Peyton Hillis Strep Throat: 3 Fantasy Replacements for Browns Power Back

The Cleveland Browns will have to go without tough running back Peyton Hillis when they take on the Miami Dolphins, but don’t fret fantasy owners because there are backups.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter is reporting on twitter that Hillis’ battle with strep throat has made him too sick to compete this week, and he will have to be placed on your fantasy bench.

While this is a devastating blow in deeper leagues, most of the fans in standard leagues have the kind of backups that can ease the pain of this loss. These are three of those players.

Frank Gore—There has been nothing to give fantasy owners the feeling that Gore will have an enormous points day, but the San Francisco 49ers' willingness to continue to hand it off lends itself to a possible breakout game.

While the Cincinnati Bengals run defense isn’t terrible, Gore should have plenty of opportunities to beat a group that has been known to fall asleep at points.

Cedric Benson—The Cincinnati Bengals and Cedric Benson are in the same position as their opponent when it comes to the run game, but Benson has the same odds of having a breakout game as Gore.

This is a real toss-up for starting position, but Benson has a better offensive line and a coach more willing to pass the ball and open up the space needed for a running back to get loose.

Jahvid Best—There should be no way Best is on your bench, but if for some unholy reason he is, Hillis sitting will show you why Best should not only be in your lineup this week, but for the rest of the season.

Best is a factor in the run game and the passing game, and the Detroit Lions will lean more heavily on the young back against a solid defensive squad in the Minnesota Vikings. Expect a big day from the Lions dual threat.

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