Bye Weeks: Chicago, Buffalo, Detroit, Green Bay, Atlanta, Tennessee

Marshawn Lynch faces a Raiders defense that's giving up the second-most fantasy points to RBs.

Grab a Helmet

Marshawn Lynch v. OAK: Whether it be game plan, locker room chemistry hijinks, or championship fatigue, the Seattle offense isn’t clicking. Part of the problem is Lynch simply isn’t getting enough carries, but expect that to change in a big way this week. There’s been lots of chatter since the Harvin trade about how unhappy the organization is with Lynch. This is a classic case of (see Tom Brady after the KC loss) of a team and player ready to burst out like gangbusters. Oakland has been fairly solid against the run, allowing only 3.8 ypc, but they’ve yielded the eighth-most rushing touchdowns (7). Look for a run heavy game plan, backed by bootlegs and play actions. With the potential of extra possessions via their defense, Lynch should easily approach 20 carries, 100 yards and a score. Strong enough numbers to make him a solid RB1 choice this week.

Mark Ingram @ CAR: Since 1992 the Saints have drafted 5 running backs in the first round. Some of them have flamed out with little, or short-term production (Vaughn Dunbar, Ricky Williams, Reggie Bush) and only one (Deuce McCallister) put out several seasons of elite production. After three years of injuries and ineffectiveness, it seemed like Ingram would join the list of first-round disappointments. But something happened on the way out the door. I have no idea what it was (healthy legs, contract year?) but he has risen from the dead like a ghoul on Halloween (second holiday reference by the way!) to give fantasy owners a surprising treat. (He was drafted after the 7th round in the leagues I’m in) In four games this season, Ingram is averaging a blistering 5.7 yards per carry and has scored four touchdowns. He’s been solid since the preseason, and his 15-plus FPts/G make him a borderline RB1 in most standard leagues. With another week as the lead dog in the backfield against a Panthers team giving up a league worst 5.2 ypc, lock Ingram into your lineups!

Andre Ellington @ DAL: 25,30,26 are not the numbers for tonight’s Pick 3 lottery drawing, (I’ll take a few bucks if you win though) but they are the number of touches Ellington has over his last three games. Inconsistent line play, his foot injury and touchdown vultures have limited his fantasy impact, but he’s still been a RB1/2 option all year, especially in PPR leagues. This week the Cardinals head to Dallas, who lost starting LB Justin Durant for the year on Monday night and were already giving up almost 5 yards per carry. With goal line thief Stepfan Taylor out with a calf injury, 20-plus touches, and goal line work are all but guaranteed for Ellington. The stars are aligned for a breakout performance from Ellington.

Grab Some Pine

Jonas Gray v. DEN: Before last week, Gray may have been mistaken for a long lost Jonas brother by fantasy owners, but after a 17-carry 86-yard performance against Chicago last week, Gray is a hot name. Filling the “big back” role in the New England offense is always hit or miss. Long a game plan dependent role, starting Gray against a Denver defense that is throttling the run (72 yards per game) is a spooky proposition. Look for Shane Vereen to dominate snaps in a quick hitting pass game designed to neutralize the Denver pass rush. Gray is only a RB3/4 and not someone I’d love to have to start this week.

Branden Oliver @ MIA: Yes, it’s true. No longer the whipping boy in this slot, Toby Gerhart has been allowed to rest in peace, as he’s become waiver fodder in many leagues by now. But in steps Brandon Oliver, who just several weeks ago was a fantasy darling when he went off for nearly 200 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Jets. But Oliver’s yardage totals have dropped precipitously since then (124, 78, 63). His quickness and deceptive power haven’t been able to overcome the growing deficiencies of his offensive line, and things don’t get easier on the road against Miami. Still a strong start in PPR leagues, Oliver has descended into low tier RB2 territory, and with the impending return of Ryan Mathews, may have already exhausted his best games this season.

Zac Stacy, Tre Mason, Benny Cunningham @ SF: At present time, avoid this schizophrenic backfield situation. Against Seattle it looked like Tre Mason had done enough to lead this committee, but just one week later, the carry distribution between Mason, Stacy and Cunningham went 7-5-4 in a 34-7 thumping. With that kind of even split, on a team that is going to shuffle offensive line positions yet again, fantasy owners will simply be guessing who to start. Sit back and let this game of musical backfield shake out, and hope you’re the fantasy owner with the winner.

Wide Receivers