If you're in a trading league (i.e. where owners are at least open to trade talks), RB Jeremy Hill should be one of the most sought after targets. But you'll need to move quickly, because after Sunday his asking price will be about 300% higher.
To the casual observer, Hill is little more than a glorified RB handcuff. His season numbers (195 rushing yards on 50 carries, 131 receiving yards, 3 TDs) are modest at best. He's averaging just under 6 1/2 fantasy points per game, with only one over 10 points (standard scoring rules).
But Bernard didn't practice yesterday and supposedly is dealing with both a hip pointer and a collarbone injury. He's also averaging only 3.52 YPC in his last 10 regular season games--a deceptively bad run that belies his ability to score (6 TDs in that span).
If Cincy rests Gio, Hill will get the start Sunday and, I believe, dominate a weak Jaguars D. 20 carries for 100+ yards and 5 receptions for 40+ yards--along with 2 TDs--is a realistic goal. Hill is that good, and Cincy should control the game enough where Hill is asked to be a clock mover and chain mover.
There are some "ifs" in this equation. If Bernard plays, all bets are off. If Hill can't handle such a big workload (he's had more than 7 carries only once this year), 3rd-stringer Cedric Peerman could play a role.
But right now ESPN ranks Hill 33rd among RBs heading into Week 9 (http://espn.go.com/fantasy/football/story/_/page/14ranksWeek9RB/fantasy-football-Week-9-fantasy-football-running-back-rankings). He's unowned in nearly 22% of ESPN fantasy leagues. You could probably land Hill for a WR4 or a TE2 and come away with the biggest steal of the season.
As with everything fantasy-related, there are risks and unknowns. But this could be the best calculated risk you make all season.
To the casual observer, Hill is little more than a glorified RB handcuff. His season numbers (195 rushing yards on 50 carries, 131 receiving yards, 3 TDs) are modest at best. He's averaging just under 6 1/2 fantasy points per game, with only one over 10 points (standard scoring rules).
But Bernard didn't practice yesterday and supposedly is dealing with both a hip pointer and a collarbone injury. He's also averaging only 3.52 YPC in his last 10 regular season games--a deceptively bad run that belies his ability to score (6 TDs in that span).
If Cincy rests Gio, Hill will get the start Sunday and, I believe, dominate a weak Jaguars D. 20 carries for 100+ yards and 5 receptions for 40+ yards--along with 2 TDs--is a realistic goal. Hill is that good, and Cincy should control the game enough where Hill is asked to be a clock mover and chain mover.
There are some "ifs" in this equation. If Bernard plays, all bets are off. If Hill can't handle such a big workload (he's had more than 7 carries only once this year), 3rd-stringer Cedric Peerman could play a role.
But right now ESPN ranks Hill 33rd among RBs heading into Week 9 (http://espn.go.com/fantasy/football/story/_/page/14ranksWeek9RB/fantasy-football-Week-9-fantasy-football-running-back-rankings). He's unowned in nearly 22% of ESPN fantasy leagues. You could probably land Hill for a WR4 or a TE2 and come away with the biggest steal of the season.
As with everything fantasy-related, there are risks and unknowns. But this could be the best calculated risk you make all season.