Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have opened the season with yet another disappointing 0-2 record, losing to two backup quarterbacks. While the overall record isn’t pretty, there have been some standout performances, namely from Bobby Rainey. He stepped in for the injured Doug Martin and had a big game against the St. Louis Rams. Is Rainey worth a waiver wire addition in your league?
The performance against the Rams was a surprising one for Rainey, as the Rams came into the game with one of the most stout run defenses in the NFL; the Rams ranked ninth in the NFL in rush defense last season and gave up only 3.7 yards per rush. That did not stop Rainey, who piled up 144 yards on 22 carries for an average of 6.5 per rush. He also caught three passes for 30 yards showing his versatility in the Buccaneers’ offense.
In Week 3 the Buccaneers have another above-average matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. Last season, the Falcons ranked 31st in the NFL in rushing yards allowed, surrendering 4.8 yards per carry. Things have improved slightly in 2014, as the Falcons rank 26th in yards allowed at 4.0 yards per rush through two games.
The only thing in the way of Rainey getting another start as the lead back is the health of Martin. Martin missed Week 2 against the Rams with a knee injury and his status for Thursday is not yet known. Being on a short week it is hard to imagine Martin having too big a role in the game plan, even if he is able to suit it. At worst, this will be a running back by committee as it would be hard to phase Rainey out of the game plan altogether after the monster game against the Rams.
Rainey is definitely worth a waiver wire pickup for Week 3. The Falcons are a giving enough defense against the run that there should be enough to go around if Martin is healthy enough to suit up. If Martin is once again unable to go, Rainey is the unquestioned lead back and has shown he will be the bell cow. If Rainey is still available in your league go and pick him up. He looks like a FLEX/RB3 if Martin is in the picture, but if he gets hurt again (which has a high probability of happening given his track record) Rainey becomes a high-upside FLEX play with RB2 potential.
Kenneth Teape is a New York Giants writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @teapester725 or join his Google network
