Fantasy Football Week 4: Why Lorenzo Taliaferro Can Save You from the Bye

The dreaded bye week.

Even the best teams in fantasy football are affected by players being unavailable due to the week off.

This week is no different as the Arizona Cardinals, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, St. Louis Rams and Seattle Seahawks all will be enjoying their breaks in the 16-game schedule. 

We all know running back is the premier position in fantasy football. Owners in most leagues are lucky to have one, let alone two dependable backs on their roster. Being able to find the hidden gem amongst your waiver wire will often lead to fantasy football success.

This week, owners of Andre Ellington, Giovani Bernard, Montee Ball, Zac Stacy and Marshawn Lynch will be scouring the wire to find a replacement for their unavailable stars.

That's where little known Baltimore Ravens rookie running back Lorenzo Taliaferro comes in.

Wait, who? 

The former Coastal Carolina standout was drafted in the fourth-round of the 2014 NFL draft. He has moved into a substantial role for a Ravens team with obvious issues at the running back position. Ray Rice has been suspended indefinitely due to his legal issues, while Bernard Pierce has unimpressed even before he missed last Sunday's game because of a thigh injury. 

So why is Taliaferro worth a spot on your roster this weekend? 

For one thing the rookie is talented.

Taliaferro holds almost every rushing record at Coastal Carolina. The 2013 Big South Offensive Player of the Year produced nine 100-yard games, while finding the end zone 27 times in his Senior season. 

CBS Sports had this to say about Taliaferro in their 2014 NFL Draft Preview: 

"

Excellent size at 6-0, 230, and extremely productive college career. Finished among the best of all running backs at the combine with a 6.88-second 3-cone drill to go along with a solid clocking of 4.58 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Could carve out a role as a short-yardage specialist who finishes his runs falling forward. Not shy about contact in providing pass protection.

-Via CBS Sports

"

Taliaferro showed many of these qualities when given an opportunity last week against the Cleveland Browns.

The rookie running back carried the ball 18 times for 91 yards and a touchdown. While fellow running back Justin Forsett got 11 carries of his own, it was Taliaferro who was given the bulk of the work, especially near the goal line. 

Although Pierce should return to action this weekend, owners should pick up Taliaferro with confidence that the rookie will receive a substantial number of attempts. 

Scott Engel of Rotoexperts.com had this to say about Taliaferro on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio.

The more talented back eventually assumes the majority of the snaps, so expect Taliaferro to get his share of carries going forward.

So fellow fantasy enthusiasts, jump on Lorenzo Taliaferro before it is too late. Fantasy running backs often come out of nowhere each season with standout performances. Make sure you grab the Ravens rookie while you still can.