11 fantasy football

Week 11 fantasy football waiver wire profile

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will deploy two new running backs in Week 11 after losing starters Doug Martin (shoulder) and Mike James (ankle) to injuries. Coach Greg Schiano offered a sneak preview of the new arrangement on Monday night, handing Brian Leonard a majority of the carries over Bobby Rainey.

But Rainey showed more ability and scored a rushing touchdown, something Leonard hasn't done in his seven year NFL career. It's a fluid situation in Tampa, but does Rainey have a chance of emerging as a viable option in fantasy football leagues?

Background: Was claimed off waivers from the Cleveland Browns after Martin was injured last month. began his career as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens in 2012 and signed with the Browns over the summer. unexpectedly made the Ravens' active roster as a rookie, largely for his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. played a part time role in Cleveland this season with 13 carries for 34 yards in six games. left Western Kentucky as the school's all time rushing leader and set single season records with 369 carries and 1,695 yards in 2011.

2013 stats: 21 rushes, 79 yards, 1 TD; 5 rec., 30 yards, 0 TDs in 8 games.

Numbers and trends: Got fewer carries than Brian Leonard after James suffered the ankle injury Monday night, but turned eight carries into 45 yards and a touchdown. has shown pass catching ability with limited snaps, catching five passes for 30 yards, largely as a No. 3 back in Cleveland and Tampa Bay. at 26 years old, is on the old side as a second year player in the NFL.

Strengths: Has more dynamic ability than Brian Leonard, which should shine through early in the competition to start. scored the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Dolphins, a one yard run that sent a promising message for his fantasy future. despite his size, Leonard hasn't scored a rushing touchdown in seven NFL seasons. pass catching ability makes Rainey an even more promising waiver wire addition in PPR leagues.

Risk factors: Doesn't exactly have a storied NFL career, having entered the league as an undrafted rookie and been released by two teams this season. there are no guarantees that coach Greg Schiano won't defer to Leonard in the early going, making him likely to get a majority of carries.

ESPN ownership: 0.9 percent.

Verdict: Worth a speculative add in deeper leagues as the more talented back in Tampa's backfield; gets bonus points in PPR leagues.