News: The Chargers re-signed veteran running back Ronnie Brown to a one-year deal, the team announced Saturday. The move comes on the heels of Friday's signing of former Patriots running back Danny Woodhead to a two-year deal. After six seasons with Miami, Brown moved to Philadelphia in 2011 before signing a one-year deal with the Chargers last June.
Analysis: Brown was a dual-threat back for the Chargers last season and finished third on the team in rushing yards (220) and tied for second in receptions (49). In addition, Brown's 371 receiving yards was the second highest total of his eight-year career. During his six-year run with the Dolphins, Brown never rushed for fewer than 600 yards. With Ryan Mathews healthy, he will serve exclusively as a backup and is a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Chargers running back Ronnie Brown was not much of a factor in Week 17 against the Raiders. Brown, who was dealing with a hamstring injury, rushed for 20 yards on five carries. He also caught one pass for two yards and averaged 3.6 yards per carry.
Analysis: Brown's first year in San Diego didn't go that great as he racked up just 561 total yards (220 rushing) in his first year with the Chargers and did not find the end zone. The 31-year-old will be a free agent next season and with wholesale changes expected in San Diego in 2013, it could be a one-and-done for Brown. Keep an eye on where he ends up next season. However, Brown likely won't have much Fantasy value next year.
News: Chargers running back Ronnie Brown was not much of a factor in Week 17 against the Raiders. Brown, who was dealing with a hamstring injury, rushed for 20 yards on five carries. He also caught one pass for two yards and averaged 3.6 yards per carry.
Analysis: Brown's first year in San Diego didn't go that great as he racked up just 561 total yards (220 rushing) in his first year with the Chargers and did not find the end zone. The 31-year-old will be a free agent next season and with wholesale changes expected in San Diego in 2013, it could be a one-and-done for Brown. Keep an eye on where he ends up next season. However, Brown likely won't have much Fantasy value next year.
News: Chargers running back Ronnie Brown was ruled active for Week 17 against the Raiders, despite being limited in practice Friday with a hamstring injury. Brown, who missed two days of practice earlier in the week with his issue, is expected to split carries with Jackie Battle. Oakland enters the contest allowing an average of 121.8 yards rushing per contest.
Analysis: Brown will play Sunday, but will likely see most of his snaps on third downs. The 31-year-old has racked up just 538 total yards (200 rushing) in his first year in San Diego and is still looking for his first touchdown of the year. Fantasy owners should consider Brown merely a low-end or flex option in deeper formats against Oakland.
News: Chargers running back Ronnie Brown returned to the practice field after missing practice Wednesday and Thursday due to a lingering hamstring injury. He was a limited participant in Friday's session and is listed as questionable for Sunday's season finale at home against the Raiders in Week 17. Brown, who has already been forced to miss one game this season due to his injury, is expected to split carries with Jackie Battle Sunday. Oakland enters the contest allowing an average of 121.8 yards rushing per contest. The Raiders have surrendered 18 touchdowns on the ground while yielding an average of 19.9 Fantasy points, which ranks 28th overall.
Analysis: It's encouraging that Brown returned to practice Friday, which may suggest that he'll be healthy enough to play Sunday, sowe will continue to keep an eye on the situation moving forward. Brown was the second option a week ago, rushing for just 31 yards on five carries, as Battle overshadowed him. The 31-year-old has racked up just 538 total yards (200 rushing) in his first year in San Diego and is still looking for his first touchdown of the year. Fantasy owners should consider Brown merely a low-end flex option, if he ends up playing this week.
News: Chargers running back Ronnie Brown was held out practice yet again Thursday, due to a lingering hamstring injury. Brown, who has already been forced to miss one game this season due to his injury, is expected to split carries with Jackie Battle in San Diego's season finale in Week 17 against the Raiders, as long as he can play through the injury. Oakland enters the contest allowing an average of 121.8 yards rushing per contest. The Raiders have surrendered 18 touchdowns on the ground while yielding an average of 19.9 Fantasy points, which ranks 28th overall.
Analysis: The Chargers have not given many details about Brown’s possible availability in Week 17, so we will continue to keep an eye on the situation moving forward. Brown was the second option a week ago, rushing for just 31 yards on five carries, as Battle overshadowed him. The 31-year-old has racked up just 538 total yards (200 rushing) in his first year in San Diego and is still looking for his first touchdown of the year. Fantasy owners should consider Brown merely a low-end flex option, if he ends up playing this week.
News: Chargers running back Ronnie Brown was held out of practice Wednesday as he continues to be plagued by a hamstring issue. Brown, who has already been forced to miss one game this season due to his injury, is expected to split carries with Jackie Battle in San Diego's season finale in Week 17 against the Raiders. Oakland enters the contest allowing an average of 121.8 yards rushing per contest. The Raiders have surrendered 18 touchdowns on the ground while yielding an average of 19.9 Fantasy points, which ranks 28th overall.
Analysis: The Chargers have been pretty quiet regarding Brown's status heading into their season finale so Fantasy owners will have to monitor the situation in the coming days. However, even if Brown is able to suit up this week, he likely will be used much as he was last week, which was mainly on third downs. The 31-year-old has racked up just 538 total yards (200 rushing) in his first year in San Diego and is still looking for his first touchdown of the year. Fantasy owners should consider Brown merely a low-end flex option if he ends up playing this week.
News: San Diego running back Ronnie Brown posted five carries for 31 yards during the Chargers' 27-17 win over the Jets in Week 16. Brown, who was active for the game after dismissing a minor hamstring issue, notched his second-highest yardage total of the season, but still finished behind Jackie Battle (49 yards). He also managed just two receptions for eight yards while being targeted twice by quarterback Philip Rivers.
Analysis: Brown was expected to play a larger role in the team's running game with Ryan Mathews out for the season, but instead served as the backup to Battle, who drew the start. Brown collected 14 fewer carries than Battle and didn't register his first rushing attempt until the first play of the second quarter. However, neither player ran particularly well as both produced a long gain of just nine yards. Fantasy owners should view Battle as the team's leading ball-carrier for the rest of the season and consider Brown a low-end option for Week 17 against Oakland.
News: San Diego running back Ronnie Brown is active for Week 16 against the Jets after shaking off a minor hamstring issue. Brown could slot into the starting lineup for Sunday's game with Ryan Mathews out for the season with another shoulder injury. It could develop into a favorable matchup for Brown as the Jets rank 29th in the NFL against the run (138.7 rushing yards allowed per game).
Analysis: Brown is still expected to mix with fellow running back Jackie Battle for carries, but he will likely earn the first crack at the lead role. The former Auburn standout has posted a sturdy average of 4.7 yards per carry while also totaling a career-high 46 receptions in the passing game. That could be trouble for the Jets as they have been hampered by inconsistency in the secondary and are giving up an average of 18.8 Fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. Consider Brown a possible flex option in deeper formats for Week 16.
News: San Diego running back Ronnie Brown is considered probable for Week 16 against the Jets due to a lingering hamstring issue that forced him to miss last Sunday's game. Brown was a full participant in practice over the past two days after being limited Wednesday and could slot into the starting lineup at New York with Ryan Mathews out for the season with another shoulder injury. It could develop into a favorable matchup for Brown as the Jets rank 29th in the NFL against the run (138.7 rushing yards allowed per game).
Analysis: Brown is still expected to mix with fellow running back Jackie Battle for carries, but he will likely earn the first crack at the lead role. The former Auburn standout has posted a sturdy average of 4.7 yards per carry while also positing a career-high 46 receptions in the passing game. That could be trouble for the Jets as they have been hampered by inconsistency in the secondary and are giving up an average of 18.8 Fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. Consider Brown a possible flex option in deeper formats for Week 16.
News: Chargers running back Ronnie Brown has been ruled inactive for Week 15 against the Panthers due to a hamstring injury. Jackie Battle is expected to serve as backup to Ryan Mathews in his absence Sunday.
Analysis: Brown has not seen a ton of carries this season but has caught some passes out of the backfield as the third-down back. He has minimal Fantasy value even when healthy so keep the 31-year-old stashed away in deeper formats for Week 15.
News: San Diego running back Ronnie Brown was listed as doubtful on the team's injury report for Week 15 against Carolina due to a hamstring injury. Brown was unable to hit the practice field over the past week and could miss his second game of the season. If active, he would square off against a Panthers defense that ranks 21st in the league against the run, giving up over 121 yards per game, and has allowed an average of 19.3 Fantasy points to opposing running backs.
Analysis: Brown has received just four attempts out of the backfield over the past three games as Ryan Mathews has dominated carries for the Chargers. That is likely to extend into Sunday with Brown highly unlikely to play with the nagging injury. The 31-year-old has been able to contribute in the passing game but Fantasy owners should seek healthier alternatives for Week 15 as Brown was viewed as a low-end option anyway.
News: Chargers running back Ronnie Brown saw just three touches his last time out but should be more involved in the offense in Week 15 against the Panthers. Carolina ranks 21st in the league in run defense, giving up over 121 yards per game, and has allowed an average of 19.3 Fantasy points to opposing running backs. Brown was unable to practice Wednesday due to a groin injury.
Analysis: Brown has seen just four carries in the last three games but continues to catch passes out of the backfield and has a favorable matchup Sunday. The Panthers have given up an average of 48.2 receiving yards to running backs thus far, including one touchdown. While the Chargers will likely rely on Ryan Mathews in the running again, Brown should be able to come up with a few catches and can be considered a low-end option in deeper Fantasy leagues -- especially PPR formats -- for Week 15.
News: Chargers running back Ronnie Brown did not receive a single carry in Week 13 against the Bengals but saw a few passes thrown his way. He was targeted eight times by quarterback Philip Rivers, finishing with four catches for 27 yards in the 20-13 loss.
Analysis: Brown has more yards receiving than he does rushing this season as he continues to see minimal work behind Ryan Mathews in San Diego. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield gives him low-end appeal in Fantasy but leave the 30-year-old for the deepest of formats for Week 14 against the Steelers.
News: Chargers running back Ronnie Brown has seen just 16 carries over the previous four games and could be in for another slow performance behind Ryan Mathews in Week 13 against the Bengals. Cincinnati ranks 17th in the league in run defense, giving up over 116 yards per contest, and has allowed an average of 17.7 Fantasy points to opposing running backs.
Analysis: Brown has nearly as many catches (14) in the last four games as he does carries and has not seen much work of late. While he might be worth a look in deeper IDP formats, the 30-year-old is more of a handcuff option as long as Mathews is healthy. Keep Brown reserved him most Fantasy leagues for Week 13.
News: Chargers running back Ronnie Brown amassed 39 total yards from scrimmage during San Diego's 16-13 overtime loss to Baltimore in Week 12. Brown produced more receiving yards (22) on four catches as he continued to take a backseat to Ryan Mathews out of the backfield. He collected just two carries -- the same number as Jackie Battle -- for 17 yards while Mathews registered 19 rushing attempts for 72 yards.
Analysis: Brown wasn't eating into Mathews' carries earlier this season when the starter was having trouble securing the ball, but his role has been reduced recently. But he remained on the field often during passing situations Sunday and hauled in all four passes thrown in his direction from quarterback Philip Rivers while Mathews earned three targets. Brown still won't make a major impact to make him worthy of utilizing outside of deeper Fantasy PPR formats heading into Week 13 against Cincinnati.
News: With San Diego entrusting Ryan Mathews with more carries following some early season fumbling issues, running back Ronnie Brown has seen his workload drop in recent weeks. Brown enters Week 12 against Baltimore with just four rushing attempts in each of his past two games while totaling just 27 yards in that span. He has added five total catches for 12 yards his past two games, but is unlikely to receive additional work versus the Ravens despite their 27th-ranked run defense (132.2 rushing yards allowed per game).
Analysis: Mathews has struggled to find much running room lately and has averaged less than 3.3 yards per carry over his past two games. But the Chargers haven't received better numbers from Brown as he nearly matched his receiving total (six yards) to his rushing output (nine) in a loss at Denver last Sunday. Baltimore hasn't allowed a rushing touchdown to an opposing running back in the past three games and kept the position out of the end zone through the air all season. Brown is not a recommended Fantasy option in most formats for Week 12.
News: Chargers running back Ronnie Brown was not much of a factor in Week 11 against the Broncos. Brown totaled just 15 yards in the 30-23 defeat, but was unable to get into the end zone. He did most of his damage on the ground as he rushed for 9 yards on six carries. Brown also caught two passes for 6 yards and averaged 1.9 yards per carry.
Analysis: Brown was once again not much of a factor, which unfortunately has been a common theme for the 30-year-old this year. He has totaled just 103 yards from scrimmage over his last three games and usually only sees the field on third downs. Only owners in deeper PPR formats should consider rolling with Brown when the Chargers face the Ravens in Week 12.
News: Chargers running back Ronnie Brown has been much more productive as a receiver rather than a runner heading into his Week 10 matchup against the Broncos. Brown has totaled just 126 yards rushing on 28 carries (4.5ypc) but has racked up 298 yards receiving on 35 receptions over his first eight games of the year. He will now face a Denver defense that is allowing an average of 98.3 yards rushing per game. The Broncos have surrendered six rushing touchdowns while yielding an average of 14.6 Fantasy points to opposing RBs on the year.
Analysis: Brown continues to be used as San Diego's third-down back, but has been seeing some extra snaps over the past few games. However, the 30-year-old hasn't done much with his extra reps as he has totaled just 97 yards over his last two games. Brown now looks to have another fairly tough matchup on tap as the Broncos have done a nice job limiting the production of opposing RBs thus far. Denver has only allowed one rushing score over its last four games, which doesn't bode well for Brown, who is still looking for his first score of the year. Fantasy owners should consider Brown more of a low-end or flex option this week.
News: Chargers rusher Ronnie Brown had more carries (four) than catches (three) despite getting some pretty decent playing time at Tampa Bay in Week 10. He had 18 yards on his four rushes but just 6 yards on his three grabs.
Analysis: We suppose Brown is still worth considering as a one-week replacement rusher or low-end flex in PPR leagues. He can't be counted on for big stats otherwise. He'll probably play a decent amount against the Broncos in Week 11.
News:Ronnie Brown will play at the Buccaneers in Week 10, a matchup that should yield some decent playing time. Tampa Bay's offense could push the Chargers into throwing a bunch in the second half, and Brown seems to play a lot in long passing downs and in the hurry-up offense. Thanks to that slate of work, Brown has at least five catches in three of his last four games, adding at least two carries in each of those four games.
Analysis: Brown has at least 70 total yards in three of his last five games and does play a pretty decent amount considering how much the Chargers typically like to use Ryan Mathews. If you're desperate for a running back this week, particularly in PPR formats, Brown will do.
News: San Diego running back Ronnie Brown had perhaps his best game of the season in the Week 8 loss at Cleveland as he heads into Week 9 at home against the Chiefs. Brown rushed for just 17 yards but caught seven passes for 85 more in the game. Brown has 15 catches in his last three games as he has improved his Fantasy production from earlier in the season. For Week 9 on Thursday night, Brown faces a Chiefs team allowing the seventh-most Fantasy points per game to opposing running backs on the season. Kansas City has given up 370 receiving yards to RBs and two receiving touchdowns on the year. In fact, not many teams have allowed more pass-catching production from opposing RBs than have the Chiefs.
Analysis: Brown was not used in the running game the last time the Chargers played the Chiefs back in Week 4. That said, he did make three catches in that game. The Chiefs have allowed plenty of production in the passing game to opposing running backs, but the last RB to score a receiving TD against them came in that Week 4 game. However, it was Jackie Battle who caught the TD pass. Brown really hasn't produced consistently this season and is going to be a tough option to count on in the Week 9 Thursday night contest. Only use him as a last-resort in Fantasy play.
News: The weather in Cleveland Sunday made getting anything done down the field in the passing game a tough prospect for both the Browns and Chargers. As a result, San Diego leaned heavily on running backs in the passing game, with Ronnie Brown leading the team with 85 receiving yards on seven catches. Quarterback Philip Rivers completed seven of eight passes thrown Browns’ way; he was just 11 for 26 on all other attempts in the game. The Chargers would go on to lose the game, 7-6. Brown added four rushes for 17 yards.
Analysis: Brown does little in the rushing game, but he has emerged as a solid option for the Chargers in a third-down role. He now has 28 catches for 257 yards this season, with just 18 carries for 70 yards. Brown continues to have low-end value in PPR formats, though a touchdown every once in a while would be nice too. The Chargers will face the Chiefs in Week 9, a team that allowed 4.3 catches for 55.1 yards per game to opposing running backs. Consider Brown a low-end flier in deeper IDP Fantasy formats for Thursday night.
News: If Chargers wide receiver Robert Meachem struggled to get going in Week 8 against the Browns, blame it on what he knows to be a tough matchup. “Great player,” Meachem said. “I think in the future, [Joe Haden’s] one of these guys, you may be saying, 'Hall of Famer' in the future.” Meachem has failed to make much of an impact even against far less talented defensive backs this season, with just 12 catches for 189 yards in six games.
Analysis: Meachem has been a big disappointment this season for the Chargers, so maybe he is just trying to temper expectations for this Sunday by talking up his opponent. The Browns have struggled against the pass, with opposing wide receivers managing 30.3 Fantasy points per game this season. However, Meachem’s track record makes him unworthy of consideration outside of the deepest Fantasy leagues in Week 8.
News: Chargers running back Ronnie Brown enters Week 8 against the Browns receiving a decent share of the team’s snaps over the last few games. According to SI.com, Brown saw 32 of the team’s snaps in Week 6 against Denver, compared to 40 for starter Ryan Mathews. Brown is the team’s third-down and passing-down back, and that role does not look likely to change moving forward.
Analysis: The Browns are allowing 122.4 rushing yards per game this season, so the Chargers’ backs might have room to operate. Still, he has made more of a mark catching passes out of the backfield this season, with 20 catches for 172 yards, compared to 14 rushes for 53. The Chargers may have to pass the ball quite a bit again Sunday due to a porous defense, however Brown has little value outside of PPR formats for Week 8.
News: Chargers running back Ronnie Brown was not much of a factor in Week 6 against the Broncos. Brown finished with just 13 yards rushing on three carries in the 35-24 defeat and was unable to get into the end zone. He also hauled in three receptions for 23 yards but once again took a backseat to Ryan Mathews, who racked up 93 total yards on 26 touches.
Analysis: Brown continues to be used as more of a third-down back, which continues to limit his production most weeks. While he may turn in the occasional decent performance, Brown has yet total more than 50 yards in any one of his six games on the year and has yet to find the end zone. Fantasy owners should continue to view the 30-year-old as more of a low-end reserve option in most formats when the Chargers travel to Cleveland to face the Browns in Week 8. San Diego has a bye in Week 7.
News: Chargers running back Ronnie Brown seems to have found a nice niche in the offense heading into Week 6 against the Broncos. While Brown has yet to reach 30 rushing yards in a game this season, he has totaled 199 receiving yards over the last three games, as the team’s primary third-down back.
Analysis: Brown has long been a solid receiver out of the backfield, averaging 8.2 yards per reception in his career. He has at least 30 catches in all but two of his NFL seasons, despite being limited to less than full-time play in most of his seasons. The Chargers like to pass the ball, and they might need to do that a lot in a touch matchup against the Broncos Monday night. The Broncos have allowed just one receiving touchdown to opposing running backs this season, and Brown should be considered a low-end flex Fantasy option for Week 6.
News: Chargers running back Ronnie Brown totaled more than 70 yards Week 5 at New Orleans. Brown had two carries for 27 yards and five catches for 47 yards.
Analysis: Brown began the 2012 season with a big opportunity to make an impact with Ryan Mathews battling an injury. Unfortunately, Brown didn't take hold of the running back job and was eventually passed on the depth chart by Jackie Battle. Mathews is now back in action as well, but the Chargers have found a role for Brown as a third-down back. Sadly, that doesn't make him a reliable Fantasy option, so Brown continues to have marginal Fantasy appeal.
News: Chargers running back Ronnie Brown didn't get a carry in the Week 4 win at Kansas City. That said, Brown was featured in the passing game as quarterback Philip Rivers targeted him three times. Brown caught all three passes for 50 yards to finish second on the team in yardage behind Antonio Gates. Brown had a long catch of 21 yards and did not score in the contest.
Analysis: Brown failed to get a rushing attempt for the first time all season but still managed a handful of Fantasy points through the air. He's been featured in the passing game much more often, but that still isn't enough to make him a viable Fantasy option. Brown can be avoided Week 5 at New Orleans.
News: Chargers running back Ronnie Brown was ruled a healthy scratch for Week 3 against the Falcons. Brown was not listed on the team's injury report this week and no injuries were announced once inactives were released.
Analysis: Brown appears to be on the outside looking in at the moment as he was a healthy scratch for Week 3. There has been no official announcement from the team regarding why he was scratched, so owners should keep an eye on the situation moving forward. However, Brown does not appear to have a ton of Fantasy value at the moment.
News: Chargers running back Ronnie Brown will be looking to find the end zone for the first time this season in Week 3 against the Falcons. Brown has racked up just 65 total yards of offense over his first two games on 22 total touches. He has done most of his damage as a receiver as he has nine catches for 52 yards on the year. The Falcons are ranked 24th in run defense, allowing 135 rushing yards per game.
Analysis: Brown saw a decent number of touches with Ryan Mathews sidelined the past few weeks, but that is expected to change this week. With Mathews expected to make his season debut Sunday, Brown will likely be relegated to the team's third-down back, which will limited his touches. Unless Mathews is once again ruled a surprise inactive, Brown should be left on the bench in most formats in Week 3.
News: Chargers running back Ronnie Brown was not much of a factor in Week 2 against the Titans. Brown was held to just 8 yards rushing on 4 carries in the 38-10 win and had a long of 3 yards. However, he did haul in four catches for 26 yards and appeared to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter. However, the play was overturned by replay and Jackie Battle ended up scoring a few plays later.
Analysis: Brown once again saw a decent number of snaps Sunday with Ryan Mathews once again sidelined but that is expected to change moving forward. Mathews is expected to make his season debut when the Falcons come to town in Week 3, which will limit how snaps Brown sees. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on the injury report as the week progresses. As long as Mathews is healthy and active, Brown won't be worth using in most leagues.
News: With Ryan Mathews' status once again in doubt, running back Ronnie Brown could be thrust right back in the starting lineup in Week 2 against the Titans. Brown started in place of Mathews in San Diego's opening week win over the Raiders but finished with just 5 yards rushing on five carries in the 22-14 win. He also hauled in five receptions for 26 yards. The Titans surrendered 162 yards and a touchdown in Week 1.
Analysis: Brown would normally only see a handful of touches this Sunday if Mathews was healthy but now could wind up starting again. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on Mathews status leading up to kickoff. If Mathews is ruled active and starts, Brown will not be worth using in most formats. However, if Brown winds up starting, he could be worth starting in deeper formats, despite his disappointing Week 1 performance. Just keep in mind Curtis Brinkley will likely also see some touches.
News: Chargers running back Ronnie Brown was unable to find many running lanes during Week 1 against the Raiders. Brown, who started in place of the injured Ryan Mathews, was held to just 5 yards on five carries in the 22-14 win. His longest run went for just 4 yards and he was outperformed by Curtis Brinkley, who finished with 12 yards on 10 carries. Brown did haul in five receptions for 26 yards but was unable to get in the end zone in the victory.
Analysis: Owners were expecting a big performance from Brown Monday night, but he had a hard time getting himslef going. The Chargers almost seemed to abandon the run at times before coach Norv Turner eventually started giving Brinkley carries. That might be it for Brown as a starter as Mathews is expected to get back on the field in Week 2 when the Titans head to town. The 30-year-old will move back into a reserve role once that happens, which will severely limit his touches. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on Mathews' status heading into next Sunday's matchup. If Mathews is active, Brown would not be worth starting in most leagues in Week 2.
News: San Diego running back Ronnie Brown is expected to receive an increased workload during the team's Week 1 matchup against Oakland after Ryan Mathews was officially ruled out Saturday. Brown, who is in his first season with the Chargers, is expected to start in Monday's season opener. "Ronnie Brown, I'd like to see him be very involved in the offense," coach Norv Turner told U-T San Diego. Curtis Brinkley, Jackie Battle and Le'Ron McClain also could earn additional carries while backing up Brown. "I like our running backs," Turner said.
Analysis: Brown hasn't served as a lead since the 2010 campaign with Miami as he registered only 42 total touches in his only season with Philadelphia last year. He could come close to 20 touches against the Raiders, a feat he has not accomplished since Nov. 28, 2010, when he had 24 carries for 85 yards. "When a coach has the confidence in you to be able to put the ball in your hands," Brown said. "I think that always says something." Oakland ranked 27th in run defense last season, allowing an average of 136.1 yards per game. The Raiders also permitted an average of 20.4 Fantasy points to opposing running backs last year. Consider Brown a quality replacement in most Fantasy formats for Week 1.
News: With Ryan Mathews' status in doubt for Week 1 against the Raiders, Chargers running back Ronnie Brown will be expected to shoulder most of the carries. Mathews admitted Friday that he likely won't play Monday night and Brown has been working with the first team offense in practice this week. Oakland ranked 27th in run defense last season, allowing an average of 136.1 rushing yards per game. The Raiders surrendered 15 touchdowns on the ground and allowed an average of 20.4 Fantasy points to opposing RBs on the year.
