Starts

Start of the Week –

James White vs Cincinnati Bengals

White should be in good shape heading to this matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Their defense has been god awful at defending running backs and while some may think Michel will be the one to succeed, I believe it will be White who has the success. The Cincinnati defense has allowed 45 receiving yards per game to running backs and has also allowed the position to score 13 times on the ground this season.

Philip Lindsay vs Kansas City Chiefs

Lindsay should have enjoyed much bigger success, but he had a touchdown called back on a penalty. Regardless, he should be a solid RB2 heading into this weekend against the Chiefs Their defense has given up the most scrimmage yards and the second most fantasy points to the running back position this season.

Austin Ekeler vs Minnesota Vikings

Ekeler dominated last weekend against the Jaguars producing 37 fantasy points. While his point value won’t be as large this weekend against the Vikings he is still a solid RB2 or flex play despite the matchup. The Vikings are nasty against the run, but allow moderate success through the air. Think of Ekeler as more of a receiver this weekend than a running back.

Kareem Hunt vs Arizona Cardinals

Hunt found success yet again last weekend against the Bengals with a touchdown and now he comes into contact with the Cardinals. The Cardinals have given up an average of six catches and the 10th most fantasy points to opposing running backs in the last four contests. He should remain in your lineups for this weekend.

Raheem Mostert vs Atlanta Falcons

It seems that Mostert has taken over the reigns at running back and now he has a matchup with the Atlanta Falcons this weekend. He has a big chance to appeal to fantasy owners in the flex position. The Falcons defense has allowed the third most fantasy points to home running backs so he should be a nice flex play.

Sleepers

Kenyan Drake vs Cleveland Browns

Ronald Jones vs Detroit Lions

Patrick Laird vs New York Giants

Sits

Sit of the Week –

Marlon Mack vs New Orleans Saints

Mack did find success in a rushing score last weekend against the Bucs, but honestly he didn’t do much aside from it. He now faces a Saints defense that has an allowed an average of fewer than four yards per carry and only five rushing touchdowns on the season. It just doesn’t seem like a smart play to me.

Devonta Freeman vs San Francisco 49ers

Freeman did fantastic last weekend against the Panthers. However, he has a much tougher task this weekend against the 49ers. Their defense has been very successful against the run only allowing a few great performances on the year. Will it be Freeman’s time to shine. I sincerely doubt it.

Devin Singletary vs Pittsburgh Steelers

Singletary had a very nice showing against the Cowboys last Thursday night. However, a road matchup against the Steelers does not make me feel comfortable even for an RB2. He still is flex conversation, but even that makes me nervous playing him as the Steelers have allowed only three rushing touchdowns, the fifth fewest fantasy points as well as the fourth fewest points per touch to enemy running backs this season.

Sony Michel vs Cincinnati Bengals

While the matchup seems very tasteful for Michel this week I simply cannot trust him or his output. He has scored less than nine fantasy points in six straight games. Plus he continues to lose work to White and Burkhead. As long as they are around I cannot stake a game on the line for you guys with Michel in your lineup.

Latavius Murray vs Indianapolis Colts

The running back reigns have been odd in New Orleans with Kamara and Murray. Murray should hopefully take a back seat to Kamara’s starting job. However, even if you consider starting him please don’t. The Colts aren’t the greatest at defending backs, but chances are the Saints come to their senses and apply Kamara like they should.