Below, I will highlight some running backs (RBs) that are recommended fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 9 of the 2013 fantasy football season, and your fantasy football rosters. We've already given you our waiver wire quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends - so let’s get to it and win some leagues!
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire – Week 9 Running Backs
Montee Ball, Denver Broncos
Baller Move: Stash in deeper leagues
Analysis: Ronnie Hillman's late goal-line fumble last week against the Colts could have been both his undoing and Ball's big chance. Montee Ball owners who were patient are now finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel for Ball's chances of contributing this year. Considering that Ball is now available in over 60% of leagues, it looks like these owners were in the minority, but that means he's available on waivers in more than half of leagues. Ball only managed 37 yards on 11 carries, but he did put up a touchdown and was given most of the goal-line duties. The Broncos drafted Ball for a reason, and unless his early-season struggles continue moving forward, Ball's workload should increase. If you believe Shady McCoy, Moreno "sucks," and while he has performed well from a fantasy perspective, Denver showed at the start of the season that they didn't fully believe in him by drafting Ball in the second round. Keep an eye out for Ball's carries to increase as he earns the trust of his coaching staff-- and his quarterback, of course. If he can keep from fumbling, his talent could show through and threaten Moreno's previous stranglehold on starting RB duties.
Andre Brown, New York Giants
Baller Move: Stash in all leagues.
Analysis: The long wait is almost over. Andre Brown will be eligible to start in Week 10. Still available in about 80% of leagues, the time is now to claim Brown off of waivers if you can. He is the lined up to be the starting RB in New York moving forward, and should have no problem bumping Peyton Hillis. Even when David Wilson returns, Brown should earn a feature back role with the sketchy, unreliable running across the board in his absence. Andre Brown ran well last year, and is a safe bet for both early-down and red-zone work.
James Starks, Green Bay Packers
Baller Move: Stash in deeper leagues
Analysis: Starks is back from injury and had the opportunity to play backup to Eddie Lacy on Sunday night. He turned in solid production on his seven carries, notching 57 yards and a touchdown on a nice 25-yard dash through the middle. Starks is a very talented runner who several teams would kill to have leading their backfield committees. Lacy has already missed two games this year due to a concussion, and if you've watched him run, you wouldn't be surprised if he goes down again. Starks has impressed this year, putting out the best numbers of any Packer running back in his one game as the starter, only to go down with his own injury the next week. Starks is back now and looking strong, and could be worth a waiver claim in deeper formats.
Bryce Brown, Philadelphia Eagles
Baller Move: Stash in most formats
Analysis: I have written up Bryce Brown a few times already this year, but in a slow week for RB waiver options, I felt Brown deserved reiteration. LeSean "Shady" McCoy is a phenomenal talent, but it is no secret he is susceptible to injury. While the Philadelphia offense is struggling with injuries to QB, the run game has suffered, but the potential is there for what is still a top-5 rushing attack even after three consecutive down games. Bryce Brown is extremely talented, and if you want proof, just check out his numbers last year while McCoy was out. Should Shady go down, Bryce Brown will put up top-10 RB numbers in his absence. If your bench can afford a lottery ticket, there are few stashes out there with as much upside as former High School Player of the Year, Bryce Brown. Just don't do something crazy like start Brown while McCoy is playing, even as a bye-week fill in.
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In case you missed them, here are some other RotoBaller Week 9 articles. Let’s win some leagues!
- Week 9 Waiver Wire Pickups - Quarterbacks (QBs)
- Week 9 Waiver Wire Running Backs (RB) – Deep Leagues
- Week 9 Waiver Wire - Wide Receivers (WR) & Defenses (DEF)
- Week 9 Waiver Wire Pickups - Tight Ends (TE)
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