There are no more uncertain backfields entering Week 14 than those of Green Bay and Philadelphia. But NFL.com's Ian Rapoport thinks he knows how those complicated situations will shake out, presumably relying on inside information.
First, Rapoport says Eddie Lacy will be Green Bay's No. 1 running back against Dallas. Lacy apparently had a strong week of practice and is out of Mike McCarthy's doghouse. Unless he fumbles or something.
We had moved Lacy up in the Friday rankings on the reports of his good week of practice. He's the Green Bay back to favor.
Things are murkier on DeMarco Murray. Rapoport said various scenarios were considered with Murray, but was relatively firm on the idea that Darren Sproles would again be the lead back, as he was in New England last week, and that Murray could benched or the No. 4 back (i.e., benched) behind Sproles, Ryan Mathews and Kenjon Barner.
We've ranked Mathews, returning from a concussion, highest, as he had played very well prior to getting hurt. But it seems a little riskier to use him if Rapoport's report about Sproles is correct. Murray seemingly can't be used at all.
Sounds like a Sproles-Mathews backfield, with Mathews the favorite for any short-yardage situations, including near the goal line.
--Andy Richardson