Rashard Mendenhall will be every down back

Jun 19, 2013

Appearing on NFL Network's "NFL AM" Wednesday, Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians confirmed "there's no doubt" that RB Rashard Mendenhall would be the featured back if the season started today.

Arians said, "I know what he can bring to the table as a runner and a pass protector and also a receiver. He's an every-down player. And I think he's looking forward to having an outstanding season."

After touting Mendenhall in March as a "big back who never has to come out of the game," Arians is now making it clear that the former Steelers first-rounder is a three-down running back.

Fantasy Impact:

Mendenhall's early 2012 knee surgery and Achilles tendinitis last season no longer seem to be an issue, according to Arians. We currently rank Mendy at 32, but that's likely to climb a bit. He'll likely be a low-end RB2 option or high end RB3 or flex play most weeks. His ADP is the 7th round. Of course, this means Ryan Williams' value takes a hit and he'll be more of a change of pace option.

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Raiders RB Alexander Mattison set to return Week 15, Sincere McCormick still starting

Levi Edwards

0 minutes ago

Antonio Pierce stated that Sincere McCormick will remain the team’s starting running back even with Alexander Mattison nearing a return this week.

“He deserves it. … He has run his tail off.”

Related Players: Ameer Abdullah

Fantasy Impact:

At 2-11, the Raiders would be silly to not see what they have in McCormick, with 31-year-old Abdullah and Mattison, who is on a one-year contract, only there to give the former UDFA a breather. Consider McCormick a volume-based RB3.

Giants QB Drew Lock in walking boot, Tommy DeVito set to start Week 15

Adam Schefter

1 hour ago

Giants HC Brian Daboll told reporters that QB Drew Lock is in a walking boot due to a heel injury and Tommy DeVito now is expected to start Sunday vs. the Ravens.

Fantasy Impact:

The Ravens path to an overall D/ST1 finish on the week becomes a little clearer. DeVito can safely be kept on benches in SuperFlex leagues on a week with zero byes.

Bills WR Keon Coleman, TE Dalton Kincaid return to practice ahead of Week 15

Ian Rapoport

2 hours ago

Good news on the way for Buffalo: Bills WR Keon Coleman (wrist) and TE Dalton Kincaid (knee) are expected to practice fully today. A positive step forward in advance of the showdown with the Lions.

Fantasy Impact:

It's probably still best to start other options over Kincaid, as he takes on a Lions defense that ranks 4th in TE aFPA, but there could be a ton of points here, so if you're in a bind he makes sense as a top-15ish option.

As for Coleman, he's more in the boom/bust WR4 range as Shakir should continue standing atop the target share.