The Bengals are dealing with an injury to RB Giovani Bernard and into Week 11, Jeremy Hill is the top running back pickup option for Cincinnati, while Theo Riddick, Carlos Hyde, Andre Ellington, Bobby Rainey, Jonathan Stewart, Montee Ball, Branden Oliver and Alfred Morris are all solid start options to replace Bernard if he can't go on Sunday.
Bernard has been one of the best backs in the league this season for PPR league owners, but he is dealing with a hip injury and that could once again open the door for Hill. According to NFL Network, Bernard did not practice this week and he likely will be out on Sunday when the Bengals take on the Saints. The Bengals likely will use Hill as their main back even if Bernard does play, as he likely would be limited if he ended up playing. Hill made the most of his chance last week and he could be in line for another big game on Sunday.
Bernard missed last week/s game against the Browns and that gave Hill another chance after he starred the previous week with over 150 yards rushing. Bernard has 446 rushing yards this season along with 22 catches for 179 yards and he has been developing into a Matt Forte-like back with his work out of the backfield. The Bengals offense has suffered without him and now Hill will likely get the nod again on Sunday against the Saints. Last season Bernard was excellent as a rookie, going for over 1,100 total yards and making 56 catches for 514 yards and three TDs along with five rushing touchdowns.
Hill had 12 carries last week against the Browns, rushing for 55 yards and he also added one six yard reception in the game. Hill has been averaging nearly five yards per carry this season and he has 404 yards on the ground along with 15 catches for 146 yards. Hill has been a solid replacement for Bernard and fantasy owners were wise to grab him when Bernard went down. Andy Dalton has not looked good lately and that could mean increased touches for Hill.
Theo Riddick, Carlos Hyde, Andre Ellington, Bobby Rainey, Jonathan Stewart, Montee Ball, Branden Oliver and Alfred Morris are all names that fantasy owners could look at starting for Bernard this week, but Hill is the best option if they can use him. Hill had 154 yards and two touchdowns two weeks ago for his best game of the season and he is looking to put up a performance like that again this week.
Stewart looks back to normal after dealing with some injuries, while Bobby Rainey has the chance to bounce back after a down game against the Falcons. Rainey and Charles Sims split time with Doug Martin out and he ended up with four catches for 42 yards along with six carries for 14 yards in the game. Carlos Hyde is a boom or bust option, but against the Giants this week he could be a boom with Frank Gore, as the team just allowed over 300 rushing yards to the Seahawks.
