Editor’s note: Each week of the NFL season — except week one, sorry we missed it — Pipe Dream Sports writer Mary Martellotta will give advice on who to start, who to sit or who to add in your fantasy football leagues.
Running back slots are difficult to fill in your line-up, especially with the new talent from the incoming draft class. But it’s hard to trust rookies before they’ve had a chance to prove themselves in the league. So, while we wait for the rookies to show us what they’ve got, we’ll discern which veterans are worth a start this week and who should hit the bench.
START:
Frank Gore (IND): With two weeks of mediocre performance behind him, Gore hasn’t done much to instill confidence among owners. Optimistically, this is just a function of facing strong defensive opponents, but this isn’t a valid excuse this week. In the matchup against the Titans, Gore has the potential to give owners the performance they’ve been waiting for. On top of allowing an average of 100 rushing yards per game, the Titans’ defense has surrendered the third-most fantasy points to backs since the start of the 2014 season according to ESPN standard scoring. I’d say go ahead and give Gore another chance.
Dion Lewis (NE): Lewis made up for the absence of LeGarrette Blount in the Patriots’ offense in week one. Even after the return of Blount from his suspension, he has remained Brady’s go-to back. He’s averaged over 100 total yards per game in the first two weeks. In this week’s game against the Jaguars, he should have no trouble keeping his numbers up, especially against a defense that has a difficult time defending the run.
Danny Woodhead (SD): Despite the addition of Melvin Gordon, the Chargers’ offense has utilized Woodhead more than anticipated. Owners were unsure of how productive Woodhead would be in the Chargers’ offense, but they are now gaining confidence after his impressive first two weeks. This week’s matchup in Minnesota should be no different. While Woodhead will not see the amount of touches Gordon will, his effectiveness rushing as well as receiving should give owners confidence.
SIT:
DeAngelo Williams (PIT): In Sunday’s win over the 49ers, Williams was the most productive player on the Steelers’ offense. He finished with three touchdowns and 92 total yards. If Le’Veon Bell wasn’t returning this week from his suspension, Williams would be a must-start. He still has a chance to be a productive player for owners this year but along with this week’s matchup against the Rams, who’ve allowed one of the fewest yards per carry to backs in the league, I would wait to start him until we see how he performs as Bell’s backup.
Mark Ingram, Jr. (NO): Ingram has been an effective fantasy player this season, but with a questionable Drew Brees at quarterback against the Panthers, owners should look for a different option. The Panthers’ defense is currently seventh against the run and has allowed an average of fewer than 80 rushing yards per game this year. Ingram will have a hard time gaining yards when he gets the ball and will have to share carries with Khiry Robinson and C.J. Spiller making him an unattractive fantasy start.
Carlos Hyde (SF): Currently listed on the injury report as questionable for this week’s game in Arizona, Hyde had been having trouble before his injuries last week versus the Steelers. This should raise concerns among owners seeing as the same Steelers’ defense let New England run wild in week one. Hyde will likely encounter the same situation against a Cardinals defense that held Matt Forte to 61 rushing yards last week. His injury combined with this week’s matchup should have owners looking at other options.