Both Falcons running backs should get plenty
of opportunites against the Browns porous defense.
Grab a Helmet
Devonta
Freeman and Tevin
Coleman vs SF: The latest running back to look like
Gale Sayers against the Niners was third-down back Bilal Powell
for the Jets, who ran for over 140 yards and two touchdowns last
week. With their receiving core still banged up, I look for the
Falcons to go run heavy in this one, giving both Freeman and Coleman
a chance for RB2+ numbers this week. San Fran is one of the few
defenses in the league worth streaming against on a weekly basis.
Atlanta could and should get out to a big lead and milk the clock
with heavy doses of this tandem. 15 carries for each of them and
a score or two should be the floor for the Atlanta duo. Feel incredibly
secure with either of these guys in your playoff starting lineup.
Kenneth
Dixon vs. PHI: Long considered the most talented back
on the roster, Dixon showed what he brings to the table with his
best game of the season Monday night against the Patriots. Dixon
had a team high 8 receptions on 11 targets, and scored his first
career touchdown. Dixon heavily out snapped Terrance West, and
just may have swung the pendulum back his way. Philadelphia has
only allowed one 100-yard rusher this season, but I think Dixon
offers some big upside, especially from a FLEX position on your
roster. He has 16 receptions over his last three games, and if
he can garner a lions share of the carries, could be valuable
piece of more than one fantasy championship.
Bilal
Powell vs MIA: After Matt Forte went down early, Powell
showed that he could be an absolute workhorse if necessary. He
touched the ball 34 times for 179 yards and two scores, and while
this came against the 49ers, it’s still a sign that Powell will
be in for a massive workload against Miami. Assuming Forte sits,
Powell will be the every down back against a defense that gave
up a 12-92 day against Forte and the Jets earlier this year. As
the Jets attempt to protect Bryce Petty, Powell should muster
25-plus touches this week, and sometimes all you need is a chance.
I’d be thrilled to get Powell into my lineup as sky high FLEX
play with RB2 expectations.
Grab Some Pine
Ryan
Mathews @ BAL: Desperate, angry defenses are never
fun to play against, and that’s exactly what Mathews and the Eagles
face this week in Baltimore. Mathews returned from a knee injury
last week to the tune of a 15-60 line against Washington. Despite
the potential absence of Darren Sproles, Mathews still doesn’t
factor much into the passing game giving him a very low floor.
Kenjon Barner is going to steal plenty of touches and probably
provides a bit more wiggle and speed against the aggressive Baltimore
front. Mathews’ value is in the 7 touchdowns he’s scored this
season, but when he doesn’t find the endzone he’s nearly worthless.
Kenneth
Farrow/Ronnie
Hillman vs OAK: The first of two tandems that scare
me this week is the potential Farrow/Hillman committee for San
Diego. Farrow flashed in the preseason, but has gotten almost
no work behind workhorse Melvin Gordon. Farrow had a surprising
21 touches last week after Gordon went down, but he tallied an
unimpressive 78 yards. There have been some reports that he had
trouble with pass protection, so I expected Hillman to play plenty
of snaps this week. The San Diego backfield has been very one-sided
this year and of course Farrow is worth the risk if you are a
really desperate Gordon owner, but I wouldn’t fall over myself
trying to find a way to get these guys in my playoff starting
lineup.
Dwayne
Washington/Theo
Riddick @ NYG: Washington looks like he’ll be in line
for a big workload with Zach Zenner and Theo Riddick nursing injuries.
The problem is Washington didn’t look to be over his own
ankle injury last week against Chicago, as he hobbled out of the
huddle several times in the game. The G-men are playing lights
out defense, weather is going to be a factor, and Washington simply
hasn’t done enough with the ball to warrant the risk, even
if he’s in line for 15-plus touches. The Giants haven’t
been impressive this year, but the Lions are on borrowed time.
They are simply due for a dud, and I have a hard time trusting
anyone in a Detroit uniform.
