With Leonard Fournette out, T.J. Yeldon
should see 20 touches against the Kansas City defense.
Grab a Helmet
T.J.
Yeldon @ KC: I sincerely hope that Leonard Fournette
owners handcuffed their workhorse because it may be awhile before
he’s back. In the meantime Yeldon will quietly continue to put
up RB2 numbers for a team that likes to control the clock and
play great defense. Yeldon is currently the No.12 running back
in standard leagues and with 14 receptions has been a factor in
PPR leagues as well. Yeldon and the ground attack should be a
featured part of the game plan this week as the Jags try and slow
the Pat Mahomes express. Pencil in at least 20 touches and a potential
score for Yeldon, making him a strong play.
Mark
Ingram vs WAS (Mon): Joining Julian Edelman as an instant
fantasy factor upon return from suspension is Mark Ingram. Savvy
owners who were able to get a super discount on Ingram during
the draft can now reap a return on their investment. Don’t expect
a full complement of touches (which was about 18 a game last year)
right off the bat, but this offense is at its most dangerous when
Ingram and Kamara are active. Sean Peyton has gone on record this
week about finding the proper balance in his backfield, but even
in a timeshare Ingram will be part of what this offense is trying
to do against Washington. With looks in the passing game in addition
to red zone work, Ingram makes for a plug and play RB2 in his
first action of the season.
Derrick
Henry @ BUF: Henry and the Titans run game have been
a colossal disappointment this season. The former Alabama runner
has a yards per carry average that would make for a fine G.P.A.
(3.0) and has yet to find the endzone. I do think the Titans are
more dynamic when they spread the field and throw the ball deep,
but I’m going with pure gut this week, as I think the Titans,
with a healthy offensive line, look to pound the ball on the ground
on the road against Buffalo. The Bills have given up the 2nd most
rushing touchdowns to tailbacks in the league, and Henry is due
as he and Lamar Miller are the only running backs in the NFL with
50+ carries and no touchdowns. 75+ yards and a score makes Henry
a solid FLEX/RB2 play for the week.
Grab Some Pine
Latavius
Murray/ Dalvin
Cook @ PHI: Let me just lay it out for you. This Vikings
backfield is a mess. Soft tissue injuries seem to be in vogue
this year, as Dalvin Cook is yet another impact fantasy player
who can’t seem to get his hamstrings healthy. Latavius Murray
isn’t talented enough to overcome a bad offensive line, and a
lack of a receiving back means the offense is easier to defend
when they know the running back isn’t a threat on passing downs.
With a balky leg, Cook is going to be in danger of an in-game
flare up, and Murray hasn’t even been a solid handcuff, as he’s
totaled 3 yards on 4 carries in his last two games. Philadelphia
has one of the most versatile defensive lines in football and
they have been destroying opposing running games. The Vikings
desperately need some balance to help out a reeling defense, but
until Cook gets fully healthy, this has to be a backfield to avoid.
Mike
Davis vs LAR: Listening to Pete Carroll's assessment
of his players is always a fool's errand. With Chris Cason injured,
the Seahawks dusted off Mike Davis instead of rolling with Rashaad
Penny their 1st round pick this year. Of course Davis rushed for
100 yards and two scores, further muddling this backfield quagmire.
Carroll says that Davis has earned a spot in the rotation, and
with Cason presumably back this week, and Penny still needing
touches, there isn't anything resembling clarity in Seattle. It’s
anyone’s guess who gets enough carries to produce fantasy points,
so in these situations it’s always best to look somewhere else,
lest you be burned.
Alex
Collins @ CLE: Despite a surprisingly effective Ravens
offense, Collins hasn’t really gotten going yet this year.
He’s failed to top 70 yards rushing or 4 yards per carry,
and his three scores are all that is keeping his fantasy value
afloat. He’s been benched twice this year for fumbling near
the goal line, most recently costing the Ravens serious momentum
against the Steelers. A one dimensional back that could be in
danger of losing most of his goal line carries, Collins ceiling
is severely capped. Without a stranglehold on carries, Collins
is getting increasingly hard to trust as anything more than a
“cross your fingers” RB2.
