fantasy football, NFL, sports news

A rash of week 10 injuries to some of the studliest running backs this season has magnified the need for a little fantasy football insurance.

No time like the present to swing a potentially season-saving fantasy football trade.

Fantasy owners of Cedric Benson, Michael Turner, Brian Westbrook, Julius Jones, Ronnie Brown and Clinton Portis all are scrambling this week to find fantasy replacements for these injured backs. If owners did not already own the handcuffs for these players, the trade deadline in most leagues is this weekend to make a deal for the ultimate insurance policy.

Not all of the players below are the appropriate handcuffs for the above players. And at least four of them likely can be found on the waiver wire. For those who are owned — some of which were mentioned a few weeks ago — the price will be much, much higher than it was just a few short weeks ago.

But desperate times call for desperate measures.

Off the Waiver Wire

Justin Forsett, RB, Seahawks: Forsett filled in admirably for Julius Jones against the Cardinals and will be a popular add off fantasy waiver wires this week. Jones could miss several weeks with a cracked rib that caused some bleeding and bruising in his lung.

Jason Snelling, RB, Falcons: Another running back that benefits from the injuries of a pair of other runners on the roster. Michael Turner likely has a high ankle sprain and Jerious Norwood continues to miss work with various ailments. Snelling could get the call short term and be a good spot start for desperate Turner owners.

Bernard Scott, RB, Bengals: And another running back benefiting from the potential loss of a starter in front of him. Scott is an explosive runner but unproven as an every-down back. Meanwhile, Cedric Benson claims he will start this weekend but may not practice until the end of the week.

Chester Taylor, RB, Vikings: He is a must-own at this point in the season for Adrian Peterson owners. Other owners could stash him on the bench as well, but he was recently dropped in a very competitive league of mine which means he could be available off the wire in your league(s).

On the Trading Block

Ricky Williams, RB, Dolphins: Ronnie Brown almost certainly is out for this Thursday’s game against the Panthers. Better pull the trigger on that Williams trade today if you want to use him this week.

LeSean McCoy, RB, Eagles: Westbrook’s season is in jeopardy after a second concussion in three weeks. Not only that, but there are whispers that Westy’s career may be in jeopardy. McCoy will get the bulk of the work going forward, both this year and beyond.

Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers: Stewart can handle the load should the Panthers need him. DeAngelo Williams missing almost all of practice last week to a knee injury should put enough of a scare into his owners to attempt to acquire JStew.

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Giants: Of all the running backs to suffer injuries this week, Brandon Jacobs was not one of them. Perhaps that was because he did not play in week 10. Do not tempt fate, trade for Bradshaw as Jacobs insurance this week.

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