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Fantasy Sports Fantasy Football

Fantasy Football Week 12 Start or Sit: Terrance West

By @Brandon__Raper

Terrance West Fantasy Football

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The Cleveland Browns made a big move this week, shaking up the backfield rotation by waiving underperforming RB Ben Tate. For owners who stuck with rookie Terrance West – or have been lucky enough to snag him off the waiver wire – this looks like a great situation, but how much should you expect from him in a crucial Week 12 in fantasy football?

West’s owners don’t need to look far to find a good example of his potential production. Let’s go back to a Week 10 matchup at the Cincinnati Bengals. West ran roughshod over the in-state rival, carrying the ball 26 times for 94 yards, adding a touchdown for good measure. He appeared to have solidified his position as the starter over Tate and fellow rookie Isaiah Crowell.

However, just one week later, he could be finding himself in every fantasy owner’s dreaded situation: running back by committee.

Week 11 was an ugly one for West, as he got just five carries for 12 yards against the Houston Texans. Crowell didn’t perform much better himself, but he got the start and the bulk of the backfield work, with 14 carries for 61 yards. Crowell also caught two passes out of the backfield for an additional 30 yards, and despite a fumble in the red zone, head coach Mike Pettine seemed more than willing to give Crowell the reps.

Was that just a big week of practice and Pettine’s way of keeping his offense dynamic? Probably, but that’s not what you’re looking for in a solid fantasy running back with the playoffs looming. The Browns face the Atlanta Falcons this week, a team allowing 122.2 yards per game. Their 13 rushing touchdowns allowed are tied for most in the NFL, so the work should be there. The only question is, who’s going to get it?

West has the talent and the matchup to put up some solid numbers this week, but Crowell’s presence in the situation makes this a big gamble barring some new information from this week’s practices. West is a tough sit, but if you don’t need a high-risk, high-reward play, it’s the safest option.

Brandon Raper is the lead golf writer and an NFL contributor for Rant Sports. “Like” him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter @Brandon__Raper, and join him on Google+.

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