Fantasy Football: Start & Sit Running Backs NFL Week 2

Falcons rookie running back Tevin Coleman has a chance to shine in Week 2 vs. the Giants. (Getty)

Falcons rookie running back Tevin Coleman has a chance to shine in Week 2 vs. the Giants. (Getty)

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We saw some explosive performances from running backs in Week 1 — Matt Forte, Carlos Hyde and Chris Ivory come to mind.

Those productive days are normally expected from Forte, but Hyde and Ivory stamped themselves on the fantasy map with 2-touchdown performances. Hyde’s day was especially impressive as he piled up 168 rushing yards.

And, if you were wondering, all 3 are must-starts in Week 2. They dominate their respective team’s backfield touches. It helps that Ivory and Hyde play on teams which rely on the run heavily.

But who else should you be starting in Week 2 of the NFL season? Below you can find out. And, of course, you’ll also get a few names to avoid.

Don’t forget to bookmark our fantasy football rankings 2015 page to keep up-to-date on the latest projections and rankings for each NFL week throughout the season. All of my Week 2 rankings are up.

Here’s our version of start and sit: “He Will Shine” and “Show Him the Pine.”


He Will Shine

Tevin Coleman, Falcons, at Giants

Coleman appears to be on top of the backfield pecking order after receiving 20 carries in Week 1 compared to Devonta Freeman‘s 10. And Coleman made his count, totaling 80 yards. The Giants held the Cowboys to 80 rush yards, but Tony Romo also threw 45 times. The Giants aren’t that effective at stopping the run, trust me. Matt Ryan’s frequent downfield passes to Julio Jones and Roddy White will open up running lanes. The G-Men also gave up 13 receptions to Dallas backs. That adds up to quite a productive day for the explosive Coleman, and, perhaps Freeman.

Bishop Sankey, Titans, at Browns

What Sankey showed in Week 1 was nothing we’ve ever seen before from the 2nd-year back. In 2014, Sankey was a plodder, sinking fantasy teams left and right. But that was then. Sankey got off to a great start in 2015, rushing for 74 yards and a score and adding a receiving TD. And his immediate future could be bright as well as he faces a Browns defense which allowed over 150 rush yards to the Jets. Sure he comes with a risk, but it’s one I’m willing to take.

Danny Woodhead, Chargers, at Bengals

Melvin Gordon was supposed to be the workhorse back for San Diego. While he did out-touch Woodhead 17-16, Gordon lost a fumble and Woody got all the goal line carries, punching 2 in. That role might eventually go to Gordon, but it’s Woodhead’s for now. With Woodhead, less is more. Give him 15-17 touches and he’ll produce, especially in PPR leagues. That’ll be the case Sunday at Cincinnati.

Also start:

Ameer Abdullah, Lions, at Vikings
Rashad Jennings, Giants, vs. Falcons


Show Him the Pine

Frank Gore, Colts, vs. Jets

The Jets showed in Week 1 they can stuff the run even without suspended stud DL Sheldon Richardson, holding Browns running backs to 46 yards on 20 carries. Gore found no room against Buffalo’s stacked front 7 in Week 1 and will find the sledding tough once again on Monday Night Football. Look for the Colts to put an emphasis on getting the passing game going.

LeGarrette Blount, Patriots, at Bills

Blount returns from a 1-game suspension, yet could be in a timeshare with Dion Lewis, who impressed in Week 1 vs. the Steelers (120 total yards). Either way, as mentioned above, the Bills have a beefy and active front 7. And 12-15 touches from Blount probably won’t yield many positive statistics. And you never know with Bill Belichick … he’s the type who would make Blount inactive for the game, just because.

Latavius Murray, Raiders, vs. Ravens

The Ravens bottled up the Broncos and projected star RB C.J. Anderson in Week 1, holding the team to just 2.8 yards per carry. Murray carried the ball just 11 times last week, but that’s because the Raiders fell behind 33-0 (what’s new?). He did, however, reel in 7 receptions. This recommended benching isn’t so much an indictment on Murray as it is a tip of the cap for the Ravens being stout up front.

Also sit:

T.J. Yeldon, Jaguars, vs. Dolphins


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