Getty Gallery: 4/6
Start: RB Phillip Lindsay at Cardinals
Sit: RB Dalvin Cook at Jets
It was a disappointing week for both Broncos running backs. I feel more comfortable starting Lindsay than Royce Freeman, because he is consistently getting work in the passing game. Lindsay should at least be in the RB2 range in PPR league this week with a plus matchup against the Cardinals. Arizona is allowing the second-most rushing yards in the league with more than 151 yards per game. Lindsay would have had a better fantasy week if a touchdown had not been called back as Rotoworld detailed.
"Lindsay appeared to have a 12-yard receiving score in the third quarter, but it got called back by a Courtland Sutton offensive pass interference penalty," Rotoworld explained. "For the first time in a full game, Lindsay got out-carried by Royce Freeman, though he still out-touched and out-gained his rookie teammate. Both players continued to lose passing-down snaps to Devontae Booker, a weekly unforced error from the Broncos' under siege coaching staff. It was encouraging to see Lindsay catch six passes, a number that doubled his previous best total. Lindsay will remain on the RB2/3 borderline for Denver's short-week TNF matchup with the Cardinals."
The actual carries are going to be hard to predict from week to week given the Broncos are going with a committee approach. Lindsay has a lot more value in PPR leagues with the number of receptions he is getting on a weekly basis.
Dalvin Cook Continues to Disappoint
Cook was a late scratch last week after his status looked promising earlier in the week. Cook was ruled out after warming up before the game. Last time Cook played, he had 10 carries for 20 yards against the Rams and is averaging just 2.7 yards per carry this season. Cook has not rushed for more than 50 yards in a game this season. Even if Cook ends up playing this week against the Jets, he is likely going to be on a pitch count.
With Latavious Murray coming on strong, Cook is likely headed to a timeshare once he returns. Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer only had positive things to say about Murray after his Week 6 performance.
“That was big, that we stopped them on the goal line on four plays,” Zimmer told the Star Tribune. “We made a nice play on the pass [on third down] and then our guys — we talk about changing the line of scrimmage, changing the mentality, getting our pads low. That is really what it was all about there. It’s about mentality when you get down on the goal line.”
You are unlikely going to be able to get much in return for Cook in a trade, but it is worth exploring. One of the reasons Cook slipped in the draft was fear about his durability. So far in his young career, those concerns have unfortunately proven to be valid. If you also have Murray on your roster, you should feel more optimistic moving forward.