Fantasy football lineup advice: Week 7 BOOM or BUST!
Fantasy football lineup advice – Running Back
BOOM:
Josh Jacobs, OAK @ GB
In his most recent game in London, the first-round rookie was brilliant. Jacobs was involved in all facets of Oakland’s offense, rumbling his way to 123 yards and two touchdowns while chipping in 3 receptions for 20 yards. This was against the Bears, one of the most dominant defenses in the league. His carry total has steadily increased each of the past three games, climbing to 26 against Chicago. The Raiders are beginning to take the training wheels off Jacobs, meaning we could be in for an encore performance this Sunday.
He should be able to keep his momentum rolling against the Packers, being that they’ve handed over the third-most FPPG to enemy backs on the year. Green Bay has been strong against the pass this season, but opposing offenses have taken full advantage of a suspect front-seven defending the run. Expect a similar approach from the Raiders coming out of their bye week. Jacobs should eat.
Tevin Coleman, SF @ WSH
The 49ers’ stable of running-backs remained productive in Coleman’s three-week absence, but that didn’t stop Kyle Shanahan from handing over the lead-back duties to him once he returned. Both Coleman and Matt Breida has worked as the RB1A and RB1B in what may be the league’s best one-two punch on the ground, but it’s been Coleman who’s seen slightly more usage. Since coming back, he’s handled 17 carries per game and has scored a touchdown in both contests, working as the go-to back inside the red-zone.
There should be plenty of scoring opportunities against the one-win Redskins. Washington’s defense has seen extensive struggles this season, especially when it comes to limiting enemy backs. Their 28.9 FPPG allowed to the RB position is fifth-most in football, and tailbacks with a multi-tool skillset like Coleman and Breida have had their way with them up to this point. Both are strong starts, with the slight edge going to Coleman.
BUST:
David Montgomery, CHI vs. NO
The Montgomery hype train has cooled off a bit since the preseason, as the rookie runner has totaled an average of just 10.1 FPPG thus far, currently sitting as overall RB35. He’s struggled to get going behind a surprisingly-poor Bears’ offensive line, assembling just 3.3 yards per carry. On a positive note, he’s getting the work owners coveted (71 total touches in his last four games), showing premier elusiveness and balance when he’s gotten a hole.
Coming out of their bye, Chicago should see more success running the ball after moving around some pieces on the o-line (sent guard Kyle Long to IR). However, the Saints are going to pose the toughest test yet for Montgomery. New Orleans boasts a tenacious front-seven that has ceded the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing ball-carriers at just 19.6 per game. Montgomery is a fine buy-low candidate, but owners may have to endure at least one more lackluster performance before he begins to really shine.
Damien Williams, KC @ DEN
Last week it was LeSean McCoy who made the list of BUSTs, and that notion held true (6.4 fantasy points). With Williams now back in the mix, this revolving-door situation at running-back for the Chiefs has become a nightmare scenario for owners. He, along with both McCoy and Darrel Williams, are seeing their own allotment of touches, suggesting this team could be riding with the hot-hand on any given week. Last week, Williams was able to somewhat salvage his day with a nine-yard TD reception, but it was alarming to see him only get two touches.
Williams was phased out of Kansas City’s game plan in the second-half of action in Week 6, and now draws an ugly matchup with the Broncos. Denver was courteous to opposing RBs to begin the year, but have really tightened the screws in recent weeks. Last week, they held Derrick Henry to just 1.9 YPC and have moved their way up the ranks, now placing as a top-10 defense against the run. Unsure of how much work Williams will get in this one, it’s best to pivot to another option.
Sleeper:
Miles Sanders, PHI @ DAL
Last game, it wasn’t Jordan Howard, but Miles Sanders who was the more productive fantasy RB in Philly. He only saw three rush-attempts but caught three balls for 86 yards including a long touchdown. Dallas has been generous to running-backs on the young season, handing over 27 FPPG (ninth-most in the NFL). If the Eagles continue to utilize Sanders as a mismatch in the passing-game, he could be in for another nice afternoon.