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Fantasy Stars & Studs, Week 10: D’Andre Swift among surprise standouts

By Nicholas McGee

Nov 15, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back DÕAndre Swift (32) leaps over Washington Football Team safety Deshazor Everett (22) during the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back DÕAndre Swift (32) leaps over Washington Football Team safety Deshazor Everett (22) during the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nyheim Hines (21) of the Indianapolis Colts makes a strong move away from the line of scrimmage as he is pursued by Desmond King (33) of the Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans, Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020. Colts won 34-17.38 Coltstitans Rs
Nyheim Hines (21) of the Indianapolis Colts makes a strong move away from the line of scrimmage as he is pursued by Desmond King (33) of the Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans, Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020. Colts won 34-17.38 Coltstitans Rs /

Several unheralded running backs made fantasy impacts in Week 10.

The running back position is one of the most important in fantasy football and, with the rise of points per reception (PPR) as the dominant format, backs who can dominate catching the ball as well as running it are extremely valuable commodities.

New Orleans Saints star Alvin Kamara reiterated just how critical such backs can be during their 27-13 win over the San Francisco 49ers, his three-touchdown day making him Week 10’s leading scorer in PPR leagues through Sunday with 34.8 points.

However, beyond Kamara there were several unexpected names near the top of the leaderboard in terms of points scored by running backs as they played starring roles in a wild slate of games.

The distribution of carries in the Indianapolis Colts backfield will have infuriated many fantasy owners, but those who elected to roll with their best pass-catching back were surely left delighted by his contribution to Indianapolis’ win over the Tennessee Titans on Thursday.

Fast forward to Sunday and another young back who can make a difference through the air and on the ground ensured his presence was felt in the Detroit Lions’ nervy victory against the Washington Football Team, who were led by a standout rookie of their own.

Several running backs who gained their yardage in the more traditional sense also excelled during this weekend’s schedule.

A highly drafted back delivered the goods in spectacular fashion for Tampa Bay Buccaneers while a relatively unknown rookie was crucial to the Miami Dolphins’ triumph against the Los Angeles Chargers.

In this week’s edition of stars and studs, we look back at some of best running back displays from Week 10 and assess their fantasy impact.

Point totals and ownership numbers courtesy of FantasyPros.

Nyheim Hines – Indianapolis Colts

With the Colts’ faith in rookie Jonathan Taylor seemingly decreasing, Hines received a greater share of the workload than anticipated in their key Thursday Night Football win over the Tennessee Titans.

Hines is known for his receiving abilities out of the backfield but he was used frequently as a runner as well in Week 10, carrying the ball 12 times for 70 yards and a touchdown.

He added extra value with a typically strong performance catching the ball, making five receptions for 45 yards and another score.

That saw Hines finish with 28.5 points in PPR scoring, with Kamara and Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders (29.6) the only backs ahead of him in that regard through Sunday.

Indianapolis’ backfield is becoming increasingly difficult to judge from a fantasy perspective, but the most recent evidence suggests Hines is the Colts back to own.

Though he may tough to trust in standard leagues, when he gets the targets Hines is a viable starting option in PPR leagues, his efforts in Week 10 making it three receiving touchdowns in as many games.

Owned in just 41 percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues, Hines is worth a waiver wire add for fantasy managers seeking a potential flex play. Frustrated owners of Taylor should start looking elsewhere for production from the running back spot.

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