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Spreading the wealth doesn’t help in fantasy football

Alfred Morris can be valuable to owners, but the game strategy of Washington coach Mike Shanahan doesn’t help.jack dempsey/associated press

Surrounded by handcuffs, Alfred Morris must feel as though he’s in prison.

Earlier this season, the Washington running back saw some of his goal-line and third-down production taken away by backup Roy Helu, who has four rushing touchdowns, including a three-touchdown game.

Against San Diego in Week 9, fullback Darrel Young also found the end zone three times, on three short carries — carries Morris’s owners wish he had been given.

The Washington coach, Mike Shanahan, has always been a problem for fantasy owners because even going back to his days in Denver, Shanahan has had a penchant for spreading carries around. Thus Morris, who still had a fine day against the Chargers, is “handcuffed” by teammates who are capable of stealing his goal-line work.

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I drafted Morris high in two leagues because he was durable and productive as a rookie in 2012. That faith is beginning to pay off: Morris has racked up three rushing touchdowns and 390 yards in his last four games.

His owners will take those numbers, but only if the touchdown totals are higher.

Three up:

Denard Robinson, RB, Jacksonville: The former Michigan quarterback has been elevated to second-string running back for the Jaguars, who are desperate to generate a drive that merely takes them into an opposing team’s territory. With top receiver Justin Blackmon suspended for the season, the athletic Robinson could be a nice flex option if he starts receiving touches.

Jake Locker, QB, Tennessee: Fantasy players everywhere are going with Houston’s Case Keenum as a bye-week replacement, but Locker is a better option. He’s facing Jacksonville.

Jay Cutler, QB, Chicago: Cutler may be available because he’s banged up and Chicago’s down-the-stretch schedule is favorable, particularly in Week 16 against Philadelphia.

Three down:

Rashad Jennings, RB, Oakland: Darren McFadden’s hamstring is at it again, leaving Jennings as the starter. The issue is, Jennings is about as trustworthy as McFadden. His value will never be higher. Trade him.

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Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati: Dalton has performed like a fantasy starter during the last month but his production will be limited in a rugged divisional matchup against the Ravens.

Mike Wallace, WR, Miami: If he’s in your lineup, what’s he doing for you? His production isn’t likely to increase this week when he’s lined up against Darrelle Revis of Tampa Bay.


Ed Ryan can be reached at ed_ryan@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @EdzoRyan.