The deep end finally is in sight, in what has been a shallow pool of fantasy running back options.
Yes, Fred Jackson suffered an injury last week. Sure, Maurice Jones-Drew, Darren McFadden and DeMarco Murray are either out or highly questionable. Of course, Ahmad Bradshaw, dealing with health issues, and Adrian Peterson, Marshawn Lynch and Chris Johnson have byes.
We didn’t say we’ve reached the deep end, but it is in sight. Darren Sproles might return this week. Oft-injured Ryan Mathews had a neck issue crop up, but still could play this week. Beanie Wells could return next week. Jonathan Stewart is getting a healthier share of carries in Carolina and could have a subtle late-season surge like last season.
But the one RB to focus on this week is Rashard Mendenhall. He is on track to start this week against the rival Ravens. What historically is a bad matchup for opposing backs, the Baltimore defense has become much more generous. In three of the past four games, the Ravens have yielded more than 100 yards rushing, including more than 200 twice (Week 5 vs. the Chiefs and Week 6 vs. the Cowboys).
Expect the Steelers, who will be without starting QB Ben Roethlisberger (rib, shoulder), to attack the Ravens’ 26th-ranked run defense, rather than put the game in the hands of backup QB Byron Leftwich against a Baltimore pass defense that has 10 interceptions to offset eight passing touchdowns allowed.
With more carries to go around, even a lighter share of the workload could provide Mendenhall plenty of opportunities to collect fantasy points. And with the Browns on tap before a Week 13 rematch with the Ravens, the returning Steelers back could a productive run over the next few weeks.
BIG WEEKS
Carson Palmer, QB, Raiders, vs. Saints
Edges Colts QB Andrew Luck (at Patriots) for this spot. Saints are league’s most generous fantasy pass defense and have given up three-TD games in three of their past four.
Steven Jackson, RB, Rams, vs. Jets
The Jets have allowed at least 100 rushing yards in seven of their nine games. If Jackson can top 100 (and get in the end zone) vs. stiff 49ers defense, Jets should be no problem.
Steve Smith, WR, Panthers, vs. Bucs
Tampa Bay gives up a league-worst 331.3 receiving yards a game. The Panthers’ offense has been spotty this year, so cash in when you can.
Brent Celek, TE, Eagles, at Redskins
Washington has not defended the tight end well this season (actually, the Redskins haven’t defended anything well). With rookie Nick Foles subbing for injured Michael Vick (concussion), expect plenty of checkdowns.
SMALL WEAKS
Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons, vs. Cardinals
Ryan’s fantasy production has been inconsistent. Combined to throw six TDs and zero INTs in Weeks 8 and 10. In other two games since Week 6, has one TD and three INTS. Cards have second-ranked pass defense.
Frank Gore, RB, 49ers, vs. Bears
Chicago gets a lot of love for its ability to turn INTs into TDs, but the run defense has been stiff as well. It ranks fourth in the league and has given up just two rushing TDs all season (second in league).
Danny Amendola, WR, Rams, vs. Jets
Everything seems to be falling apart around the Jets except for the pass defense — which is shocking after the loss of Darrelle Revis. Gang Green rank third against opposing fantasy WRs.
Vernon Davis, TE, 49ers, vs. Bears
Hasn’t scored since Week 3 and has just 101 yards total over the past three games. Bears rank fourth in league against fantasy TEs.
The Decision
Drew Loftis and Anthony Sulla-Heffinger tell you who you should start:
NICK FOLES vs. JASON CAMPBELL
Drew: Foles — He couldn’t ask for a better team to face in his first start. The Redskins rank 30th vs. the pass, giving up more than 300 yards per game, and they have allowed 20 TD passes (tied for league high) to just 10 INTs. They also don’t pressure the passer well, which means they won’t rattle the rookie into a bunch of mistakes.
Anthony: Campbell — It wasn’t long ago that Campbell was a starter, so he shouldn’t have trouble transitioning back into that role on a short-term basis. For as good as the 49ers defense has been, it came an illegal-formation penalty away from giving up over 350 yards and three TDs to St. Louis last week. Campbell won’t dazzle, but he will do better than Foles.
Last week:
Drew 21 (Philip Rivers — 337 pass yards, 3 pass TDs, 2 INTs, 5 rush yards), Anthony 10 (Cam Newton — 241 pass yards, 2 pass TDs, 2 INTs, 7 rush yards)
Season: Drew leads, 6-2-1
dloftis@nypost.com