DFS: Week 5 RB Committee Report
Week 4 saw back-up RBs tighten their grip on starting roles. Here's their outlook for Week 5:
Atlanta Falcons
| PLAYER | WEEK 4 CARRIES | WEEK 4 TARGETS | O-SNAP% |
|---|---|---|---|
| D. Freeman | 14 | 6 | 58% |
| T. Ward | 19 | 1 | 42% |
| T. Coleman | 0 | 0 | DNP |
Freeman has been a revelation in Atlanta of late, dominating opposing defenses often and early. His six TDs in his past two starts alone would make him one of the better DFS players at RB and that doesn't even factor in his tremendous yardage totals and receptions.
Freeman has been so good for the Falcons that the team has taken him out of recent blow-out games to avoid potential injury. Freeman made J.J. Watt and the Texans' defense look bad; then, third-string RB Terron Ward proceeded to make them look worse.
Ward ended up with a robust 19 carries on the day for 72 yards and a TD but it's unlikely that any owners had him in their lineups for Week 4. Coming into the season, third-round draft pick Tevin Coleman was expected to challenge Freeman for the starting role. With Freeman in the midst of an incredible run and Coleman out with a rib injury, the job is Freeman's to lose.
Despite Matt Ryan's bevy of options in the passing game, the Falcons continue to run the ball in the red zone and Freeman is their best option. Ward appears to be a capable back-up but the Falcons likely won't find themselves up by such a large margin that Freeman would be removed.
Coleman is a non-factor in DFS for now and Ward's playing time is unpredictable. With Freeman's price set to skyrocket, it might be smart to fade him against a tough Washington run defense in Week 5; three straight incredible games might be too much to ask.
Buffalo Bills
| PLAYER | WEEK 4 CARRIES | WEEK 4 TARGETS | O-SNAP% |
|---|---|---|---|
| K. Williams | 18 | 4 | 76% |
| B. Dixon | 0 | 3 | 12% |
| L. McCoy | 0 | 0 | DNP |
Bills' RB Karlos Williams was a dud in the run game against the Giants, disappointing DFS players hoping for another 100-yard outing. On 18 carries, Williams only managed to tally 40 yards. Luckily, Williams balanced out his poor running with three catches for 30 yards and a receiving TD.
Of course, Williams doesn't even get a chance to make an impact unless LeSean McCoy gets sidelined for over a month. Now, it might be Boobie Dixon's chance to take advantage of a starter's workload.
Boobie Dixon will be the starting RB if LeSean McCoy and Karlos Williams are out Sunday. McCoy/Williams will not practice today. #Bills
— Jonah Javad (@JonahJavad) October 7, 2015
With Buffalo thin at RB, Tennessee could be a tough test. Williams will be a game-time decision and should be avoided in DFS formats for that reason. Dixon will probably receive some carries but his ceiling is low even when he does receives snaps. Week 5 seems like a good time to fade the Bills' backs and consider another option like TE Charles Clay.
St. Louis Rams
| PLAYER | WEEK 4 CARRIES | WEEK 4 TARGETS | O-SNAP% |
|---|---|---|---|
| T. Gurley | 19 | 2 | 68% |
| B. Cunningham | 2 | 2 | 28% |
| T. Mason | 2 | 0 | 4% |
Gurley had his breakout game with 161 yards from scrimmage and two catches against Arizona. Rams' coach Jeff Fisher has always built his offense around the running game. Gurley will be given every opportunity to amass yardage in a St. Louis offense that looks shaky under QB Nick Foles.
Cunningham and Mason have had their moments this season but this was always going to be Gurley's starting role as soon as he completed his rehabilitation from a torn ACL. Start him with confidence against the Green Bay Packers.