Bryce Brown's Updated 2014 Fantasy Outlook Heading into Week 11

When it comes to forecasting Bryce Brown's fantasy future, it's safe to say things are still looking a bit cloudy.

This was supposed to be Brown's time to shine. After spending time as LeSean McCoy's backup before coming to the Buffalo Bills, where he spent the early portion of the season as a healthy inactive, Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller went down to injury in Week 7, and Brown was seemingly the man to take over the starting gig. 

Ah, but that never quite materialized, did it?

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In Week 8, the team leaned heavily on Anthony Dixon, who rushed 22 times for a plodding 44 yards. In Week 10 after the bye, Brown found himself mired in a three-headed backfield rotation with Dixon and Jackson, turning 13 touches into 100 yards from scrimmage but also losing a fumble near the goal line. 

It was a bittersweet performance. Brown looked dangerous with the ball in his hands, sure, until the ball fatefully slipped from them.

But perhaps Thursday night will offer Brown one last chance to show off his talent. For starters, Jackson won't play, as he tweeted on Thursday evening:

And as Tim Graham of the Buffalo News noted, Brown could be a major part of the game plan:

That's a positive outlook. There are two negatives to consider, however:

1. Anthony Dixon could still steal a ton of touches from Brown.
2. The Miami Dolphins are 10th in rushing defense and allow 16 fantasy points to opposing running backs per week, 14th in the NFL.

In other words, while this isn't an "avoid at all costs" matchup, it isn't an easy one for Brown either.

Generally speaking, it's hard to trust Brown going forward. While he could ultimately end up being the change-of-pace back to complement Jackson once the veteran returns to action, Brown could also find himself in a three-headed committee for the rest of the season. 

Against the Dolphins, he's worth the risk of a spot start at your flex position if you're in a pinch. But once Jackson returns, it's hard to trust Brown as much more than an RB4 who spends the majority of the time sitting firmly on your bench.

Hit me up on Twitter—I'll answer your fantasy questions and make some corny jokes, too. It's more fun than a passing drill against the Chicago Bears defense.