Is Derrick Henry preparing for another stretch run in fantasy football?
Henry was dominant toward the end of the season in 2018, giving many fantasy football owners health problems since Henry was on most teams’ benches in the final weeks of 2018. This year, though, Henry should continue to stay in starting lineups, especially with his last two weeks featuring a combined four total touchdowns.
Here’s the start ’em, sit ’em guide for week 11 fantasy football running backs.
Start
Joe Mixon vs. Oakland Raiders
The Bengals are terrible.
But that’s not a problem even with game flow for Mixon, since Cincinnati gave Mixon 30 carries in week 10 while getting blown out to Baltimore. That kind of dedication to the running game while getting absolutely dominated is something to hold onto as a fantasy football owner.
Mixon has been inconsistent this year, but without Andy Dalton at the helm anymore and the Bengals in new territory in tanking, Mixon has added value. The Bengals need him to run the ball, so he’ll continue to earn carries.
The Raiders have allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to running backs, so this is a safe play with Mixon as an RB1.
Le’Veon Bell vs. Washington Redskins
We’ll continue to use Bell with a plus-matchup.
The Redskins are terrible. And Washington has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to running backs. That should work well for the Jets, which can move the ball against the right defenses.
And that will include Bell, who has gone for 16 and 20 fantasy points respectively, in the last two weeks.
Go with Bell again as a borderline RB1/high-end RB2.
Devin Singletary vs. Miami Dolphins
Miami’s entire team has improved in recent weeks. But don’t be fooled. This is still a team that is not good on either side of the ball. The defense still ranks toward the bottom and the offense still has difficulties moving the ball.
That should work in Buffalo’s favor, with Singletary earning the bulk of that plus-matchup.
He struggled in week 10 against Cleveland, but went for double-digit fantasy points in weeks 8 and 9. He’ll get enough volume that he should be tracking toward the RB1 status in week 11.
Sit
Ronald Jones vs. New Orleans
Last week’s meltdown by New Orleans shouldn’t be considered a regular occurrence.
It happens. So I’ll take the bulk of evidence we already have on the Saints to realize this isn’t a good matchup for the emerging Jones. The Saints allow the third-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs.
Jones has been good in recent weeks with a renewed approach to the running game. He went for more than 100 total yards in week 10 and has touchdowns in consecutive weeks. But that won’t continue in week 11, with the Saints stepping up their defense and keeping this a lower scoring game.
Jordan Howard vs. New England Patriots
This is a tough game to judge, with the Eagles getting healthier and the Patriots starting to play teams that resemble actual competition.
But despite the easy schedule, I do know that the Patriots have one of the best defenses in the NFL. That doesn’t sit well with me when looking at the matchup for Howard.
In recent weeks, Howard has been solid as a fantasy running back, going for a touchdown in each appearance and a combined 178 rushing yards in weeks 8 and 9. But New England is giving up the fewest fantasy points per game to running backs, so it’s not wise to consider Howard as an RB2.
Kenyan Drake vs. San Francisco 49ers
The running back situation in Arizona is confusing.
David Johnson was benched after fumbling in week 10, giving way for more action for Drake. But when Drake played, he wasn’t that productive against Tampa Bay in week 10. It was a steep decline from his week 9 debut for the Cardinals, when he eclipsed 100 yards and scored a touchdown against the 49ers.
Don’t expect that once again. The 49ers are giving up the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game and they’ll be ready for Drake and the Cardinals in week 11 on the defensive side of the ball.
Don’t trust the Arizona running back situation.
