Daniel Herron's Updated 2014 Fantasy Outlook Heading into Week 12

Indianapolis Colts running back Daniel "Boom" Herron will have an opportunity to be a bigger contributor in the AFC South leaders' high-octane offense in Week 12's matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Kevin Bowen of Colts.com reports that typical Colts feature back Ahmad Bradshaw fractured his fibula in Sunday's loss to New England, according to head coach Chuck Pagano:

That leaves a mostly ineffective, former No. 3 overall draft pick Trent Richardson and Herron to man the backfield. Since Richardson has been a bust to date, Week 12 is a golden chance for Herron to take over the bulk of the workload.

Herron appears poised to make himself a factor, too.

"Obviously you don't want to see anybody get hurt or go down," said Herron, per RTV6's Mike Chappell, "but it's an opportunity for me and I'm definitely going to take advantage of it."

Chappell also recorded Pagano's comments on the situation, which implied Herron would indeed have his shot:

Although Richardson should still be a factor thanks to his pass-catching ability, Herron may be able to take the majority of snaps if he rips off some nice runs. After all, Richardson had zero yards on seven carries in Week 11.

This statistic from ESPN's Mike Wells suggests there's room for Herron to make his mark in critical third-down situations as well:

Fox 59 Indianapolis' Larry Hawley believes Herron is in line for a good look, which bodes well for the ball-carrier's fantasy outlook:

The Jaguars rank 31st in points allowed per game and are the NFL's 26th-ranked rush defense. For those fantasy enthusiasts who are strapped at the RB spot or need a flex-play flier, one could do far worse than adding Herron.

As often as Indianapolis airs it out with Andrew Luck under center, this divisional showdown offers the team favorable circumstances to establish the run better and work toward being a more balanced offense.

Darron Cummings/Associated Press

Since Indy invested a first-round pick of its own in Richardson to acquire him in a trade last year, he ought to be the one the Colts plug in to start. However, don't be surprised if Herron outperforms Richardson and asserts himself as the top runner on the team sooner than later.

Expectations should be tempered at first, though, as Yahoo Sports fantasy guru Brad Evans cautions:

Luck can help open up running lanes with his passing prowess and put both Richardson and Herron in ideal positions to succeed.

That is where Herron may have a considerable edge. If one thing stands out about why Richardson hasn't thrived in the pros as expected, it's that he is too hesitant and dances around too much before getting north and south.

Herron doesn't have a problem running with authority and should get upfield as quickly as possible when he does get carries in order to make his case to supplant Richardson as the starter.

Pagano praised Herron as recently as late October for being explosive, possessing good field vision and running with the conviction Richardson has lacked in his young career.

The only teams with winning records remaining on the Colts' schedule are Cleveland, who has the worst strength of schedule in the NFL and a banged-up defense, and Dallas. Fantasy owners may feel they're taking a risk by acquiring Herron, but it's a modest cost that could pay big dividends in the run up to the playoffs.

Don't get discouraged if Herron doesn't put up big fantasy points versus Jacksonville. Should Richardson stumble, it won't be long before the Colts give up on their considerable investment and instead turn to an alternative in Herron who just might give them a better chance at winning.