Johnson has disappointed fantasy owners who handcuffed him with
David Johnson as he’s managed just 11.9 fantasy points combined
over two games. However, he faces the Detroit Lions this Thursday,
who are the NFL’s worst at defending opposing running backs, yielding
33.8 FPts/G and 37.9 points since Week 7, including 12 touchdowns
(nine rushing, three receiving). There are no other running back
options. Duke finally shows up.
Assuming Swift gets the go ahead to return from his concussion,
he’s set up to have a good Thanksgiving against a very generous
Texans’ run defense. Only the Lions’ run defense is worse as Houston
allows 30.9 FPts/G to opposing running backs. Swift was just starting
to display the talents that made him a second-round pick out of
Georgia producing 149 yards from scrimmage and a score in Week
10 (25.7 fantasy points). If he plays, he’ll pick up right where
he left off.
11/26 Editor's note:
Swift is not expected to play according to Adam Schefter.
As noted when I said to sit Wentz, the Eagles game strategy is
almost certainly to get Sanders and the running game going to
avoid putting the slumping Wentz in harm’s way and keep
Wilson, Metcalf and Lockett seated on the sidelines. The Seahawks
not only give up production through the air, but on the ground
as well. They rank 23rd for the season (25.6 FPts/G) and a 28-point
average over the past five games. The question as to whether this
will be a good or great day for Sanders will come down to Pederson
sticking with the run game (something he has trouble doing).
The Saints rank No.1 against opposing running backs (17.4 FPts/G)
and they have been downright stingy over the past five games (11.7)
with zero touchdowns on the ground. Only one back (Aaron Jones),
has even cracked the 16-point mark all season. Despite his 20.4
fantasy points last week against Miami, I’m fading the touchdown-dependent
Gordon this Sunday.
You would think with both Mark Ingram and J.K. Dobbins sidelined
than Edwards would be in for a great day. Yes, his touches will
go up, but the Steelers simply don’t allow running backs to produce
big numbers. They are second to the Saints (by 0.1 points) against
running backs. The Eagles’ Sanders is the only back to crack the
20-point mark against them all season. Defenses are playing the
run first and daring the Ravens to pass and it shows in the fact
their yards per attempt is down from 5.5 ypc in 2019 to 4.9 in
2020. Lamar Jackson has the ability to poach running back red
zone touchdowns. Stay away from Edwards unless you absolutely
must start him.
Edwards-Helaire produced solid numbers last week, but his usage
rate has dropped significantly since the arrival of Le’Veon
Bell. CEH averaged 21.3 touches pre-Bell and is averaging 10.3
touches post-Bell. Meanwhile, the Chiefs have been throwing the
ball more of late with Patrick Mahomes averaging 43 passing attempts
over the last three games (versus 34.6 attempts the first seven
games). Which makes CEH extremely touchdown-dependent and the
Bucs have allowed just seven rushing touchdowns and three receiving
scores to RBs in 11 games.
