Is Packers running back Eddie Lacy ready to have that breakout game of 2015? (Getty)
We’re onto Week 6 of the NFL season, so by now we’re starting to see some trends.
Trends like what teams can play rush defense and what teams can’t. Now this isn’t the be-all and end-all when deciding which running backs to start and sit each week, but it’s a good starting point.
So let’s take a look at the best and worst teams vs. the ground game so far.
The worst rush defenses (in yards allowed per game):
28. Green Bay Packers — 130.2
29. San Diego Chargers — 132.4
30. New Orleans Saints — 135.8
31. Cleveland Browns — 149.4
32. Miami Dolphins — 160.5
The best rush defenses:
1. Atlanta Falcons — 78.4
2. N.Y. Giants — 80.6
3. Buffalo Bills — 82.2
4. Oakland Raiders — 83.2
5. Denver Broncos — 85.2
Before we get to the rest of this week’s start and sit recommendations, 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 6 rankings are up.
Here’s our version of start and sit: “He Will Shine” and “Show Him the Pine.”
He Will Shine
LeGarrette Blount, Patriots, at Colts
Even before the news of Dion Lewis’ abdominal injury, I was rolling with Blount this weekend. The Colts can be pretty soft up front (112 yards per game, 4 TDs allowed) and Blount has a chance to bulldoze his way to a bunch of yards and maybe a couple of short scores.
Ronnie Hillman, Broncos, at Browns
At this point, you’re better off playing Hillman than first-round fantasy bust C.J. Anderson. Neither are doing much, but Hillman is showing much more explosion, which could yield serious production against a laughable Browns rush defense (see above). Really, Anderson is worth a FLEX play, too. And if these two can’t produce vs. Cleveland, there might be no hope for them.
Eddie Lacy, Packers, vs. Chargers
Normally, I don’t put obvious plays in the “Start ‘Em & Sit ‘Em” post. But has Lacy really been that much of a must-start? Well, he’s had two good games, but stinkers in the other three. Week 6 should make it three good games as the Chargers cede 5.1 yards per carry and 132 ground yards per game. Don’t panic, Lacy will get on track.
Also start:
Carlos Hyde, 49ers, vs. Ravens
Show Him the Pine
Jonathan Stewart, Panthers, at Seahawks
When DeAngelo Williams left town for Pittsburgh, Stewart was supposed to finally get his chance to shine. That has not been the case. His carries have dropped in each of the Panthers four games and Stewie has scored a TD yet. And a trip to Seattle isn’t going to be the cure.
Rashad Jennings, Giants, at Eagles
The Eagles might not play a lick of pass defense, but they’ve certainly been tough vs. the run — less than 100 yards per game on a 3.5 average and only 1 TD given up. Not that it matters as Jennings is only averaging a hair over 10 carries per game. The Giants have a 3-headed monster (Jennings, Shane Vereen and Andre Williams) at running back. Actually I wouldn’t really call it a monster. More like a minimally-frightening fuzzy little animal. Whatever, stay away from all of them.
Lamar Miller, Dolphins, at Titans
The Dolphins fooled us all. All of these new pieces at receiver and Thomas coming off a 1,000-yard season. 2015 was going to be a Dolphins from the 80s type year. Joke’s on us! Miami’s rushing “attack” is ranked 31st in the league, as is its scoring “offense.” The Titans have been somewhat susceptible to the run, but when Miller is averaging 9 carries per game, does it matter? I am, though, interested to see if new coach Dan Campbell has any impact on the offense.
Also sit:
Alfred Morris, Redskins, at Jets
