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Colby Cavaliere | Archive | Email |
Staff Writer


The Shot Caller's Report - Running Backs
Your Guide To Fantasy Lineups: Week 7
10/20/16
QBs | RBs | WRs


Bye Weeks:
Carolina, Dallas

DeMarco Murray

DeMarco Murray in Week 7: The Colts have given up the third most fantasy points to running backs.

Grab a Helmet

DeMarco Murray v. IND: Fantasy’s No.3 overall running back has been incredibly consistent over the first six games of the season. He’s scored double digit fantasy points in each game, and his play around the goal line and in the passing game ensure he maintains a very high floor. He’s also shown the ability to break the long run, and gets an absolute banquet this week against a Colts defense that allowed Lamar Miller to run roughshod over them last week. Murray has held off the talented rookie Henry, and established himself as a lead dog on a team that can and will continue to focus on the running game. The fantasy world has to accept the fact that Murray, barring injury, is going to finish in the top-5 this season. Get him in your line-ups as this week’s potential overall RB1.

Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman vs. SD: It was tough going for the dynamic duo last week in Seattle, but the two week west coast road trip is over, and the Falcons will be back at home in the dome. Atlanta is throwing the ball all over the place, but they can and will run the ball if that’s what the defense dictates. On the road earlier in the year against struggling defenses like the Chargers, Atlanta wasn’t afraid to get the ball to their running back tandem frequently. I think the Charger defense sells out to try and slow down Ryan and the aerial attack, leaving running lanes for both Freeman and Coleman. They both make for strong RB2 plays this week, and there’s probably no other two-headed backfield you can say that about in the NFL.

James White @ PIT: White has officially cemented himself as the latest in the long line of Patriot pass catching running backs. For well over a decade now, the New England offense has utilized the pass catching back in a prominent role, making whomever holds that position a fantasy factor. For much of last year it was Dion Lewis, and this year it’s White. Since Brady’s return, White has tallied 12 catches for 110 yards and 2 touchdowns. Pittsburgh was killed a few weeks ago by Darren Sproles, who went over 110 yards on 6 catches, and last week Jay Ajayi looked like Walter Peyton. Look for another big game from White as a sneaky FLEX play that could net you RB2 numbers.

Grab Some Pine

Rashad Jennings, Bobby Rainey, Orleans Darkwa @ LAR (London): Statistically the Giants are one of the least effective rushing offenses in the NFL. They have a host of backs (including these three gentleman) that can’t generate yards on their own, and only seem to get what’s blocked, and with the Giants’ offensive line playing bad football, there ain’t much getting blocked. Jennings is fundamentally sound, but lacks any explosion, and the Giants struggles in the red zone severely limit any touchdown upside. Their most explosive player, rookie Paul Perkins has only 11 total touches, but is at least making the most of those. It’s my guess he’s taking a back seat to the better pass protectors and until the Giants make a better effort to get him the ball, this backfield must be avoided at all costs.

Jay Ajayi vs. BUF: Simply put, by starting Ajayi you are desperately chasing his ridiculous output from a week ago. Taking a look at the bigger picture reveals a mediocre player whose best rushing day before Week 6 was a 48-yard outburst against the Eagles in Week 10 of the 2015 season. Pittsburgh was missing key defenders in their front seven and were struggling to contain runners even before those injuries. Buffalo is one of the hottest defenses in the league, and while middle of the pack against the run, possesses a physical and talent mismatch for the Dolphins line. With Miami most likely employing a hot hand approach, it’s a total guess who gets the majority of the carries this week. Start him if you have to, but expecting anything more than FLEX value is a mistake.

Matt Forte vs. BAL: The last time I had Forte in this spot he burned me for 100-plus yards and three touchdowns, so I get some credit for tempting fate a second time. This Jets’ offense is in utter collapse, and it starts with their ineffective passing game. Defenses aren’t afraid of Geno Smith, and with Marshall the only true dangerous weapon, the running game hasn’t been able to get on track. Since his gigantic Week 2, Forte has yet to top 65 yards from scrimmage, and the 3 touchdowns in that game are still his season total. He’s lost a ton of work to Bilal Powell, and the murderous schedule hasn’t done him any favors either. Baltimore is a bit banged up with Suggs missing at least this week, but they are currently the best defense in the league against fantasy running backs, yielding the fewest points. With his touches tumbling and an offense sinking in the muck, it’s a good time to avoid Forte.


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