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Another week in the NFL, another injury to a starting running back. This time, it was to St. Louis Rams running back Zac Stacy. During the first half against the Chicago Bears, Stacy received a head injury. It was later reported that he was diagnosed with a concussion.
As a result, undrafted free agent Benny Cunningham took over. The Rams didn’t miss a beat as Cunningham ran the ball 13 times for 109 yards and a touchdown. While the Bears aren’t the best run defense, Cunningham ran very well for someone who ran the ball just 27 times prior to Sunday’s game.
With Stacy’s status up in the air, Cunningham will be the starter if Stacy can’t go. He will face a tough San Francisco 49ers defense, though it’s not one that’s so tough that Cunningham can’t succeed against them. According to ESPN.com, the 49ers allow 15.4 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, good for 17th in the league.
The Rams are committed to the run and will keep on running it in Week 13. Stacy averaged a little over 26 carries in the last three games and was well on his way to at least 26 more before the injury. Kellen Clemens is doing enough to keep the Rams competitive, but the real success comes from the legs of Stacy and Cunningham.
Cunningham has more value to Stacy owners than to those who don’t own him. However, consistent numbers like Stacy had can make Cunningham a nice pickup in the final fantasy football regular season game. He has nice flex appeal in 10-team leagues and can be as high as an RB2 in deeper leagues.
Expect him to get 22-25 carries for 70-80 yards and a touchdown.
Bill Pivetz is a fantasy football writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @Mr_Piv1127.
