Rapid Reactions

Considering the nature of the turnaround of this article, much of what I’m saying comes from the same amount of time you have had to watch the games each week. Published on Tuesday, the Running Back Workload is only hours removed from Monday Night Football, and day removed from Sunday. I’m often analyzing the red zone channel like Sherlock Holmes trying to get an advantage, and while it is helpful, I will also use this section to get my thoughts on the page. Here are my top-five rapid reactions from the Week 5 NFL running back climate…

1) Monday Night

I was impressed watching both ground games work on Monday night, as the Panthers and Buccaneers were dealing with two starting running backs that weren’t even on the active roster in Week 1, yet successfully moved the ball on the ground against each other in Week 5.

For Carolina, Cameron Artis-Payne (or CAP for short) had himself a breakout game, toting the rock 18 times for 85 yards and two touchdowns. On the Tampa side, Jaquizz Rodgers was fed early and often, as he saw 35 touches in the game and tallied over 130 total yards.

Unfortunately for both players, they may not be viable adds in any fantasy format, as both are slated to slide back into obscurity as soon as next week. For the Panthers, starter Jonathan Stewart is reportedly on track to return to action in Week 6, while Tampa’s Doug Martin is likely going to practice during the bye week, leading many to believe that he will be good to go in Week 7.

2) Keep Feeding Him

I spoke last week in brief about the evolution of Ezekiel Elliott, and the narrative continued throughout the weekend, as he proved to be the catalyst in the Cowboys statement win against the Bengals on Sunday afternoon. While each week that he had been getting better and better the Cowboys were continuing to give him the ball more and more, this week was a bit different. Zeke was so effective against a good Bengals defense that he managed to compile 134 yards and two touchdowns on a mere 15 carries. Sure we would have liked to have seen him ice the game with his signature “feed me” hand gesture once again, but it appears that he and this Dallas offensive line are so in sync that they have the ability to knock the wind out of opponents in the first half. While on pace to rush for nearly 1,800 yards and 16 touchdowns, I’m certain this is not the last we will see of the spoon and bowl celebration from the rookie, because as good as he and this Cowboys offensive line are, they will need him as often down the stretch as they need him early on in the game setting the tone. With a rookie QB, a banged up receiving corps, and a defense that is currently outplaying their talent level, the Cowboys need to keep feeding Zeke to take the pressure off of everyone listed above.

3) Shady’s Back, Back Again…

I’m going to spare you of too many of my words and instead will just let you watch…

This is the guy who we as fantasy owners used to love. His spring and pep is back and he appears to be a slippery as ever. Shady has never looked healthier and is in store for a huge 2016.

4) Falcons Split; Fair For Everyone

I told you two weeks ago that this Falcons backfield prowess was no mirage, rather that it was a weapon for this offense that would only become stronger as the season went on. While this has come to fruition in the way that I expected, in a rare turn of events, both running backs involved (Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman) have actually emerged as reliable fantasy players as well. Freeman – the starter – over five contests has maintained an average of 82 yards rushing per game, while Coleman has registered double-digit fantasy points (standard) in four out of five contests – including two games in which he went over 22 points (standard). History would say that Freeman is the more consistent option considering he gets more touches and work around the red zone, however with the way the Falcons are using Coleman, he has the ability to break away for bigger plays. If you own both, it’s getting to the point that you may have to start both each week, despite the teachings of conventional wisdom.

5) Sell High On Blount? (Revisited)

I mentioned two weeks ago that fantasy owners should prepare for the return of Tom Brady and sell high on their LeGarrette Blount stock. If this week wasn’t enough of a wakeup call, I don’t know what is. For those who didn’t see, Brady returned to action with a 406 yard and three touchdown performance, while Blount rushed for a mere 37 yards.

The offense just runs differently with Brady at the helm. Whether he checks out of more runs at the line, Josh McDaniels trusts him with more passing opportunities and QB sneaks, or both of these reasons, Blount’s production is sure to go down with Brady back under center. If you still can… Sell high!

