Fansided

FanDuel NFL 2017: Week 11 lineup

By Brad Berreman

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 30: Quarterback Alex Smith
KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 30: Quarterback Alex Smith /
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Mandatory Credit: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images /

Running Backs: LeSean McCoy, Buffalo Bills-$8,000, Melvin Gordon, Los Angeles Chargers-$7,800

McCoy had his two best games of the season after Buffalo’s bye, with 50 carries for 242 yards and and three touchdowns along with 11 catches on 14 targets. Since then two dismal games have come, with a total of 73 yards on 20 carries, but “Shady” is in good rebound position for Week 11 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Chargers have only allowed four rushing touchdowns all season to running backs, and the most recent one came last week on a fake punt. Struggles early in the season have skewed things a bit, but the Chargers have still allowed the third-most fantasy points to running backs (ESPN PPR scoring) and the second-most receptions to the position (59; 6.6 per game).

McCoy had 20 or more touches in five straight games prior to the last two, with at least five targets and catches in four of those. The Bills offensive formula seems clear, and now rookie Nathan Peterman will start under center on Sunday, so McCoy should be very heavily involved on Sunday.

Gordon took a backseat in Week 10, with 42 total yards to 119 total yards and two receiving touchdowns for Austin Ekeler. But a combination of circumstances leaves ample room for both to produce big in Week 11.

First off, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is the NFL’s concussion protocol. If he can’t go, Kellen Clemens would get the start. A run-oriented game plan would clearly be in order with Clemens under center.

But over their last two games, the Buffalo Bills have allowed 525 yards from scrimmage to opposing running backs. Things are skewed touchdown-wise by last week, as Saints’ running backs combined for five rushing scores, but that kind of yardage ceded to running backs over the last two weeks is notable.

It’s easy to chase Ekeler’s Week 10 performance, and expect something close to repeat this week in a very favorable matchup. But Gordon is still the lead back for the Chargers, and 20-plus touches puts him in line for a big day on Sunday.