All the running back intrigue will focus squarely on the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 9.
James Conner has been on fire in recent weeks, tallying at least 30 fantasy points in two of the last three games. However, Le’Veon Bell is slated to return this week, which could put a wrinkle in Pittsburgh’s plans.
The Steelers are actively attempting to trade Bell, but if that doesn’t happen, don’t expect Bell to be back in the starting lineup against Baltimore in week 9. At this point, Conner is the main weapon, especially with Bell being out of the lineup for so long. It’s safe to start Conner in week 9. For other questionable start/sits, here’s the week 9 fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em guide for running backs.
Start
Matt Breida vs. Oakland Raiders
Keep an eye on the injury report, but whoever is the main weapon for the 49ers, he will have a monster game in week 9.
The Raiders are horrendous at stopping the run. Oakland is giving up more than 30 fantasy points per game to running backs in the last four weeks, by far the worst number in the NFL. They’ve been a dumpster fire in yards per carry, too, giving up the fifth-most this season at 4.9.
Breida has been injured, so it’s worth keeping an eye during this week. However, when he plays, he’s the best option in the 49ers backfield. He totaled the most carries in week 8 against Arizona, so that signals that Breida will be given another chance in week 9.
Isaiah Crowell vs. Miami Dolphins
Somebody needs to step up for Sam Darnold.
He has the walking wounded around him among the skill position players, so he needs Crowell to be more consistent. Crowell has been terrible in the last three weeks, averaging less than six fantasy points per game.
However, he showed some promise before this downturn, so there’s hope for the Jets, which are looking for any production out of its skill position players.
Miami’s defense has progressively gotten worse, giving up the second-most fantasy points per game to running backs in the last four weeks. The Dolphins are having a tough time stopping any team at the moment, so I’d go with Crowell to bounce back.
Lamar Miller vs. Denver Broncos
Miller is showcasing the talent that I’ve always believed he’s had in his gas tank.
When offered the opportunity, he generally delivers. He has more than 100 rushing yards in each of the last two games, and that production has opened up this offense.
Deshaun Watson is able to do much more through the air with a solid running game, and surprisingly, the once-vaunted Broncos defense isn’t so scary anymore. Denver has given up the third-most fantasy points per game to running backs in the last four weeks.
Denver has been showing more and more weakness against the run this season, and it’s starting to show in full force. Miller should have another solid outing in week 9.
Sit
Alex Collins vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
If you have another choice, put Collins on the bench.
He’s been disappointing in an offense that is fading. That equals trouble against a Pittsburgh team hitting its stride.
Collins hasn’t hit more than 60 yards rushing since week 3. And his carries are dwindling.
Pittsburgh is allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs, making it tough to trust Collins’ value, since he hasn’t done anything all year. His yardage is down. His carries are down. And his goalline work is almost non-existent.
It’s time to reconsider Collins in the starting lineup.
LeSean McCoy vs. Chicago Bears
Once again, if you have another option, it’s a good idea to pass on McCoy.
The Bills’ offense is just not good enough to support any fantasy options, even a running back who is by far the most talented on the roster. McCoy doesn’t get a lot of carries because the Bills are regularly trailing, and his ability as a receiver is not one of his strong suits out of the backfield.
Buffalo’s offensive line is not good enough to give McCoy any room to run, and that will once again be the case in week 9 against the Bears. Chicago is allowing the fourth-fewest yards per carry in the NFL. For a team that already can’t break off big plays, that’s a major red flag.
Derrick Henry vs. Dallas Cowboys
Henry finally found the endzone in his last game in week 7 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
However, he once again struggled to find any daylight running the football. The Titans have been a major mystery this season after generating big chunks of yardage by running backs in last year’s playoff run.
The offensive line has not been the same and that’s been a detriment to Henry. He’s not someone who is going to contribute in the passing game, so without those big lanes, he has trouble producing for fantasy owners.
Dallas is second in the NFL at allowing just 3.6 yards per rushing attempt. Henry will get some carries, but it won’t be enough to earn a start in fantasy football.
