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Fantasy Football lineup advice: Week 10 boom or bust

By Jake VanZuiden

CARSON, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 03: Keenan Allen #13 of the Los Angeles Chargers signals for a first down during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Dignity Health Sports Park on November 03, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 03: Keenan Allen #13 of the Los Angeles Chargers signals for a first down during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Dignity Health Sports Park on November 03, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Fantasy Football - Bills RB Devin Singletary
ORCHARD PARK, NY – NOVEMBER 03: Devin Singletary #26 of the Buffalo Bills carries the ball during the first quarter against the Washington Redskins at New Era Field on November 3, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo defeats Washington 24-9. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Running Back

Boom: David Montgomery, CHI vs. DET

It took awhile, but Montgomery is finally heating up. In his last two contests, he’s gone for 24.7 and 22.6 fantasy points, supplanting himself as the unquestioned workhorse in Chicago’s backfield. While the Bears’ offense remained mundane in Week 9 versus the Eagles, Montgomery reached the end-zone twice against a rock-solid front seven. He was involved in the passing-game as well, securing three balls for 36 yards.

The rookie ball-carrier draws a mouthwatering home matchup with the Bears’ first divisional battle against the Lions ahead. An area that was viewed as a strength for Detroit heading into the season, their run D has been a colossal bust, handing over a league-high 32.9 FPPG to enemy tailbacks. In a game where Matt Nagy will do his best to keep the outcome out of Mitchell Trubisky‘s hands, Montgomery should have himself a heyday and is firmly in back-end RB1 territory this week.

Boom: Devin Singletary, BUF @ CLE

Hallelujah! The long-overdue breakout game for the Bills’ rookie running-back finally came against the Redskins. It appears Frank Gore has officially handed over the keys to the engine to Singletary, as he took a career-high 20 carries for 95 yards and a score in Week 9 (23 fantasy points). If you held onto him through his injury problems and uninspiring workloads, bravo. You’ll now be reaping the rewards.

Now that OC Brian Daboll has come to his senses and realized that Singletary is far and away the most talented back on their roster, he should see a similar workload throughout the second-half of the season with Gore working as the change-of-pace guy. That starts this week against the Browns, who’ve been a massive disappointment this season at 2-6. Cleveland is currently allowing RBs 26.2 FPPG (bottom-10 in the league), making this a spot where Singletary can thrive once again.

Bust: Devonta Freeman, ATL @ NO

While he’s still the overall RB18 on the year, Freeman’s production has fluctuated from a week-to-week basis. Thankfully for owners, he’s seen an increased role through the air in recent weeks, but it’s been a season to forget for him on the ground. The Falcons’ o-line stinks, which has led to a paltry average of 3.4 yards per carry (lowest of his career) through eight games. Freeman’s still without a rushing touchdown this season, something that’s unlikely to change in Week 10.

Atlanta will have to play lights-out to even have a prayer against the top-seeded Saints. New Orleans has been one of the best in the business at suppressing opposing ground-games, holding running-backs to only 17.4 FPPG, fourth-fewest in the NFL. Also keep in mind running-mate Ito Smith could return this week to vulture goal-line touches from Freeman, making this a stay-away spot.

Bust: Kalen Ballage, MIA @ IND

With Mark Walton suspended, Ballage will now get his first shot at being the Alpha Dog in Miami’s backfield (for whatever that’s worth). Even in limited opportunities this season, the second-year pro has struggled to get going, averaging an ugly two yards per carry. This may look like a “last man standing” type of situation that would usually ensure volume, but keep in mind this team still has rookie back Myles Gaskin, who will surely have some type of role and could prove to be the more productive runner.

Assuming Ballage even gets 12-15 touches, he’s going up against a Colts defense that’s allowed just 77 rushing yards per game. On the year, Indy’s 21.4 FPPG given up to the RB spot is the ninth-fewest in football. The Dolphins have also been passing the ball more with Ryan Fitzpatrick at the helm. Simply put, Ballage should not be in any lineups this week.

Sleeper: Dion Lewis, TEN vs. KC

While Derrick Henry remains the clear lead back in Tennessee, Lewis had his best game of the season in Week 9, catching five passes for 33 yards. Against the Chiefs, the Titans’ could again use Lewis’ receiving chops to their advantage. The running-back position has been problematic for Kansas City’s defense all year and they’ve already surrendered 590 yards through the air to opposing RBs (second-most in the NFL).