Fantasy Football Week 9 Start 'Em or Sit 'Em Debate: Beanie Wells

Beanie Wells was supposed to be a breakout performer in 2010, but injuries and inability have left fantasy owners wanting more. Despite taking over lead back duties of late, he has had just 104 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries the past two weeks.  He also has been a virtual non-factor in the passing game, with one reception for 14 yards over that same span.

A knee injury is currently hindering him, though he is expected to take the field on Sunday. The question is, with a 3.4 yards-per-carry average and talk of Tim Hightower being brought back in the mix, is he worth starting over someone like LeGarrette Blount, for instance?

The Minnesota Vikings are generally considered a good rushing defense, despite the fact that they are currently allowing over 100 yards per game. However, our preconceived notions may just not be accurate. Just look at some of the performances against them the past two weeks:

• Week 7 – Brandon Jackson – 58 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries

• Week 8 – BenJarvus Green-Ellis – 112 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries

Is it overwhelming support? No, but with Wells scoring a touchdown each of the past two weeks and the success these two backs have had against Minnesota, expecting Wells to rush for 60 yards and a touchdown is not unreasonable.

As for Blount, he faces off against an Atlanta Falcons defense that ranks among the best in the league against the run. Last week was his first as the lead back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he responded with big numbers (120 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries), though a lot of those numbers were buoyed by a big run late.

The Falcons have done a good job stopping some good running backs the past few weeks:

• Week 5 – Frank Gore – 77 yards and 0 touchdowns on 21 carries

• Week 6 – Peyton Hillis – 28 yards and 0 touchdowns on 10 carries

• Week 7 – LeSean McCoy – 64 yards and 0 touchdowns on 21 carries

• Week 8 – Cedric Benson – 70 yards and 0 touchdowns on 20 carries

Those are four extremely talented backs. Three of them got at least 20 carries and none had more than 77 yards or scored a touchdown. Blount’s big game was nice, and he certainly is worth adding, but with what the Falcons' defense has done it is far from a guarantee that he replicates that success.

Yes, Wells is a risk himself, but I like his potential to produce more than someone like Blount. Given his problems I wouldn’t consider him more then a RB2, but he certainly is worth using in all formats.

What are your thoughts on Wells? Is he someone you would start? 

Make sure to check out all of our Week 9 Rankings:

• Top 25 Quarterbacks
• Top 40 Running Backs
• Top 60 Wide Receivers
• Top 20 Tight Ends
• Top 15 Kickers
• Top 15 Defenses
• Waiver Worthy
• Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em
• Sunday Sleepers

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