The top four running backs from week 10 all scored more than 30 fantasy points.
Even in a pass-happy NFL, that was impressive. Only two quarterbacks tallied more than 30 fantasy points in week 10, so week 10 was all about the running backs, including possibly the return of David Johnson. The top-four preseason-ranked running back has suffered behind one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. However, with a change in offensive coordinators in Arizona, he seems to be getting more work, which should have been a no-brainer before the season began.
Expect Johnson to settle back into the RB1 role on a weekly basis. For the players who aren’t that consistent, here’s the week 11 fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em guide for running backs.
Start
Alex Collins vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Collins has been a major disappointment so far this season. But I’m ignoring those previous results with a better matchup on tap for week 11.
The Bengals have been atrocious against the run this season. Cincinnati is allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to running backs this season. That season average is getting even worse in recent weeks, with Cincinnati allowing two more fantasy points per game more than the season average in the last four weeks.
Collins hasn’t been great and the addition of Ty Montgomery worries me, but if any running back for the Ravens would make an impact in week 11, it would be Collins. He is going to earn the most carries, and against a team like the Bengals, I’m going to side with the player who earn the most carries.
The Ravens have been playing from behind in recent weeks, and this matchup should allow for better gameflow for Collins and the Ravens.
Dion Lewis vs. Indianapolis Colts
I know Derrick Henry is getting some added love in fantasy football circles with his ability to score touchdowns.
But Lewis is the one who is trusted more in Tennessee. And he’s likely the reason why the Titans are playing so well recently.
Lewis is consistently out-touching Henry, with Lewis registering a combined 39 carries in the last two games. Lewis is already the most trusted option out of the backfield as a receiver, but now he’s a top option as a runner.
The Colts have been good against the run in recent weeks, but I like the momentum Lewis has as the primary back out of the Titans backfield.
Rashaad Penny vs. Green Bay Packers
It was early in the season when I had to do a double-take on Seattle’s running game. Even though the Seahawks weren’t putting up major numbers, there were huge holes being opened by that offensive line.
It was a much different story from last year, when Seattle couldn’t move the ball without sending Russell Wilson on a scramble drill on each play.
Now, the Seahawks have returned to their roots, and Penny looks to be the running back who could shoulder the majority of the load. With Seattle playing on Thursday and starter Chris Carson still injured, Penny should be the most added player on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.
This running game has shown plenty of improvement this season and if Penny earns the majority of carries, he should be started.
Sit
Jordan Howard vs. Minnesota Vikings
Howard has been a dreaded touchdown-or-bust running back so far this season.
With Tarik Cohen emerging as the primary option for the Bears, Howard has taken a back-seat. And against Minnesota, that should decrease his value even more.
The Vikings allow the fourth-fewest yards per carry this season and is a top-10 defense i fantasy points allowed to running backs.
In Chicago’s new-look offense, Howard hasn’t carved a distinct role just yet, losing too many touches to Cohen. I don’t trust Howard in this spot.
Lamar Miller vs. Washington Redskins
I need more information on Miller going forward before I place him in a starting role.
After consecutive 100-yard efforts, he was a complete dud in Houston’s last game in week 9. And after the game, it was mentioned that Miller would have his workload reduced to keep him healthy. That explains why Alfred Blue out-touched Miller in week 9.
That’s a problem going forward.
Miller relies on having plenty of volume to be productive in fantasy football. Without that volume, his value diminishes greatly. Washington is a top-10 defense in fantasy points allowed to running backs, so I’m reducing my expectations in week 11 for Miller.
Derrick Henry vs. Indianapolis Colts
So while I like Lewis, I’m fading Henry.
He’s still a touchdown dependent running back, who is being out-touched by Lewis in multiple ways.
It’s concerning for anyone who owns Henry that Lewis is dominating not only through the air, but on the ground now. That’s a major issue for Henry’s production.
His volume continues to decrease and Lewis is by far the most trusted option in that Titans offense. Don’t get caught up with the touchdowns. Look at the volume and it doesn’t make sense to trust Henry.
