Dynasty Alert:Mike Hart–Indy RB of the Future

A lot of attention has been given to the new Tight End Jacob Tamme, who exploded for 6 catches, 64 yards, and a touchdown.  It is clear that Peyton Manning plans to use the Dallas Clark replacement often and in the redzone.  Hopefully you have already read Rizzla’s Week 9 pickups and have Tamme on your roster.   But what about the situation in the Indy backfield?

With Joseph Addai injured, Monday night was Donald Brown’s time to shine. The often-injured 2009 draft pick had not played since week 3 and had a chance to showcase his talent against a weak Houston defense. Add the fact that the Texans’ leader on defense, DeMeco Ryans was out for the season and Monday had the making of a very fantasy-friendly day for Donald Brown.

That was not the case. Although a timeshare was expected between Mike Hart and Donald Brown, Hart appeared to be the supreme back in every possible facet. The 3rd string back averaged 7 yards per carry for 84 yards compared to Brown’s 1.8 yards per carry for a total of just 16 yards.

Sometimes stats can be deceptive since a running back’s success is dependent on other factors. For example, when a team is leading in the fourth quarter, the opposing defense will key in on the run, making it tougher for running backs to gain yardage against an 8-man box. But this was not the case.

Brown had ample opportunity throughout the game to produce yet seemed to be tackled by the first Texan in sight. Mike on the other hand, displayed sharp cutbacks and quick lateral speed, making multiple defenders miss on almost every play.  He also illustrated some deceptive strength, powering through a linebacker for a critical first down.

Donald Brown was drafted last year by the Colts with the intention of replacing Joseph Addai. But he was disappointing last year, playing only 11 games and averaging just 3.6 yards per carry. This year he has averages 3 yards per carry over 4 games.

Patience had been running thin from Brown owners but held on to him because of the recent injury to Addai. With Hart now out-producing him and with Addai returning, Brown will likely be dropped down the Indy depth chart as the 3rd Running Back. That being said, we will have to monitor Hart’s ankle injury to determine whether he will be active in week 9.

Hart rolled his left ankle near the end of the Monday night game and did not return. If the MRI results are negative, I suggest dropping Donald Brown and picking up Mike Hart. If you are in a dynasty league, regardless of the injury, I would pick up Hart.

Brown is currently 29% owned while Hart is 17% owned in Yahoo leagues.

Written by Win My Fantasy League Senior Writer Justin Hasan (J-Has)

Comment below or e-mail him at JHas@WinMyFantasyLeague.com