Welcome back, readers! I am happy to return for a second year as The Sporting Tribune's fantasy football analyst. If you are new here, my mission is to help fantasy managers with any dilemmas or questions they may have through the course of the season to ultimately win their leagues. For the next 17 weeks, I will produce weekly fantasy content that will go over the waiver wire, rankings, and Start 'Em, Sit 'Em columns.
Being a fantasy manager often means having to make difficult roster decisions, but I aim to take some of the guesswork out of it with my Start 'Em and Sit 'Em column for every position. It goes without saying that I won't include obvious calls like "start Trey McBride" or "sit Tommy DeVito." Instead, I search for players that could be perceived as fringe that could propel your lineups for weekly wins.
As always, if you have any questions or don't see your players here, feel free to follow me on Twitter (X) – @JamesNewell96 and send me a message, where I typically respond in a timely manner.
Start ’Em
Jonah Coleman @ CAR (Projected FPTS – 14.4): Posting a 20.4-fantasy-point performance against the Chiefs, Coleman has successfully established himself as the Broncos’ RB1. He played 66 percent of the snaps, had 15 total touches and played 27 more snaps than fellow back J.K. Dobbins. In the three games he’s played, Coleman has averaged 10 carries, 77 total yards and 14.7 fantasy points. This week he goes against the Panthers, who are a supreme matchup for the rookie. Carolina has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game and 20 points per game to opposing RBs since Week Four. Coleman is a must-start and has the potential to hit RB1 numbers.
Rhamondre Stevenson vs. GB (Projected FPTS – 15.1): Despite New England’s offense not being able to support its running attack, Stevenson has continued to stay relevant in fantasy with his pass-catching opportunities. He has recorded at least 12 fantasy points in four of his last five games, including last Sunday against the Dolphins. The Patriots have the Packers next on their schedule in what is an RB-friendly matchup. Green Bay’s defense has allowed 17-plus fantasy points to four backs this season. The Packers have also allowed the second-most rushing touchdowns and the fifth-most fantasy points per game to the position. Expect Stevenson to reach double-digit points this week.
Chase Brown vs. ATL (Projected FPTS – 15.8): Brown has not been the running back fantasy managers have been waiting for since drafting him in the first two rounds. He has scored fewer than 11 fantasy points in four games and has averaged 12.9 points per game this season. Brown is still managing a high snap count and has been close to finding the end zone, including last week, when he crossed the plane but the play was called back. I believe this will be the week Brown finally has his bounce-back game against the Falcons in Madrid. Atlanta’s defense has allowed 21-plus fantasy points to five opposing running backs and has surrendered the third-most points to the position.
Honorable Mentions: Bhayshul Tuten @ BAL; Blake Corum @ WSH; Josh Jacobs @ NE; Ashton Jeanty @ SF; Quinshon Judkins @ NO; Woody Marks @ LAC; Chuba Hubbard vs. DEN; Cam Skattebo @ PHI; Zach Charbonnet vs. ARI.
Sit ’Em
Ollie Gordon II vs. DET (Projected FPTS – 12.7): Gordon has stepped in as the Dolphins’ lead back and has exceeded expectations, reaching the end zone in four of his last five games while also receiving a minimum of 17 carries per game. He enters Week Nine coming off his worst performance since becoming the lead back in Miami. Gordon has another tough matchup against the Lions, who pride themselves on stopping the run. Detroit’s defense has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. Since Gordon is not featured as a receiver, I don’t imagine him getting a lot of work in a contest that will likely have Miami chasing points against a firepower offense.
Derrick Henry vs. JAX (Projected FPTS – 13.4): I know this may be difficult to go through with, but Henry needs to be benched in Week Nine. Here’s why. Over the last three games without Lamar Jackson, Henry has averaged an uninspiring 8.3 fantasy points, 56.3 total yards per game and 3.5 yards per carry. He has scored only one touchdown and has one fumble. The Ravens will also be without Tyler Huntley in Week Nine against the Jaguars, who’ve allowed the fewest rushing yards per game and the second-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs. Henry has faced a loaded box on 46.7 percent of his carries over his previous three games, and Jacksonville should continue that strategy to stop him and force Baltimore to beat them with the arm of Joe Fagnano. Consider this a warning to Henry managers.
Saquon Barkley @ NYG (Projected FPTS – 13.6): I know, another big-name running back landing on my sit list in one week. But I believe it is reasonable to not trust the current health of Barkley, who still is clearly not 100 percent and is managing a hamstring and back injury. Over the last two games since his return, Barkley has played a total of 32 snaps and has been on the field for 24 percent of the Eagles’ offensive plays. I wouldn’t be surprised if Barkley ends up scoring a touchdown inside the red zone, but it’s hard to imagine how big his workload will be. Until he can resume his normal snap count or at least finish a game without an injury flare-up, I would avoid starting Barkley, even if it’s a revenge game against his former team.
Lowlights: Omarion Hampton vs. HOU; J.K. Dobbins @ CAR; Jordan Mason @ BUF; Breece Hall @ KC; Rachaad White vs. LAR; Alvin Kamara vs. CLE; Tyler Allgeier @ SEA.