Analysis: While nothing official has been announced just yet, it sounds like Mathews will not be able to suit up Monday night. That means the Chargers will likely have to rely on Brown as well as Jackie Battle and Curtis Brinkley as the team's main ball carriers. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on the situation moving forward as the club's official injury report will be released Saturday. Whoever winds up starting for the Chargers looks to have a very favorable matchup against an Oakland defense that struggled to defend the run last season. If Brown gets the call, he can be considered a No. 2 Fantasy RB heading into Week 1.
News: According to Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego, "it's no secret" that Norv turner likes Ronnie Brown as the replacement for the injured Ryan Mathews, who is expected to miss the start of the season.Turner has said that he would like to give the lead member of his Mathews-less backfield 20 carries, and then have the other backs, "feed off of that."
Analysis: When pressed on whether or not Brown would be the lead back, Turner smiled and said, "he could be the guy." The coquettish coach had earlier called Brown a "complete player." This all adds up to Brown being the late-round handcuff you want if you have drafted Mathews. Brown may not have value past Week 3, when Mathews is likely to return, but for the early part of the year, Brown -- who thrice eclipsed 900 rushing yards and 200 receiving yards in his first four seasons -- could be a solid start.
News: With most of the starters on offense on the bench, San Diego running back Ronnie Brown did not get many touches during Friday's preseason game against the Vikings. Brown, who was involved in the first couple of series on offense, took a handoff for six yards and took a short pass for eight yards for his only production of the night. He has 30 yards on 10 carries through his first three preseason games.
Analysis: With Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates out, head coach Norv Turner kept Brown to a limited role during the team's third preseason game. Turner may bench most of his starters again in preparation for Week 1 of the regular season. With Ryan Mathews recovering from a broken right clavicle, Brown may get some looks with the first-team offense and potentially start the first game of the season. We'll continue to monitor the running back situation in San Diego heading into the start of the season. For now, Brown could be worth adding in free agency or in the later rounds on Draft Day as a handcuff option for Mathews.
News: San Diego running back Ronnie Brown took the start and was involved during the first four series on offense against the Cowboys Saturday night. He touched the ball 10 times for 53 total yards as he proved to be more effective as a pass catcher compared to his work through the ground. Brown had six carries for 16 yards, averaging just 2.7 yards per run, and finished with four receptions for 37 yards, as he was the most targeted player for the Chargers.
Analysis: Brown played pretty well catching short passes from Philip Rivers but could not get it going on the ground, despite being the Chargers' top rusher Saturday night. He will continue to get more looks with the first team as Ryan Mathews is recovering from a broken right clavicle. Though Mathews expects to be ready by the start of the regular season, the Chargers are still making plans for the remainder of the preseason and possibly Week 1. Brown could split carries with Le'Ron McClain and Curtis Brinkley, at least until Mathews is able to return. For now, he is worth adding in free agency and in the late rounds on Draft Day as a handcuff option for Mathews owners.
News: Though Ryan Mathews expects to be ready by the start of the regular season, the Chargers are still making plans for the remainder of the preseason and possibly Week 1. Coach Norv Turner told the San Diego Union Times Sunday that he will likely split carries between Ronnie Brown, Le'Ron McClain and Curtis Brinkley, at least until Mathews is able to return.
Analysis: There was some hope for Brown that he would be able to earn some starts in the regular season, but Mathews' seems very confident that he will be able to return for Week 1, so that definitely would hurt Brown's value. At this point, he should remain more of a third-down back, once Mathews returns, though any setback might land Brown in the starting lineup when the season begins. For now, he is worth adding in free agency and in the late rounds on Draft Day as a handcuff option for Mathews owners.
News: Chargers running back Ronnie Brown might have gotten some good news at the expense of a teammate Thursday, as starter Ryan Mathews suffered a broken right clavicle during Thursday’s preseason opener. That should put Brown in the driver’s seat to open the season as the team’s No. 1 running back, at least for the first few weeks of the regular season. Brown did not see much of an increase in his role Thursday, as he had just three rushes for eight yards in a 21-13 win over the Packers. Mathews is expected to be out 4-6 weeks. “That's why Ronnie Brown's here,” coach Norv Turner said. “I think you're going to have situations where you're not going to have everybody. That's what I've been talking about since April after the draft and after we signed these players, we've protected ourselves in those situations. If someone goes down, we have answers. We have guys who can step in and go.”
Analysis: Brown is a versatile veteran running back, but he is coming off a season in which he had just 136 rushing yards for the Ealges, so it is fair to say how much he has left at the age of 30. He was already expected to steal some carries as a third-down back, but he might see a significant role, at least for the first few weeks. At this point, Brown becomes worthy of adding in free agency for Mathews' owners who have already drafted, and might be a solid Fantasy handcuff option in the late rounds on Draft Day, especially given Matthews' inability to stay healthy.
News: FOX Sports reports Chargers head coach Norv Turner expects running back Ronnie Brown to play a "major third-down role" for the team this season. Brown signed with the Chargers in June and was expected to back up starter Ryan Mathews, who according to Turner would be leaned upon heavily this season.
Analysis: While we could see Brown play a handful of snaps per game, we'd be surprised to see him have a "major" role doing anything this season. Ryan Mathews is easily the best rusher in San Diego and among the candidates to finish the year as a Top 5 option. Brown might be worth a late-round handcuff for those owners who take Mathews with a first-round pick. We'll see how this develops during the preseason.
News: The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Chargers running back Ronnie Brown feels his skill set is “pretty much the same” despite turning 30. “It's kind of weird,” said Brown, who signed a one-year contract in San Diego. “I guess when you turn 30, people just automatically look and be like, 'He's old.' But when I look at the situation, I'd probably take four or five years away given the fact that I've never had to really carry the load, whether it was Auburn or Miami. I've been one of those guys that's split time.” Brown has never sniffed 300 carries in a single season. The closest he came was in 2006 when he had 241 with the Dolphins. In college, he shared a backfield with Cadillac Williams, never totaling more than 175.
Analysis: There's another number that follows Brown to San Diego: 3.2. It's how many yards he averaged per carry with the Eagles last year. The eighth-year veteran had 42 rushes for 136 yards and a touchdown, all career lows. He played 10 or fewer snaps in 12 of 16 games, and Brown pointed to the inconsistent usage as a factor for his struggles. He says he's now better for them, able to accept and better prepare for what'll be a reserve role behind Ryan Mathews. Curtis Brinkley and rookies Edwin Baker and Michael Hayes are also competing for a roster spot at running back, and fullback Le'Ron McClain is expected to see his share of touches. But Brown is the likely handcuff option for Mathews, and he should be drafted with a late-round pick in deeper leagues.
News: The Chargers have agreed to a one-year deal with Ronnie Brown. He's expected to back up Ryan Mathews. Brown, a former first-round pick of the Dolphins, backed up Eagles running back LeSean McCoy last season and put up a pedestrian 136 yards on 42 carries (3.2 rushing average) with one touchdown. He didn't make a single catch.
Analysis: Brown hasn't averaged 4.0 yards per carry since 2009, which is the same year he suffered a Lisfranc foot injury. He hasn't been the same since. We wouldn't draft Brown even as a handcuff for Mathews.
News: Eagles RB Ronnie Brown could see a boost in Fantasy value for Week 17 against Washington. NFL.com reports that LeSean McCoy may miss the game due to an injury and that would have Brown getting the bulk of the carries against the Redskins.
Analysis: The Eagles have little to play for and won't risk further injuring McCoy on Sunday. He's likely to miss the game and that could have Brown's value as high as it has been all year. Fantasy owners who have McCoy will want to rush out and get Brown for the final week of the regular season. Brown rushed eight times for 33 yards against the Cowboys last week. He could be a No. 3 Fantasy RB with McCoy out for Week 17. If McCoy plays, however, Brown will have little value as always.
News: Eagles RB Ronnie Brown got some action on Saturday after LeSean McCoy dealt with an ankle injury. Brownd carried the ball eight times for 33 yards. Philly would win the game, 20-7.
Analysis: Brown had been dealing with a hamstring injury but looked fine on Saturday. The only reason he got significant touches was because of McCoy leaving for a bit. Brown is still just a handcuff option, but if the Eagles decide not to play it's starters in Week 17, Brown could get plenty of touches. Fantasy owners that are still in the playoffs should monitor this scenario heading into this matchup with the Redskins.
News: Eagles RB Ronnie Brown was active for Week 16 against the Cowboys. He's been dealing with a hamstring injury.
Analysis: Brown gets most of his work during mop-up duty, so it's obvious he is a handcuff option for LeSean McCoy owners. In terms of value, Brown has little in Fantasy and should be reserve in all leagues where he is owned.
News: Philadelphia RB Ronnie Brown is listed as probable for Saturday's game versus Dallas. The veteran back is dealing with a hamstring injury.
Analysis: Brown gets most of his work during mop-up duty, so it's obvious he is a handcuff option for LeSean McCoy owners. In terms of value, Brown has little in Fantasy and should be reserve in all leagues where he is owned.
News: Eagles RB Ronnie Brown got some carries towards the end of the Eagles’ 45-19 victory over the Jets. Brown ended the game with just 18 yards on six carries, as starter LeSean McCoy shined. Brown finished the game without a catch, and wasn’t even targeted in the passing game, as he got very little usage overall.
Analysis: Brown has been seldom-used, as McCoy has emerged as arguably the best back in football. Brown has just 89 yards on the season on 28 carries, for a 3.18 yards per carry average. The Eagles’ Week 16 opponent, Dallas, has been a middle-of-the-road team against the run, but even if they were the worst defense in the NFL against the run, we wouldn’t be recommending Brown as a Fantasy option. He has shown very little of his old explosiveness in his age-30 season, and has no value in Fantasy leagues outside at this point in the season.
News: Philly RB Ronnie Brown was officially probable for Week 15. He suffered a hamstring injury on the final play of Sunday's game against the Dolphins. New York ranks 14th in the league in run defense, giving up under 110 yards per game, and has allowed an average of 15.4 Fantasy points to opposing running backs.
Analysis: Brown has been a small factor on offense as a backup RB to LeSean McCoy. It looks as though he will play in Week 15 but continue to keep him reserved in the majority of Fantasy leagues. He remains a viable handcuff option to McCoy, though.
News: Eagles RB Ronnie Brown was a full participant in practice on Wednesday as he prepared for Week 15 against the Jets. He suffered a hamstring injury on the final play of Sunday's game against the Dolphins. New York ranks 14th in the league in run defense, giving up under 110 yards per game, and has allowed an average of 15.4 Fantasy points to opposing running backs.
Analysis: Brown has been a small factor on offense as a backup RB to LeSean McCoy. It looks as though he will play in Week 15 but continue to keep him reserved in the majority of Fantasy leagues. He remains a viable handcuff option to McCoy, though.
News: Eagles coach Andy Reid said RB Ronnie Brown suffered a straight hamstring on the last play of the game Week 14 against the Dolphins. He had three rushes for 4 yards in the win.
Analysis: In past years, this would have been big news. But in 2011, it's not a major headline. Brown has been a small factor on offense as a backup RB to LeSean McCoy. Even if Brown sits out Week 15 vs. N.Y. Jets, it would hardly make a ripple in Fantasy. Continue to look at healthier alternatives.
News: Eagles RB Ronnie Brown was barely involved on Sunday in a Week 14 loss at Miami, his former team. Brown could do nothing facing his former teammates as he rushed just three times in the game for 4 yards. Brown did not make a catch in the game for the Eagles as he was a seldom-used backup to LeSean McCoy. Brown was not even targeted in the passing game by QB Michael Vick.
Analysis: Brown has been an afterthought for the Eagles this season. Brown takes on the Jets at home in Week 15 and New York has been much sharper against running backs of late. New York was giving up huge chunks of offense to RBs earlier in the season, but have allowed just one 100-yard rusher -- Washington's Roy Helu Week 13 -- since BenJarvus Green-Ellis ripped off 136 yards and two touchdowns against them Week 5. Plus, Brown has barely been a factor in the Philadelphia offense since scoring his last touchdown Week 9 against the Bears. Fantasy owners should consider other options for Week 15.
News: Eagles RB Ronnie Brown was held to two carries for 11 yards Thursday night versus the Seahawks. Despite reports that starter LeSean McCoy would be limited with his toe injury he still carried the load for Philadelphia. Brown was not targeted in the passing game. The Eagles would lose the game, 31-14.
Analysis: Even when there is speculation that Brown could see more carries, he doesn't factor into the offense much for the Eagles. In Week 14 Philadelphia faces Miami, a team that has allowed just three rushing scores entering Week 13. Fantasy owners should continue to view Brown as a handcuff option for McCoy. As long as McCoy is able to play, Brown doesn't have much Fantasy value.
News: Eagles RB Ronnie Brown did touch the ball in Week 12 against the Patriots. It was the third time this season he did not record any stats.
Analysis: Brown continues to see time mainly on special teams in Philadelphia and it looks as though his role will not change as long as LeSean McCoy is healthy. While he remains a viable handcuff option, continue to ignore him in the majority of Fantasy leagues heading into Week 13 against the Seahawks.
News: Eagles RB Ronnie Brown has been little-used on offense so far this season and that trend should continue in Week 12 against the Patriots. New England ranks 13th in the league in run defense, giving up nearly 105 yards per game, and have allowed an average of 16.6 Fantasy points to opposing running backs.
Analysis: Brown has carried the ball four times for 18 yards over his last six games with one touchdown. He mainly sees carries on short-yardage downs and is not threatening starter LeSean McCoy for touches at this point. Continue to ignore Brown in the majority of Fantasy leagues for Week 12.
News: Eagles RB Ronnie Brown didn't get many touches in Week 11 versus the Giants. He finished the day with one carry for 6 yards. Philadelphia would go on to win the game, 17-10.
Analysis: LeSean McCoy got the bulk of the carries (23), which left Brown out of the picture. He remains more of a handcuff option in Fantasy formats and is not a recommended start with McCoy healthy. Philadelphia goes up against New England in Week 12, a team that has been giving up 103.1 rushing yards per contest. The Patriots have also given up just seven touchdowns on the ground -- as of Week 11.
News: Eagles RB Ronnie Brown had just one carry last weekend, but managed to find the end zone on that run. In Week 11, Philadelphia faces New York. In the first meeting between these teams, Brown had three carries for 6 yards. The Giants are allowing 121.6 rushing yards per game this season and have given up 10 rushing scores in nine games. Opposing running backs are averaging 18.56 Fantasy points per contest versus the Giants so far this season.
Analysis: LeSean McCoy remains the motor in Philadelphia and Brown is his steady backup. Over his last four games, Brown has two carries for 8 yards and a touchdown. Fantasy owners should continue to view Brown as a handcuff option for McCoy and is not a recommended start for Week 11.
News: Eagles RB Ronnie Brown found the end zone on Monday night against the Bears in Week 9. Brown scored in the third quarter on a 4-yard run for the Eagles. For Brown, the touchdown was his only carry or touch of the football in the game. He was targeted once in the passing game but did not make a catch.
Analysis: Brown now has exactly two carries for 8 yards and the touchdown in his last four games for the Eagles. LeSean McCoy is the main man running the football in Philadelphia and that is not going to change heading into Week 10 against Arizona. Brown is not a recommended Fantasy start at this time.
News: Eagles RB Dion Lewis, who missed last week's contest after being in a car accident, is completely healthy and ready to return kickoffs vs. the Bears in Week 9. That means RB Ronnie Brown's role may be severely reduced on Monday night. Brown, who is now listed as the No. 3 RB on the depth chart, returned kickoffs last week against Dallas.
Analysis: Brown has seemed to have fallen out of favor in Philadelphia at the moment. He has been jumped on the depth chart by Dion Lewis and could have a hard time seeing much of the field as the No. 3 RB. The Bears are allowing an average of 13.7 Fantasy points to opposing RBs on the season, but since Brown's touches will likely be limited, we do not recommend starting him in Week 9.
News: It's been a rough few weeks for Philadelphia RB Ronnie Brown. He was traded to Detroit, but the trade was voided. Then he was demoted on the depth chart, but saw some playing time in Week 8 after Dion Lewis was inactive. Brown had one carry for 4 yards for the Eagles. He wasn't targeted in the passing game, but did return one kickoff for 25 yards. Philadelphia would win the game, 34-7.
Analysis: Brown is still a handcuff option for LeSean McCoy owners, but with Dion Lewis in the mix now Brown's stock is falling. Fantasy owners should not be starting Brown at this time as he's not a recommended RB option for Week 9 against Chicago. The Bears are allowing 108.7 rushing yards per contest this season.
News: Philadelphia moved rookie RB Dion Lewis to No. 2 on the depth chart, which means veteran Ronnie Brown has slipped a notch. The Eagles had tried to trade Brown to the Lions at the trade deadline, but it was voided after Jerome Harrison was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Brown has said he's trying to stay positive and is trying to keep it professional.
Analysis: Brown and the Eagles face the Cowboys in Week 8, a team that is the best in the NFL versus the run. Even if Brown wasn't demoted he wouldn't be a very good Fantasy option for this Sunday. But seeing how he's been moved down the depth chart his stock has fallen. He's not even a handcuff option for LeSean McCoy. Feel free to drop him, perhaps even picking up Lewis as a handcuff.
News: Philadelphia RB Ronnie Brown said he is not expecting an awkward feeling when he returns to the Eagles locker room for the first time since a voided trade with Detroit. "Not really. I'm just trying to keep it professional," Brown said Monday. "I'm here and I'm an Eagle and whatever I'm asked to do, I'm going to do that with a level of professionalism. ... This is a business and you realize that."
Analysis: Brown said he was disappointed when the trade to the Lions crumbled as he likely would have received more playing time than he did backing up Eagles RB LeSean McCoy. "It was an opportunity to get some carries," Brown said. "I was involved in the game plan with them. I was excited about that." Now that he's back with Philadelphia, Fantasy owners should not consider him a worthwhile RB option in the majority of formats.
News: According to ESPN, Philadelphia's trade of RB Ronnie Brown to Detroit was voided Wednesday night after RB Jerome Harrison reportedly had health issues. Brown was dealt to the Lions at Tuesday's NFL Trade Deadline in exchange for Harrison and a 2013 draft pick.
Analysis: Brown was expected to see an expanded role with his new team after starting RB Jahvid Best was limited with a concussion and his status for Week 7 in doubt. Brown, the second overall selection in the 2005 NFL Draft, has tallied just 13 carries for 38 yards and no touchdowns this season. He will likely return to his reduced role with the Eagles and should not be utilized as a starting option in the majority of Fantasy formats.
News: The Eagles announced at Tuesday's trade deadline that they traded RB Ronnie Brown to Detroit in exchange for a 2013 draft pick and RB Jerome Harrison. Brown could be in line for a decent role right away for Detroit with Jahvid Best dealing with a concussion.
Analysis: Best has not yet been ruled out for Week 7 against Atlanta, but has several hurdles to clear for that to happen. Brown will be little more than an emergency option for deeper formats. We recommend staying away from him as a starter for now. Maurice Morris is likely to see most of the touches in Best's potential absence.
News: Philadelphia RB Ronnie Brown went his second consecutive game in Week 6 at Washington without an offensive touch. Brown did not touch the ball in the win over the Redskins, though Dion Lewis got into the act behind LeSean McCoy.
Analysis: Brown has not been overly utilitzed by the Eagles this season behind McCoy, and even Lewis has been getting more into the act of late. Brown might be too good for the usage he's getting with Philadelphia, but that doesn't change the fact that he's not getting consistent touches. Brown's Fantasy value has faded to almost non-existence and he definitely shouldn't be used in Week 7 as the Eagles have a bye. The team returns Week 8 against Dallas on Sunday night, but Brown is not a recommended start at this point.
News: Philadelphia RB Ronnie Brown has been little more than a change of pace for the Eagles thus far this season after five games. Brown enters Week 6 at Washington with just 13 carries on the season for 38 yards and no scores. Brown also fumbled in Week 4 against San Francisco to cost his team six points. Brown didn't even get a touch last week in Buffalo. He has one game of experience against the Redskins. That came in 2007 with Miami as he rushed 11 times for 32 yards and caught six passes for 40 more.
Analysis: Brown has been seldom-used by the Eagles this season. Plus, he's facing the Redskins in Week 6, and Washington is allowing the sixth-fewest Fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. Only Ahmad Bradshaw in Week 1 and Beanie Wells in Week 2 have scored rushing touchdowns against the Redskins this season, though Steven Jackson caught a TD pass in Week 4. Fantasy owners should not be starting Brown Week 6.
News: Eagles RB Ronnie Brown cost his team six points after he fumbled on a third-and-1 carry at the goal line in the second quarter Week 4, which was recovered by the 49ers. Brown finished with 15 yards on three carries.
Analysis: Brown hasn't gotten more than four carries in a game this season and won't get many more touches if he keeps putting the football on the ground. Brown's Fantasy value will only increase in the event of a LeSean McCoy injury, so keep him on Fantasy benches heading into Week 5 against the Bills.
News: Eagles RB Ronnie Brown was not a factor in Week 3 against the Giants, as anticipated. He carried just three times for 6 yards in the game.
Analysis: Brown got a drive late in the second quarter after starter LeSean McCoy went to the locker room due to some cramping. He was not able to get much production in that drive. He was also in for a goal line situation, but was not given the ball. Brown remains merely a backup for McCoy and should be treated in the same manner in Fantasy. Barring an injury to the starter, he should not be active in any Fantasy format.
News: Eagles RB Ronnie Brown has not gotten much work in his first two games with Philadelphia. Totaling just seven carries through two games, he is unlikely to see much more work in Week 3 against the Giants, barring an injury to LeSean McCoy. The Giants have allowed 118 yards combined to opposing running backs over the first two weeks of the season. They have allowed one touchdown.
Analysis: Brown could see some work out of the wild cat down by the goal line, but his chances remain slim of making a significant Fantasy impact. While he remains worthy of stashing as insurance for McCoy owners, he is not a player that should be active in any Fantasy format.
News: Eagles RB Ronnie Brown did not see many touches in Week 2 against the Falcons. He carried the ball just three times for 10 yards in the 35-31 loss.
Analysis: Brown has now gained 17 yards on seven carries through the first two games this season as he has been pretty much a non factor in the offense. But with Michael Vick in question for Week 3 against the Giants because of a concussion, the Eagles might have to run the ball more next week. Keep an eye on the situation going forward but until Brown proves his worth on the field, continue to leave him in the bench in the majority of Fantasy leagues.
News: After not posting much stats in Week 1, Eagles RB Ronnie Brown could be in for more of the same in Week 2 against the Falcons. Atlanta gave up 88 yards on the ground last week and allowed 24 Fantasy points to opposing running backs. But being stuck behind LeSean McCoy on the depth chart, Brown isn't expected to have a huge role against the Falcons.
Analysis: Brown has rushed for 110 yards in two career games against the Falcons but that was when he was with the Dolphins and was shouldering the load at running back. He had four carries for 7 yards in his 2011 debut as McCoy saw the majority of the work. While Brown remains a viable handcuff option, he probably won't have much success as long as McCoy is healthy. Heading into Week 2 against the Falcons, leave Brown on the bench in the majority of leagues.
News: Eagles RB Ronnie Brown saw four touches in his official debut with Philadelphia in Week 1 at the Cardinals. He gained seven yards on four carries.
Analysis: Brown was featured on a Wildcat play near the goal line, which could be something to look for over the course of the season. However, barring an injury to starter LeSean McCoy, he will not be a factor in Fantasy. He remains merely a handcuff option.
News: Going into Week 1, Brown is not expected to see many carries behind starter LeSean McCoy.The Eagles will face a Rams defense that allowed just seven touchdowns to opposing RBs in 16 games last year. Yards may be easier to come by, however. Last season, the Rams allowed an average of 113.1 rushing yards per game. That ranked them 17th in the NFL against the run.
Analysis: Brown is likely to give McCoy a breather for a series or two, but will not get enough touches to be useful in Fantasy outside of unforeseen circumstances. While Brown makes for an excellent handcuff option and insurance policy for McCoy owners, he should not be activated in Fantasy for the time being.
News: New Eagles Ronnie Brown made his debut with the team in game action Thursday against the Ravens in the preseason opener. He wasn't able to compile many yards, but he ran hard every time he handled the rock. Brown got nine carries for 22 yards and he added a 7-yard catch while he was in the game.
Analysis: Brown won't get many carries behind the speedy LeSean McCoy, but he provides an inside-running presence that may earn him some goal line carries down the road. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on how he performs going forward, though Brown is still nowhere near as valuable as he once was. Consider him to be a middle to-late round pick on Draft Day, especially for owners who took McCoy with their first pick.
News: Nobody expects new Eagles RB Ronnie Brown to be the lead back in Philadelphia, and coach Andy Reid confirmed it on Wednesday just in case there were any doubts. "He's a smart kid who does everything well," Reid said. "He understands LeSean (McCoy) is the No.1 guy and he doesn't want to disrupt that." Brown was signed to a one-year deal on Tuesday.
Analysis: Brown will be a change-of-pace to the speedy and shifty McCoy, which can potentially help his Fantasy value after a down-turn with Miami over the last few seasons. He has the ability to make plays near the goal line, though it is unclear initially how much he will be involved in the running-game in the pass-happy Philly offense. Keep an eye on his progress early on, especially considering he is one a one-year "prove it" kind of deal. Brown should be considered a middle- to late-round pick in drafts and a must-own for those owners that spend a first-round choice on McCoy.
News: The Eagles continued their onslaught on free agency Tuesday, adding Ronnie Brown with a one-year deal. After being the starter in Miami for his entire career, Brown will head to Philadelphia and back up starter LeSean McCoy.
