TD in past five games. Cowboys often too eager to abandon run.
Pierre Garcon, WR, Redskins, vs. 49ers
The fifth-best fantasy defense against receivers — 11 TD catches allowed, tied for fourth fewest in league.
Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers, at Chiefs
Has just one score in past six games. Kansas City has allowed league’s fewest fantasy points to TEs — and just one TD.