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.
