NFL Player News

With running backs Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman inactive, Broncos running back C.J. Anderson took advantage of his opportunities, rushing for 167 yards on 27 attempts in a 39-36 win against the Dolphins Sunday.

Anderson received the bulk of the rushing carries and also added four receptions for four yards. Anderson’s 10-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter put the Broncos ahead for good.

While Anderson only had seven carries the previous week, it appears he will receive a heavy workload going forward. The Broncos next play Sunday at Kansas City.

The Chargers got a slew of offensive contributions in their 27-24 win over the Rams on Sunday. Among them, running back Branden Oliver carried six times for 17 yards and caught all four of his targets for 23 yards. Running back Donald Brown caught two passes for 20 yards and had a 7-yard rush.

Tight end Antonio Gates caught both his targets for 14 yards, while tight end Ladarius Green hauled in two of three targets for 34 yards. Wideout Malcom Floyd secured four of five targets for 30 yards.

Wideout Seyi Ajirotutu made an 8-yard grab. They'll all visit the Ravens in Week 13.

Chargers running back Ryan Mathews ran 12 times for 105 yards and a touchdown in the Week 12 win over the Rams, his first 100-yard effort this season. Mathews suffered a left shoulder injury when he ripped off a career-best 32-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, but he was able to return.

Mathews caught two passes for eight yards. He'll visit the Ravens in Week 13.

Unlike Week 11 against Houston, Isaiah Crowell didn't lead the Browns in carries Week 12 at Atlanta, but he was once again the more effective of the two rookie running backs, picking up 88 yards on 12 carries. He also scored two touchdowns, the most impressive coming on a 26-yard run late in the third quarter in which he probably ran more horizontally than vertically, taking the ball past the left hash mark before cutting all the way back to the right sideline.

By comparison, Terrance West had 62 yards on 14 carries and was the only one of the two to catch a pass -- a 9-yarder. It wasn't a bad performance by any means, but West hasn't done anything to distinguish himself in the two games with Ben Tate out of the running.

True, Week 12 was the Browns' first game with Tate completely off the roster, so they're still feeling out their backfield. But while Crowell and West will probably continue to split carries going forward, Crowell is looking like the one to own in Fantasy. Chances are even with an even distribution of carries, they won't both contribute relevant numbers each week.

Chargers running back Ryan Mathews, who left the game against the Rams in the third quarter with a shoulder injury, returned late in the fourth quarter.

The Buccaneers turned away from running back Charles Sims in Week 12, as Doug Martin got the start in a 21-13 loss to the Bears Sunday.  

Martin led the team in carries with 11, but ended up second among the team's running backs in all-purpose yards, as he finished with 11 carries for 27 yards and one catch for 4. Sims had just six carries, but rushed for 22 yards and added 11 yards on his two receptions.

Bobby Rainey also got involved, mostly in the passing game, where he finished with 18 yards on four receptions, however it is clear Martin and Sims are the main contenders for carries at this point. Martin has done little all season to earn the benefit of the doubt, but Sims also failed to impress when given the chance.

At this point, none of the Buccaneers' backs looks like someone you want to pin your hopes on for Fantasy purposes. Heading into Week 13 against the Bengals, it might be best to avoid this backfield.  

Chargers running back Ryan Mathews went to the locker room in the third quarter after sustaining a left shoulder injury, reports the San Diego Union-Tribune. Mathews returned to the sideline with his helmet on, but did not immediately reenter the game. The team called him questionable to return.

Branden Oliver and Donald Brown handled backfield duties following Mathews' injury.

Mathews headed to the locker room after a career-best 32-yard touchdown run. He ran 11 times for 102 yards and caught two passes for 8 yards before leaving.

Patriots running back Shane Vereen posted 60 yards of total offense in his team's 34-9 victory over the Lions in Week 12.

On the opening drive of the third quarter, Vereen came down with a 17-yard reception and on the following play, ripped a 9-yard run -- his longest gains of the day. He carried the ball eight times for 12 yards. He also caught eight of nine targets for 48 yards. He has 353 receiving yards on the year.

The Patriots will face the Packers in Week 13.

Bears running back Ka'Deem Carey received limited reps Week 12 against the Bucs.

Carey carried the ball three times, gaining 3 yards. He was targeted in the passing game once, but could not come up with a reception. Carey will take on the Lions Week 13. 

The Buccaneers backup running backs did little Week 12 against the Bears.

Charles Sims got the most work, gaining 22 yards on six carries. He also caught two passes for 11 receiving yards. Bobby Rainey received just one carry, gaining 3 yards. He was a much bigger threat in the passing game, picking up three receptions for 18 yards. Fullback Jorvorskie Lane carried the ball one time for 2 yards.

They'll take on the Bengals Week 13.