Analysis: The fit is a good one for Brown since we don't expect him to pick up much in the way of stats each week so long as McCoy is healthy and active. It probably also means he stays healthy since he won't pick up a ton of reps. Remember, it's only a one-year commitment for the Eagles, so they're not going to utilize him much more than they would any other backup behind McCoy. For that reason, we view Brown as more of a middle- to late-round pick in drafts and a must-own for those owners that spend a first-round choice on McCoy.
News: According to ESPN, with RB DeAngelo Williams being re-signed by Carolina, the Dolphins are now looking at bringing back free agent RB Ronnie Brown, who is an unrestricted free agent.
Analysis: Brown will likely sign with a team soon as a result of Williams staying with the Panthers. Brown could also be a candidate to sign in Denver, and another team or two could jump into the mix for his services. His best bet is to stay with the Dolphins, where Brown could share carries with rookie Daniel Thomas. We consider Brown a No. 3 Fantasy RB coming into the year depending on where he ends up.
News: The South Florida Sun Sentinel reports that free agent RB Ronnie Brown said in a local radio interview he is prepared to move on from the Dolphins if the team decides not to bring him back. “I came to the realization that’s a possibility," Brown said. "My biggest thing is being prepared.” Brown expressed disappointment in how his NFL career has gone thus far. He also talked about the journey that’s ahead, and admitted the biggest thing he’s focused on is earning the respect of his new club, and new teammates. He hopes to immediately step into a leadership role. "I feel like I have a whole lot left to give and I’m excited to see what happens,” Brown said. “I think I can still carry the load.” Brown said that his goal is to find a team that puts him in position to win a championship. "I said I’d prefer to go somewhere warm, but coming out of the SEC I’m use to winning,” Brown said. “I want to go get a championship.”
Analysis: We'd be surprised if Brown returned to the Dolphins with the team moving up in the second round to get rookie Daniel Thomas. Still, it could be a possibility that he could return. Where Brown plays will ultimately determine his Fantasy value, but Brown should be considered a No. 3 running back on Draft Day. He had a down year in 2010 and was not among the Top 30 running backs in standard leagues with 200 carries for 734 yards and five touchdowns and 33 catches for 242 yards with two fumbles. If he returns to the Dolphins, which remains a possibility, and ends up sharing carries with Thomas then he would be considered a No. 3 RB on Draft Day. But his value could fluctuate if he goes to a new team as a starter or with a team in a reserve role. Plan on drafting Brown with a mid-round pick and hope he ends up behind a solid offensive line with the chance to get 250-plus touches.
News: Now that the Dolphins have drafted rookie RB Daniel Thomas, veteran Ronnie Brown is making it clear that he's willing to re-sign with the team and help get Thomas acclimated to the pro game. Brown is scheduled to be a free agent when the NFL offseason begins. "I think [Thomas] said he has some work to do as far as learning the running back position. It's going to be tougher for him because of this lockout," Brown told the Miami Herald. "He's going to have a lot of things to pick up fast. It takes a lot more than just athletic ability to be successful and make this transition."
Analysis: With the Dolphins trading up in Round 2 to get Thomas, we suspect the need to re-sign Brown is greatly diminished. Where Brown plays will ultimately determine his Fantasy value, but Brown should be considered a No. 3 running back on Draft Day. He had a down year in 2010 and was not among the Top 30 running backs in standard leagues with 200 carries for 734 yards and five touchdowns and 33 catches for 242 yards with two fumbles. Plan on drafting Brown with a mid-round pick and hope he ends up behind a solid offensive line with the chance to get 250-plus touches.
News: The Miami Herald reports that RB Ronnie Brown is still very interested in returning to the Dolphins even after the team drafted rookie RB Daniel Thomas. Brown is currently a free agent.
Analysis: We'd be surprised if Brown returned to the Dolphins with the team moving up in the second round to get Thomas. Still, it could be a possibility that he could return. Where Brown plays will ultimately determine his Fantasy value, but Brown should be considered a lNo. 3 running back on Draft Day. He had a down year in 2010 and was not among the Top 30 running backs in standard leagues with 200 carries for 734 yards and five touchdowns and 33 catches for 242 yards with two fumbles. If he returns to the Dolphins, which remains a possibility, and ends up sharing carries with Thomas then he would be considered a No. 3 RB on Draft Day. But his value could fluctuate if he goes to a new team as a starter or with a team in a reserve role. Plan on drafting Brown with a mid-round pick and hope he ends up behind a solid offensive line with the chance to get 250-plus touches.
News: The South Florida Sun Sentinel reports Wednesday that RB Ronnie Brown reiterated he would like to return to Miami even though he's a free agent this offseason. “Honestly, I feel that I want to be back because I started something here and got drafted here," Brown said of the Dolphins. "I feel that potentially we have a good football team. I think if we play to our capabilities we could be pretty successful – not only in our conference but in the league.” Though he’ll turn 30 in December, Brown still believes he has a lot left to offer. His experience, he said, would be a positive in any locker room. “Physically, I feel as good as I’ve felt since I’ve been in the league,” he said. “ … I think I bring leadership, not only in a vocal standpoint, but also just trying to do things the right way. Making sure that I’m not late, being accountable … I’m going to give everything I have.”
Analysis: Brown had a down year in 2010 with 976 total yards and seven touchdowns. If he leaves the Dolphins he might not be in a situation to be an every-down back, but he could still end up in a starting role with the right team. And if he returns to Miami he could still be the primary ball-carrier. Keep an eye on where Brown ends up in 2011, and he has the potential to remain a low-end No. 2 Fantasy RB. But heading into the season, Fantasy owners should draft him as a No. 3 option with a mid-round pick.
News: Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano said Tuesday that the Dolphins have a plan moving forward with their running backs, but wouldn't commit to naming who those running backs would be. Both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are free agents this offseason and while one might be back with the club, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports that both backs aren't expected to return. In fact, there's a chance both backs could be shown the door and the team moves on in a different direction. The Sun Sentinel noted that Sparano hinted at free agency a lot and said the team did it's fair share of due diligence on the crop of rookie running backs, including upcoming rookie Mark Ingram. Finally, Sparano was committed to using a committee approach in 2011 and wanted backs that better complimented each other. “I don’t think that there’s many coaches in this room right now that will tell you they just want one back. I don’t think that’s going to happen, even with the teams that have the great backs,” Sparano said. “Last year, and my first couple of years [in Miami] we HAD two really good runners. You need them. It’s too hard of a position, too physical a position. I would probably like those guys to complement each other a little differently, but you don’t always have that luxury.”
Analysis: Brown recently told CBSSports.com that he wants the chance to "do everything" and be an every-down back, but it doesn't sound like that will be with the Dolphins. Brown, 29, had a down year in 2010 with 976 total yards and seven touchdowns. If he leaves the Dolphins he might not be in a situation to be an every-down back, but he could still end up in a starting role with the right team. And if he returns to Miami he could still be the primary ball-carrier. Keep an eye on where Brown ends up in 2011, and he has the potential to remain a low-end No. 2 Fantasy RB. But heading into the season, Fantasy owners should draft him as a No. 3 option with a mid-round pick.
News: In an interview with CBSSports.com, RB Ronnie Brown, who is an impending free agent this offseason, said he would like to return to the Dolphins but is open to moving on. "I want to be somewhere where I can utilize my talents as far as trying to do everything," Brown said. "Whatever situation, whether it’s here with the Dolphins or somewhere else, I want to make sure I’m in a situation where I can play and be utilized as a player. ... I want to be an every-down back. I want to play first, second and third down. Whatever I’m called on to do, I feel like I can do it. I have a lot of confidence in myself in that area."
Analysis: Brown, 29, had a down year in 2010 with 976 total yards and seven touchdowns. If he leaves the Dolphins he might not be in a situation to be an every-down back, but he could still end up in a starting role with the right team. And if he returns to Miami he could still be the primary ball-carrier. Keep an eye on where Brown ends up in 2011, and he has the potential to remain a low-end No. 2 Fantasy RB. But heading into the season, Fantasy owners should draft him as a No. 3 option with a mid-round pick.
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that RB Ronnie Brown does not expect to return to the Dolphins in 2011. The report said the Dolphins haven’t made much of an effort to re-sign him. Brown said that moving forward he’d like to be more involved in the passing game for whatever team he plays for next. Last year, Brown caught 33 passes for 242 yards. That’s about on pace with what he’s done receiving wise throughout his career considering he’s caught 33 passes in 2008 and 2006, and 32 in 2005. His career high was 39 receptions for 389 yards in 2007, and that was done in just seven games.
Analysis: Keep an eye on where Brown plays in 2011 because that will determine his Fantasy value, especially if he's put in a situation to catch more passes. We like Brown as a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy RB in the majority of leagues. His value could improve in a new offense, but if he comes back to the Dolphins he would likely remain the featured RB. He's worth drafting with a mid-round pick.
News: Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland said Tuesday that the team is not ruling out bringing back one of their two primary running backs. Both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are free agents this offseason; Brown (29) totaled 976 yards and seven touchdowns while Williams (33) had 814 yards and three touchdowns. Neither back missed a game due to injury. Williams has specifically expressed interest in leaving the Dolphins, which suggests that Brown could stick around. "Obviously, I can't tell you everything, but there's a chance we could bring one of those guys back, for sure," Ireland said. "We have a long way to go before we get that accomplished."
Analysis: We suspect Brown will return but share carries with a new teammate, possibly a rookie. He'll turn 30 this December and is considered an injury-risk even though he played in every game in 2010. The bottom line is that he's not the fierce multi-dimensional player he was even two seasons ago and isn't worth drafting until the middle rounds of drafts as a potential No. 3 RB.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown had 14 carries on six rushes and three catches for 39 yards as he finished his disappointing 2010 season in miserable fashion as Miami was routed by New England.
Analysis: Brown finishes his season with only 734 yards rushing and five ground scores, easily the worst full campaign of his career. This will result in him slipping down draft boards heading into 2011, and there's no guarantee he'll be back in Miami as a free agent, although the Dolphins might get him for cheap after this disastrous season, and he could get a new offensive coordinator. Brown should be considered a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 option if he returns to Miami, but a change of scenery could surely end up boosting his value.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown heads into Week 17 at New England on Sunday looking to keep his touchdown streak alive. Brown has scored a touchdown in each of his past two games against Buffalo and Detroit, and he has 21 Fantasy points over that span. He faced the Patriots in Week 4 in Miami and finished with just four Fantasy points. Brown has five touchdowns in his past five games at New England, but he's only scored in two of those games.
Analysis: New England has allowed 12 touchdowns to opposing running backs this season, including four in the past five games. The Patriots could also be resting defensive players in this game with the playoffs looming. We consider Brown a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy RB for this matchup. This could also be his last game as a member of the Dolphins since he will head into the offseason as a free agent. Hopefully he will finish strong.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown saved his day for a second straight week Sunday as he scored a touchdown again, this time vs. the Lions in a Week 16 loss. Brown finished with only 37 yards rushing on 12 carries and 34 yards on six catches.
Analysis: Brown managed to at least pick up more than 70 total yards on Sunday, something he had failed to do in his previous two contests. Even with these late scores, Brown has been a massive disappointment this season and should only be trusted in very deep formats for Week 17 at New England, who might sit some starters for some of the game, as they've clinched the top seed in the AFC. Still, Brown can't be trusted outside of deeper leagues as a No. 3 Fantasy RB for that matchup.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown will face the Lions in Week 16 as the running back gets closer to the end of his disappointing 2010 campaign. Coming off a 39-yard performance against the worst rush defense in the league, Brown will face the 24th-ranked run defense on Sunday.
Analysis: Brown saved himself in Week 15 by finding the end zone for the fourth time this season, and he could do the same on Sunday, as the Lions have given up five rushing scores in the last four games. Of course, the Dolphins could just chuck the ball around like crazy as they have done most of the season, so Brown could certainly disappoint once again in Week 16. Consider him just a low-end No. 2 or high-end No. 3 Fantasy option and just hope he finds the end zone if you do use him.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown was supposed to have a great matchup in Week 15 against the Bills, who have the NFL's worth rush defense. Instead, Brown ran only 10 times for 39 yards, but saved his day a little when he scored a 6-yard touchdown from the Wildcat formation. Brown did not catch a pass.
Analysis: Brown averaged 3.9 yards a carry on Sunday, which is actually one-fifth of a yard better than his season average. Unfortunately, the Dolphins continued to rely on the inconsistent arm of QB Chad Henne, as they threw the ball 45 times and ran it only 19 times. That's been the story of the Dolphins offense this season, and Brown has been a Fantasy bust as a result. In Week 16, Miami hosts Detroit, but only a very desperate owner would dare use Brown after this dismal outing.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown will get an early Christmas present in Week 15 when Buffalo visits Miami. The Bills rank dead last against the run this season, allowing 165.8 yards a game. While they held Peyton Hillis out of the end zone in Week 14, Buffalo has given up five rushing scores in the last four games and is allowing Fantasy RBs to average 23.2 points against them, the fourth-highest total in the league.
Analysis: Brown has been a massive Fantasy bust this season, as he ranks 31st among running backs in standard leagues, despite the fact he was drafted as the 16th RB on average before this season. Brown should be able to get going on Sunday though against this awful Bills run defense, although Ricky Williams is always a threat to steal the show. Earlier this season in Buffalo, Brown ran for 65 yards and one of his three touchdowns. Consider Brown a high-end No. 3 Fantasy option for Week 15.
News: Miami RB Ronnie Brown led his team with 55 rushing yards in a rainy Week 14 in New York. He had 16 carries to get that total. He threw one pass out of the Wildcat, but it would fall incomplete. Brown would be targeted two times, but fail to make a catch against the Jets. He has not scored a rushing touchdown since Week 10.
Analysis: Brown is still chasing teammate Ricky Williams for the franchises most 100-yard rushing games. Brown is stuck at 15 and Williams has 24. Heading into Week 15, the Dolphins host the Bills, a team that is dead last in the NFL when it comes to stopping the run. Buffalo entered Week 14 giving up 170 yards on the ground, so Brown and Williams have a favorable matchup. Fantasy owners should view both of them as solid RB options for Week 15.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown needs one more 100-yard rushing game to pass Hall of Famer, Larry Csonka. Both are tied with 15 and chasing Ricky Williams, who has 24 to his credit. Brown has had moderate success against the Jets through his career. In his last five games, Brown has 60 carries for 235 yards and two scores. Both touchdowns came in the same game, which is troubling for Fantasy owners. New York has one of the best defenses against the run. They allow just 87.5 rushing yards per contest. That translates into an average of 11.17 Fantasy points per game.
Analysis: Brown hasn't scored in three straight games, but it's not for lack of effort or touches. In those games he has 43 carries for 145 yards. With a tough matchup in Week 14, and the fact he's still chasing Williams in the history books, Brown should be viewed as a low-end No. 3/high-end No. 4 Fantasy RB option.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown ran 16 times for 50 yards and caught two passes for 27 yards in a Week 13 loss to Cleveland. His longest run only went for 9 yards.
Analysis: Brown, coming off his best outing of the season. didn't find a whole lot of room to run on Sunday against the Cleveland defense, which has allowed just four rushing touchdowns all season. Brown continues to be a massive disappointment in Fantasy play, and his prospects in Week 14 at the Jets aren't very good. If you can afford to, bench Brown in all formats for that matchup.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown heads into Miami's Week 13 game vs. Cleveland coming off his best rushing game of the season, 85 yards against the Raiders. The Browns allow 17.4 Fantasy points a game to opposing running backs, but have given up only four total touchdowns to RBs this season.
Analysis: Brown has been one of the biggest disappointments in Fantasy play this season, but it hasn't been entirely his fault as Miami has been forced to throw the ball a ton because their interior offensive line isn't particularly good. The Dolphins seemed to change things up a little in Week 12 against Oakland, as Brown's 24 carries were his highest of the year, so hopefully they will continue to pound the ball effectively on Sunday. Consider Brown a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy option for Week 13.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown was fairly productive in Week 12 against the Raiders. Brown rushed for 85 yards on a season-high 24 carries in the 33-17 win and was used in the wildcat quite frequently on Sunday. “If we do it the right way … we’re able to move it no matter what the defense is," Brown said. "We kind of got a read on what they were trying to do as far as how they were going to try to defend it.” Brown averaged 3.5 yards per carry and had a long of 8 yards in the victory.
Analysis: While Brown had his most productive game rushing in quite some time on Sunday, he still failed to reach 100 yards for the 16th straight game and did not score in the contest. It was nice to the see the Dolphins commit to running the ball and if Brown should be able to fair a little better in Week 13 against the Browns if he sees another healthy does of carries. Cleveland has struggled to defend the run this season, and with Henne still possibly not at 100 percent, the Dolphins will most likely rely on their running game. Consider Brown a No. 3 Fantasy RB heading against the Browns.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown, who has failed to rush for 100 yards in 15 straight games, will look to end that streak in Week 12 against the Raiders. Oakland is ranked 25th in rush defense, surrendering 128.5 yards per game and are allowing an average of 20.2 Fantasy points to opposing RBs on the season.
Analysis: Brown has not had a good season thus far for Miami and has only scored three rushing touchdowns on the year. The Dolphins still haven't named starting quarterback for Sunday's game, but no no matter who it is, we expect Miami to come out and look to establish the run against Oakland's below-average run defense. However, the Dolphins seem a little discombobulated on offense right now and are dealing with a few injuries on their offensive line. Consider Brown a high-end No. 3 Fantasy RB heading into Week 12.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown failed to reach 100 yards rushing for the 15th straight game in the Week 11 loss to the Bears. He carried the ball three times for 10 yards, both season-lows for Brown. He did manage to haul in three passes from QB Tyler Thigpen, and racked up 19 receiving yards. Brown has just three touchdowns on the season and he is averaging less than 4 yards per carry.
Analysis: Brown has fallen completely off the map in Miami. Coming into the game, we figured the Dolphins would at least try to run the ball because they had a third-string QB under center. Instead, Thigpen carried the ball the same amount that Brown and No. 2 RB Rick Williams did, combined. In Week 12, it's nothing but up for Brown, who will have nine days to prepare for the Raiders below-average run defense. Still, the mess in Miami's offense shouldn't make any Fantasy owner confident going into the game. The team is not the run-first team it was in the last few years under coach Tony Sporano. Against the Raiders, benching Brown would be a solid Fantasy decision.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown hasn’t had a 100-yard rushing game in his last 14 games, a career-long drought. He will try to end it Week 11 against the Bears, but that would be a tall order. Chicago, whose defense ranks second in the NFL against the run, has allowed just two RBs to to reach 100 yards against them. In Week 10, they held Adrian Peterson to 51 yards on the ground.
Analysis: Brown could benefit from the Wildcat formation, which the Dolphins could go to more with Tyler Thigpen at QB. They have shied away from it for the majority of the season but they used it when QBs Chad Pennington and Chad Henne went down with injuries in Week 10, although they were forced to do so (to preserve the chance Henne could have returned in the fourth quarter, he ultimately did not). Still, the plays were a success and Brown is the "QB" in that formation, and he has shown the ability to throw from it in year's passed. The Bears should be expecting run from Miami, so Brown will have to find creases with eight men in the box unless the Dolphins open up throwing the football on Thursday night. Consider Brown to be a No. 3 Fantasy RB or flex option heading into that matchup.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown scored a first-quarter touchdown in a Week 10 win over the Titans, but finished the day with just 11 rushing yards on 12 carries.
Analysis: Brown did well last week against the Ravens but reverted back to his useless ways on Sunday, even if his day was salvaged a bit by the touchdown. In Week 11, Miami will host Chicago on Thursday night, and Brown will be facing one of the better rush defenses in the league. If you can afford to, bench him for that difficult matchup. If you can't, then use him as a flex option at best.
News: In Week 10, Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown will try to keep some of his momentum going from Week 9 when Tennessee comes to town. Brown, who totaled 99 yards against the Ravens last week, will be facing a Titans defense that ranks 14th against the run and is allowing an average of 17.1 Fantasy points to opposing RB corps this season.
Analysis: Brown got almost all the carries last week over Ricky Williams and will have Chad Pennington back handing the ball off to him on Sunday. The Titans will be nice and rested coming off their bye, although they did give up over 140 yards on the ground to the Chargers in their last contest, so there is some potential for Brown to have a decent game. Consider him a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option for this matchup.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown had his best game of the season in a Week 9 loss at Baltimore. Brown ran nine times for 59 yards and a touchdown and caught five passes for 40 yards.
Analysis: Brown was only starting in 38 percent of leagues heading into Week 9, and for good reason. This is the closest he's come to 100 total yards from scrimmage, and the touchdown was only Brown's second of the season. In Week 10, Brown will try to keep this kind of form going against a Titans team that ranks in the middle of the pack against the run. This decent outing will certainly bring Brown back up the Fantasy rankings a bit, but he's still probably going to be just a high-end No. 3 option.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown will head to Baltimore in Week 9 as the 31st-ranked running back in standard Fantasy leagues with just 45 points through seven games. The Ravens rank as the seventh-toughest team against opposing Fantasy RBs this season, allowing just 14.9 points a game.
Analysis: Brown has been a massive disappointment this season, as he hasn't scored or gone over 10 Fantasy points since the opener. Even with relatively easy matchups like the Bengals in Week 8, Brown just hasn't been running well at all. In 2008 against the Ravens, Brown had just 27 yards on 13 carries, and while he should be able to top that total in Week 9, he will only be worth starting as a No. 3 Fantasy RB at best with how poorly he's played. Baltimore will be nice and rested after their bye and have only allowed one back to go over 80 yards on the ground against them this season.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown ran 16 times for 61 yards and caught a 7-yard pass in a Week 8 win at Cincinnati. He hasn't scored since Week 1 and hasn't gone over 100 yards from scrimmage all season.
Analysis: Brown was facing a pretty generous Bengals defense on Sunday and just continued to tippy-toe behind the line, running without any purpose, as his awful 2010 campaign continued. Ricky Williams, on the other hand, hit holes and got the only Miami rushing score of the day. In Week 9, Brown will have a tough matchup against the Ravens and Fantasy owners should use him as just a low-end No. 3 Fantasy RB or flex option until he starts to show signs of life.
News: Miami’s running game isn’t bad; RBs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams both average more than 4.0 yards per carry. But it seems Miami is more successful using the pass to set up the run and not vice versa, as has been the Dolphins’ years-long tradition. Brown (313 yards rushing, 4.1 yards per carry) ranks 26th league-wide in rushing, and Williams (288 yards rushing, 4.3 ypc) ranks 31st. Brown ranked 10th when he was injured last year, and Williams ended 10th.
Analysis: Brown has been an absolute Fantasy disaster this season, but things could improve in Week 8 at Cincinnati, who is mediocre against the run (22nd) and has allowed two 100-yard rushers in their last three games. However, Brown will remain a super-risky start until he actually proves himself a viable starting RB in all formats. Only use him as a No. 2 Fantasy option for this matchup with the Bengals.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown ran nine times for 14 yards and caught two passes for 20 yards in a Week 7 loss to Pittsburgh.
Analysis: Brown has been an absolute Fantasy disaster this season, and only a crazy person should have expected him to do anything against the stellar Steelers run defense on Sunday. Things should get a lot easier in Week 8 at Cincinnati, but Brown will remain a super-risky start until he actually proves himself a viable starting RB in all formats. Only use him as a No. 2 Fantasy option for that matchup with the Bengals.
News: Despite being the 16th running back taken on average in drafts before this season, Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown heads into Week 7 against the Steelers as the 29th-ranked running back in standard scoring leagues, and he's not likely to rise much from that spot on Sunday against the league's No. 1 rush defense. Pittsburgh has yet to allow a running back to go over 42 yards against them this season and only two rushing touchdowns have been scored vs. them. Still, Brown remains confident in the Dolphins running game, but said he doesn’t care if Miami has to pass to win: “Our goal is to win the football game no matter how we have to do it, no matter what it takes,” Brown said on Thursday.
Analysis: Two bright spots for Brown's owners are the fact that he got a season-high 19 carries last week, the most he's seen in over a year, and that he ran for two touchdowns against the Steelers in his one meeting with them back in 2006. Unfortunately, the likelihood of him reproducing any of those stats in Week 7 is slim, so Brown should be considered at best a flex option in deeper formats for this ultra-difficult matchup.
News: Despite being the 16th running back taken on average in drafts before this season, Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown heads into Week 7 against the Steelers as the 29th-ranked running back in standard scoring leagues, and he's not likely to rise much from that spot on Sunday against the league's No. 1 rush defense. Pittsburgh has yet to allow a running back to go over 42 yards against them this season and only two rushing touchdowns have been scored vs. them.
Analysis: Two bright spots for Brown's owners are the fact that he got a season-high 19 carries last week, the most he's seen in over a year, and that he ran for two touchdowns against the Steelers in his one meeting with them back in 2006. Unfortunately, the likelihood of him reproducing any of those stats in Week 7 is slim, so Brown should be considered at best a flex option in deeper formats for this ultra-difficult matchup.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown continued his disappointing start to the 2010 season when he totaled just 75 yards and failed to score for a fourth straight game in Miami's Week 6 overtime win at Green Bay.
Analysis: Brown and his backfield partner Ricky Williams became just the second and third backs to go over 50 yards rushing in a game against Green Bay this season, but that won't be pleasing Brown's Fantasy owners much. Another thing that won't be making them smile is the fact that Miami plays Pittsburgh in Week 7 and Brown will try to find holes against the league's No. 1 defense. If you can afford to bench Brown next week, go ahead and do so.
