Running backs were an odd position for value in Week 13. Interestingly, five of the top seven backs were basically waiver pickups in the last month or so. Plus, the two top studs, Adrian Peterson and Todd Gurley, were no shows in fantasy.
Moving forward, it's all about upside. If you have a guy on your roster you know you're not going to use, you can probably just cut him for a handcuff or more depth. It might even make sense to have two defenses for the postseason. Basically, if you know a low-upside guy on your bench is not an option for you, just let him go. Although, you might just want to make sure your competition doesn't have a need for what you're dropping.
Shaun Draughn, San Francisco 49ers (owned in 54 percent of leagues)
The workload has certainly been there for Draughn. He had 13 carries and five receptions for 86 total yards and one score. Carlos Hyde is likely out for the rest of the year and Draughn doesn't have competition right now.
The 49ers have a really favorable schedule coming up, too. They get a great matchup against the Cleveland Browns in Week 14 and the Detroit Lions in Week 16. Draughn is a RB2 this week.
James White, New England Patriots (owned in 27 percent of leagues)
With Rob Gronkowski out, there were some serious targets to go around in the passing game on Sunday. James White was the man with his 10 catches on 13 targets, posting 115 yards receiving to go with a score. If you're in a PPR league, White is a must-add player right now.
Looking at the schedule, they get a great matchup against the Houston Texans at home this week. If you're in a PPR league. White will be a risky RB2.
Chris Polk, Houston Texans (owned in 3 percent of leagues)
Chicken and Shrimp! One of the fun guys from HBO's Hard Knocks seems to be out in front for the carries on the Texans. On Sunday, he rushed 12 times for 61 yards and added an 11-yard receiving touchdown.
Polk is an adept pass-catching back, which will be important against the New England Patriots on Sunday. You probably won't be able to use him this week, but a good game could set him up for a nice chance against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15.
Theo Riddick, Detroit Lions (owned in 29 percent of leagues)
The Lions won't have much success running the ball against the St. Louis Rams, so that means we'll likely see a lot of Riddick being used in the passing game. If you need a flex in PPR, give him a look. He also has a great schedule with the New Orleans Saints in Week 15 and the San Francisco 49ers in Week 16.
Bilal Powell, New York Jets (owned in 7 percent of leagues)
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