Week 6 RB Start’em, Sit’em: Running Back Fantasy Football Strategy

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If you are in doubt about some players in a tough spot this week, or players that haven’t produced yet this season, you have come to the perfect spot. We dive into a few names to start in borderline matchups, and also talk about players to fade. You can also check out our rankings area to see where players on your team rank and their projections heading into Week 6. Be sure to check out the rest of our weekly fantasy football content.

Start Em

Damien Williams Vs. Houston

Damien Williams had 12 touches in the game against Indianapolis, and the Chiefs overall offense struggled greatly. 12 touches, and his usual work in the passing game was there as well. You were cautious last week, but I feel better about deploying him this week. Williams could crush in the passing game this week, as Houston has allowed the second most receiving yards to running backs, and the most receptions.

Ronald Jones Vs. Carolina

Ronald Jones had a down game against the Saints, and with Tampa Bay playing from behind very early, it made sense. This game is in London, and the Buccaneers are in a good spot for their running backs. Jones has flashed more on the ground, and Carolina ranks 29th against the run this season. I like Jones here to get 14+ touches against a mediocre run defense.

Chase Edmonds Vs. Atlanta

If you are desperate, Chase Edmonds is even viable if David Johnson plays. His back injury limited him a bit, and Edmonds took advantage of a bad Cincinnati defense. Obviously if Johnson misses this week, you are starting Edmonds. The running backs have been consistent in Arizona so far this season, and Edmonds could thrive on 10+ touches.

Washington RBs @ Miami

Both Chris Thompson and Adrian Peterson are viable this week against Miami. Thompson serves better in PPR formats of course, while Peterson is a low end option if you need a fill-in for one of the many Bye Week backs. Miami ranks dead last against the run, and are allowing the most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. Washington will likely not be in a bad game script for their backs, which helps the volume.

Sit Em

Jordan Howard @ Minnesota

Both Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders are in a tough spot against Minnesota, who have allowed the fifth fewest fantasy points per game to opposing backs. This is also still a split workload, and Howard has capitalized on the touchdown last week. Only two running backs have surpassed ten fantasy points against the Vikings, which was in the same game with Williams and Jones for the Packers.

LeSean McCoy Vs. Houston

There were problems with LeSean McCoy in pass protection which was why he didn’t see the field much against Indy. With Damien Williams back, there is also a concern for his overall usage. After two big weeks before that, McCoy is now going to be a tough start most weeks. I am looking for other options if you are stuck with McCoy.

Royce Freeman Vs. Tennessee

Royce Freeman has been getting enough volume to keep us entertained in plus matchups, but this is not one of them. Tennessee is a top half run defense, and is also allowing seventh fewest fantasy points to opposing backs. Given the matchup and the split workload with a red-hot Phillip Lindsay, Freeman should hit the pine in most leagues.

Giants RBs @ New England

If you are in dire need for a back at least getting starting touches, Jon Hilliman is fine, but your team has to be in rough shape to entertain the idea of a Giants third string back against the Patriots defense. New York is going to be without most of their offense this week. The Patriots have allowed less than 500 all-purpose yards to running backs this season, and zero touchdowns.