Fantasy Football Handcuff Report: Week 10

Arizona Cardinals

David Johnson has sad that he is “definitely playing” in Week 10. The question remains how much does he play? Chase Edmonds is expected to be sidelined again this week, but with Kenyan Drake looking phenomenal in his Cardinals debut, the Cards could afford to ease Johnson back into the mix. While we’ll probably have to wait and see how the Cardinals split up the playing time amongst their backs, it would make sense for Drake to retain a significant role in the offense until the Cards are certain that Johnson is 100 percent healthy. The Seahawks were able to run the ball against the Bucs last week, but Tampa Bay has given up just over 78 rushing yards per game on the season. Look for Drake to take most of the carries with David Johnson putting his talents as a pass catcher to good use. In his last three full games, Johnson was averaging just over 77 receiving yards per game.

Buffalo Bills

It seems official! Devin Singletary has developed into the Bills’ primary RB. He played 68% of the Bills’ offensive snaps in Week 8 and 66% in Week 9. Singletary had 20 carries in Week 9 compared to Gore’s 11 and the rookies is starting to become a factor in the Bills’ passing game with seven catches over the past two weeks.

Cleveland Browns

Just like with the Cardinals’ RB situation, we’ll probably have to wait and see how the addition of Kareem Hunt to the Browns’ active roster is going to affect Nick Chubb ’s playing time in Week 10 against the Bills. Hunt has been practicing with his teammates for the past two weeks, but while it seems obvious, nothing prepares you for game action like taking real hits in a game. Look for Hunt’s playing time to increase gradually on a week to week basis. Chubb has played well enough for him to keep his starting job, but the Browns have lost four straight games and they might be looking to shake things up a bit. That being said, Hunt will probably start his season in a change of pace role and as he gets into game shape, if the Browns are smart, they’ll look for unique ways to incorporate him into their offense. Hunt isn’t exactly an ideal start this week, but with six teams on a bye, if you’re faced with taking a zero at one of your RB or flex spots, use him. The Bills have a shut down pass defense, but they’re giving up 4.5 YPC and an average of 112 rushing yards per game.

Miami Dolphins

Last week we talked about how the Dolphins’ trade of Kenyan Drake would set Mark Walton free and put him in position to be Miami’s primary RB. Walton had played 87% of Miami’s offensive snaps in Week 8 and 74% of their offensive snaps in Week 9 but alas, he was hit with a four game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. While many of us automatically turned our attention to Kalen Ballage and his season long 2.0 YPC upon hearing the news, perhaps this might be rookie RB Myles Gaskins’ time to show us what he can do. Let’s face it, it’ll take a while before we really fall in love with any Dolphins RB when it comes to fantasy. However, with Ballage playing putrid football this season, Miami should give their rookie back the opportunity to try to prove that he can be looked upon as a potential RB of the future.

Pittsburgh Steelers

If you own shares of the Steelers backfield you’ve got your work cut out for you this week. You need to keep your eyes glued to the team practice and injury reports leading up to game time. Benny Snell, who didn’t play last week, missed a mid-week practice. James Conner , who also didn’t play in Week 9, has been limited in practice this week. Trey Edmunds , who had 12 carries and a 6.08 YPC average in Week 9, has been dealing with a rib injury this week. About the only Steelers back who is not dealing with an injury, at least for now, is Jaylen Samuels . Samuels made fantasy managers who started him in PPR leagues very happy with his 13 catch performance in Week 9. Watch the Steelers RB situation very carefully as game time approaches.