News: The Dolphins visit the Packers in Week 6, and RB Ronnie Brown might have his work cut out for him against a Green Bay defense that ranks as the second stingiest unit in the league against Fantasy running backs. Only one back, Marshawn Lynch, has more than 50 yards against the Packers this season, and Green Bay has given up just two rushing touchdowns. However, the Packers are banged up with defensive injuries all over the place at the moment.
Analysis: Brown has been a Fantasy disaster so far this season with just an average of 56.5 yards a game, and he's been losing more and more carries to Ricky Williams over the last couple of games. Teams have been throwing a lot against the Packers and their hurting secondary, but they also have a number of guys hurt in the front seven at the moment, so Brown could find some holes to run through on Sunday. Start him as a high-end No. 2 Fantasy RB for this matchup.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown was bottled up in Week 4 against the Patriots. Brown rushed for just 27 yards on 11 carries in the 41-14 loss, averaging just 2.5 yards per carry. He again took a backseat to Chad Henne, who threw the ball 39 times for 302 yards. Brown did have four receptions for 29 yards, but was kept out of the end zone for the third straight week. He finished with 15 total touches for 56 yards in the contest.
Analysis: Brown had a tough time finding any running room against the Patriots on Monday and did not get many opportunities to run the ball with the Dolphins trailing for most second half. He has seen a steady decline in his production since Week 1 and has yet to carry the ball more than 13 times in a game. He is losing touches to Ricky Williams, which is hurting his Fantasy value. Brown and the Dolphins' offense have a bye in Week 5 and will look to get back on track in Week 6 against the Packers. Until Brown starts producing more, Fantasy owners should consider him a low-end No. 2 Fantasy RB heading into Week 6.
News: Dolphins offensive coordinator Dan Henning said Thursday that RB Ronnie Brown didn't touch the ball as much in Week 3 against the Jets because of a slightly pulled hamstring. However, he hasn't been on the injury report this week. The Dolphins are gearing up to face the Patriots in Week 4. Brown as 98 carries for 398 yards and five touchdowns in seven career games against New England. In three career games on Monday night, Brown is averaging 106.7 rushing yards per game. He is also aiming for his third straight Monday night game with two rushing scores.
Analysis: Brown finished with 54 yards on the ground in the loss to the Jets as the Dolphins decided to throw the ball 45 times. He now has 37 carries for 199 yards on the year, and Fantasy owners will have to think about benching him if he can't do a little more in Week 4 against Patriots defense that has been sketchy so far in 2010. Start Brown as a No. 2 Fantasy RB this week.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown didn't do much Week 3 against the Jets, a team that had allowed just 1.8 yards per carry coming into the game. But it wasn't the opposing defense that slowed him down; it was his own offense. He averaged nearly 5 yards per carry but carried the ball only 11 times -- most of them out of the Wildcat formation -- as the Dolphins threw the ball a season-high 45 times. Brown finished with 54 yards on the ground. He also caught two passes for minus-1 yard and threw an incomplete pass on a trick play out of the Wildcat formation.
Analysis: The Dolphins leaned heavily on their running game in Weeks 1 and 2 but clearly wanted to feature their passing game more in Week 3 with shutdown cornerback Darrelle Revis sidelined for the Jets. But even when the Dolphins have leaned on their running game, Brown hasn't been especially productive. He has been effective, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, but he has yet to carry the ball more than 13 times. Clearly, platoon back Ricky Williams is cutting into Brown's production, making him a disappointment as a No. 2 Fantasy RB. He has a chance to bounce back against a Patriots defense that hasn't been especially effective against the run, but you should treat him as no more than a No. 2 Fantasy RB in a game that could become a shootout.
News: Though the loss of cornerback Darrelle Revis to a hamstring injury should help the Dolphins' passing game against the Jets in Week 3, its running game -- the bread and butter of its offense -- could be the greater concern, which is no doubt a concern for top RB Ronnie Brown. The Jets have allowed just 1.8 yards per carry so far this season -- second-fewest in the NFL -- and have given up the second-fewest Fantasy points to running backs. They limited Ray Rice to 43 yards on 21 carries in Week 1. Brown had mixed results against them last year, rushing for 74 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries in the first game but slumping to 27 yards on 11 carries in the second.
Analysis: Brown had decent success last week against the Vikings, another defense known for stopping the run, gaining 80 yards on 13 carries. He's only half the rushing equation in Miami, though, so if he gets off to a slow start, he could take a back seat to either Ricky Williams or the passing game. You wouldn't be wrong to use him as a No. 2 Fantasy RB this week considering his upside and importance to the Dolphins' success, but the matchup isn't in his favor.
News:Ronnie Brown had a decent outing, landing 80 yards on just 13 carries at Minnesota, though he did fumble the ball in the fourth quarter. But what was especially refreshing was seeing Brown run without any hinderance, a huge plus given his history of knee and foot injuries. He displayed top-end speed and quickness on a smooth 51-yard run where he was one Vikings defender away from a very long touchdown in the second half. Brown also had a 3-yard catch.
Analysis: Brown has it tough: He'll go from rumbling against the Vikings to a matchup at home vs. the Jets in Week 3. This is a team with a strong run defense but a team Brown scored twice on in a home game last year. In two games total, Brown had 117 total yards, which isn't great, but the two scores at home can't be ignored. Figure him to be about as effective as he was in Week 2 against a strong run defense and pencil him in as a fair No. 2 Fantasy rusher.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown had a cupcake matchup at Buffalo last week, but it gets much worse this week. He and his teammates will travel to Minneapolis to take on the Vikings at Mall of America Field. This Vikings defense not only did a moderately good job handling the Saints' run game last week (85 rush yards, one TD between two running backs) but they're well-rested for their game against the Dolphins.
Analysis: Brown, who is currently owned in all CBSSports.com leagues but starting in about three-quarters of them, is good enough to start on the hope that he can total around 80 yards with a touchdown. But the downside is troubling, especially given the matchup. The last time a running back topped 100 yards rushing at Minnesota was Dec. 31, 2006, when Steven Jackson steamrolled the Vikes for 142 yards and three touchdowns. Many backs have come close, including Cedric Benson last season, and many more running backs have totaled over 100 yards and/or found the end zone, but expecting a big game from Brown here seems off. We'd start him if we had to, though owners should consider other options before finalizing lineups.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown rushed 13 times for 65 yards and a touchdown and also caught two passes for 20 yards in Miami's Week 1 win over the Bills. Brown looked healthy and strong, showing no signs of his broken foot suffered last season.
Analysis: While this wasn't an Arian Foster-type start for Brown, who actually got five fewer carries than Ricky Williams, his Fantasy owners will be encouraged at this decent start. Brown did get a few snaps in the Wildcat, but the formation didn't produce much success on Sunday and who knows how long Miami will stick with it. Things will get tougher in Week 2 for Brown, as Miami visits the Vikings. He will still likely be worth using as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy RB or high-end flex option, though.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown has only averaged 69 rushing yards in six career contests against the Bills, Miami's Week 1 opponent, but he owned them in 2009, gaining 115 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries in their Week 4 game.
Analysis: Brown's 2009 campaign ended in mid-November when he broke his foot, and his injury history has to be scaring Fantasy owners a little heading into 2010. What's also a little worrying is that his outings last season were spotty at best before he got hurt, with two 100-yard games but four games with less than 50 yards rushing. Brown should be able to get things going in Week 1 against the Bills, who ranked 30th vs. the run in 2009. Brown was drafted as a No. 2 Fantasy RB in all formats and should be treated as such for Week 1 with this good matchup.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown ran for only 9 yards in eight carries, two out of the wildcat, but looked sharp on a 19-yard catch-and-run from Chad Henne on Friday vs. the Falcons. Through three preseason games Brown has 17 carries for 34 yards and three catches for 38 yards. Teammate Ricky Williams was no better on the ground (four carries, five yards).
Analysis: We're just satisfied to see Brown playing and looking at full speed after a Lisfranc foot injury sidelined him last year. Brown has shown some flashes throughout the preseason in spite of his 2.0 rushing yard average, and we're still believers that he can contribute mightily for the Dolphins. Though he'll be splitting reps with Ricky Williams, Brown strikes us as a middle- to low-end No. 2 Fantasy RB worth a pick between Round 5 and 6 in drafts.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown, coming off a season-ending foot injury, appeared healthy on Saturday, showing off his versatility against the Jaguars. He led Miami's Wildcat offense for the first time in the preseason, handling the snap three times, once handing the ball of and twice carrying it himself. He also caught a pair of Chad Henne passes, including one reception in the flat that he managed to sneak into the end zone for a 10-yard score. Brown finished with 5 yards rushing and 19 yards receiving.
Analysis: Brown appears to be fully recovered from the foot injury, and ready to once again be an active part of the Dolphins' offense. Ricky Williams will get carries to lighten the load, but if he can remain healthy, expect Brown to exceed 1,000 yards rushing and 30 receptions this season. We like him as a solid No. 2 Fantasy RB.
News: The last time Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown played against Tampa Bay was on Nov. 15 last year in Miami. He ended up with a fracture in his foot and missed the final seven games of the season. Brown played in his first game action since the injury -- against the Bucs again -- in Saturday's preseason opener, and he looked like he was back to full health. Brown had five carries for 20 yards and left at halftime without a problem.
Analysis: Brown has the chance to rebound for a big year in 2010. He's entering a contract year, and Brown has performed at a high level when healthy. We view Brown as a solid No. 2 Fantasy RB. He's worth drafting as early as Round 4 in all formats. He will again share carries with Ricky Williams, but we expect Brown to get the majority of carries. If Brown can stay healthy he will post outstanding stats.
News: For Ronnie Brown, a moment of alarm interrupted the drudgery of training camp when he felt his foot under a teammate's cleats on the practice field. Not another injury, Brown thought. "I got stepped on, and I froze a little bit," he said. "Then you take a deep breath and realize everything's cool." Despite that close call, Brown is feeling fine and will start Saturday night's exhibition opener for the Dolphins against Tampa Bay. It will be the running back's first game since he broke his right foot last November, also against the Buccaneers. Brown has a handle on how to carry the ball, and playing triggerman in the Wildcat is a snap. But since being taken with the second pick in the 2005 draft, he has had a hard time staying healthy, playing all 16 games only once. Brown missed the final nine games in 2007 with a right knee injury, and missed the final seven games last year. He knows he's considered injury-prone. "It really doesn't bother me," he said. "I've thought about it and looked back at the few injuries I've had. I don't think it's lack of preparation or something I didn't do. Sometimes the body tells you, 'That's enough.'"
Analysis: Brown's body has held up well enough for him to rank third on the Dolphins' career list with 4,081 yards rushing. That's despite missing 20 games in five seasons. "I don't think I would label a guy who carries the ball as much as he has as injury-prone," coach Tony Sparano said. "I think he's a pretty durable player." Just in case, the Dolphins again have Ricky Williams as a backup. He filled in for Brown last year and rushed for 1,121 yards, his best season since 2003. Brown's goal this year is for both to run for 1,000 yards, but we're counting on Brown for the better season. We view him as a solid No. 2 Fantasy RB, and he's worth drafting around Round 4 or 5 in all leagues.
News: The Miami Herald reports that Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown said his previous injuries -- a blown out knee in 2007 and a fractured foot last year -- are not concerns right right. He said the knee "feels great," and the foot is "a non-issue" that he doesn't even apply extra tape to. "These last few years, I've had a couple of injuries I've had to deal with," Brown said. "Hopefully that's behind me. The good part is coming into this training camp I actually feel a little bit better than I have the last two or three years. I'm in a little bit better shape and hope I can continue to build on that and see what happens."
Analysis: Brown remains an injury-risk RB based on his two previous injuries, but he's a beast when healthy. We view Brown as a No. 2 Fantasy RB, and he's worth drafting as early as Round 4 in all leagues. He will share carries with Ricky Williams again in 2010, but Brown will get the majority of touches. And since he's in a potential contract year, Brown could be outstanding as long as he stays healthy.
News: Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano told the media Friday that RB Ronnie Brown would "absolutely" be at full speed for their first practice. Brown has spent the offseason coming back from a Lisfranc foot injury suffered last season. Brown has suffered a season-ending injury in two of his last three years. Speculation was and still is that the Dolphins will give Brown some time off during camp to keep him fresh for the season.
Analysis: Brown is an injury risk, but when he's playing he typically delivers big stats. Playing in a contract year this season should only keep his motivation high for a big pay day. All of that keeps him appealing as a No. 2 Fantasy RB worth a pick between Rounds 4 and 5 on Draft Day, though it is recommended to select Williams with a pick in Round 8 or 9 as an insurance policy if you do land Brown.
News: The Miami Herald reports that the Dolphins are expected to limit the practice reps of RB Ronnie Brown this summer following his rehab from a Lisfranc foot injury suffered last season. Brown has suffered a season-ending injury in two of his last three years. The team intends to keep Brown fresh for the regular season by keeping him out of practice and continuing to use him in a rushing rotation with Ricky Williams.
Analysis: It's obvious that Brown is an injury-risk rusher at this point, but when he's healthy he delivers some huge numbers for Fantasy owners. Playing in a contract year this season should only keep his motivation high for a big pay day. All of that keeps him appealing as a No. 2 Fantasy RB worth a pick between Rounds 4 and 5 on Draft Day, though it is recommended to select Williams with a pick in Round 8 or 9 as an insurance policy if you do land Brown.
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown, who wants a multi-year contract instead of the one-year tender for $3.97 million the Dolphins have extended, plans to report on time without becoming a training camp holdout. Tuesday, Brown said he'll be at training camp and will report on time. "I got a lot of work to do, especially if we're going to go to the Super Bowl," Brown said. "There's nothing dramatic. It's not like anyone's expecting me to hold out. It's a few knickknack things. ... I plan on signing it. It's not a big deal. We're just talking about some things. Obviously I'd like to get something [long term] done, but there's nothing dramatic."
Analysis: We're glad to hear Brown will be in camp on time, and we expect him to play well this season. Consider Brown a No. 2 Fantasy RB worth a pick around Round 4 or 5. He will share carries with Ricky Williams again, but Brown should get the majority of touches, especially now that he's healthy coming back from last year's foot injury.
News: The Palm Beach Post reports that Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown didn't sign his one-year restricted free agent tender Monday night, but he still has time. The paper reports that all that matters for Brown is he sign his one-year deal, worth $3.97 million, 30 days before the start of the season, which is August 10.
Analysis: Brown has been practicing with the Dolphins this offseason and doesn't appear in jeopardy of being a potential holdout. We expect Brown to also recover in full from last year's foot injury, and he will again share carries with Ricky Williams this season. Brown should perform like a solid No. 2 Fantasy RB when healthy, and he's worth drafting as early as Round 4 in all leagues.
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown was back on the sidelines for Wednesday's OTA workout after having a screw removed from his surgically repaired right foot last week. "It was precautionary," Brown said. "There's no soreness or any of that. The doctor told me to take two weeks off." The screw, one of two inserted during surgery last November, was removed June 2. The other screw will remain permanently to secure the area where Brown suffered a Lisfranc fracture last season. "We were going to get it taken out anyway," Brown said. "There's no reason to wait and not get it taken out when I can start training and get back in shape for camp. I figured I participated in minicamp. I don't know if we all expected that or whatever. But to be able to do that and be able to participate in OTA's tells me there's progress. It's going real well. I feel pretty good. To go ahead and get it out and get these two weeks out of the way where there's an inactivity period and then coming into the offseason, where I'll have an opportunity for six weeks to get back in shape for camp and be ready, it made sense."
Analysis: Brown, a restricted free agent, said he still hasn't signed the contract he was tendered more than three months ago. He remains hopeful a long-term deal could be worked out but that doesn't seem likely. Continue to monitor Brown in his recovery and hope he's 100 percent for the start of training camp. We like Brown as a No. 2 Fantasy RB, and he's worth drafting as early as Round 4 in all leagues. He is expected to share carries with Ricky Williams again in 2010, but Brown will still get the majority of touches.
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown is hoping for a long-term contract from the team. He is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent after the 2010 season. "I can't worry about it too much. I can't sign myself," said Brown, who rushed for 648 yards, averaging 4.4 yards per carry, and scored eight touchdowns in the nine games he played last season before going down with a foot injury. "If I start to worry about it, is it going to change it? If I start to talk about it, is it going to change it? Is it going to become a positive or a negative? ... When you worry about outside things is when you become affected on the field with how you're playing. I try not to worry about that and not let things bother me. When it comes, you address it at the time. But I just got to keep playing football, and that's what I get paid to do."
Analysis: Brown estimates he's about 80 percent recovered from the Lisfranc fracture to his right foot that he suffered in November. "With injuries, a lot of people get caught up with a timeframe. This guy came back in six months. This guy came back in four months. I think it's up to the individual," said Brown. "For myself, I'm going based on how I feel. If I feel good I'm going to practice. From the recovery standpoint everything is going in the right direction." We expect Brown to be fine in 2010, and we're glad he's motivated to earn a new contract. Continue to monitor his recovery, but Brown plan on drafting Brown as a No. 2 Fantasy RB as early as Round 4 in all leagues. He is expected to share carries with Ricky Williams again in 2010, but Brown will still get the majority of touches.
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown is doing well in his return from surgery on his right foot after suffering a Lisfranc fracture more than six months ago. He said Friday he is 80 percent recovered. "I think I'm a little ahead," Brown said. "The foot feels pretty good. It's real exciting." He still has surgical screws inside his foot, but he is running. He has been fully participating in team conditioning that started back up in late March. All that's left for Brown is to receive full clearance from Dolphins trainers, something he expects to happen in time for the start of training camp around Aug. 1. Even if he misses the first part of training camp, Brown says he "definitely" will be ready for the regular-season opener at Buffalo in September. "He's doing really well," Dolphins coach Tony Sparano says. "I think every day when he gets to get out here on the grass, he feels pretty good about it."
Analysis: We expect Brown to be fine for the start of the season, and he remains a solid Fantasy option. He is expected to share carries with Ricky Williams again in 2010, but Brown will still get the majority of touches. Plan on drafting Brown as a No. 2 Fantasy RB, and he's worth a pick beginning in Round 4 in all leagues.
News: Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said Monday that RB Ronnie Brown, who is recovering from right foot surgery, should participate in this weekend's minicamp. Brown took part in last Wednesday's OTA workout. "We're going to take it easy in some of the team things with him, but bring him along at a good pace," Sparano said.
Analysis: We like to hear that Brown is going to increase his workload, and this is a good sign that he will return in time for training camp. We expect Brown to be fine for the start of the season, and he remains a solid Fantasy option. He is expected to share carries with Ricky Williams again in 2010, but Brown will still get the majority of touches. Plan on drafting Brown as a No. 2 Fantasy RB, and he's worth a pick beginning in Round 4 in all leagues.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown, who finished last season on injured reserve with a Lisfranc fracture in his right foot, was on the practice field for Wednesday's OTA workout. But Brown seemed to be limping noticeably at times even though he did take part in some team drills. "He's doing really well," coach Tony Sparano said.
Analysis: This is great news that Brown was able to take part in the workout, and hopefully he will be 100 percent for the start of training camp. We expect Brown to be fine for the start of the season, and he remains a solid Fantasy option. He is expected to share carries with Ricky Williams again in 2010, but Brown will still get the majority of touches. Plan on drafting Brown as a No. 2 Fantasy RB, and he's worth a pick beginning in Round 4 in all leagues.
News: The Sports Xchange reports Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown's fractured foot is on the mend, but it's not known how much he is able to do in the offseason program. He did not participate in team activities at the team's recent minicamp. "We will see. He's doing pretty well," coach Tony Sparano said. Brown was placed on injured reserve in November with a Lisfranc fracture in his right foot.
Analysis: We expect Brown to be fine for the start of training camp, which is when he needs to be 100 percent healthy. He is expected to share carries with Ricky Williams again in 2010, but Brown will still get the majority of touches. Plan on drafting Brown as a No. 2 Fantasy RB, and he's worth a pick beginning in Round 4 in all leagues.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown has been arrested for DUI in Atlanta, reports the Miami Herald. The team is not overly concerned according to the report since he has no prior trouble with the law. Brown is on the way back from a Lisfranc fracture suffered last November but told CBSSports.com in January that he's on schedule.
Analysis: No suspension is expected since this is Brown's first run-in with the law. That's a relief. Brown finished 2009 with 648 rush yards, 98 receiving yards and nine total touchdowns (one passing). He will continue to share carries with Ricky Williams in 2010, but Brown is expected to return as the starter. Go into the season with Brown as a solid No. 2 Fantasy RB worth a pick in Round 3 or 4 in all leagues.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown said in an interview with CBSSports.com that his injured foot is doing "pretty good," and he's on track to return for the start of the 2010 season. Brown was placed on injured reserve in November with a Lisfranc fracture in his right foot. "Everything feels good," Brown said. "The doctor said everything looks good. From that standpoint I think it's going on as scheduled." Brown said not playing a full year in 2009 was "tough," and he's looking forward toward playing a full season in 2010. "The toughest part of being injured is not being able to participate and go out there," Brown said. "To suffer an injury and not being able to go out there and help your team, it was hard for me. I used what happened this season as fuel for next season."
Analysis: Brown finished 2009 with 648 rush yards, 98 receiving yards and nine total touchdowns (one passing). He will continue to share carries with Ricky Williams in 2010, but Brown is expected to return as the starter. Go into the season with Brown as a solid No. 2 Fantasy RB worth a pick in Round 3 in all leagues. When healthy, Brown is a must-start option in all formats.
News:Ronnie Brown's season is over for the Miami Dolphins. Miami's leading rusher was placed on injured reserve Wednesday because of what is believed to be a Lisfranc fracture in his right foot, according to the Miami Herald. It's his second season-ending injury in three years. Brown will visit a specialist in Charlotte and is with his teammates as they head there to take on the Panthers in Week 11. According to one of the Herald's sources, Brown's injury is "not anything major as far as career or long term." Brown rushed for 648 yards, caught for 98 yards and passed for 22 yards with nine total touchdowns (one passing) in 2009.
Analysis: Ricky Williams will take his place as the team's starting running back and Lex Hilliard will back him up. We also might see more of Pat White running the team's Wildcat formation. Owners can drop Brown knowing that he's done for the year. Williams should emerge as a candidate for at least 15 touches per game working behind a good offensive line with Hilliard and White pitching in.
News: As expected, Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano ruled out RB Ronnie Brown from the team's Week 11 game at Carolina. Ricky Williams is expected to start and see the bulk of the carries as he did last week after Brown got hurt. Additionally, Sparano said Brown will visit a foot specialist as they continue to check into the injury suffered in last Sunday's third quarter. "Ronnie Brown will not play in this game," Sparano said. "As far as his status goes, we're going to have him see a specialist and we'll know more later but he will not play in this game. It's more of a foot (than an ankle)."
Analysis: Brown's foot might be more injured that we've been led to believe thus far. It's something we'll stay on top of since he's a premier Fantasy option when he's healthy. Obviously, Williams will replace him and have a shot to post good stats in Week 11 at Carolina on Thursday. Lex Hilliard might also have a chance to see some touches as the backup runner.
News:Ronnie Brown stuck his head through the entrance of the Miami Dolphins dressing room Monday, tossed a pair of shoes toward his locker and disappeared. His arm is fine. His foot, not so good. The Dolphins' leading rusher and wildcat triggerman remained on crutches 24 hours after hurting his right foot during the Dolphins' 25-23 win over Tampa Bay on Sunday. He's unlikely to play Thursday at Charlotte and could be sidelined much longer. "I can only tell you I'm still in the middle of gathering information," coach Tony Sparano said. "We've got to prepare for all the scenarios." The most likely scenario is that Brown will be replaced in the starting lineup in Charlotte by Ricky Williams, who came off the bench against the Buccaneers for his first 100-yard rushing game this season. The Dolphins initially said Brown hurt his ankle but listed the injury Monday as being to his foot. Either way it's a big loss - Brown is the Dolphins' leading rusher with 648 yards and eight touchdowns, and he takes the snap on most of the team's wildcat plays.
Analysis: Barring a quick recovery by Brown, Lex Hilliard will get a chance to carry the football against Carolina, but the Dolphins are more likely to give Lousaka Polite some extra carries. Ricky Williams would obviously be the starter. Keep an eye on Brown, but don't plan on having him available against the Panthers. When healthy, Brown is a No. 1 Fantasy RB in all leagues, so hopefully this injury doesn't linger.
News: The Dolphins have issued an unofficial injury report Monday for Thursday's game at Carolina, and RB Ronnie Brown was listed as did not participate with a foot injury. He is considered questionable for the game against the Panthers after leaving Sunday's game with an apparent ankle injury, but now it appears to be an issue with his foot. "The only thing I can tell you about Ronnie right now is that we're still in the middle of gathering information and we probably won't know more until a little later on this evening or first thing tomorrow," coach Tony Sparano said. Brown was on crutches Monday. He was wearing his sneakers and not a protective boot. Brown is not expected to practice Tuesday, either.
Analysis: Barring a quick recovery by Brown, Lex Hilliard will get a chance to carry the football against Carolina, but the Dolphins are more likely to give Lousaka Polite some extra carries. Ricky Williams would obviously be the starter. Keep an eye on Brown, but don't plan on having him available against the Panthers. When healthy, Brown is a No. 1 Fantasy RB in all leagues, so hopefully this injury doesn't linger.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown ran 12 times for 82 yards and a touchdown and caught two passes for 16 yards before leaving Miami's Week 10 win over Tampa Bay in the third quarter with an ankle injury. He was on crutches after the game and said he didn't think the injury was too bad. Brown will have an MRI on Monday, but X-rays showed no fracture.
