Chris Johnson has found a home in Arizona
and should find paydirt against the Browns run defense.
Grab a Helmet
Chris
Johnson @ CLE: Long-time readers know I’ve been pretty
hard on Johnson in recent years, but I’m not too stubborn to admit
when I’ve been unfair. I guess it bothered me he could never come
close to duplicating that otherworldly 2009 season (2,509 total
yards, 16 TDs), especially since he got paid handsomely/retroactively
for it, after a protracted holdout, no less. If we treat it as
a statistical outlier, however, and also throw out that lost year
in Rex Ryan’s moribund offense (2014), he’s actually been pretty
consistent (double-digit averages in each of his five other seasons).
2015 is more of the same (11.5 pts/game), even though he was only
supposed to act as an insurance policy for the constantly banged-up
Andre Ellington. Nobody appreciates insurance until it pays for
itself, right? The Johnson policy should keep paying out against
a Cleveland-D giving up the most rushing yards/game.
Charles
Sims @ ATL: You’re already starting the Muscle Hamster,
but lemme make a case for his stunt double, Sims. The versatile
Houston product by way of West Virginia seemed like no more than
a fringe option after a quiet rookie campaign and a lackluster
2015 preseason. Then the real games started and a funny thing
happened. Doug Martin was better than we thought he’d be (lots
better), but Sims kept getting opportunities. Lots of them. He’s
only received fewer than 10 “looks” (carries plus targets) one
time and is averaging a healthy 8.6 points/game. He’s even scored
twice and received a goal-line carry last Sunday during crunch
time. His specialty though, is catching passes and that’s why
I like him this week. The Falcons have surrendered a league worst
64 receptions and 514 yards to RBs so far. Strength v. weakness
= opportunity. Consider Sims if you’re short-handed Sunday.
Antonio
Andrews @ HOU: And if you’re really short-handed, you
might even consider this guy. The Titans haven’t been a
real wellspring of fantasy options lately, especially at the running
back position, but early returns on the former undrafted free
agent from Western Kentucky have been pretty positive. He’s
thick (5’10”, 225 pounds), has good vision, and just
tallied 5.7 yards per tote against one of the league’s stingiest
run defense (Atlanta) in a game that wasn’t decided until
late. In fact, it’s a little puzzling the Titans’
brain trust didn’t give him more work (just 10 carries)
considering the alternatives were Bishop Sankey or Zach Mettenberger’s
right arm. Yucko. I might be forced to start Andrews in one of
my leagues but I don’t feel queasy about that at all. Houston
is getting gashed by opposing backs (23.5 pts/game) and isn’t
likely to blow anyone out. Consider Antonio Andrews.
Grab a Gatorade
Darren
McFadden v. SEA: Though I’d have plenty of reason not
to be (famously injury-prone, hasn’t met high expectations), I’m
actually still a fan of McFadden. He’s big, runs hard, has top-end
speed, and can even catch the rock when targeted. Adding to this
package of natural gifts is the fact he’s now operating behind
the league’s best offensive line and has very little in the way
of healthy competition. Lance Dunbar’s on IR. Joseph Randle is
out this Sunday. Christine Michael still has fewer than 60 career
carries. So, go out and nab him, yes? Sure. Just don’t start him
on Sunday unless you wanna be severely disappointed. Despite early
struggles, the Legion of Boom is still limiting opposing backs
to the second fewest points overall. Plus, they have no reason
to be worried about DMC’s backfield mate, Matt Cassel. Like the
player, hate the matchup. Temper those expectations.
Rashad
Jennings, Andre
Williams, Shane
Vereen, or Orleans
Darkwa @ NO: The Giants seem to be taking this RBBC
thing to its logical absurdity. The law firm of Jennings, Williams,
Vereen, and Darkwa each received at least four carries in last
Sunday’s win over Dallas, with the unsung Darkwa making the biggest
splash, tallying 48 yards on eight carries and scoring the Giants’
only offensive touchdown. Joe Buck even anticipated the fantasy
scramble for the former Tulane back during the live broadcast.
So, now the real question: Is he worth our time? Longer term,
I’d say it’s possible. Shorter term, I’m thinking no. Jennings
is still the lead back and probably the most reliable. Vereen
is firmly ensconced as the third down specialist, though he hasn’t
been really special in that role. Williams probably loses carries
to Darkwa, but how many? Bottom line: just too many mouths to
feed here.
Eddie
Lacy @ DEN: Where do we begin? Lacy went No.1 overall
in one of my August drafts and though I definitely raised an eyebrow,
I didn’t find it unreasonably foolish at the time. Maybe
it’s because I’m an unapologetic homer, but he was
clearly projecting as top 5 material and one could have made a
case for him being, at the very least, in the overall No.1 discussion.
That case would have been made even stronger had we known then
what we know now. He plays in a great offense and with a great
defense. His team is undefeated. He’s reasonably healthy.
The only ingredient missing, it appears, from the “Eddie
Lacy, best overall RB” narrative is…Eddie Lacy. If
you’re still banking on a second half redemption song, consider
the following: He’s carried the ball 65 more times than
Marcel Reece and has about four more fantasy points than the Oakland
reserve RB.