Nostra-Dom-Us

Boy, did I have some week out of the backfield, as I clued you in to five of the top-20 scorers in last week’s article, while I also played Ezekiel Elliott – who finished with 134 yards and two touchdowns on just 15 carries – on my own. Essentially, the only miss I had in my Nostra-Dom-Us section was with DeAndre Washington, but even there I had him as a flyer pick rather than one of my lock plays. Again this week, I’m feeling good, as there are a few matchups that look crooked in the back’s favor along with mostly affordable prices. Below are my picks…

ELITE PLAYS

Le’Veon Bell ($7,900 on DraftKings) vs. MIA Defense

Bell is just about as consistent a fantasy option as a back can be, when actually eligible to play of course. This week – despite his high price tag – I love Le’Veon for that very reason. He proved last week – as he has many times before – that he can be an elite performer even when the ground game isn’t working for him. Against a stingy Jets rush defense, Bell made his mark with nine catches for 88 receiving yards en route to 24.4 points on DraftKings. This week, against an awful Dolphins rush defense (150.8 yards per game allowed) I expect him to be heavily involved both in the ground game and through the air, likely making him the top backfield performer of Week 6. His potential production is definitely something worth paying for, as he is unlikely to face much adversity against the Dolphins.

Ezekiel Elliott ($7,000 on DraftKings) vs. GB Defense

I outlined above my thoughts on Zeke and how much I love him and this Dallas offensive line together. Beyond that, I like him this week because of his significantly lowered price tag despite him being in top form. I believe that this Packers run defense is being overblown because they have yet to play a team that can actually run the football. If Dallas has a chance in this game, it is going to be because they controlled the clock with Elliott and the ground game. At only $7,000 all fantasy owners will be getting the league’s leading rusher on a huge discount in Week 6.

LeSean McCoy ($6,900 on DraftKings) vs. SF Defense

Since the 49ers lost Navorro Bowman early on in Week 4, their run defense has been absolutely awful. In the two games without him, San Fran allowed 140 rushing yards to Ezekiel Elliott and 157 to David Johnson. Heading to Buffalo to take on Shady and the form that he’s been in, I don’t see things changing much in their favor. Expect McCoy to run wild on a banged up defense at home while riding a winning streak into Week 6.

BARGAIN PLAYS

Carlos Hyde ($5,100 on DraftKings) vs. BUF Defense

I keep adding Hyde into my picks of the week based solely off of price point. He consistently is scoring well and is tied for the NFL touchdown lead with six. For some reason he is still often low valued on DraftKings despite his production against a slew of really strong defenses. Considering how well he has played throughout the adversity, I don’t view the Bills defense as something that he cannot handle.

Ryan Mathews ($4,900 on DraftKings) vs. WAS Defense

Make no mistake, Mathews is still the feature back in this Philly offense. Taking on a Redskins defense that is 30th against the run, I can’t fathom a reason as to why he is being valued at the same price point as many complimentary backs. Start him this week and hope that DK keeps making the same mistake going forward.

FLYER PLAYS

Chris Ivory ($3,500 on DraftKings) vs. CHI Defense

Don’t get me wrong, Ivory has yet to do anything that would indicate that he is fully healthy or in game shape, however receiving most of the touches out of this Jacksonville backfield and taking on a less than imposing Chicago defense, his $3,500 price tag is something worth looking into if you are in a budget pinch with your lineup. Ivory is the undisputed goal line back for the Jags, so him rumbling across the end zone a couple of times isn’t out of the question.

James Starks ($3,400 on DraftKings) vs. DAL Defense

If Eddie Lacy doesn’t play, Starks is incredibly underpriced. Sure Dallas has been good defensively this season, but considering Starks would be the starting back on Sunday without Lacy, there is no way that his $3,400 price tag would be reasonable. He is a reliable receiver and solid runner who could perform well against any opponent when given the proper amount of touches. Enlist his services in the flex if you are strapped for budget cash.