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It’s just not a normal NFL season without Ahmad Bradshaw being troubled with injuries. Bradshaw has battled right foot problems throughout the season so far, and now we have learned that he will have neck surgery, causing him to miss the rest of the 2013 season.
Trent Richardson is currently starting for the Indianapolis Colts, and having Bradshaw behind him probably made the Colts pretty confident in their run game, and they still should be with Donald Brown stepping in at the second running back slot.
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The Colts’ run style this season has been all about power. Vick Ballard ran with power before going down for the season, Richardson has been running hard since arriving in Indianapolis, and Bradshaw was arguably the best power runner on the team. Well, Brown is the lone speed back in this situation, which is good for us fantasy owners.
Brown hasn’t had much of a chance to show what he’s got since being drafted by the Colts as he has always been a backup, and he still is one, but this is definitely his best chance to make some noise. Brown can bust through a hole, but he is all about speed.
You give him the edge, and he’ll take you all the way to the end zone. He’s a big play guy and as long as that Colts’ offensive line is opening holes or sealing the edge on the outside, there’s a potential big play every time.
Brown has had decent performances in the last two weeks filling in for Bradshaw, and of course now that he’s taken his place for the rest of the season, you hope to see that continue. In Week 4, Brown put up 7.60 fantasy points in NFL.com leagues, and 10 points last week against a tough Seattle Seahawks defense.
If you do end up with Brown, I would play him at the flex position. You don’t want to miss out on starting him because he really has the potential to make big plays with the right amount of touches. He also can catch the ball out of the backfield, which always has big-play potential with proper blocking in front of him.
Also, Indianapolis should be running the ball a lot as their opponent, the San Diego Chargers, are giving up 117.2 rushing yards per game.
I just submitted my waiver request for Brown, and you would be wise to do the same.