Analysis: Brown busted off a 9-yard run before getting caught from behind as his ankle sort of folded under him. There hasn't been any official news on his diagnosis, but the injury looked pretty serious, limiting Brown's chances of being ready for Thursday's Week 11 game at Carolina. When healthy, Brown is usually a No. 1 Fantasy option, so just stash him away if he is going to miss some time.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown left Miami's Week 10 game vs. Tampa Bay late in the third quarter with a right ankle injury. Brown broke off a nice run before getting caught from behind. He fumbled the ball on the play.
Analysis: Apart from his torn ACL in 2007, Brown has been pretty healthy in his career so far. This injury looked a little serious, so be sure to follow up on him over the next day or two. He's a No. 1 Fantasy RB in most weeks when 100 percent.
News: The Dolphins host the Buccaneers in Week 10, and Miami RB Ronnie Brown will be looking to end a three-game skid that has seen him average just 41 yards on the ground. Tampa Bay ranks a miserable 30th against the run this season, allowing 4.8 yards per carry.
Analysis: Those of you down on Brown right now need to look at his next three games on the schedule. Tampa Bay will be first of three bottom-10 run defenses in a row, so this is the time Brown should start racking up the Fantasy points. Start him as a solid No. 1 Fantasy RB for Week 10.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown was held under 50 rushing yards for a third straight game as Miami fell to the Patriots in Week 10. Brown had 15 carries for 48 yards, caught two passes for 16 yards and threw a one-yard touchdown to TE Joey Haynos.
Analysis: While Brown is going through a bit of a rough patch right now, things should get easier over the next three weeks with games against the Bucs in Week 10, the Panthers in Week 11 and the Bills in Week 12. With those tasty matchups, Brown should remain a No. 1 Fantasy RB for the time being.
News: Playing at New England a year ago, Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown introduced the Wildcat to the football world and totaled five touchdowns with 113 rush yards. But in his next meeting with New England at home, when the Pats were prepared for the Wildcat, he had 37 rush yards on 10 carries and a 10 yard-catch as the Wildcat was stuffed. Take away Brown's Wildcat breakout game last year and he has just one touchdown and one 100-total-yard game in his last four against New England. The Pats have allowed just two 100-yard rush games all season.
Analysis: The Patriots are in the middle of the pack vs. the run and will likely be without DL Jarvis Green for the game. Meanwhile, Brown has scored in three of his last four games and will be a key part of what Miami does on offense. Tweak expectations a bit but consider Brown a candidate to see a lot of work and have a shot at good yardage and a chance to score. He's at least a solid No. 2 Fantasy RB for Week 9.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown was held to just 27 yards rushing and one 2-yard catch in a Week 8 win over the Jets.
Analysis: This was clearly Brown's worst outing of the season as the Jets defense really stepped up and played like they had been earlier this season. In Week 9, things won't get much easier when Miami visits New England, who have allowed only one rushing touchdown this season. Despite the average matchup, Brown is still probably worth using as a No. 1 Fantasy RB.
News: The Dolphins face the Jets for the second time in less than a month on Sunday when Miami heads up to New York. Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown ran for 74 yards and two touchdowns in Week 5 against the Jets, who rank 22nd against the run.
Analysis: Brown's owners had to be fuming last week when Miami coach Tony Sparano went away from the running game in the second half, but you have to think he won't make the same mistake again in Week 8. Brown should be able to produce enough to be worth starting as a solid No. 1 Fantasy RB.
News: Miami RB Ronnie Brown didn't have one of his more productive games of the season but did manage to score a touchdown in a Week 7 loss to the Saints. Brown carried the ball 16 times in the game for a total of 48 yards and the TD. He did not have a reception in the game for the third time this season. Ricky Williams was the top rusher in the game, scoring three touchdowns and racking up 80 yards on the ground. Brown also attempted a pass in the game which was not completed.
Analysis: Brown was certainly outshined by Williams in Week 8 as the two continue to take away from each other's Fantasy value. Brown has two 100-yard rushing games so far this season and seven total touchdowns in six games. He remains a must-start Fantasy option for Week 8 at the Jets. Back in Week 5, Brown went off for 115 yards against the Jets on 20 carries with two TDs.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown will take on the Saints in Week 7 as looks to continue his excellent season. The Saints rank fifth against the run, however, allowing just 83.4 yards per game on the ground.
Analysis: This game on Sunday will undoubtedly be Brown's toughest test of the season, but he's put up stellar numbers this season and will still be worth starting in all Fantasy formats for this matchup.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown led the team with 74 yards on 21 carries on Monday night in a big win over the Jets Week 5. Brown took the ball every which way. He carried straight on handoffs, took the ball directly under center and even threw a few passes. Brown scored two rushing touchdowns in the game. He scored on a 1-yard run in the 1st quarter to put the Dolphins up 7-0. He later ended the game with a 2-yard TD run that put them ahead for good, 31-27. Brown added three catches for 14 yards and also went 1 of 2 on passing with a 21-yard completion.
Analysis: Brown has seen two games with over 100 yards rushing this season and has already scored two touchdowns in a game three times and has six on the year. He has 443 rushing yards total and adds nine catches for 64 more yards. Brown loses carries to Ricky Williams but clearly remains the No. 1 option. He should remain a No. 1 Fantasy RB in all leagues as well. Still, don't use him Week 6 as the Dolphins are on bye. He'll return with a good matchup Week 7 against the Saints.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown faces a tough run defense against the Jets in Week 5, who have only allowed two touchdowns to opposing running backs. And Jets coach Rex Ryan knows how to stop the Wildcat. Last year, Brown faced the Ravens twice, who had Ryan as their defensive coordinator. Brown had 13 carries for 27 yards and one catch for 1 yard against Baltimore in the regular season and 12 carries for 19 yards and six catches for 43 yards and a touchdown in the first round of the playoffs.
Analysis: This will be Chad Henne's second career start, so you know the Jets will focus on stopping Brown and Ricky Williams this week. Brown has been awesome so far this year with 369 rushing yards and four touchdowns and six catches for 60 yards. But this week he faces a tough matchup that should make Fantasy owners weigh their options very carefully. Temper your expectations.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown was a one-man wrecking crew during a Week 4 win against the Bills. Brown led the way with 20 carries for 115 yards and two touchdowns, with a lot of his success coming on the Wildcat formation. The Dolphins used the formation nine times for 58 yards, including a 38-yard run by Brown, their longest gain this season. Brown scored on a 1-yard run in the second and a 4-yard run in the fourth. He would have had another touchdown in the third quarter, however, Brown was ruled down at the 1 on a 4-yard carry and Ricky Williams then finished off the drive on the next play.
Analysis: Brown now has a pair of 100-yard performances and has two touchdowns in each of those games. You can't even tell that Brown had major knee surgery in 2007. He looks as strong as ever and is back to being a reliable high-end Fantasy RB. Keep him active heading into Week 5 against the Jets. Brown had 17 carries for 80 yards and no touchdowns in two games against the Jets last season. He also had seven catches for 43 yards.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown will take on the Bills in Week 4, as Miami looks for their first win of the season. In five games against Buffalo, Brown has failed to score a rushing touchdown. He could find the end zone on Sunday though against a Bills rush defense that ranks 18th and allowed 126 yards on the ground and a couple of touchdowns to Pierre Thomas last week.
Analysis: Brown has played very well the last couple of weeks, but he would surely trade in those performances for a couple of wins. This matchup could be a very profitable one for Brown and his owners, so get him active in all formats for Week 4.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown ran 18 times for 75 yards and caught three passes for 40 yards in a Week 3 loss to the Chargers. He also lost a crucial fumble inside the San Diego five-yard line.
Analysis: After a couple of rough starts to open the season, Brown is really getting into his rhythm now. While the Dolphins are yet to win a game, Brown did well again out of the Wildcat and regular formations on Sunday. In Week 4, Miami hosts Buffalo, and Brown will likely be a low-end No. 1 or high-end No. 2 Fantasy RB for that decent matchup.
News: The Dolphins visit San Diego in Week 3. In last meeting vs. the Chargers, Miami RB Ronnie Brown gained 125 yards on 24 attempts with a touchdown. Brown comes into the game after racking up 136 yards against the Colts in Week 2.
Analysis: The Chargers rank 24th against the run this season, and you know the Dolphins will try to get Brown going again early just like they did against Indianapolis. Get Brown active in all formats as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy RB for Week 3.
News: The Dolphins offense was slow and methodical on Monday night at home against the Colts in a 27-23 loss. Led by the running game, Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown had an outstanding performance against the Colts. Brown rushed for 136 yards, including 62 in the wildcat, taking a direct snap each time, and finished the game with two touchdowns. Brown scored from 14 yards out in the 1st quarter and added a 3-yard TD run in the 4th. Brown did not catch a pass in the game.
Analysis: Brown did little Week 1 against the Falcons as he rushed for just 43 yards on 10 carries. He still shared the load with Ricky Williams, who rushed 19 times for 69 yards Monday, but was definitely the most dynamic back in the 'Fins offense. Brown should continue to get the bulk of the carries, in and out of the wildcat, and is a No. 1 Fantasy option Week 3 at San Diego. The Chargers do not feature a very solid run defense.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown will face a non-division opponent in Week 2 at home against the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts allowed the 10th most net rushing yards in the league in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, giving up 114 yards and a touchdown.
Analysis: Maurice Jones-Drew was able to put together a solid game against the Colts run defense, a unit that is far less effective without their star safety Bob Sanders. Brown ran just 10 times for 43 yards and caught three passes for 10 yards in a Week 1 loss to the Falcons, but remains a recommended play as a No. 2 RB in most leagues for Week 2 thanks to what appears to be a favorable matchup.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown ran 10 times for 43 yards and caught three passes for 10 yards in a Week 1 loss to the Falcons.
Analysis: Brown didn't show much of anything to get excited about on Sunday as he finished with just three more carries than backfield mate Ricky Williams. The Atlanta defense had a lot to do with that though, as they stifled pretty much everything the Dolphins threw at them. In Week 2, Miami will host the Colts on Monday night. Indianapolis gave up almost 100 yards to Maurice Jones-Drew in Week 1, but Brown certainly isn't MJD. Continue to use Brown in most leagues, but this wasn't a very good start to his 2009 campaign.
News:Ronnie Brown and the Miami Dolphins will face a non-division opponent in Week 1 when they travel to Atlanta to play the Falcons in the Georgia Dome. The Falcons finished last season with the eight worst run defense in the NFL, allowing 127.5 yards per game and 17 touchdowns.
Analysis: Last season, Brown did not fare particularly well in indoor games, gaining just 143 yards on 42 carries (3.4 average) in three games played under a roof. He did score two touchdowns in those games which game against the Rams, Texans and Bills (at the Rogers Centre in Toronto). This matchup looks like a good one, however, and Brown owners should feel comfortable starting him in any league for Week 1.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown was back in the Wildcat during Saturday's preseason game against Carolina. He lined up in the shotgun four times and had two carries for 4 yards, handed the ball off to Ricky Williams once for 11 yards and then there was a reverse where Brown handed to Williams, who flipped the ball to Chad Pennington. Pennington then connected with Patrick Cobbs for a 35-yard completion. Brown finished the game with seven carries for 31 yards and three catches for 43 yards and a touchdown. He scored on a 28-yard pass from Pennington in the first quarter.
Analysis: Brown looked much better in this game than he did in the first preseason game against Jacksonville. In that game, Brown was outplayed by Ricky Williams. Brown finished with four carries for 10 yards, while Williams had 10 carries for 31 yards. This week, Williams had three carries for 21 yards, so Brown owners should feel better going into the season. We still like Brown as a quality No. 2 Fantasy RB worth a pick beginning in Round 3. And now that he's back in the Wildcat, his touches should only increase.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown didn't do much in his preseason debut Monday night against Jacksonville. Brown played two series and alternated with backup Ricky Williams. Brown finished with four carries for 10 yards, while Williams had 10 carries for 31 yards.
Analysis: We expect the Dolphins to use Brown more as the preseason goes along, and he remains a quality No. 2 Fantasy RB worth a pick beginning in Round 3 in all leagues. We don't want to see the Dolphins rotate series like they did Monday night with Brown and Williams, which would lower Brown's value. But he still should get the majority of touches most weeks as the featured back.
News: Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said Wednesday the team has yet to work in much of the Wildcat offense during training camp, but RB Ronnie Brown still remains the player who will line up under center when they do. "We have had a few reps out here in practice, with the Wildcat stuff ... with Ronnie," Sparano said. "But other than that, we haven't gotten to, honestly, that part of the install yet. We knew it was going to be about a week and a half before we got to that part of the install where we would go out and spend more time with that Wildcat stuff." There was thought that the Dolphins would use rookie QB Pat White in the Wildcat formation, but Sparano said it's still Brown's job. "Only Wildcat when Ronnie is in there," Sparano said. "When Pat (is the sole player in the backfield) that is just him in the shotgun."
Analysis: This is a good sign that Brown will be the lone player running the Wildcat, but don't be surprised if White sneaks in there for a play or two. Remember, Brown was successful running the Wildcat last year and should do well with it again. We see Brown still the focal point in Miami with a larger role this season, and he should be considered a solid No. 2 RB worth a pick beginning in Round 3 in all leagues.
News: Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said Monday he likes what RB Ronnie Brown has done as a receiver out of the backfield so far in training camp. "Ronnie is really starting to understand the passing game better," Sparano said. "So some of the things we do, we are getting him a little more involved that way. In general, Ronnie is more comfortable. The ball is starting to find him a little more."
Analysis: Brown has the chance for a big season if he can be more involved in any way possible. He's looking for a new contract, and he also wants to be more involved this season than he was last year when he averaged about 13 carries per game. We see Brown still the focal point in Miami with a larger role this season, and he should be considered a solid No. 2 RB worth a pick beginning in Round 3 in all leagues.
News: The Miami Herald reports the Dolphins have indicated they want to make a multi-year commitment to potential 2010 free agent RB Ronnie Brown and have had preliminary conversations about a contract extension, agent Todd France said. The sides will speak further during training camp. There were reports earlier this offseason that the Dolphins were looking to trade Brown, but those rumors were denied. Brown, according to coach Tony Sparano, has looked "outstanding" this offseason.
Analysis: We would like Brown to remain a potential free agent because the motivation for a new contract could help him go from being good to great. Still, Brown has the chance to have his best season to date. He's healthy with the knee injury now two years behind him, the Dolphins have improved the offensive line this offseason by brining in center Jake Grove from Oakland and he doesn't have to worry about Ricky Williams stealing carries since Brown is the No. 1 option. We like Brown as a No. 2 Fantasy RB with the chance to be a No. 1 option, and he's worth a pick in Round 3 in all leagues.
News: The Miami Herald reports Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown looked great in practice Thursday and is looking in great shape overall. Coach Tony Sparano said Brown looks "outstanding." He added the following: "There's no sign of any of those hesitations, any of the things we went through a year ago. In the weight room the guy's super right now. He weighs 230 pounds, is running better, is stronger -- I would expect that …Ronnie takes the next step in having a really super year."
Analysis: This is good news about Brown, who comes into this offseason at 100 percent after dealing with last year's recovery from a torn ACL. This could be a big year for Brown, and he will again be featured in Miami's offense. We like Brown as a solid No. 2 Fantasy option, and he's worth a pick beginning in Round 3 in all formats.
News: Responding to a report from the National Football Post, the Miami Herald reports that they were unable to confirm if Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown was on the trading block. The Post suggested that Brown could be traded since he's not the right kind of back for a Bill Parcells-led team, or a Dan Henning-led offense. The Herald not only noted that no word is out on Brown's future with the Dolphins, but that any compensation the club would get for Brown wouldn't match the value he carries with the Dolphins now. Brown scored a career-best 11 touchdowns in 2008, finishing with 916 rushing yards and 33 catches for 254 yards.
Analysis: This is some interesting food for thought, but the idea of the Dolphins giving up on Brown after a fairly successful year working in tandem with Ricky Williams in the club's offense doesn't make a lot of sense. He played in the Pro Bowl, after all. If a trade were to happen, then hopefully Brown would wind up in an offense that caters to his strengths. Consider Brown a middle- to low-end No. 2 Fantasy RB worth a pick between late Round 3 and Round 4. He is a candidate for about 1,200 total yards again, and if the "Wildcat" remains successful, Brown could have another Pro Bowl year.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown had 12 carries for only 19 yards on in Sunday's 27-9 loss to the Ravens in the team's Wild Card playoff game. Brown ended the season very quietly and that negative momentum carried over into the playoffs. Playing against the Ravens defense didn't help much either.
Analysis: Brown had a few decent games in 2008, but didn't have the type of season Fantasy owners would have liked to have seen. He fell to a No. 2 option at running back and he'll likely retain that status in drafts next season.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown had 11 carries for 57 yards and four passes for 15 yards in a Week 17 victory over the Jets that gave Miami a playoff berth. Brown also attempted one pass, but it fell incomplete.
Analysis: Brown hasn't had the best of Fantasy seasons, but he won't care as he helped lead Miami to their first division title since 2000. Brown had his one monster game in 2008, but apart from that he put up stats barely worthy of a No. 2 running back. He'll likely maintain that status into 2009, and you can rely on him in the playoffs as a secondary option.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown had 32 yards on eight carries and caught five passes for 21 yards in a Week 16 win at Kansas City.
Analysis: Brown couldn't get much going on Sunday as Ricky Williams was the more effective Miami running back. Brown now has one touchdown in his last six games and is a very risky No. 2 Fantasy RB option in Week 17 at the Jets. He only had 51 total yards and no scores against them back in Week 1.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown is a questionable Pro Bowl selection, but he has been a serviceable Fantasy option for most of this year, especially on the road. Brown has scored a touchdown in five of six road games with eight touchdowns away from home on the season, and he is at Kansas City this week. The Chiefs are No. 30 in run defense with 22 touchdowns allowed, and Brown continues to get the majority of touches for the Dolphins. He only has 26 carries in his past two games, but he's averaging 5.3 yards per carry and should be in line for a big game if given enough touches.
Analysis: Continue to start Brown as a No. 2 Fantasy RB this week. He should do well against the Chiefs.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown ran 10 times for 67 yards and caught one pass for nine yards in a Week 15 win over the 49ers.
Analysis: Brown has only one rushing touchdown in his last five games and has been killing his Fantasy owners down the stretch as the Dolphins offense is just sputtering. The Dolphins play at Kansas City in Week 15, and the Chiefs have one of the worst rushing defenses in the league. With a matchup as tasty as that, Brown can be started as a No. 2 Fantasy RB without much hesitation.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown rushed 16 times for 70 yards and made two catches for 18 yards in a Week 14 win vs. Buffalo in Toronto.
Analysis: Brown has only gone over 60 yards rushing twice in his last nine games, although he does have four touchdowns over that span. He's been a frustrating back for Fantasy owners, but he remains a nice No. 2 option simply because of his potential for a big game. His value stays the same for Week 15 vs. San Francisco.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown carried the ball 15 times for 48 yards and a touchdown in a Week 13 win over the Rams. The score was his 10th of the year. Brown also threw a 12-yard pass to TE David Martin.
Analysis: Brown has only reached 60 yards rushing once in his last eight games, which isn't exactly the kind of numbers you want to see from a solid No. 2 Fantasy running back. The Dolphins head to Toronto to take on Buffalo in Week 14, and Brown's value should remain the same simply because he's always a threat to find the end zone.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown has struggled recently with no touchdowns in his past two games and only one game over 100 yards rushing in his past seven games. But he's about to get healthy in a big way since starting running backs have owned the Rams recently. Matt Forte (132 rushing yards and two touchdowns), Frank Gore (106 yards and two touchdowns), Thomas Jones (149 yards and three touchdowns) and Tim Hightower (109 yards and one touchdown) have dominated St. Louis, which leads the NFL with 20 rushing touchdowns allowed.
Analysis: Look for Brown and Ricky Williams to have a great day against the Rams as well so start both of them this week. Consider Brown a No. 1 Fantasy option, and Williams is worth starting as a No. 2 RB.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown, who scored five times earlier this season against New England, ran 10 times for 37 yards and caught one pass for 10 yards in a Week 12 loss to the Patriots.
Analysis: The Patriots were ready for the Wildcat and Brown on Sunday, and things got even worse for Brown's owners when his backfield co-worker, Ricky Williams, caught a fourth-quarter touchdown. Things could look up in Week 13, however, as Miami heads to St. Louis. Brown likely remains a low-end No. 1 or high-end No. 2 Fantasy running back for that matchup.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown managed 101 rushing yards on 16 carries Sunday as Miami edged Oakland. He also caught two passes for six yards and lost a fumble in the second quarter.
Analysis: Brown finally gets back into triple digits for the first time since Week 5, although he couldn't extend his touchdown streak to three games. The Dolphins host New England in Week 12, and Brown should remain a nice start in all Fantasy formats for that game.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown was held to just 66 total yards in a Week 10 win over Seattle, but he did manage to find the end zone for a second straight week. Brown had 39 rushing yards on 10 carries and 27 receiving yards on four catches.
Analysis: Despite his sub-par outings over the last few weeks, Brown remains a must-start Fantasy option for the time being because the way Miami is playing and the fact that Brown has a nose for the end zone. Miami hosts the Raiders in Week 11, and that's a very tasty matchup for Brown's owners.
News: Miami starting RB Ronnie Brown found pay dirt on Sunday of Week 9 in a win over the Denver Broncos. Brown caught three passes for 30 yards and rushed 20 times for 59 yards in the game for a total of 89 yards. He went for a long of 30 yards and scored on a two-yard scamper in the 4th quarter to put the game away for the Dolphins.
Analysis: Brown now has 118 rushing attempts on the season for 465 yards and eight touchdowns. When you add in his receiving yardage, Brown is a must-start in Fantasy at this point of the season. He's far and away the best option in Miami as Ricky Williams has gotten less and less work lately. The Dolphins play Seattle's week defense in Week 10 and Brown should be starting in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Miami's running game has been inept recently. But offensive coordinator Dan Henning said Thursday he won't be afraid to use the Wildcat and other tricks to get the ground game going when the team plays Sunday at Denver, which ranks 30th against the run. Lately, though, almost everything has missed. Miami started the Wildcat in Week 3 against New England, and the Dolphins scored four touchdowns in the scheme to upset the Patriots. But since then, the use of the formation has slowly dwindled. And defenses, although not always stopping the Wildcat, have started to adjust to the tricks. Miami has gained only 73 yards rushing per game this year. And it's been four weeks since either Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams have had a 100-yard game. The team ran the Wildcat just six times for 35 yards against Buffalo, including new wrinkles that snapped the ball to Williams. But neither have been able to breakout for big gains, no matter what the formation.
Analysis: The one-two punch of Brown and Williams was supposed to be the Dolphins strength this season. But the duo has struggled to gain traction, with neither getting the 20-plus carries per game they have seen throughout their careers. Miami ranks 21st in yards rushing. The running game also has been limited, in part, because opponents have been playing eight players up or near the line of scrimmage to force Miami to throw - and the Dolphins have been surprisingly efficient in the passing game. Although frustrated with few carries, Brown doesn't mind if it translates wins. Still, he admits he's had trouble adjusting to his new role. For now, continue to start Brown as a No. 2 Fantasy option and hope he gets going against Denver.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown ran for 43 yards on 14 carries and caught one pass for five yards in a Week 8 win over the Bills. He has now been held under 50 total yards for two straight games.
Analysis: Brown didn't find too many holes on Sunday against a Bills defense that was clearly ready for the Wildcat. He lost out to Ricky Williams on a touchdown and didn't get involved much in the receiving game. Miami visits Denver in Week 9, and you have to hope Brown can get things going against one of the worst defenses in the league. He should be considered a decent No. 1 option with a nice matchup like that.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown was limited to 27 rushing yards on 13 carries and one catch for one yard in a Week 7 loss to the Ravens.
Analysis: Brown was the Sit of the Week here on CBSSports.com and he struggled as expected against the solid Ravens defense. Things get a little easier in Week 8 when Miami hosts the Bills, so Brown will likely return to being a No. 1 Fantasy running back. Just hope the Wildcat doesn't get tamed for a second straight week.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown has a tough matchup this week against the Ravens, which is why he is the CBSSports.com Sit of the Week. Baltimore had its worst day against an opposing running back last week when Dominic Rhodes replaced Joseph Addai (hamstring) and ran for 73 yards and a touchdown, the first against the Ravens on the ground this year. But Baltimore's run defense had been tremendous leading up to that game. The Ravens allow just 66.4 rushing yards per game. The Dolphins also are changing things up in the "Wildcat" formation a little bit. Brown only had 13 carries last week at Houston -- Ricky Williams had 11 carries -- which was Brown's lowest since he was named the starter in Week 3.
Analysis: The Dolphins will likely have to run more trick plays this week against the Ravens, and Williams could continue to share carries with Brown. Former Dolphins coach Cam Cameron, now Baltimore's offensive coordinator, also knows how Brown plays and what he likes to do. It's hard to bench Brown since he has seven rushing touchdowns the past four games with one passing touchdown. And the Dolphins obviously want to feature Brown since he's their best player. But if you have a RB with a better matchup, keep Brown on the bench. Go into the week with Brown as a No. 2 Fantasy RB at best against Baltimore.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown had 13 carries for 50 yards and a touchdown and caught three passes for 43 yards Sunday at Houston. Brown was held under 100 rushing yards for the first time in three games but scored for the fourth game in a row.
