Injuries in football are like calls from an ex; you never know when they're coming but they always suck. An injury to a single key player can completely derail your fantasy season, knocking out the foundation of your team and weekly high scorer. Such was the case Sunday when Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell tore his MCL, ending his season, and Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte suffered a knee injury which could be quite serious.
Not only were both players first-round picks in nearly all fantasy formats, but they were also each enjoying successful seasons. Forte currently ranks fourth among RBs in fantasy scoring having racked up 548 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground while also catching 25 passes for 219 yards and an addition score. Despite missing the first two games due to suspension, Bell ranks eighth with 556 rushing yards and three scores to along with 24 receptions for 136 yards.
With both players sidelined, the question now becomes how can fantasy owners replace them?
"You've heard of DeAngelo Williams and perhaps Jeremy Langford and these running backs will be popular pickups this week, immediately relevant as well," ESPN Fantasy Insider Eric Karabell wrote.
"The veteran Williams shined the first two weeks when Bell was serving a suspension, totaling 38 standard fantasy points, and in relief Sunday with 110 yards from scrimmage in brief duty, and the former Carolina Panthers star - well, he starred that one magical season - has certainly looked rejuvenated at age 32. The rookie Langford is clearly next in line for Jay Cutler handoffs, and boasts a nice Week 9 matchup with the San Diego Chargers. We should have more clarity on Bell and Forte on Monday, but let's unfortunately assume there will be some missed games. Williams is the better pickup. It's surprising how good he has looked this season, and we shouldn't regard him as a fluke."
In the two games Bell missed to start the season, Williams averaged 102 rushing yards while scoring three times on the ground. Though he's received very little work since Bell returned, he is averaging 4.9 yards per carry on the season.
Langford, meanwhile, has not been as impressive though it's hard to judge him off his miniscule workload. In seven games, the fourth-round rookie out of Michigan State has carried the ball 27 times for 80 yards (3.0 YPC) and two touchdowns. He's got solid sub 4.5 40-yard dash speed and is a versatile player though he doesn't break many tackles.
But if you just lost Bell and/or Williams, these are the next guys up in each situation.
