Fantasy Football Week 13 Deep Sleeper: RB Joe Banyard
By Bill Pivetz
@BPiv_Sports
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Even after 12 weeks of play, the Minnesota Vikings running back situation is just as confusing as is was in Week 1. It’s hard to know which running back will be the starter days ahead of time, which frustrates fantasy owners when setting the starting lineup. While I wouldn’t start this player, running back Joe Banyard could see some carries as a potential starter in Week 13.
Jerick McKinnon has been ruled out for Week 13 with a back injury. Matt Asiata missed last week with a concussion, but is likely to play this week. The Vikings also picked up former Cleveland Browns running back Ben Tate. With all of the clutter in the backfield, it’s hard to know which rusher to pick up and start on a weekly basis.
Last week, as McKinnon’s backup, Banyard saw some action. He rushed the ball five times for 26 yards (5.2 ypc) and caught three passes for 19 yards. Five carries may not seem like a lot, but the fact the coaches gave him a shot says a lot.
Yes, Tate and Asiata will still get carries. However, with a soft Carolina Panthers defense coming to town, Banyard could get most of the carries, and even perhaps start this game. In his two years at Texas-El Paso, he rushed 236 times for 1,455 yards and 14 touchdowns. The skill is there, he just needs the opportunity.
Banyard is owned in just 1.4 percent of ESPN.com leagues. I would assume that those 1.4 percent belong in 14-16 team leagues because he should not be owned in standard leagues. With the Adrian Peterson situation still up in the air, Banyard is a guy to watch for the future.
Bill Pivetz is a fantasy sports blogger for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @BPiv_Sports.
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