Fantasy Football Week 2 Running Back Starts and Sits
By Erik Lambert
Sep 7, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) stiff arms Washington Redskins free safety Ryan Clark (25) during the second half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Running backs are the lifeblood of fantasy football leagues. Where are the best and worst matchups in week 2 action?
Start
Frank Gore vs. Chicago Bears
The 49ers still have one of the best rushing attacks in the business and Frank Gore remains a big part of it. The Chicago Bears continue to struggle with their run defense, something that plagued most of last season as well. It may take awhile before things get better. Gore should have a very productive evening.
Arian Foster vs. Oakland Raiders
It wasn’t flashy but Arian Foster led the way for the Houston offense in what was a defensive slugfest in week 1. Things should noticeably improve for him against the Oakland Raiders. Their defense was gutted last week for 212 yards by the Jets. If the Texans commit to the run, which they should, expect big things from Foster.
Adrian Peterson vs. New England Patriots
He took a back seat to the defense and Cordarrelle Patterson last week but Adrian Peterson will be looked to much more for the Vikings as they prepare to take on the always tough New England Patriots. It seems the best way to attack them is on the ground, as they gave up 191 rushing yards against Miami.
Sit
Eddie Lacy vs. New York Jets
There are a few factors going into the reasoning for benching Eddie Lacy. First and foremost is there is no guarantee he will even play. The second-year back suffered a concussion in the opener against Seattle. Second, he faces a New York Jets defense that was great in run defense last year and only gave up 25 yards total in week 1.
Jamaal Charles vs. Denver Broncos
The losses to the Kansas City offensive line have really begun to tell. Jamaal Charles was totally ineffective on the ground in week 1 and it isn’t likely to improve against a Denver Broncos defense that allowed just 54 yards rushing in their opening night victory over the Colts. Despite his skill, Charles needs to be on the bench.
DeMarco Murray vs. Tennessee Titans
He was outstanding in his first action of the season but DeMarco Murray was going against a rather depleted 49ers front seven. In week 2 he faces revamped Tennessee Titans unit that finished holding Charles to 19 yards last week. This may compel the ever aggressive Cowboys to put the ball in the air and fantasy football owners to relegate Murray to the bench for a week.