RosterWatch Week 13 Waiver Wire: RBs
Byron Lambert, Rosterwatch.com

Looking at the state of the Waiver Wire this week, it’s a reminder that it’s high time to have your playoff roster constructed in its entirety. Hopefully, you’re just plugging small holes at this point. If so, here’s a little Week 13 running back mortar:

Benny Cunningham, RB St. Louis Rams – 6% owned
The big appeal here is if fellow rookie—and fantasy darling—Zac Stacy misses time in Week 13. Cunningham would be thrust into the starting role against the 49ers, whom the Rams always play very tough. In Week 12 relief of Stacy, Cunningham was extremely effective compiling 16.9 points on 13 touches. Maybe some context should be given to that performance, since the Bears make every running back they face look like Gale Sayers and that includes one Brandon Jacobs. But, let’s not forget Cunningham also had 90 yards before the bye in Week 10 against a decent Colts run defense. We expect St. Louis to be able to run the ball against a good, but not great Niner run defense in the regular season fantasy finale.

Dennis Johnson, RB Houston Texans- 12% owned
There was a swindle in the air in Houston Week 12. By now, anyone who had picked up Dennis Johnson had almost certainly dropped him- or at least definitely did not play him. Ben Tate owners were licking their chops over the juicy Week 12 matchup and had many of their must-win fantasy dreams dashed. It sucks, but Dennis Johnson got all the action as Tate owners were desperately checking their phones to see if he was “injured.” He is and he isn’t. Tate’s playing through broken ribs for goodness sakes. The matchup in Week 13 is a good one against New England who just got shredded on the ground by a not-too-dissimilar Broncos rushing attack. In general, we recommend avoiding this situation all together in a critical Week 13, but if you’re desperate you can take the green light on Johnson.

Donald Brown, RB Indianapolis Colts- 41% owned
Brown finally petered out in Week 12. So did the whole Colts offense. Really, nothing has looked very good in Indy the last few weeks. Still, we like the role Brown has cemented in the offense, and won’t be surprised to see him out-touch Trent Richardson in a tremendous matchup for fantasy running backs- and a huge division game- this week against Tennessee at home. We’d have no remorse taking our chances on Brown in Week 13.

Brandon Jacobs, RB New York Giants- 9% owned
Back to back seven pointers for the TipToe Bugrlar. He’s back on police blotter, and he’s about to burglarize somebody’s fantasy season. The problem is we aren’t sure who will get robbed. We like the way the Giants running game has looked lately, and think the matchup in Week 13 against he lowly Redskins team is about the best case scenario anyone could dream up for Jacobs. We project 5-13 points for the Burglar in Week 13.

Cleveland Browns Running Backs- 29% owned
Folks are probably ready to jump off the Chris Ogbonnoya bandwagon after a Week 12 dud. Rightfully so, after his playing time was limited because of a critical fumble. We mentioned last week, his teammate and fellow Longhorn alum Fozzy Whitaker was also worth a look. He wasn’t very productive either, but handled the majority of work out of the backfield. Being close to the Longhorn program for years, we can admit that both of the aforementioned are basically JAGS- but Whitaker has flashed a little pop to his step over the years. The Browns get Jacksonville this week, who have been rapidly improving on defense under defensive guru and player favorite Gus Bradley. Still, it’s a top 50% matchup for fantasy runners over the last month. We expect this game to be close and competitive.

Toby Gerhart, RB Minnesota Vikings- 2% owned
It seems like the big Adrian Peterson scare should be over, after a huge 32 carry monster on Sunday. He’s going to make it very difficult on his coaches to bench him. In our opinion, they should- but fantasy players cannot depend on it. Gerhart has churned out an steady 8.5 ppg over the last two weeks. At the least, Peterson owners should be taking a long look at this situation- and with the Bears on the docket in Week 13 it just doesn’t get any better.

Antone Smith, RB Atlanta Flacons- 1% owned
He may very well be worthless the rest of the season. For us, he passes the eyeball test- even in his limited duty. We can’t recommend him as any type play, for now, but he’s still a semi-intriguing hold for teams with winning records and deep benches. This week against Buffalo doesn’t bode well, but the first two weeks of the fantasy playoffs will be Green Bay and Washington. You can’t draw it up any better.