RADIO
If you own Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart, you will not be happy to hear the latest news coming out of Carolina, especially if you’re still competing for your league championship. According to head coach Ron Rivera, the team is going to start looking for chances to rest Stewart in games to keep him fresh for the playoffs.
While resting Stewart may make sense for the Panthers’ Super Bowl hopes, it’s horrible news for his fantasy football owners. Stewart has been playing great thus far this season and has helped put hundreds of fantasy football owners in playoff contention.
Through 11 games this season he has 832 yards on 21 carries and four touchdowns. He also has 12 receptions for 54 yards and another touchdown. And with all of the injuries to the Panthers’ receivers, Stewart is always in line for plenty of touches week in and week out. Unfortunately, that may no longer be the case.
I would still consider Stewart a RB1 going forward until his fantasy points decline tremendously. But it is likely that Mike Tolbert will start to see more playing time. Tolbert, however, is not worth fantasy consideration as long as Stewart is playing.
Speaking of running backs who may not see as much playing time, Kansas City Chiefs Charcandrick West will likely share carries with Spencer Ware, according to offensive coordinator Doug Pederson.
West is healthy and fully expected to play in Week 13 after missing Week 12, but his absence allowed Ware to earn himself a spot in the running back rotation. Because of that, I would consider West a RB3 against the Raiders this week Meanwhile, I consider Ware a RB4.
West has 373 yards on 98 rushes for an average of 3.8 yards while Ware has 234 yards on just 36 carries for an average of 6.5 yards per carry. When you look over the stats, it’s no wonder why they team has decided to use Ware more often.
In other news, ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the Dallas Cowboys may be interested in signing Johnny Manziel if the Cleveland Browns make him available this offseason.
It’s no secret that owner Jerry Jones wanted to draft Manziel, but he fought the temptation and drafted a more pressing need. However, Tony Romo hasn’t been able to stay healthy lately and he isn’t getting any younger. That’s why it shouldn’t be a big surprise to anyone if Jones goes after Manziel if he were to become a free agent.
