Fantasy football decisions can often be a source of both satisfaction and frustration for managers. Making the right choice can lead you to victory, while a wrong call can leave you regretting a missed opportunity. This week’s fantasy football lineup advice offers insights into running backs that experts suggest starting or sitting, based on various metrics and matchups.
**Start’Em Recommendations:**
1. **Trey Benson (RB – ARI):** With James Conner out for the season, Benson steps in as the starting running back. His impressive stats, such as ranking sixth in explosive run rate and high yards after contact, suggest he could perform well even against Seattle’s formidable run defense.
2. **Cam Skattebo (RB – NYG):** With Tyrone Tracy injured, Skattebo is positioned to be the Giants’ primary running back. His strong performance in recent games and tackle-breaking ability make him a promising start against a less intimidating opposing run defense.
3. **Kenneth Walker III (RB – SEA):** Despite competition in his backfield, Walker’s strong stats and consistent touches make him a valuable play, particularly if Seattle can exploit Arizona’s defensive weaknesses.
4. **Javonte Williams (RB – DAL):** Williams continues to deliver, thanks to Dallas’ offensive line providing ample opportunities for yardage. His ability to exploit Green Bay’s weaknesses in missed tackles could result in a strong performance.
5. **Ashton Jeanty (RB – LV):** Jeanty shows potential for a breakout against Chicago, given their vulnerabilities in allowing high rushing yards and missed tackles. His improvement in route share and potential for a high-touch game could lead to his best performance yet.
6. **Travis Etienne Jr. (RB – JAC):** Etienne’s explosive run rate and ability to break tackles bode well for his matchup against a defense that allows a high miss-tackle rate.
7. **TreVeyon Henderson (RB – NE):** With Rhamondre Stevenson sidelined due to fumbles, Henderson is poised for increased playtime. Coupled with Carolina’s defensive weaknesses, he stands to have a good week.
8. **Nick Chubb (RB – HOU):** Although not as dominant as in previous years, Chubb has a favorable matchup against a vulnerable Titans’ run defense.
**Sit’Em Recommendations:**
1. **Chase Brown (RB – CIN):** Despite early-season playtime, Brown’s poor offensive line makes it difficult to recommend him, particularly against solid running defenses like Denver’s.
2. **Tony Pollard (RB – TEN):** Pollard has high volume but lacks the performance consistency to capitalize on favorable matchups, making him a risky start.
3. **Rhamondre Stevenson (RB – NE):** After benching for fumbles, Stevenson’s playtime is uncertain. Though he could perform well against Carolina’s defense, his potential limited role makes him a risky start.
4. **Isiah Pacheco (RB – KC):** Despite matchups favoring rush success, Pacheco’s low production and Chiefs’ reluctance to increase his usage suggest he’s better left on the bench.
Managers are advised to consider these insights and statistics when setting their lineups this week. By analyzing player performances and opponent defenses, fantasy football managers can make informed decisions to lead their teams to success.