Kyle Juszczyk had seven targets last week when Matt Breida left the game.
C.J. Beathard loves to throw the running backs. Breida had at least three receptions the previous three weeks before he was injured this week. Juszczyk was averaging more than three targets a game before getting seven this past week after Breida got hurt. Alfred Morris has never been much of a pass catcher and won’t get fed all of the targets. Juszczyk is a deeper PPR league play if Breida misses time.
Sony Michel is heating up and the Chiefs allow 5.8 yards-per-carry.
Michel has seen his yards-per-carry increase each week since Week 2. He is now up to 5.4 YPC and the New England backfield is finally clear. James White will continue to handle most of the passing work, but Michel will be the primary ground attack. The Chiefs and Patriots will likely be a high scoring game with high powered offenses creating scoring opportunities for all fantasy players. Michel has RB1 upside in Week 6.
Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler are on pace for more yards from scrimmage than Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara in 2017
Last year the New Orleans running backs were fantasy darlings. Ingram just returned this past week, and Kamara owners weren’t happy but more on that later. It is time we start talking more about the Chargers backfield. Everyone knows Gordon is a top tier RB1, but Ekeler continues to be extremely efficient with his touches. He has a touchdown in three of five games along with having at least fifty yards in every game. Ekeler is becoming a safe RB2/3. While he may not hit Kamara levels, he still is an extreme value in fantasy.
Alvin Kamara scores on average four PPR points less when the Saints win a game by more than a touchdown.
After being told all week not to worry about the return of Mark Ingram, Kamara owners are probably freaking out now after his Week 5 usage. However, they should not sell Kamara so quickly. Over the past two years, we have seen the Saints lean more heavily on Ingram in games where they are leading. Kamara averages almost two receptions less and almost three targets less because the Saints simply don’t need him when they are leading. When they lead by more than three scores as they did against the Redskins Kamara averages seven points less. They likely just wanted to get Ingram going on fresh legs and will use Kamara more when they are in more competitive games.
The Ravens are the only team to not allow an RB1 or RB2 fantasy performance this year.
The Ravens have been a great defense this year both against the pass and the run. This week the Titans backfield goes up against the Ravens and it is a backfield that has already struggled. Derrick Henry likely shouldn’t be rostered anymore in most leagues. Dion Lewis at least provides some value in PPR leagues because of his pass-catching skills. You should look elsewhere if you need an RB start this week and sit both of these players.
The Atlanta Falcons are once again involved in a 57 point over/under.
The Falcons defense seems to be able to get any opposing offense these days. They have been the matchup to look for when you are looking for fantasy starts. They allowed the RB1, WR3, and QB5 in Week 5 alone to the Steelers. In Week 6 it is time to fire up your Buccaneers. Cameron Brate is one of my favorite starts of the week with Jameis Winston at the helm. Winston loves to throw to the tight end. Mike Evans, Desean Jackson, and Chris Godwin all have upside. Keep out for a Ronald Jones breakout game if he gets more usage.
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T.J. Yeldon is on pace for over 800 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards.
Yeldon isn’t the running back the Jaguars wanted to be their star offensive player, but right now its the running back they need. Keelan Cole, Dede Westbrook, Donte Moncrief, D.J. Chark, and Leonard Fournette were all brought in after Yeldon was already on the team yet he is the most valuable fantasy value this year. Fournette’s hamstring could keep him out for some time, and Corey Grant was just played on injured reserve. Yeldon could be an RB1 moving forward until Fournette comes back and teams that need wins badly should look to acquiring him.
The Eagles backfield will likely remain a committee even with Jay Ajayi on injured reserve.
When Ajayi went down I am sure many people rushed to their waiver wire to grab Wendall Smallwood. Some may have gone for Corey Clement. In reality, it will probably be a mix of the two backs including Darren Sproles. The Eagles also have been rumored in trades involving running backs which would only further create a murky backfield. My money would be on Clement, but you probably don’t have a league winner with any of the options.
This may be your last shot to trade James Conner before Le’Veon Bell returns.
It has been reported that Bell will return to the Steelers during the Steelers bye which is next week. This is likely your last chance to get something for Conner unless you own Bell and want to ensure you own the backfield. Either way, Conner is going to take a hit on his value because the best case is he will split time with Bell. Worst case he rides the bench. If you can afford not having this week you may want to sell him why you still can.
The Vikings have not had a 50-yard rusher once this season.
The Vikings play the Cardinals this week who are the worst team against running backs. If Cook was healthy this would be a game to look forward to. The Vikings simply haven’t been able to get a ground game going and with their strong passing attack, they don’t necessarily have to. Personally, I hope the Vikings rest Cook and get him back to 100% instead of taking their chances of him being reinjured. Latavius Murray has been in more of a timeshare this year and doesn’t seem like a great start either despite the matchup.
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