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The Shot Caller's Report - Wk 8 Running Backs



By Steve Schwarz | 10/29/20
Bye Weeks: ARI, HOU, JAX, WAS
QBs | RBs | WRs

Jonathan Taylor

Grab a Helmet

1) Jonathan Taylor at Detroit

The rookie Taylor ranks 21st with 14.5 FPts/G, yet it feels like he’s been a bit of a disappointment. He’s cracked 100 yards just once and has three touchdown runs, but bigger things were expected after Marlon Mack was injured. Taylor has run better of late averaging 4.8 ypc against Cleveland and 5.0 ypc against Cincinnati. He’s had a bye week to rest and faces a vulnerable Lions run defense allowing 29.4 FPts/G ranking 28th.

2) Todd Gurley at Carolina (Thu)

Gurley had his best game of the season in Week 5 against the Panthers (14-121-1) for 25 fantasy points and just three weeks later gets another crack at them. He hasn’t run particularly well this season (4.0 ypc), but he’s scored in five of seven games, including twice last weekend. The Falcons have upped his workload in Week 6 and Week 7, giving him 23 and 25 touches, respectively. Continuing at that pace should translate into a big evening.

3) Boston Scott vs. Dallas

The Cowboys have allowed 1,015 rushing yards this season, the second-highest total in the league behind Houston. While the Eagles will likely be without Miles Sanders, Scott should be up to the task of finding holes in the Dallas defense. Scott totaled 92 yards and a touchdown last week from scrimmage (46 rushing, 46 receiving) while the Cowboys were allowing their second straight 100-yard rusher. The entire Dallas organization is in disarray and Scott (and the rest of the Eagles including the return of OT Jason Peters) should be able to take advantage for a big day.

Grab some Pine

1) Any Seattle RB vs. San Francisco

At this point in the week it’s anybody’s guess who will line up behind Russell Wilson, but whoever it is should be avoided. Chris Carson is week-to-week, Carlos Hyde has a hamstring issue, Rashaad Penny is still recovering from a knee injury, Travis Homer is also dealing with a knee, leaving rookie DeeJay Dallas as the likely primary back. In any case, the 49ers run defense should scare any fantasy owners from taking a flyer here. They rank No.2 against opposing RBs and no one has run for more than 88 yards against them.

2) D’Andre Swift vs. Indianapolis

Swift has averaged 21.1 fantasy points over the past two weeks, but much of those points were touchdown dependent. He’s still in a shared situation with Adrian Peterson. Since their bye, he’s seen 30 touches and “AP” 28 touches. Neither is a great option against the tough-defensive, slow-tempo offense of the Colts. The Colts only see an average of 59.7 plays per game.

3) James Conner at Baltimore

Conner has been pretty good this season (18.3 FPts/G since his Week 1 injury), but the Ravens are a tough nut to crack (rank 6th against opposing RBs). They have allowed just one rushing touchdown all season. Meanwhile, Baltimore has allowed 32.7 FPts/G to opposing wideouts and the Steelers have a plethora of options at that position. I’m expecting the Pittsburgh backfield to be needed to block Ravens’ blitzing linebackers and allow Ben Roethlisberger to target those talented receivers.

Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers