Jacobs left, Jacobs right, Jacobs up the middle...
seems the Raiders might have figured out the special sauce in
their upset win over the Bears in Week 5. The 29 touches and 143
total yards were both career highs for the rookie, and there’s
a good bet the Raiders continue the attack the Packers on the
ground. Gruden has always intended to make Jacobs the focus of
the offense, and it looks like he’s ready to make good on
it. Green Bay was stout against the Lions run game Monday night,
but they have still given up the 4th most fantasy points to running
backs this season. If Jacobs can continue to dominate carries,
and sprinkle in some pass game work, he’ll be a solid RB1
going forward.
It seems the secret weapon
to slowing the KC offense is to simply not allow them to have
the ball! Lindsay (17th) and Freeman (25th) are the only teammates
in the top-25 in rushing attempts this season, so it’s pretty
easy to guess Denver’s gameplay on Sunday. The Chiefs are
soft up the middle and teams have taken advantage. By most metrics
KC sports one of the worst rush defenses in the NFL, and short
of a major scheme shift, I don’t see this improving. If
Denver can keep it close and not have to get into a track meet,
Lindsay and Freeman should both push for 15 carries each, making
both guys strong plays this week.
I just couldn’t pass
up a little bit of symmetry here in the SRC this week. I went
with a running back duo with a great matchup once, so let’s
do it again! Coleman and Breida were the offensive bludgeons last
week for San Fran in their 20-7 win over the Rams. When healthy,
both guys have carried the ball double digit times in each game
this season. The Niners have relied on a strong run game, and
savage defense to ignite their 5-0 start, and I don’t see
the formula changing this week, especially against a one-win team
on the road. Running the ball protects Garoppolo stay upright
with both of the starting tackles out, and sets up play action
and crossing routes. This tandem, while effective, also limits
their upside, but both backs are great RB2/FLEX plays this week.
The ageless one had a big game last week,
rushing for season highs in carries (23) and yards (123). Peterson’s
breakout was fairly predictable as new interim coach Bill Callahan
talked about running the ball more, and the Skins were always
going to be able to remain in positive game scripts against the
Dolphins. The sledding gets much tougher this week against a 49er
front that is dominating the competition. If the game gets just
a little lopsided, Peterson’s usage will plummet, and he
needs a high volume of carries to produce. As the only healthy
running back of substance on the roster Peterson is worth a look,
but don’t be guilty of chasing his points from last week
and expecting a repeat.
To say Gordon has been ineffective since his return is an understatement.
While his snaps have increased each week, the production hasn’t
followed. If this is a matter of simply working into shape? I’m
not so sure. Remember, Gordon is angling for free agency/new deal
this offseason, and it remains to be seen just how hard he’ll play
for a team that has its season hanging by a thread. Austin Ekeler
isn’t going away and the matchup this week against a desperate Titans
team isn’t pretty. His past production and dual threat game keep
him in your lineup, but it might be time to reconsider his fantasy
ceiling.
Now it’s certainly very likely that
Matt Nagy spent the bye week cooking up ways to get Montgomery
rolling, but a huge shift in how he deploys his running backs
is unlikely to come. Despite being talked up as cornerstone offensive
piece, Montgomery isn’t getting consistent touches, and
worse yet, is doing nothing with them. Averaging a paltry 3.3
yards per carry, Montgomery isn’t making splash plays. His
lack of elite speed and second level separation were knocks coming
into the NFL draft. He’s still losing a ton of passing game
snaps to Tarik Cohen, being out targeted 31-13. The 60-40 pass/run
ratio simply isn’t in Montgomery’s favor at the moment.
I do think he’s a great buy low candidate for the 2nd half
of the year, but the matchup, and current lack of offensive identity
render Montgomery a FLEX at best.