Analysis: Brown was again successful in finding the end zone, but he didn't do so well running the ball. He also shared carries with Ricky Williams, who had 11 carries for 46 yards and a touchdown. And Patrick Cobbs had three catches for 138 yards and two touchdowns. Still, Brown is a No. 1 Fantasy option, but he could struggle in Week 7 against Baltimore. Consider Brown a No. 2 RB against the Ravens.
News:Ronnie Brown had 153 total yards and a touchdown in last season at Houston, whom he will face in Week 6 once on the road. Brown ran 24 times for 125 yards and a touchdown in a Week 5 win over the Chargers.
Analysis: Brown will bring good numbers -- and the Wildcat formation -- with him to Houston this week. After starting the season so slowly, Brown has rebounded nicely and should definitely be considered a low-end No. 1 Fantasy RB for Week 6 at the Texans.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown ran 24 times for 125 yards and a touchdown in a Week 5 win over the Chargers. He also caught one pass for eight yards.
Analysis: Brown was back in the Wildcat formation again in Week 5 after Miami used it so effectively in a Week 3 win over the Patriots. He scored his touchdown from the Wildcast, bouncing it outside after seeing nothing over the right side of the line. After starting the season so slowly, Brown has rebounded nicely and should definitely be considered a low-end No. 1 Fantasy RB heading into Week 6 at the Texans.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that Dolphins QB Chad Pennington isn't predicting whether or not the Dolphins will continue to use their 'Wildcat' formation that bamboozled the Patriots for four touchdowns by RB Ronnie Brown. He said, "I am not sure. I am sure that it's like a chemistry lab upstairs, you get the smoke drifting down and they are up there cooking it up. I am not sure."
Analysis: Brown ran for 113 yards and four touchdowns and threw for another score as Miami routed New England 38-13 in Week 3. That formation caught New England completely off guard, but it's unlikely to ever work that efficiently against teams who will be better prepared for it. He has returned to being a No. 1 option in Fantasy and the Chargers have allowed 100 yards rushing per game so far this season. Consider him a great start regardless of whether or not the Dolphins use their new toy formation.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown earned the AFC Player of the Week award by rushing for four touchdowns and passing for another in a stunning 38-13 win over New England last Sunday. The performance was all the more impressive considering Brown watched much of last year's dismal Dolphins season on television, sidelined with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Brown made a remarkably rapid recovery and was on the field for the start of training camp in July. He said his knee has progressively improved since then. "Each week I've been trying to make sure I get it out of my mind," he said. "I don't think about it." Coach Tony Sparano noticed two weeks ago that Brown's burst appeared back. To take advantage, the Miami staff implemented an unorthodox "Wildcat" formation against the Patriots, with Brown taking direct snaps while QB Chad Pennington became a wideout.
Analysis: The Dolphins, who have a bye this weekend, are coy on whether they will pull Wildcat out against the San Diego Chargers next week, or against any other team this season. "What those guys do on defense and how they prepare one way or the other isn't my problem," Sparano said. "It's out there. People see the films. They know now that there is this package. ... We might do 15 more things coming off of this package, and we might put it to bed and not run it for a long time. We'll see what happens." Brown said he kept the Dolphins' offensive strategy for New England a closely guarded secret last week, dodging inquires from family and friends about the team's game plan. He rolled out and threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Anthony Fasano, and he scored on runs of 2, 15, 5 and 62 yards. He has returned to being a No. 1 option in Week 5 against the Chargers. But keep him reserved in Week 4 with the bye.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown ran for 113 yards and four touchdowns and threw for another score as Miami routed New England 38-13 in Week 3. He also had one catch for nine yards.
Analysis: Brown got the starting nod in Week 3 and took full advantage as he shredded the Patriots defense for clearly his best performance ever. The Dolphins did all they could to get Brown involved in the game and he showed some nice inside rushing and also superb speed to the outside on his 62-yard run. Then, to rub it in, he also threw a touchdown to Anthony Fasano. While he's owned in 93 percent of leagues, only 18 percent of you started him in Week 3 and you'll have to wait another week to get him in your lineup as the Dolphins are off in Week 4.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown will start in Week 3 against the Patriots, not Ricky Williams, who had started both of their previous games this season.
Analysis: This is interesting news that might mean Brown is back to 100 percent after knee surgery, although it shouldn't have a huge Fantasy impact as both backs will likely see plenty of snaps. Continue to consider them both No. 3 RB or 'flex' options for the time being.
News: In six career games against the Patriots, Miami RB Ronnie Brown has scored one touchdown and has averaged only 50 yards rushing and 19.3 receiving yards.
Analysis: Brown has 48 rushing yards through two games this season and things probably won't get much better in Week 3 against a pretty stout Patriots defense. Consider him a No. 3 Fantasy RB or 'flex' option at best until further notice.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown was held to just 25 yards on 11 carries in Miami's Week 2 loss to the Cardinals, but did manage to score a fourth-quarter touchdown. He also made two catches for 19 yards.
Analysis: The Miami offense is looking pretty pathetic right now and Brown has yet to find the stride that saw him start 2007 so nicely. Heading into Week 3 at New England, you wouldn't be nuts to start Brown as a 'flex' position guy, but don't set your expectations too high.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown had six carries for 23 yards and caught three passes for 28 yards Sunday in Week 1 against the Jets. This was Brown's first game since tearing his ACL in Week 7 in 2007. Brown was the No. 2 RB for the Dolphins behind Ricky Williams (10 carries for 24 yards and four catches for 15 yards).
Analysis: Brown will continue to play behind Williams for the time being, but Brown looked good when given touches. Go into Week 2 at Arizona with Brown as a No. 3 Fantasy option, but keep an eye on how Brown and Williams will be used going forward.
News: NFL on CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz, scheduled to call the Jets-Dolphins Week 1 game, told CBSSports.com's Fantasy Football Today to expect a 2-to-1 ratio in carries between Ricky Williams, who is starting, and Ronnie Brown, who is still coming back from a torn ACL injury but will be active.
Analysis: Consider Williams a low-end No. 2 Fantasy RB this week while Brown is more of a No. 4/reserve choice.
News: Until a knee injury sent him to the sideline, running back Ronnie Brown was the best thing about the Miami Dolphins' wretched 2007 season. Despite a shaky supporting cast on offense, Brown began to justify his selection as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2005 draft. He rushed for more than 100 yards in four consecutive games, and totaled more than 200 yards from scrimmage in back-to-back games. Then his season ended Oct. 21 because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. He was leading the NFL with 991 yards from scrimmage, impressive considering he played for a team that was 0-7. Now Brown's healthy again and, beginning Sunday against the New York Jets, he'll form a one-two tandem with 2002 NFL rushing champion Ricky Williams. And again, the running back position may be the best thing about a team that's not very good. "That's a position that's solved," coach Tony Sparano said. "Now we can move on to some of the other ones."
Analysis: Williams will start against the Jets, but Brown will play early and play a lot, Sparano said Friday. The Ronnie and Ricky show should be worth watching, especially when they run behind 310-pound tackle Jake Long, the first overall pick in the draft. While Brown carried only 17 times during the exhibition season, he seemed to regain his burst. Brown said he's not yet 100 percent, but he's not concerned about the knee. "Talking to guys who went through something similar, I think it'll improve each week," he said. "I feel good, and each game I felt better. It was a big test for me to go through camp and participate every day." Brown didn't do much against the Jets in his first season, but in 2006 he rushed for over 100 yards in both contests and added a touchdown. Last year he missed the game against the Jets at home, but was insanely effective in New York racking up 211 total yards and three touchdowns. Brown remains a low-end Fantasy option Week 1 since he is not 100 percent and will share carries.
News: Miami RB Ronnie Brown will be healthy when the team opens their season against the Jets at home Sunday. Brown didn't do much against the Jets in his first season, but in 2006 he rushed for over 100 yards in both contests and added a touchdown. Last year he missed the game against the Jets at home, but was insanely effective in New York racking up 211 total yards and three touchdowns.
Analysis: Brown is expected to split carries with Ricky Williams on Sunday and that is one thing working against him. He's never scored a touchdown at home against the Jets and that trend could continue Sunday. Brown is only a low-end option because of the Williams situation, however, and not his trends against the Jets.
News: Miami RB Ronnie Brown was able to get back into the lineup on Thursday in the Dolphins final preseason game against the Saints. Brown rushed 12 times for 47 yards and powered his way into the end zone on a 1-yard run. He also caught two passes for 10 yards.
Analysis: Brown certainly made his case to share carries with Ricky Williams when the season begins. He looked healthy Thursday and should be fine to start the regular season as a No. 3 Fantasy RB. He'll still be giving up touches to Williams, but Brown will see the ball plenty.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown practiced without a cast on his sprained left thumb, notes the team's official website. He wore a protective wrap and head coach Tony Sparano said he'd like to see Brown play against New Orleans in the team's preseason finale Thursday if doctors clear him. Sparano said Tuesday that unless Brown gets on the field before the Sept. 7 season opener, Ricky Williams would start. "As far as whose starting right now, I need to see more Ronnie before I make that decision," Sparano said. "If I don't see a whole lot more Ronnie, then Ricky will start. We'll see where we go."
Analysis: Brown has been tentative in the preseason games in which he's played and he's been out-shined by Williams in the backfield thus far. Continue to check on Brown's progress because the longer he's out, the more carries Williams will get when the regular season opens, especially if Williams is named the starter. Because there is still a question mark on Brown's health, he should be considered a No. 3 Fantasy option at this time. Plan on drafting Brown around Round 5 in all leagues, and it's not a bad idea to handcuff him with Williams if you can.
News: As expected, Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown did not dress for the third preseason game against the Chiefs on Saturday in Miami. Brown has been dealing with a thumb injury sustained in the second preseason game at Jacksonville. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Ricky Williams.
Analysis: Brown, who is coming off a torn ACL last year, was given the night off to rest. He was limited in practice all week, and the team wants to get him as close to 100 percent for the start of the season as possible. Brown has run tentative in the two preseason games thus far and has been outplayed by Williams. Hopefully, Brown will be OK to start the season, but he should be considered a No. 3 Fantasy option at this time. Plan on drafting Brown around Round 5 in all leagues, and it’s not a bad idea to handcuff him with Williams.
News:Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown will likely miss Saturday's exhibition against the Chiefs with a strained right thumb. Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said Thursday that Brown is not expected to play. Brown, who was injured in Saturday's game against the Jaguars, has been wearing a wrap around his thumb and has not participated in contact drills this week. "It's nothing major. It just hurts a little when I try to make catches and stuff," Brown said earlier in the week. "I'll be fine when the regular season rolls around."
Analysis: Brown's thumb isn't as big of a deal as his knee, which is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered last year. Brown should be able to make it through the preseason at 100 percent, which will mean that he'll be ready for Week 1. However, he'll still have to share carries with Ricky Williams as part of an offense that has a suspect pass attack. For now, consider him a low-end No. 2/high No. 3 Fantasy RB worth a pick between Rounds 4 and 6 in drafts.
News:Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano said Monday that RB Ronnie Brown was "day-to-day" as he was held out of practice with a strained thumb. Sparano added that he needs to give Brown more work this preseason, but the Miami Herald reports that Brown will likely miss the third preseason game Saturday against Kansas City.
Analysis: Brown's thumb isn't as big of a deal as his knee, which is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered last year. Brown should be able to make it through the preseason at 100 percent, which will mean that he'll be ready for Week 1. However, he'll still have to share carries with Ricky Williams as part of an offense that has a suspect pass attack. For now, consider him a low-end No. 2/high No. 3 Fantasy RB worth a pick between Rounds 4 and 6 in drafts.
News:The Sports Xchange reports although the Dolphins intend to use a two-headed backfield with Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown this season, don't be surprised if it's Ricky and not Ronnie shouldering the load, especially during the first quarter of the season. Williams is running like he did when he was the NFL rushing champion in 2002, and while Brown has made amazing progress from his torn ACL last October, he sprained his right thumb Saturday against the Jaguars and will most likely miss a lot of practice this week and the next exhibition game against the Chiefs. Williams also started Saturday, another hint that coach Tony Sparano is leaning toward Williams until Brown is completely healed.
Analysis: The Dolphins were really hoping that Brown could make it through the preseason at 100 percent, but those hopes are now down the drain. The good news is that he hasn't had any setbacks with his surgically repaired knee. Brown isn't expected to miss much time with the thumb injury, and Fantasy owners can continue to view Brown as a No. 3 Fantasy RB.
News: Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown left Saturday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a thumb injury in the first quarter. Brown appeared to get hurt when he was tackled for a 3-yard loss late in the quarter. The team said his return was questionable. Brown finished with two carries for 2 yards. Last season, he was on pace for a career year before he tore a ligament in his right knee.
Analysis: We told you that Brown is worth a third-round pick in Fantasy drafts if he could just stay healthy this preseason. Woops. Brown shouldn't miss too much time and should still be ready for the regular season but this is just another example of how fragile he's been. Continue to think of him as a high-end No. 3 RB but check back to see if this injury is worse than originally thought.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown, who is coming off a torn ACL in 2007, started the first preseason game Saturday against Tampa Bay. It was unknown if Brown was going to play, but this is a good sign that his rehab is going well. Brown finished the game with three carries for four yards.
Analysis: If Brown is able to make it through the preseason at 100 percent, that would significantly increase his Fantasy value. For now, consider him a low-end No. 2/high No. 3 Fantasy RB, but if he's able to start the season with no setbacks, then he's worth a third-round pick in all leagues.
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said RB Ronnie Brown, who is less than 10 months into rehabilitating his surgically repaired right knee, will be a game-time decision for Saturday night's exhibition opener against Tampa Bay. According to Sparano, a lot will depend on how the tailback looks in the final practices leading up to Saturday's kickoff. Brown said he wants to play to test out his knee, but admitted he'll go with whatever his coaches and trainers decide. "It's been a while since I've been on the field in a game situation, so I'm excited to be out there and have an opportunity to play against another team," Brown said. "We have to see how it feels come Saturday and call it from there. Obviously I have to keep everything in perspective and not get too excited about being out there. It is the first preseason game of the season. We do have three more after this one."
Analysis: Last season Brown contributed 991 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns in seven games before tearing the ACL in his right knee on Oct. 21 in a 49-28 loss to the Patriots. The usual timetable to rehab an ACL injury is 10-12 months. Sparano likes how Brown has responded to his workload, but he has noticed the former first-round draft pick has some knee-related issues at times. "He's had some up and down days out here. Some days it takes a little bit longer for him to get going with the knee. I think most of it right now with Ronnie is mental, knowing how far he can push this thing," Sparano said. "I think he has some excitement right now to be able to get into a game, and go through some of these things in game situations." The safe option is to consider Brown a low-end No. 2 Fantasy RB worth a pick in Round 4. Hopefully he can return to 100 percent, but we won't know until the season gets closer.
News: Nine months after having surgery to repair a torn ligament in his knee, he has a chance to return to game action Saturday night when Tampa Bay visits Dolphin Stadium. Coach Tony Sparano has not said whether Brown will play, according to the Palm Beach Post, but he says he is ready to go. "It took a lot of work to get back," Brown said Wednesday after completing his 11th day of full-contact practices without missing a snap. "It was a long process. There were some tough days. But you just have to keep that positive attitude and approach your rehab like a game."
Analysis: Brown is running, planting and cutting without a knee brace and bouncing up quickly after contact. He bounced back from surgery sooner than some expected. "The thing you hear about the ACL is a year and a half to come back," running back Ricky Williams said. "But since the first day of workouts, Ronnie has looked incredible." The ACL connects the thigh bone to the shin bone and provides stability to the knee joint. While a torn ACL once was a career-ender, advances in surgical techniques - including arthroscopic procedures that don't require large incisions - and rehabilitation have made it a manageable injury. The safe option is to consider Brown a low-end No. 2 Fantasy RB worth a pick in Round 4. Hopefully he can return to 100 percent, but we won't know until the season gets closer.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown is trying to get over the mental hurdle of playing on his surgically repaired knee, reports the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "I can tell myself a million times, 'Run to the left, run to the right, don't think about my leg,' but until you actually go out there, repetition is just the best way to handle it," Brown said. "I'll go over and just keep going through the same play, just to get it out of my mind, where I'm running and reacting and not thinking about it." Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said the mental aspect cannot be fully addressed in training camp. "I think you got to get into a game and you got to feel it," Sparano said. "All of these things when you're coming off an ACL, you're not going to get those answers until you get into a game. We got to get into a game and I'm sure Ronnie's anxious, but we're bringing him pretty close out here in practice and I know he's starting to feel a little bit better about himself."
Analysis: Brown's injury in the third quarter of an Oct. 21 loss to the Patriots last year halted an almost certain Pro Bowl season. He was leading the NFL in all-purpose yards with 991 when hurt. Now he is trying to get back to that level and help Fantasy owners. The safe option is to consider Brown a low-end No. 2 Fantasy RB worth a pick in Round 4. Hopefully he can return to 100 percent, but we won't know until the season gets closer.
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that even though Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown says his surgically repaired right knee feels strong, the team is going to be cautious with him during training camp in his return from last year's torn ACL. The paper reports that coach Tony Sparano said on his weekly radio show on WQAM (560-AM) that the team will "sprinkle" Brown into contact work during training camp, which opens Saturday.
Analysis: Brown has a long way to go before proving he can be a starting Fantasy option this year. For now, keep an eye on how he does in training camp, but Brown will likely lose some carries to Ricky Williams this year as well. Consider Brown a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option in 2008, but be cautious in his comeback from knee surgery.
News: CBSSports.com national columnist Mike Freeman recently caught up with Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown, who expressed enthusiasm about his recovery from a torn ACL. "It's all going pretty well for me," Brown said. "In fact, it couldn't really be much better." Brown has demonstrated an outstanding work ethic while recovering from his injury. Brown spoke to other runners who went through similar surgery, and they gave him advice on how to best recover. "Don't expect your knee to be the way it was right away," Brown explained. "It takes some time. The good news for me is that the rehab has gone really well. My flexibility is back and I should be ready for training camp."
Analysis: If Brown can be ready by the start of the season with no setbacks, Brown has the chance to be a solid No. 2 Fantasy RB. But because of the injury, go into the season with Brown as a No. 3 option worth a pick somewhere between Rounds 4 and 6.
News: The Miami Herald reports that Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown feels he'll be at 100 percent health and expects to be cleared for the start of training camp later this month. Brown has been rehabbing a torn right ACL since injuring his knee in the middle of last season and expects to be ready ahead of schedule. Brown has been receiving advice and encouragement from Edgerrin James and Willis McGahee, both of whom have come back from major knee injuries. "I feel good, feel no hesitation," said Brown. "The main thing Edgerrin and Willis said is they felt good the first year back, but they felt better the following year. But I look forward to being back to speed the first year. I've had a lot of time since surgery in November."
Analysis: When healthy, there's no denying Brown's ability, but we're still a little suspect that Brown will be up to his old high-production style right away. Remember, the ACL injury is just as much a mental injury as it is a physical one, and Brown will still have to work with Ricky Williams in the Dolphins' backfield this season. It does help that the Dolphins are expected to run a lot this season. Consider Brown a medium-risk, high-reward Fantasy option as a No. 3 RB worth a pick between Rounds 4 and 6.
News: Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano told the media Thursday that stud RB Ronnie Brown worked in team drills during the team's most recent OTA, a step forward in his rehab from a torn ACL suffered in the middle of last season. "Ronnie has progressively worked in team drills all week; just giving him a little bit more than where he was in minicamp with where you guys saw him," Sparano said. "And that's good. We got him behind the line a little bit and I think that's helpful."
Analysis: Sparano hopes Brown will be ready for training camp. If that were to happen, Brown's Fantasy value would increase since it was originally believed that he wouldn't be ready for work out in full right away. We're going to have to wait and see how Brown progresses between now and late July. Sparano said previously that he won't rush Ronnie Brown back from his injury, which is why speculation is such that Brown and Ricky Williams will share the rushing duties in 2008. Figure that Brown will eventually get the most work once he's fully recovered from the ACL, but he won't be a mega-back like the Tomlinsons, Jacksons and Westbrooks of the Fantasy world. Expect Brown to be a middle- to low-end No. 2 Fantasy RB worth a pick in Rounds 4 and 5.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown, who is recovering from a torn ACL, was held out of all team work but participated in everything else, reports the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Analysis: Brown could be slow in his recovery from the injury. Hopefully he will be ready for the start of the season, but don't be surprised if Brown isn't given the majority of touches early on with Ricky Williams on the roster. Consider Brown a No. 3 Fantasy RB and worth a draft pick starting in Round 3.
News: The Dolphins tailback tandem of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams both carried the ball during Wednesday's organized team activity and appear on pace to participate in July's training camp, reports the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Both tailbacks, which suffered season-ending injuries in 2007, worked with the first-team offensive line, but Brown had his participation limited during team drills that featured limited contact. However, Brown made sharp cuts on the surgically-repaired right knee he injured against the Patriots back in October. It generally takes nine to 12 months for an ACL injury to fully heal and he seems on schedule.
Analysis: It's a good sign that Brown is already making cuts and running well. There are going to be some minor setbacks in his recovery, but Brown has the chance to be a solid No. 2 Fantasy RB if he can return at 100 percent. Keep an eye on what develops and hope Brown is OK.
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that new Dolphins coach Tony Sparano wants to have Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams share carries in 2008. Both are coming off of season-ending injuries (Brown tore his ACL, Williams tore a chest muscle). The club will see how the two players complement each other and come up with a plan from there. "In our league, you're seeing less and less of that one back, that [one] guy doing it all the time," Sparano said. "I mean you can look around the league and really see that's something that doesn't last very long because of injury, and because of how good the other people are."
Analysis: Sparano added that he won't rush Ronnie Brown back from his injury but is hopeful that he will be on time for training camp. He also mentioned that reserve RB Lorenzo Booker "jumps off the film" and wants to find a role for him. Figure that Brown will still get the most work so long as he's fully recovered from the ACL, but he won't be a mega-back like the Tomlinsons, Jacksons and Westbrooks of the world. Williams will aid in the duties, and Booker could be as much as a passing downs back. We've got a long way to go before figuring out the Miami run game, but expect Brown to be a low-end No. 2 Fantasy RB worth a pick in Round 3, and Williams and Booker nothing more than late-round choices as reserves.
News: The agent for RB Ronnie Brown recently declared Brown would be ready to go by the season opener. Brown was in the midst of a breakout season before tearing up his ACL in Game 7 against the Patriots in 2007. "He's started running a while ago, is lifting weights, is in great spirits and on track," Brown's agent Todd E. France said in the Sports Xchange. "We don't see any obstacles in our way. ... He's got the drive to be ready." Despite playing in seven games, Brown was still Miami's leading rusher in 2007 with 602 yards and four touchdowns. He also added 39 catches for 389 yards and a touchdown.
Analysis: Brown will likely be limited in training camp with the injury, but keep an eye on how he does. When healthy, Brown is a solid Fantasy RB and worth using as a starter in most leagues.
News: According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown said that he is ahead of his rehabilitation schedule and should start running sometime in January. Despite playing in seven games, Brown was still Miami's leading rusher in 2007 with 602 yards and four touchdowns. He also added 39 catches for 389 yards and a touchdown and was on his way to a breakout season and potential Pro Bowl berth. Brown is expected to make a full recovery for 2008 and should be ready for the start of training camp.
Analysis: The Dolphins are now loaded at running back with Ricky Williams back and the emergence of Lorenzo Booker. Miami also could resign free agent Jesse Chatman, who filled in well when Brown was hurt. If Chatman returns, he could steal carries from Brown, as could Williams. Booker would be more of a third-down back. Regardless, Brown will be the starter and should be considered a No. 2 Fantasy RB heading into 2008.
News: Ronnie Brown and Renaldo Hill, both sidelined for the rest of the Miami Dolphis' season because of knee injuries, had surgery Thursday. Both players had torn anterior cruciate ligaments repaired by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. Both were hurt Oct. 21 against New England and were placed on injured reserve three days later. Brown, a running back, led the NFL in total yards from scrimmage when he was hurt. Hill, part of an injury-plagued secondary for the winless Dolphins, started the first seven games at safety.
Analysis: Brown is now a safe drop for the remainder of the 2007 Fantasy season as he will not earn any Fantasy points. He remains a low-end Fantasy keeper, but he likely won't be the same player returning from an ACL injury.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown will need surgery to repair a torn ACL, coach Cam Cameron said Monday. He twisted his right knee in the third quarter of the Dolphins' 49-28 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday and left the field and walked to the locker room under his own power. After Sunday's game, Brown said he could walk and put pressure on the knee, but now he is focusing on having surgery and rehabbing to be back in time for training camp in 2008. Brown's season concludes with 602 rush yards with a 5.2 yards per carry average and four rushing touchdowns, adding 39 catches for 389 yards and a receiving score.
Analysis: Brown is now a safe drop for the remainder of the 2007 Fantasy season as he will not earn any Fantasy points. Jesse Chatman is expected to be the Dolphins' starting running back for the foreseeable future with second-year man Patrick Cobbs and rookie Lorenzo Booker backing him up. Chatman looked pretty good in the preseason but won't be as dependable as Brown was for massive Fantasy numbers.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown hurt his right knee in Miami's Week 7 game with the Patriots and, according to FOX Sports, may have a torn ACL. Brown walked off the field and, after receiving attention on the sideline, walked to the locker room unassisted. He didn't return to the game. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that x-rays taken at the stadium were negative and he will undergo an MRI on Monday. "I tried to plant and it twisted up a little bit," said Brown, who leads the 0-7 Dolphins with 991 all-purpose yards. "Right now I'm just hoping it's nothing too serious. I guess I'll find out. Hopefully everything is alright. I feel pretty good and can put pressure on it . . . walk around a little bit. But you never know."
