Some of you might be planning to start one or more of the following RBs this week. For what it's worth, I think they'll perform pretty badly.
(1) Eddie Lacy -- As with all predictions, dozens of factors go into this one. The four biggest factors are (a) Lacy is dealing with a bruised hip that creates additional in-game injury risk; (b) James Starks played well Monday night, reminding people that he can serve as a decent RB backup when needed; (c) the Packers should win this game fairly handily (14+ points), meaning we might see a lot of Starks in the 4th quarter; (d) the Bills have a terrific defense and a spotty offense. Before C.J. Anderson went off last week, Buffalo had given up only 0.5 rushing TDs per game. This game should end up around 24-10. Lacy should be good for up to 80 total yards. But I don't see him scoring.
(2) Lamar Miller -- Told one reader on this blog yesterday that I'm as confident about the Patriots D shutting down the Dolphins as I was about the Raiders D surprising people last week, and Ryan Fitzpatrick surprising people the week before. Consider that the Pats' last four games have been @Colts, Lions, @Packers, @Chargers. None of those opponents--two elite, one near-elite, and one very good--scored a rushing TD. And while the Broncos did score on the ground five weeks ago, they gained only 43 yards on 17 attempts. Miller's stat line will read something like 13 carries for 35 yards and 2 catches for 7 yards. Stay away.
(3) Kerwynn Williams -- What a great story: Two weeks after the Cardinals released him and a few days after they added him back to their practice squad, Williams leaps over all of the other RB backups to earn 19 carries for 100 yards. Some desperate for a #2 RB have clamored to grab him. I suggest staying away. In recent weeks, the Rams have had one of the league's stingiest run Ds. They've given up only 89 rushing yards in their last two home games, which included stonewalling the Broncos in Week 11. Predicting under 45 total yards and zero touchdowns for Williams.
(1) Eddie Lacy -- As with all predictions, dozens of factors go into this one. The four biggest factors are (a) Lacy is dealing with a bruised hip that creates additional in-game injury risk; (b) James Starks played well Monday night, reminding people that he can serve as a decent RB backup when needed; (c) the Packers should win this game fairly handily (14+ points), meaning we might see a lot of Starks in the 4th quarter; (d) the Bills have a terrific defense and a spotty offense. Before C.J. Anderson went off last week, Buffalo had given up only 0.5 rushing TDs per game. This game should end up around 24-10. Lacy should be good for up to 80 total yards. But I don't see him scoring.
(2) Lamar Miller -- Told one reader on this blog yesterday that I'm as confident about the Patriots D shutting down the Dolphins as I was about the Raiders D surprising people last week, and Ryan Fitzpatrick surprising people the week before. Consider that the Pats' last four games have been @Colts, Lions, @Packers, @Chargers. None of those opponents--two elite, one near-elite, and one very good--scored a rushing TD. And while the Broncos did score on the ground five weeks ago, they gained only 43 yards on 17 attempts. Miller's stat line will read something like 13 carries for 35 yards and 2 catches for 7 yards. Stay away.
(3) Kerwynn Williams -- What a great story: Two weeks after the Cardinals released him and a few days after they added him back to their practice squad, Williams leaps over all of the other RB backups to earn 19 carries for 100 yards. Some desperate for a #2 RB have clamored to grab him. I suggest staying away. In recent weeks, the Rams have had one of the league's stingiest run Ds. They've given up only 89 rushing yards in their last two home games, which included stonewalling the Broncos in Week 11. Predicting under 45 total yards and zero touchdowns for Williams.