Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 4: Why You Must Add Montario Hardesty

Peyton Hillis is the go-to guy in Cleveland, the backbone of the Browns' offensive attack. 

But the Madden '12 cover man was under-the-weather to play against the Dolphins on Sunday, and Montario Hardesty made the most of his opportunity as the feature back. 

He rushed for 67 yards on 14 carries and unquestionably brings the home run-hitting dimension to the ground game. 

An ESPN report had this to say following a quick blurb from head coach Pat Shurmur about Hardesty.

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Browns coach Pat Shurmur said Hardesty was "further along" and "can handle more" than he thought. Shurmur knows for the Browns to play consistently they'll need both backs to contribute.

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Hillis returned to practice on Wednesday and Shurmur went on to say that the bruising runner is obviously still the No. 1 guy in Cleveland. 

However, don't be surprised if Shurmur is ready to take the next step with this offense. 

Now that Colt McCoy is showing signs of being more than a game manager, the Browns don't have to hand the ball to Hillis 25-plus times a game. 

Along with that, Hardesty's presence will allow Hillis to rest which could make him even more punishing in the latter stages of games. 

If I'm a Cleveland fan, I'd rather see a Hillis stat line like this:

16 carries, 112 yards 

than this:

27 carries, 140 yards

Sure, you want your best player to have the ball as much as possible, but even for an extremely physical runner like Hillis who plows through defenders, a large amount of carries each week will eventually take its toll. 

Right now, Hardesty is at least worth an add. 

Take notice on how he is utilized in Cleveland in the coming weeks. 

If he continues to show that outstanding burst through the hole, the Browns may have one of the hardest running back duos to stop in the AFC, and you'll have stole a fine scat back in the process.