Analysis: Brown was clearly the best Dolphin on the field in Sunday's rout, and had 109 total yards before getting hurt. Miami plays the New York Giants in London in Week 8, so keep an eye on his status as that game approaches. If he can't go, Jesse Chatman will assume the starting RB role for the Dolphins.
News: Patriots RB Ronnie Brown (foot) is listed as probable for Week 7 vs. New England. He popped up on the injury report Friday, but went through full practices all week. Brown will try for his fifth consecutive 100-yard rushing game in Week 7, but it will be tough since the Patriots have the fifth-ranked rushing defense.
Analysis: In three career games against the Patriots, Brown has struggled to gain rushing yards, totaling only 124 yards on 39 carries for an average of 3.2 per carry. Brown will have to carry the Fins in Week 7 with the departure of Chris Chambers to San Diego, but we still consider him a No. 1 Fantasy RB for the match-up.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown will try for his fifth consecutive 100-yard rushing game in Week 7 when Miami hosts New England. The Patriots have the fifth-ranked rushing defense in the league.
Analysis: In three career games against the Patriots, Brown has struggled to gain rushing yards, totaling only 124 yards on 39 carries for an average of 3.2 per carry. Brown will have to carry the Fins in Week 7 with the departure of Chris Chambers to San Diego, but we still consider him a No. 1 Fantasy RB for the match-up.
News: Miami RB Ronnie Brown continued to prove himself as the only bright spot on a pathetic Dolphins team in Week 6 as he racked up 102 yards on the ground to give himself a fourth straight 100-yard rushing game. He also led the Fins in catches and receiving yards with nine grabs for 69.
Analysis: Brown just keeps rising up the Fantasy RB ranks every week as he runs through and around teams. He broke tons of tackles on Sunday and produced plays from seemingly nothing. Continue to consider him a No. 1 Fantasy RB in Week 7, even though Miami hosts New England.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown appeared on the final version of the Week 6 injury report Friday, listed as probable. He had full participation in practice, however. Ronnie Brown and the Dolphins play at Cleveland in Week 6, and the matchup screams "winner!" for the stud rusher. The Browns run defense ranks 30th in the league, allowing 157.4 rush yards per game, and have yet to hold an opposing RB to under 100 yards on the ground this season.
Analysis: Keep Brown active. Since he didn't miss any practice, we have no reason to think he'll miss any game time. He leads the NFL in scrimmage yards with 714 (425 rush, 287 rec.) and has five-plus receptions in four of five games this season. Start him, obviously.
News: Ronnie Brown and the Dolphins play at Cleveland in Week 6, and the matchup screams "winner!" for the stud rusher. The Browns run defense ranks 30th in the league, allowing 157.4 rush yards per game, and have yet to hold an opposing RB to under 100 yards on the ground this season. Brown is looking to become the first Dolphin since Ricky Williams (2003) to record four consecutive 100-yard rushing games.
Analysis: There is no reason to bench Brown. He leads the NFL in scrimmage yards with 714 (425 rush, 287 rec.) and has five-plus receptions in four of five games this season. Start him, obviously.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown had 114 rushing yards and a touchdown in Miami's 22-19 loss to the Texans in Week 5. It's his third consecutive 100-yard rushing day. Brown also had five receptions for 39 yards.
Analysis: Brown has looked like a different back the last few weeks as he has been running with a purpose and punishing opposing defenders in the process. He will remain a must-start in Week 6 when Miami plays the Browns, who had the 30th-ranked rushing defense coming into Week 5.
News: Against the Texans in Week 5, Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown can become only the second running back in NFL history to total 200-plus yards from scrimmage in three straight games (Walter Payton, 1977). He will also be aiming for his third consecutive 100-yard rushing game for the first time in career. However, he'll be facing the Texans sixth-ranked run defense. No running back has totaled 100 yards against the Texans yet this year, and that list includes Larry Johnson and Joseph Addai. The Texans have also allowed just two rushing scores, both to Addai.
Analysis: While the Dolphins run defense has looked awful this season, Brown has come on strong in the last two weeks to prove all his doubters wrong. His luck might run out against the Texans, but sitting a player who has been doing so well for the past couple of weeks is tough to do. Consider him a top-end No. 2 Fantasy RB on Sunday.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown had 15 carries for 134 yards and a touchdown and also six catches for 73 yards against Oakland.
Analysis: Brown has become a No. 1 option in all Fantasy leagues and should be started in Week 5 against Houston.
News: Everything went right for Ronnie Brown in Week 4 at the Jets (except for the fact that the Dolphins lost). He had 112 yards rushing, 99 yards receiving, three total touchdowns and kept Jesse Chatman on the bench.
Analysis: Brown had 23 carries, which was a season high, and hopefully he will continue to get the ball against Oakland's No. 22 run defense. For that matchup, consider him a great start in any league.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown had 112 yards rushing and 99 yards receiving in Miami's 31-28 loss to the Jets in Week 3. The 211 total yards from scrimmage is a career-best for the former No. 2 overall pick. He also had three touchdowns -- two rushing and one receiving -- and collected a two-point conversion.
Analysis: Brown's owners were hoping that the Jets, who had given up two consecutive 100-yard games to the Dolphins' RB, would be just what Brown needed to get things going. They were right. Brown looked solid running the ball and catching the ball and will be a solid No. 2 Fantasy RB selection for Week 4 when Miami hosts Oakland.
News: If ever there was a team Ronnie Brown could get back on track against, it's the Jets, whom Brown plays against in the Meadowlands in Week 3. In 2006, Brown punished the Jets with a pair of 100-yard games (237 rush yards total) and a score.
Analysis: Brown has been frustrating Fantasy owners all season thanks to some bland running, a time-share with Jesse Chatman and a weak offensive line. Consider him a nifty No. 3 Fantasy RB for Week 3 action as the Jets run defense ranks 23rd.
News: Quarterback Trent Green made headlines by throwing four interceptions in Sunday's 37-20 loss to Dallas in Week 2, but another culprit was the absence of a rushing attack, which forced the Dolphins to pass. Green threw 40 times, while Brown and backup Jesse Chatman totaled 14 carries. In the season opener, Green threw 38 times, and Brown and Chatman combined for 18 carries. The Dolphins have totaled 127 yards rushing this season, worst in the NFL. In other words, they're not exactly off to a running start. "You always want to run the ball better," first-year coach Cam Cameron said. "You'd like to think we're going to continue to work and develop it."
Analysis: Former No. 2 overall draft pick Brown looks more and more like another first-round bust for the Dolphins. Now in his third season, he's averaging 3.0 yards per carry, meaning three attempts aren't enough for a first down. He was outrushed Sunday by Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo. Brown is on pace to lead the Dolphins this year with 520 yards rushing. In 2002, Ricky Williams led the NFL with 1,853. For now, he remains a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option heading into Week 3 against the Jets.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown had 11 carries for 33 yards and two catches for 36 yards Sunday against Dallas.
Analysis: It was another disappointing outing for Brown, who will look to get back on track in Week 3 against the Jets. Consider him a low-end No. 2 option.
News: Miami RB Ronnie Brown opened his 2007 campaign by rushing for a disappointing 32 yards and 11 carries in the Dolphins' Week 1 overtime loss to the Redskins. He did, however, catch six passes for 40 yards as QB Trent Green hit him in the flat and on short dumps over the middle and in front of the LBs.
Analysis: Brown did have four more carries than fellow Miami tailback Jesse Chatman and averaged more yards per carry (2.91) than Chatman (2.14), but the former No. 2 overall draft pick didn't do much to distinguish himself Sunday. The Dolphins offensive line produced few holes against the Redskins defense, and Brown shouldn't have much of an easier time in Week 2 vs. Dallas. With the offensive woes in Miami and the fact that head coach Cam Cameron seems set on the idea of splitting time between Brown and Chatman, Brown is nothing more than a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option against the Cowboys.
News: Dolphins coach Cam Cameron is still vacillating on his running back strategy. Although he named Ronnie Brown his starter Wednesday, The Sports Xchange reports that he added that, "we need two (backs)," and that Jesse Chatman will, at times, be in the same backfield with Brown. It appears that Cameron kept one fullback -- rookie Reagan Mauia -- because he considers the 240-pound Brown a combo RB/FB. For their game at Washington in Week 1, look for Cameron to employ two tight ends and FB Mauia to open holes for Brown and Chatman against the 27th-ranked rushing defense.
Analysis: Fantasy owners should expect at least 20 touches a week from Brown until he solidifies his status as the go-to RB in Miami. Chatman will see some reps too but isn't worth a look in Fantasy play. Start Brown as a No. 2 Fantasy RB in Week 1 action and keep Chatman on the bench.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown carried 27 times for 83 yards (3.1 average) in the preseason. He also caught four passes for 25 yards. He did not score a touchdown.
Analysis: Brown was tied for the team lead in carries in the preseason with Patrick Cobbs, but was third on the team in yards gained. Still, we wouldn't be too worried with his preseason totals. Continue to think of Brown as a top-end No. 2 Fantasy RB.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown again was used on kick returns Saturday against Tampa Bay. He was the starting RB also and rushed for 18 yards on six carries and caught two passes for 16 yards, but there's a concern with his use on special teams. He returned two kicks for 53 yards against the Bucs.
Analysis: As long as Brown remains the starting RB for the Dolphins ahead of Jesse Chatman he should be considered a No. 2 Fantasy option. There is some reason to be worried about injury with his special teams play, but he has the talent to be a good RB playing for coach Cam Cameron. When drafting, consider him a second-rould selection.
News: Dolphins coach Cam Cameron indicated during his press conference Sunday that Jesse Chatman could be pushing Ronnie Brown for the starting RB job. "Our best running back will play," Cameron said when asked about Chatman. "That hasn't changed, and that's consistent with what I've always said. Our best running back is going to play. ... Competition brings out the best in everybody. If you don't rise to the level of the competition, it speaks volumes about you, and that's OK."
Analysis: It's unlikely that Chatman will start over Brown, but Cameron is familiar with Chatman from his days with the Chargers. More likely, Cameron is trying to motivate Brown because he needs Brown to carry the load on offense and become a star RB. Unless Chatman is officially named the starter, continue to think of Brown as a top-end No. 2 Fantasy RB. Chatman should still be considered as insurance for Brown owners who are looking for a quality reserve Fantasy RB.
News: Miami's retooled offensive line, a big worry all during training camp, opened hole after hole in the first quarter for Ronnie Brown, who had gains of 12 and 10 yards in Thursday's preseason game against the Dolphins to get QB Trent Green's long drive started. Green said he sees the offensive line growing. "I do, and that's something we touched on during the week," he said. "Practices were going better. We still have improvement to do, but from week No. 1 to week No. 2, it was a good step." Brown finished with 13 carries for 57 yards.
Analysis: A lot of people are tabbing Brown to be a breakout superstar this season because he'll be the focus of Cam Cameron's offense, and it's that offense that saw LaDainian Tomlinson turn into a Fantasy king. Brown may not be as durable, nor does he work with the best offensive line, nor is he in the same kind of division as Tomlinson is. Brown is a top-end No. 2 Fantasy RB who will be taken between 10th overall and 18th overall in all leagues this season. We expect him to total over 1,400 yards with eight total TDs.
News: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that the Dolphins are working RB Ronnie Brown hard at camp, but he's fine with it. That's because for the first time since high school, Brown will be the primary ball carrier for his team and won't have to split reps with anybody. "Throughout my career I've had guys to share the load with," Brown said. "When I first got to Auburn, Rudi Johnson was there, then Cadillac [Williams], then when I got here, Ricky [Williams]. Everybody knows this system is running back-friendly and gives you the opportunity to touch the ball -- not only from the running back position, but also to be able to catch a lot of passes and be involved in the passing game as well. You get the opportunity to do some different things and line up in different sets to create mismatches."
Analysis: A lot of people are tabbing Brown to be a breakout superstar this season because he'll be the focus of Cam Cameron's offense, and it's that offense that saw LaDainian Tomlinson turn into a Fantasy king. Brown may not be as durable, nor does he work with the best offensive line, nor is he in the same kind of division as Tomlinson is. Brown is a top-end No. 2 Fantasy RB who will be taken between 10th overall and 18th overall in all leagues this season. We expect him to total over 1,400 yards with eight total TDs.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown is expected to have a new backup this year with the status of Ricky Williams (suspension) in doubt and Sammy Morris (New England) gone. That leaves rookie Lorenzo Booker as Brown's primary replacement, which should help Brown stay on the field plenty. Coach Cam Cameron said Booker will see time, but Brown should still be the main guy.
Analysis: Brown is a low-end No. 1 Fantasy RB. Cameron did wonders in San Diego with LaDainian Tomlinson, so expect Brown to see an improvement in 2007.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown had 21 carries for 115 yards and one catch for 10 yards against the Colts.
Analysis: Brown had a solid season despite missing three games with a broken hand. He remains a No. 1 RB for 2007.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown (hand) is listed as probable for Week 17 at Indianapolis. He did practice on Wednesday.
Analysis: Brown might be able to hook his patient Fantasy owners up in Week 17 for those who have their championship game then. The Colts run defense is atrocious and he might run wild. Consider him a must-start.
News: Ronnie Brown (hand) did not start in Week 16 against the Jets, but he was able to carry 18 times for 110 yards. He also added three receptions for 15 yards.
Analysis: Brown might be able to hook his patient Fantasy owners up in Week 17 for those who have their championship game then. The Colts run defense is atrocious and he might run wild.
News: According to the Miami Herald, Dolphins head coach Nick Saban said Friday that Sammy Morris will start Monday night and that he is yet to decide how much he will use Ronnie Brown. Brown (hand, questionable) has been able to practice all week.
Analysis: We expect the two running back to split carries in Week 16 vs. the N.Y. Jets, limiting their potential for a big game. Both players will be worthy of a start as a No. 2 RB, but risky ones. Perhaps too risky for the likes of a Fantasy championship week.
News: According to the Sun-Sentinel, Dolphins RB back Ronnie Brown, who returned to practice for the first time since breaking his left hand in the Thanksgiving Day victory over the Lions last month, said he's not limited in any way but would prefer to come off the bench in support of replacement starter Sammy Morris. "For my situation I expect Sammy to start," said Brown, who wore a protective pad underneath his glove. "He's done so well the last few weeks and I haven't practiced." Morris has averaged 83 yards over the past four games.
Analysis: Expect Brown and Morris to share carries, which would limit the value of both. Consider Brown a No. 3 RB and Morris a good flex option if you need help at the position.
News: The Dolphins listed RB Ronnie Brown (hand) as questionable on their Week 16 injury report. Brown said he's been cleared for practice and wants to play against the Jets.
Analysis: Monitor Brown's status throughout the week. If it looks like he will play on Christmas Day, he could deliver a surprise gift to your Fantasy team. If healthy, consider him a No. 2 Fantasy RB against the soft Jets run defense.
News: The Miami Herald reported Tuesday that Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown (hand) says he's been cleared to practice and is hopeful to play vs. the Jets in Week 16. "[The doctor] said it's healing up fine," Brown said. "There's still going to be some risk if I go out there. But it's nothing too major." Sammy Morris had been starting in Brown's place.
Analysis: Monitor Brown's status throughout the week. If he plays, he'll be a good No. 2 Fantasy RB at home against an average Jets run defense. If he doesn't play, then Morris would be a No. 3 option for Week 16.
News: The Dolphins inactives for Week 15 are RB Ronnie Brown, QB Shane Matthews, WR/QB Marcus Vick, LB Robert McCune, DL Frederick Evans, DL Kevin Vickerson and DL Dan Wilkinson.
Analysis: Keep all these players reserved for Week 15.
News: Miami RB Ronnie Brown (hand) is listed as out for Week 15 at Buffalo. Sammy Morris will start in Brown's place.
Analysis: Morris is a nice No. 2 Fantasy RB option based on his projected workload and matchup. Fantasy owners should continue to rest Brown until he returns to action, which may or may not even be this season since Morris is doing so well for the Fins.
News: Dolphins coach Nick Saban said Monday that RB Ronnie Brown (hand) would likely miss Week 15 at Buffalo. That would mean that Sammy Morris would start at running back for the Dolphins in the game. Morris had 25 carries for 123 yards and a touchdown against New England in Week 14. He also had two catches for 39 yards.
Analysis: Morris is a nice No. 2 Fantasy RB option based on his projected workload and matchup. Fantasy owners should continue to rest Brown until he returns to action, which may or may not even be this season since Morris is doing so well for the Fins.
News: As expected, Miami RB Ronnie Brown (hand) was inactive for Sunday's game against New England. Also inactive for the Dolphins are QB Daunte Culpepper, QB Marcus Vick, DB Eddie Jackson, LB Keith Newman, DL Frederick Evans and DL Kevin Vickerson.
Analysis: Keep Brown reserved for this week and continue to monitor his status for Week 15 against Buffalo. All these other players should be reserved against the Patriots also.
News: Dolphins leading rusher Ronnie Brown will miss his second game in a row Sunday against New England because of a broken left hand. His hand was fitted with a new cast this week for the injury suffered at Detroit on Thanksgiving. "It's difficult being able to protect the injury because of the positon he plays," coach Nick Saban said. "We have to wait until he mends to protect him well enough that he wouldn't be at risk of reinjury." Sammy Morris will make his second start of the season in place of Brown, who said he might be able to play at Buffalo on Dec. 17 (Week 15).
Analysis: Keep Brown reserved for Fantasy purposes in Week 14. Check back with us leading up to Week 15 to see if Brown will make his return to the Dolphins backfield.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown (hand) is out for Week 14 vs. New England.
Analysis: Brown will miss his second game in a row since injuring his hand against the Lions on Thanksgiving. Keep Brown reserved for yet another week and hope that he will be healthy for Week 15 against Buffalo.
News: As expected, Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown was inactive for Sunday's game against Jacksonville. Also inactive for Miami are QB Daunte Culpepper, QB Marcus Vick, LB Keith Newman, DT Frederick Evans, DT Kevin Vickerson and DT Dan Wilkinson.
Analysis: Keep all these players reserved for Week 13.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown (hand) has been ruled out for Week 13 vs. Jacksonville.
Analysis: The Dolphins have said they were going to treat Brown's status on a weekly basis, but they wasted little time this week letting everyone know that Brown will not play against the Jaguars in Week 13. Keep him on your bench and check back with us leading up to Week 14 to see if Brown will be able to play.
News: Miami Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis following surgery on his broken left hand. Brown, injured Thursday during the third quarter of the Dolphins 27-10 win at Detroit, had surgery Friday. "It may be several weeks before he gets back, but we don't know that, nobody knows that," Dolphins coach Nick Saban said. "Running back is not an easy position to play when you don't have use of one of your hands. We're not going to put him out on the field at risk of his healing, that's for sure."
Analysis: It is unfortunate, but Fantasy owners are going to have to follow this situation closely. The Dolphins have no timetable for Brown's return, meaning he might be able to play next week. Continue to monitor the situation before using Brown for Week 13 against Jacksonville. If Brown misses any time, Sammy Morris would be the Dolphins starting RB, and he is worth adding at this point.
News: Miami Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown had surgery Friday to stabilize a second metacarpal fracture of his left hand. Brown will be evaluated on an ongoing basis. Brown injured his left hand after being tackled in the backfield by Lions rookie linebacker Ernie Sims on Thursday. Brown, who gained 68 yards on 15 carries, left the field for X-rays and didn't return.
Analysis: It is unknown how long or even if Brown will be out. Continue to monitor the situation before using Brown for Week 13 against Jacksonville. If Brown misses any time, Sammy Morris would be the Dolphins starting RB, and he is worth adding at this point.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown ran 15 times for 68 yards against Detroit before leaving with an injured left hand early in the third quarter. Brown's hand was X-rayed, but coach Nick Saban would not say if it was broken. "He does have an issue and he does have a problem, we just don't know the prognosis," Saban said. Brown also added one catch for 5 yards.
Analysis: Keep an eye on Brown's status before Week 13 against Jacksonville. He was playing well prior to the injury, and this would be awful news to Fantasy owners if he has to miss any time.
News: Ronnie Brown left Thursday's game at Detroit in the third quarter with what appeared to be a hand injury. He was holding his left hand as he went to the sidelines, then had the hand wrapped in ice. He was smiling and laughing with teammates, but he didn't return to the game. He finished with 68 rush yards on 15 carries with a 5-yard catch.
Analysis: Monitor Brown's status over the coming 10 days before deciding to use him in Week 13 vs. Jacksonville.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown (groin) is listed as probable for Week 12 at Detroit.
Analysis: Brown had a career-low minus-2 yards on 12 carries in Week 11 against the Vikings. Brown will look to rebound against a poor Lions defense in Week 12. Consider him a solid No. 2 RB, especially if he's ready to play.
News: Even a healthy Ronnie Brown expected to struggle against the Vikings' top-ranked rushing defense (66 yards per game). But throw in Brown's sore groin, the absence of left guard Jeno James because of a knee injury and a pass-oriented game plan, and it added up to the Dolphins finishing with a franchise-low minus-3 rushing yards. QB Joey Harrington had two scrambles for minus-5 yards, while Brown had a career-low 2 yards on 12 carries. It's the first time in team history the Dolphins finished with negative rushing yards and the first time an NFL team won a game with as few yards since the Eagles had minus-12 in a 27-24 victory over the Redskins in 1961. "We knew they were No. 1 against the run, so we emphasized we were going to throw a run in there every now and then to keep them honest," said Brown, who fumbled an exchange with Harrington on the Vikings' 1-yard line on the game's opening drive. "It's just one of those days. We were able to get some things going on the passing game." The Dolphins' previous worst rushing output was 14 yards, gained in losses against the Raiders in 1990 and the Broncos in the 1999 playoffs.
Analysis: Look for Brown to bounce back against the Lions on Thursday. Consider him a solid No. 2 RB, especially if he's healthy.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown had 12 carries for 2 yards and lost a fumble against Minnesota.
Analysis: Brown was dealing with a groin injury and facing a very good run defense. Consider him a good start for Week 12 against the Lions on Thanksgiving Day.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown practiced Friday, and coach Nick Saban said Brown is "day-to-day" with a groin injury. "He did ok," Saban said. "We still have to make a day-to-day decision based on how he feels and kind of go from there." On playing with a groin injury, Saban said: "It can affect your cutting a little bit in some directions – one direction. He played with it last week. He aggravated it during the game. You actually saw him play that way."
Analysis: It sounds like Brown will play, but keep an eye on his status prior to game-time. Since he practiced Friday, owners should remain optimistic he will play against Minnesota.
News: Running back Ronnie Brown, nursing a groin injury, also sat out practice but said he expects to play against Minnesota. He is listed as questionable.
Analysis: Expect Brown to play and be a viable Fantasy option vs. Minnesota in Week 11. He's ran well against some good defenses lately, so definitely keep him active despite the groin ailment.
News: The Miami Herald reported that Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown suffered a groin injury vs. Kansas City in Week 10. It limited him in the game, says coach Nick Saban, who declined to give an idea of his status for Week 11 vs. Minnesota.
Analysis: Expect Brown to play with the injury, and expect him to produce low-end No. 1 Fantasy RB numbers in the game.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown had 25 carries for 89 yards and a touchdown against Kansas City. He also had one catch for minus-3 yards and lost a fumble.
Analysis: Brown continues to be one of the most consistent Fantasy RBs this year. Consider him a must-start for Week 11 against Minnesota.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown rushed for a career-high 157 yards against Chicago on 29 carries. He also had two catches for 33 yards.
Analysis: Brown's performance might be the biggest surprise of the day against the Bears, who have one of the best run defenses in the NFL. Consider Brown a good start for Week 10 against Kansas City.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown is looking forward to facing the Bears. "I think just looking at film throughout the season, some teams had success against them," Brown said. "I think (San Francisco RB) Frank Gore had success even though the outcome of the game wasn’t the way they’d like. I think it’s just sticking with it, even when you’re not being successful. You get 1 yard here, 2 yards there. I think you just have to be consistent and keep your balance and throw it in there. I think every now and then, you’ll be able to get a big one.”
Analysis: Brown also anticipates getting more carries against the Bears then in other games. Brown has a difficult matchup with the Bears, so consider him a low-end No. 2 RB this week.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown had 15 carries for 59 yards and five catches for 63 yards against Green Bay.
Analysis: The Dolphins have off in Week 8 and consider Brown a No. 2 RB for Week 9 against Chicago.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown had his first 100-yard rushing performance of the season in Week 6 against the Jets rushing for 127 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. The Dolphins lost 20-17.
Analysis: Fantasy owners across the country can now rejoice. Brown was taken high in most drafts but hasn't lived up to the billing. He has the touchdowns to show for it, but the yards just aren't there. Brown will have a good chance to run for another 100-plus yards in Week 7 as the Packers come to town. Consider Brown a must-start Fantasy RB in Week 7.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown had 17 carries for 39 yards and a touchdown and caught one pass for minus-3 yards against New England. He also lost a fumble.
Analysis: Brown scored a touchdown but did little else. It was expected he would have a rough game against the Patriots. Consider him a good starter for Week 6 at the Jets.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown rushed the ball 12 times for 49 yards in a Week 4 loss to the Houston Texans. He also had eight receptions for 62 yards, but he did not get a touchdown. He had 111 total yards in the game.
