Fansided

Fantasy Stars & Studs, Week 6: Derrick Henry dominates

By Nicholas McGee

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) celebrates the 42-36 overtime win over the Houston Texans at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn.Gw54744
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) celebrates the 42-36 overtime win over the Houston Texans at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn.Gw54744 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 18: D’Andre Swift #32 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball against Sidney Jones #35 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the fourth quarter in the game at TIAA Bank Field on October 18, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 18: D’Andre Swift #32 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball against Sidney Jones #35 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the fourth quarter in the game at TIAA Bank Field on October 18, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

D’Andre Swift – Detroit Lions

The Lions’ backfield has been difficult to figure out this season. Swift, though, made an extremely persuasive case for taking on the lead role for the remainder of the season with a significant contribution to Detroit’s 34-16 win at the Jaguars.

Swift had one fewer carry than Adrian Peterson but did a much better job of making the most of his attempts. While Peterson had 40 yards and a touchdown, Swift averaged eight yards per carry on 14 attempts as he finished with 116 yards and two touchdowns.

The second-round rookie also caught three passes, taking his tally in PPR leagues to 27.3 points. Only Henry had more among running backs.

Fantasy managers, however, may be keen to see if Swift’s efforts alter the share of the carries in Detroit before putting their faith in Swift as somebody they can start regularly.

Indeed, Swift and the Lions will likely have to prove Sunday’s effort was not an anomaly against an exploitable Jaguars defense for him to be seen as a reliable option. With the Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings and Washington Football Team on the schedule in the coming weeks, the former Georgia star should have plenty of chances to do that.

For now, though, it is still not clear whom Matt Patricia and his staff favor in a committee backfield and, for that reason, Swift remains a risky flex play.

Home/NFL