Fantasy Football Week 2: Start’em / Sit’em
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Running Back
Frank Gore, NYJ (83%, 12) – I know the Colts were losing early, but only eight carries for Gore? When word came out before week 1 that the Colts were going to limit Gore’s workload to keep him fresh for the playoffs, I thought that would mean 12-15 touches at least. I own a few shares of Gore so I’m really hoping that the Colts won’t keep Gore under 10 carries all season, but I’m not starting him until I see at least a 15 touch workload one of these weeks.
Latavius Murray, BAL (78%, 12) – I like Murray as a talent and he did average 4.0 YPC last week, but the Raiders are playing a tougher defense in the Ravens and might not have starting QB Derek Carr due to an injured thumb. There won’t be much rushing room for Murray anyway against a solid Ravens D and there is a pretty good chance the Raiders fall behind early and abandon the run again. One of these weeks Murray will have a huge game, but I don’t think it’s this one.
Doug Martin, @NO (49%, 10) – I made the mistake of recommending Martin for the first time in a couple years last week and he responded with a measly five fantasy points and the same sluggish running we’ve seen the last two seasons. I don’t own Martin in any league, but I’m not making the mistake of telling anyone to start him again. My bad.
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Isaiah Crowell, TEN (22%, 11) – Followed up a disappointing preseason with a 1.7 YPC average in the season opener. With explosive rookie Duke Johnson already cutting into his carries, Crowell needs to start playing well or he could lose his RB1 role to Johnson.
Alfred Blue, @CAR (18%, 9) – Averaged about a yard better per carry in week 1 than he had last year or in the preseason, but only got nine carries after the Texans fell behind early. The Texans may be able to keep pace with an equally inept Panthers offense, but Carolina’s run D is solid and with the inexperienced Ryan Mallet at QB Blue may be facing a decent amount of eight man fronts.
Tre Mason @ WAS (10%, 12) – It sounds like Mason will play this week against a Skins defense that was pretty bad last season but did hold the Dolphins to only 74 rushing yards last week. To make things worse, backup RB Bennie Cunningham played pretty well last week and will probably at least split snaps with Mason. Unless Mason breaks a long TD run, I just don’t think he’ll get enough touches to put up a solid fantasy line.