Analysis: Brown hasn't scored a touchdown in three weeks now. Not exactly what you want to hear of a No. 1 Fantasy RB. The good news is that he seems to be a favorite target of QB Duante Culpepper, so he at least gets the yards on a weekly basis. The Dolphins travel to New England for Week 5, but Brown will remain the focal point of the offense making him a good play.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown had 26 carries for 90 yards and no touchdowns and caught two passes for 10 yards against the Titans.
Analysis: Brown hasn't scored for two straight weeks, but he is still a No. 1 RB. He is a must-start in Week 4 against the Texans.
News: Ronnie Brown, the second-year Miami running back who has a total of 100 yards on 30 carries in the first two games, knows the Dolphins will face a porous defense that's yielded 63 points in the season's first two games in the Titans. But after studying film, Brown knows run defense isn't exactly to blame for the Titans' 0-2 start. "They do a lot of different things," Brown said. "They've got a lot of different positions and sets and ways they line up. For us, the main thing, though, is going in and making sure we correct our line mistakes and the things we've been doing, the mental mistakes and all that stuff. If we can do that, we can play good football."
Analysis: Don't let Brown fool you -- the Titans are ranked 29th against the run and wil be lucky to win six games this season. The Dolphins, on the other hand, are desperate for their first win and have the perfect patsy in the Titans at home in Week 3. Brown is a must-start in all leagues for the game.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown had 15 carries for 70 yards against the Bills. Brown averaged 4.6 yards per carry and also had six catches for 52 yards.
Analysis: Week 2 was better for Brown running the ball and receiving with 122 total yards. He remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues and should do well next week against Tennessee.
News: According to the Palm Beach Post, Dolphins head coach Nick Saban said running back Lee Suggs is ready to assume the role that Ricky Williams had last year as Ronnie Brown's backup, that is, to be the featured back about every third series. "It's been a complete turnaround," said Suggs, who played only on special teams in the opener. "I don't know how much of the playbook I know, but I know 100 percent of the game plan and that's all that matters right now."
Analysis: Suggs said the extra time after the opener has helped him adjust. He had only three days of practice before making his Dolphins debut. We aren't ready to recommend Suggs as a viable Fantasy option, but he's worth taking a flier on in larger formats. Monitor his progress in Week 2 before considering him for Week 3 vs. Tennessee. As for Brown, much of his boosted Fantasy value this year was due to the fact he was no longer going to share carries with Williams. By no means do we expect Suggs to make that much of an impact to Brown's value.
News: The Dolphins should have more success mounting a rushing attack against Buffalo than they did against Pittsburgh, which limited starting RB Ronnie Brown to 30 yards on 15 carries. The Bills were gouged for 159 combined rushing yards by New England's Laurence Maroney (86) and Corey Dillon (73) in Week 1.
Analysis: Brown is an excellent starting option against the Bills. He scored two touchdowns against the Steelers and should put up good yardage this week.
News: Brown managed just 30 rushing yards on 15 carries in Thursday's regular season opener at Pittsburgh in Week 1, but he did managed to find the end zone twice. He also chipped in with three receptions for 32 yards.
Analysis: Brown managed 62 total yards and two scores, which is not half bad all things considered against a sturdy Pittsburgh defense. He should find a lot more running room in Week 2 against Buffalo in the home opener.
News: Brown has been bottled up in the first two quarters of Thursday's regular season opener at Pittsburgh, carrying eight times for only nine yards. However, he was able to punch one in for the only touchdown for the Dolphins so far.
Analysis: The yardage totals will come for Brown, who remains a bona fide No. 1 Fantasy running back. However, he has struggled against the stout Pittsburgh defense.
News: The Decatur Daily reports that Ronnie Brown's former teammate at Auburn University, Tampa Bay RB Cadillac Williams, believes the Miami Dolphins RB will have a great all-around season. "Man, I actually think he's going to do outstanding," Williams said earlier this week from Bucs camp near Orlando. "The guy's going to be a great back, and with him knowing that he's the man, that he don't got to share the load? That's something he's always wanted ... He's finally got the opportunity and I think he's really going to produce."
Analysis: That's a ringing endorsement from his former running mate in Auburn -- and another Fantasy stud according to our projections. The fact that Ricky Williams is in Canada and not taking carries away from him this season should make for a breakout year for Brown. Expect him to carry the ball 20-25 times per game and gain 1,500 yards easily.
News: Through two preseason games, Miami RB Ronnie Brown has had 15 carries for 61 yards (4.1 yards per carry) with two catches for 29 yards. He's looked sharp and quick against two good first-string defenses -- Jacksonville and Tampa Bay.
Analysis: Brown's in a fabulous spot: Playing on a strong NFL team with an improved O-line and a new quarterback who defenses will have to respect. Throw in Brown's speed, strength and versatility, and you're looking at a No. 1 Fantasy running back. Look for him to go as a late first-round pick in most drafts this summer, and expect 1,400 total yards from him in '06.
News: Long accustomed to sharing carries with someone named Williams -- Cadillac at Auburn, then Ricky last season in Miami -- Miami RB Ronnie Brown is poised to become a workhorse running back in his second NFL season. Ricky Williams' one-year suspension means the majority of handoffs will likely go to Brown, and what he does with them could prove pivotal to the Dolphins' success. But Brown's durability ranks among the team's biggest question marks, if only because he has never assumed a full load. Teammates think he can handle it. "It's going to be different," Dolphins DE David Bowens said. "The workload is going to be a lot, especially in the NFL. I think Ronnie has the confidence to do that. Ronnie's ego has been up there since I've known him. His swagger, the way he carries himself -- most first-round picks are like that."
Analysis: Brown said he reported to camp in better shape and more confident than a year ago, eager to improve on his 2005 performance. He figures he's already ahead of his pace last year, when he missed the first three weeks of camp in a contract holdout and struggled to catch up. Now he can draw on a year of NFL experience. He studied film during the offseason and decided he spent too much time trying to fake out defenders. "I looked at some of the mistakes I made and the things I needed to work on," Brown said. "On this level, guys are a little faster, so when you make that initial move, you need to stick with it." Brown should get over 300 touches in 2006 and will definitely be a late first-round pick in nearly every Fantasy league this summer.
News: The NFL has suspended Ricky Williams for one year after his appeal of a postive drug test was denied. He will miss the entire 2006 season as a result, which means Ronnie Brown will become Miami's true featured back.
Analysis: Brown now has to be considered a serious breakout candidate. He'll receive better than 300 carries and has the skills to catch 40-50 passes out of the backfield, so consider him a surefire second-round selection in all drafts.
News: While at the Combine, Dolphins head coach Nick Saban told the media that he's confident in second-year RB Ronnie Brown carrying the load for his team. "He was the No. 1 guy last year and I think he did pretty well," Saban said. "He didn't do anything to make us think that he couldn't do it." Saban also noted that the Dolphins' offense will not change despite changing coordinators during the offseason.
Analysis: Brown will be 'the man' in Miami if Ricky Williams' failed drug test holds up and he has to sit out a year. Despite losing reps to Williams last year, Brown rushed for 902 yards and catching for 232 more with five total TDs while fighting ankle injuries. He's in line to improve on those numbers and possibly be a top-flight Fantasy runner. Without Williams or anyone else taking away carries, Brown should be considered a top-15 Fantasy running back and definitely a second-round choice in 2006.
News: Should Ricky Williams be suspended for all of next season due to a violation of the league's substance abuse policy, Ronnie Brown would be in line to become the true featured back in Miami.
Analysis: This would make Brown much more attractive in both seasonal and keeper leagues. In fact, the former Auburn standout could become as much as a second-round selection in seasonal leagues without Williams in the mix.
News: Miami rookie RB Ronnie Brown fell a bit short of his first-year expectations, rushing for 902 yards and catching for 232 more. He totaled five touchdowns (four rushing) in 14 starts. He was hampered by knee and ankle injuries towards the end of the season and did not finish strong, hence the lack of a 1,000-yard campaign.
Analysis: Brown lost several reps during the year to Ricky Williams, and that could be a problem for Fantasy owners to examine when evaluating QBs in '06. Still, Brown played pretty well behind a weak offensive line, and should improve as his offense gets better around him. Make way for him with a second-round pick in 2006.
News: Ronnie Brown gained 21 yards on eight carries and he caught two passes for 13 yards in Week 17 at New England.
Analysis: Brown had an excellent rookie season, although injuries nagged him in the final weeks. Those injuries also allowed Ricky Williams to demonstrate that he can still carry the load on his own very well in the NFL. Brown's value is limited with Williams around, but he's still an excellent rookie keeper.
News: The Herald reports Ronnie Brown (knee, ankle) practiced Friday and is still listed as questionable for Week 17. "This is still probably a game-time decision as to what we do," head coach Nick Saban said. "A game-time decision involves whether we are going to make him active, but it also involves -- he has prepared well for this game -- how much we choose to use him in his circumstance."
Analysis: Ricky Williams could see most of the carries for the second consecutive week. Owners should start Brown with extreme caution if he's active against New England.
News: The Herald reports Ronnie Brown (ankle, knee) practiced Thursday at full contact but remains questionable for Week 17. Ricky Williams could see most of the carries for the second consecutive week.
Analysis: Owners should start Brown with extreme caution if he's active against New England.
News: RB Ronnie Brown (ankle, knee) is expected to return to practice and play Sunday against New England. Brown missed his first game of the season in last Saturday's 24-10 victory over Tennessee.
Analysis: Brown owners should consider him a risky start and should consider healthier alternatives for your championship game. Ricky Williams owners should hope that Brown can't go so that he can get the full load, but that seems unlikely. Monitor the situation closely this week.
News: According to the Miami Herald, Ronnie Brown (knee) will practice this week. He missed Week 16 with knee and ankle injuries and Ricky Williams busted out with a huge game. There is no word on who the featured back will be at the moment.
Analysis: Brown owners should consider him a risky start and should start looking for healthier alternatives for your championship game. Ricky Williams owners should hope that Brown can't go so that he can get the full load. Monitor the sitution this week.
News: Ronnie Brown (ankle) was not active for Week 16 vs. Tennessee. Ricky Williams started in his place.
Analysis: Keep an eye on him during the week as he could be held out of Week 17.
News: According to a source close to CBS SportsLine.com, Miami RB Ronnie Brown (ankle, knee) will not be active for the Week 16 game vs. Tennessee. Ricky Williams will start in his place.
Analysis: Brown must be deactivated in Fantasy leagues.
News: Dolphins head coach Nick Saban told the media that rookie RB Ronnie Brown didn't practice on Thursday and will be a gametime decision for Week 16 vs. Tennessee. "We will make a gametime decision on Ronnie's status, in terms of what he can or can't do and might even have to work him out before the game," Saban said. "We will see what he can do tomorrow and go from there."
Analysis: Owners looking for Brown need to monitor his status Saturday morning. Ricky Williams would start if Brown doesn't suit up.
News: RB Ronnie Brown (ankle/knee) missed Tuesday's practice and is listed as questionable on Miami's injury report for the Tennessee game. Brown is coming off his least productive three-game stretch of the season, having gained just 97 yards with no touchdowns.
Analysis: Brown has certainly seemed to hit a 'rookie wall.' Using him as anything more than a No. 3 RB in Week 16 is not advised.
News: According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Ronnie Brown (ankle, knee) did not practice on Tuesday and will likely be listed as questionable for Week 16.
Analysis: Dolphins coach Nick Saban says he will not push Brown and see if he's ready to go later in the week. Ricky Williams would be the featured back if Brown is unable to go, making him an excellent start for Week 16 vs. Tennessee.
News: Dolphins rookie RB Ronnie Brown rushed for 45 yards on 12 reps, all of them coming before Brown left the game with a minor injury. He didn't play at all in the fourth quarter.
Analysis: Brown isn't reliable as anything more than a No. 3 Fantasy RB, even up against the Titans in Week 16.
News: Head coach Nick Saban said that Ronnie Brown's recent fumbling problems are connected to inexperience because the rookie tailback is trying to hard to advance the football. Brown has lost three fumbles in the past three games, including when he tried to stretch the football across the goal line in the fourth quarter against the Chargers. "He is trying a little bit too hard," Saban said. "Ronnie, of all the backs in the draft, had the best fumble ratio of anybody in terms of ball security in college ... He had the ball where it needed to be (against San Diego). He was trying to get a little extra and got the ball away from his body and sometimes good things don't happen. You have to love the guy for having the competitive spirit and tenacity to try to do it. But in the red zone at the end of the game, we just have to be smart about how we finish things and what we do."
Analysis: Brown should be considered an excellent start when he plays vs. the Jets in Week 15. The Jets are weak against the run (28th in NFL; 134.4 YPG) and should get run over by Miami.
News: Ronnie Brown rushed 11 times for 30 yards in Week 14 at San Diego.
Analysis: Brown split carries with Ricky Williams. Both had 11. Brown will be a great 'flex' option for Week 15 vs. the N.Y. Jets.
News: The Dolphins may be hard-pressed to run well against the surging Chargers. San Diego's run defense, which is spearheaded by 348-pound defensive tackle Jamal Williams, leads the NFL with a 79.4-yard average and has allowed only two teams -- Dallas (109) and Pittsburgh (104) -- to gain more than 100 yards on the ground.
Analysis: Brown has been splitting reps with Ricky Williams and not rushing for more than 70 yards per game since Week 8. He's a risky start at San Diego.
News: Ronnie Brown rushed nine times for 22 yards in Week 13. He also caught two passes for 30 yards.
Analysis: Ricky Williams seemed to be featured more this week, but they practically split their duties 50/50. Both running backs should be considered solid 'flex' options unless one or the other misses time.
News: According to reports, Ricky Williams might remain in Miami long-term because of his solid play this season. Dolphins head coach Nick Saban likes rotating Williams and Ronnie Brown in the backfield.
Analysis: This news isn't good for owners in keeper leagues who have Brown on their roster. As for Williams, he should be considered no better than a flex starter in most leagues.
News: Miami rookie running back Ronnie Brown carried the ball 15 times for 58 yards and a touchdown in Week 12 at Oakland.
Analysis: Brown is a decent No. 3 running back or 'flex' option for needy Fantasy teams in Week 13 vs. Buffalo.
News: Miami RB Ronnie Brown had 12 carries for 56 yards at Cleveland in Week 11. He also had a two-yard catch.
Analysis: Brown has been pretty good as of late, so consider this a bump in the road. Miami plays at Oakland next week, and Brown could do well in that game.
News: Dolphins rookie RB Ronnie Brown hung 92 total yards on New England in Week 10. He had 64 rush yards and 28 receiving yards.
Analysis: Brown is a good start at Cleveland in Week 11.
News: Ronnie Brown ran for 67 yards on 12 carries and added 11 yards on two receptions in Week 9 vs. Atlanta.
Analysis: Miami rookie Brown received 12 carries while Ricky Williams carried the ball ten times in Week 9; both players face a difficult Week 10 matchup vs. New England. Although Brown has tremendous value in keeper leagues, you could probably do better for the short term.
News: Rookie RB Ronnie Brown continues to make positive strides for the Dolphins. In Miami's Week 8 win over the Saints, Brown rushed for 106 yards on 23 carries, his second career 100-yard game. He also caught two passes for 12 yards.
Analysis: Brown received six more carries than Ricky Williams and isn't giving up his starting job without a fight. He remains a solid No. 2 or No. 3 back in Week 9 when the Dolphins host the Falcons.
News: Dolphins rookie RB Ronnie Brown had a 65-yard touchdown scamper vs. Kansas City in Week 7. It helped him finish with a 95-yard, one TD outing with 15 receiving yards.
Analysis: Without that long score, Brown would have been a roster casualty instead of a contributor. He and the Dolphina will be part of a spirited matchup at the Saints in Baton Rouge in Week 8. Brown should find a way to go against New Orleans' bad defense.
News: The Chiefs-Dolphins contest is now scheduled for Friday, Oct. 21 at 7 pm EST due to Hurricane Wilma, so Ronnie Brown needs to be activated accordingly.
Analysis: Brown should be considered no better than a flex option in most leagues.
News: KCChiefs.com reports the contest between the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins that is scheduled to be played in South Florida might be moved to Monday night or to K.C. due to Hurrcane Wilma.
Analysis: Regardless of the situation, Brown should be considered no better than a flex starter in most cases.
News: Ricky Williams will continue to share carries with Ronnie Brown, but coach Nick Saban acknowledged both backs run better the more they carry the ball, which argues against dividing carries evenly. "If one guy is really feeling it that day, obviously we would want to feature him more," Saban said.
Analysis: Both Brown and Williams risky starts at this point in Fantasy leagues -- even if Williams still needs to get into the flow of things. We say Brown is the better Fantasy RB at this point, though. He should be starting in leagues that require three or more starters at the position.
News: Miami rookie RB Ronnie Brown had 22 yards on nine reps and a score along with 44 receiving yards at Tampa Bay in Week 6. The TD came late in the game. He had four more carries than Ricky Williams.
Analysis: Brown had a tough outing here, but he should improve when Miami plays vs. Kansas City in Week 7.
News: According to reports, Ricky Williams will see additional carries in Week 6 because his physical style fits the game plan better than Ronnie Brown.
Analysis: Brown isn't a great option this week for several reasons, so keep him reserved if at all possible.
News: The Miami Herald notes that Dolphins head coach Nick Saban said that Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown could share time in the backfield at Tampa Bay Sunday. They could play together in a spread formation with one of them split out in the slot or wideout position. It's also possible that Brown could serve as Williams' fullback, much like he did with Cadillac Williams at Auburn. ''He (Brown) hasn't had an opportunity to do it (with the Dolphins),'' Saban said, "but we've seen him do it before, and he did do it in college, and as we can develop those roles for him, those are the kind of things we'd like to do in the future.''
Analysis: This will be Williams' first action in over a year and a half, that included a one-year retirement and four-game suspension. It's a tough return to the league for him though, as he faces one of the best run defenses in the league. Consider using both running backs as flex players only this week in 12-team leagues or if your stars are on byes.
News: Miami rookie RB Ronnie Brown rushed for 97 yards at Buffalo in Week 5, catching six more passes for 19 yards and a fumble. He did not score.
Analysis: Despite the fact that Ricky Williams is coming back next week, Brown should remain Miami's bonafide starting tailback. He will be in for a tough day when he plays at Tampa Bay in Week 6.
News: Miami's Ronnie Brown gets some scheduling help in his bid to keep the job when Ricky Williams' suspension ends. Brown has had a week to rest and faces the Bills, who were supposed to be a tough defense but are giving up 172 yards rushing a game.
Analysis: Brown is a solid start in Fantasy leagues in Week 5 and should be able to relegate Ricky to a secondary role next week. If you have Brown, trade for Ricky after his so-so return in Week 6. Don't stress about Brown losing his job unless he suffers a Brown-out vs. the Bills.
News: Miami rookie RB Ronnie Brown had 23 carries for 132 yards and a touchdown vs. Carolina in Week 3. It's Brown's first career 100-yard game.
Analysis: Brown and the Dolphins are off in Week 4, but don't look for him to keep that rushing line up at Buffalo in Week 5.
News: Miami rookie RB Ronnie Brown managed just 35 yards no 12 carries in Sunday's loss to the Jets. He hasn't totaled 100 yards rushing in his first two NFL starts.
Analysis: Brown faces another tough test in Week 3 vs. Carolina. Consider other options until he finds the endzone.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown had 57 yards on 22 carries along with a four-yard catch in Week 1 vs. Denver.
Analysis: Not bad for a rookie. Considering how poor the Jets DST looked against Kansas City, Brown might not be a bad option in Week 2 at the Jets.
News: According to reports, RB Ronnie Brown will start for the Dolphins against the Broncos in Week 1.
Analysis: The rookie is a decent flex option in most leagues, but should not be anything more than a No. 3 running back otherwise.
News: The Herald reports Ronnie Brown might not be the Dolphins' featured back in Week 1. "We got him six, seven touches [in the preseason finale], 20-plus plays," head coach Nick Saban said. "I don't think he's ready to carry it 45 times. Hopefully, we can get him into that 12-to-15 touch mode. But we're going to have to keep playing him into it.".
Analysis: With Ricky Williams (suspension) out of the mix, we doubt Saban will lean on Sammy Morris more than Brown in Week 1. The rookie is still a decent flex option in most leagues.
News: Ronnie Brown rushed for 25 yards on five carries in Thursday's preseason loss to Atlanta.
Analysis: With Ricky Williams out until Oct. 16, look for Brown to start in the backfield for head coach Nick Saban in Week 1.
News: In his first NFL preseason game, rookie RB Ronnie Brown had six carries for 20 yards and a fumble.
Analysis: Brown is immensely talented but will be running behind a patchwork offensive line. If you start three running backs in your league, then Brown is worth starting.
News: No. 2 overall pick RB Ronnie Brown will play in his first preseason game Aug. 27 against the Bucs, the Sun-Sentinel reports. He has been working with the second team in practice but has also shared the backfield with Ricky Williams in some formations.
Analysis: Brown's debut comes with lots of anticipation. He should be Miami's starter when the season opens, making him a very nice No. 3 Fantasy RB.
News: In the Dolphins' 17-3 preseason loss at Pittsburgh, rookie RB Ronnie Brown did not play for Miami. He is expected to play in the team's next preseason game.
Analysis: Brown should definitely play in Week 3 of the preseason and is the odds-on starter now that he is in camp.
News: The Miami Herald reports rookie RB Ronnie Brown might not play against the Steelers in Week 2 preseason action. "It hasn't been decided how we'll manage Ronnie Brown in this game," head coach Nick Saban said.
Analysis: Brown should definitely play in Week 3 of the preseason and is the odds-on starter now that he is in camp.
News: Ricky Williams told the Sun-Sentinel that rookie RB Ronnie Brown was worth the No. 2 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. "He's got size, he's got quickness, he's got great feet, he's smart, he's strong," Williams said. "I mean, looking at him I definitely see why they used the No. 2 pick on him." Brown could play with the Fins in their preseason game against the Steelers.
Analysis: Brown will be quickly groomed to be the Dolphins' main running threat. He's a decent No. 2 Fantasy RB, worth a pick starting late in Round 3 in most drafts.
News: Ronnie Brown has officially signed his first NFL contract and even participated with the team in camp on Aug. 15.
Analysis: Brown will have to play catch up and learn the playbook in order to earn a starting spot with the offense. He should still be the main running back when the team opens against the Broncos on Sept. 11. Best of all, his Fantasy value won't bottom out because of an unnecessary holdout. He's a solid early-round pick worthy of being, for now, a No. 3 Fantasy RB.
News: The Palm Beach Post reports rookie RB Ronnie Brown has agreed to a contract with the Dolphins and is expected to be in camp this week. "It's pretty much finalized," Brown told the paper.
Analysis: Brown will have to play catch up and learn the playbook in order to earn a starting spot with the offense. He should still be the main running back when the team opens against the Broncos on Sept. 11. Best of all, his Fantasy value won't bottom out because of an unnecessary holdout. He's a solid early-round pick worthy of being, for now, a No. 3 Fantasy RB.
News: No. 2 overall pick Ronnie Brown missed his team's first preseason game against the Bears as he continues to hold out of camp. Lamar Gordon started for Miami.
Analysis: Brown could still sign and get into camp to save his spot on the team's depth chart. However, the longer he sits out, the more likely he won't start or play much in the team's first few regular-season games. That makes him a bit of a risk Fantasywise.
News: The Sun-Sentinel reports Ronnie Brown, the team's first-round pick, and the Dolphins are at an impasse in contract talks. Brown is looking for $20 million in guaranteed money and the Dolphins won't pay it. He will miss the team's first preseason game vs. Chicago.
Analysis: Brown is beginning to slip down Fantasy RB rankings because he's not in camp and looks like he won't be in the fold anytime soon.
News: The Miami Herald reports Ronnie Brown remains unsigned and might miss the start of training camp. He could be waiting for No. 1 overall selection Alex Smith to sign with San Francisco in order to gauge his own financial value.
Analysis: Brown needs to be in camp on time, especially now that it appears Ricky Williams is serious about a return to the Dolphins. Owners should keep tabs on this situation in the next few weeks.
News: The Miami Herald reports Dolphins head coach Nick Saban wants Ronnie Brown to practice with more attitude. "I think he is such a good guy, he doesn't want to offend anybody. And that's good to a point ... I'm talking about the disposition of maybe being assertive, might be a better way to say it," Saban said.
Analysis: Brown is expected to open the regular season as the Dolphins' No. 1 running back, even if Ricky Williams returns to the team. Expect the rookie to be selected in the first three rounds in all drafts.
News: With the potential for a Ricky Williams return to the Miami Dolphins, Ronnie Brown might end up splitting carries next season.
Analysis: Brown would start the first four games of the regular season as Williams is subject to a suspension if he returns, but after that his value could take a fall.
News: The Dolphins official website reports Brown did well at the team's first rookie camp. "He is a very bright guy, very smart," head coach Nick Saban said. "He was able to pick things up at several positions. He caught the ball well and ran it well. He's got pretty good instincts and vision as a runner. We were very pleased with what he did."
Analysis: This was a great first weekend for Brown, who will be the most coveted rookie in most Fantasy Football drafts.
News: The Miami Dolphins selected Ronnie Brown with the No. 2 overall selection in the 2005 NFL Draft.
Analysis: Barring a Ricky Williams return, Brown has a chance to make an immediate impact in Fantasy Football.
