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Running Back
Dion Lewis, JAX (45%, 9) – Knowing Bill Belichick’s hatred for all things fantasy, he will probably bench Lewis and give LeGarrette Blount 30 touches. Fear of Belichick would be the only reason to bench Lewis who has put up two double-digit fantasy games as the Pats lead RB. I’m starting him with confidence in all PPR leagues.
T.J Yeldon, @NE (44%, 10) – Got 25 carries last week (with 3 catches) and appears to be the Jags work-horse RB. This is a bad match-up for Yeldon as the Jags will probably fall behind early, but Yeldon should still be on the field for the majority of snaps this week.
Isaiah Crowell, OAK (30%, 10 ) – He’s still part of a time-share with rookie Duke Johnson, but they both should see plenty of action against a Raiders team that has given up the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing RBs. I expect the Browns to run often and limit the exposure of QB Josh McCown, who is coming off a concussion.
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David Johnson, SF (25%, 8) – Was clearly the more explosive of Cards running backs last week. Johnson scored a TD on the first three touches of his career, which gives you an idea what he could do if ever given a starter’s workload. At 6’1 | 225 with 4.5 speed and great hands out of the backfield, Johnson has a ton of upside.
DeVonta Freeman, @DAL (25%, 11) – The injury to rookie Tevin Coleman makes Freeman the Falcons primary RB this week and he should get enough touches to put up a double-digit fantasy line. Freeman doesn’t have a ton of upside but his heavy workload should be enough to make him worth starting on Sunday.