Terrance West Deserves Starting Nod in Fantasy Leagues with Ben Tate Inactive

Terrance West will once again reap the rewards of Ben Tate's absence when the Cleveland Browns face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3.

According to Northeast Ohio Media Group's Mary Kay Cabot, Tate will miss his second-straight game after leaving the season opener with a knee ailment.

That leaves West once again slated as the Browns' premier back. These days, most starting running backs are worth using, so it's hard to see a fantasy manager hoisting better alternatives to fill his or her starting lineup. Besides, the rookie has more than held his own through his first pair of NFL games.

After beginning the season with 100 rushing yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers, West contributed 90 total yards (68 rushing, 22 receiving) and a touchdown in Cleveland's upset over the New Orleans Saints.

Under ESPN's standard scoring, he has amassed more fantasy points than Montee Ball, Matt Forte, Frank Gore and Eddie Lacy. Overall, he ranks No. 13 among running backs.

Fellow rookie Isaiah Crowell began the season with two touchdowns, but he has received 16 carries to West's 35. The third-round pick from Towson has emerged as Cleveland's No. 1 rusher and the one to own and employ in all fantasy formats.

He has proven especially difficult to bring down, as highlighted by Yahoo Sports' Brad Evans:

West is certainly confident in his own abilities, discussing his hometown return with BaltimoreRavens.com's Ryan Mink. 

“I’m just going to approach the game like I approach the game each and every week—have a good week of practice and everything else on Sunday will take care of itself,” West said. “I’m patient, physical, I’ve got great vision. I can catch a pass; I can do it all.”

Despite his own glowing review, there is some trepidation to trusting West against Baltimore, which has stymied two strong AFC North rushing attacks to begin the season. Neither Giovani Bernard nor Le'Veon Bell could inflict much damage on the ground against the Ravens.

Player	Carries	Rush YDs.	Receptions	Rec. YDs
Giovani Bernard (CIN)	14	48	6	42
Le'Veon Bell (PIT)	11	59	5	48

They did, however, make their mark in the receiving game. Bernard caught six passes for 62 yards, while Bell reeled in five receptions for 48 yards. It wasn't the prettiest performance from either star fantasy back, but they both labored their way to 100-yard outings.

Let's hope West's assessment is accurate, and he can indeed factor into the passing game. If Bell or Bernard couldn't rack up the rushing yards against Baltimore, West won't either. Yet most owners will gladly take 100 total yards, some receptions and maybe even a touchdown if all goes well.

When Tate returns, the Browns will have a dilemma on their hands with all those mouths to feed in their backfield. Another strong performance from West could keep him prominent in a timeshare with the former Houston Texans rusher.

Until then, enjoy West while he's Cleveland primary back. Even in a less-than-ideal matchup, he's a solid No. 2 back and strong flex play.