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.
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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.
Breece Hall vs. BUF (Projected FPTS – 14.3): In his first game back from injury, Hall finished with fewer snaps than Braelon Allen (59%-43%) but managed to have more carries (15-8), averaged 4.1 yards per carry and caught three passes for 26 yards. It’s a good sign that the Jets are already trusting Hall to return to his usual role in the offense. Managers should be confident starting him in Week 10 against the Bills, who’ve allowed four running backs to score 18 or more fantasy points this season. They’ve also allowed the eighth-most receiving yards and the 10th-most fantasy points per game to the position.
Ollie Gordon II @ IND (Projected FPTS – 14.0): Over his last two games, Gordon has combined for 14.3 fantasy points. Despite being underwhelming in fantasy production, he still handled 16 carries and saw well over 40 percent of the Dolphins’ touches. Gordon has a much better matchup on deck against the Colts, who’ve allowed the third-most yards per carry (4.8) and 22-plus fantasy points to three different running backs since Week Five. Gordon is a solid mid-range RB2/flex option.
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Derrick Henry vs. LAC (Projected FPTS – 15.5): Last week I listed Henry as a player managers should sit, and he finished with under six fantasy points. He has scored six or fewer in three of his last four games. However, I expect Henry to get back on track in Week 10 against the Chargers. The Ravens will have a more stable quarterback with Jacoby Brissett under center, and as long as they maintain a steady passing attack, it will help their run game. Since Week Three, the Chargers have allowed four running backs to reach 15 or more fantasy points. Be confident with King Henry.
Honorable Mentions: Chuba Hubbard @ NO; Blake Corum @ ARI; Zach Charbonnet @ LV; Bhayshul Tuten @ TEN; Audric Estime vs. CAR; Woody Marks @ CLE; Cam Skattebo vs. WSH.
Ashton Jeanty vs. SEA (Projected FPTS – 12.6): Boy, it’s been tough sledding for Jeanty and his fantasy managers. He has been atrocious this season, to say the least, rushing for fewer than 30 yards in five consecutive games. Last week against the Niners, he had only 20 scrimmage yards but ended up with seven fantasy points in PPR formats thanks to five catches. He has become entirely touchdown-dependent and has been demoted to the pass-catching back in the Raiders’ offense. This week he takes on the Seahawks, who’ve allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards per game and points per game this season. Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza will also be making his first NFL start for Las Vegas, so unless Jeanty is utilized as the underneath option or scores a touchdown, it’s unlikely he’ll sniff RB2 territory.
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Omarion Hampton @ BAL (Projected FPTS – 8.1): Hampton has been completely useless in fantasy. He has scored fewer than eight points in four straight games and in five of his last six. Since Week Five, Hampton is the RB58 in fantasy points per game, and he has averaged under three yards per carry in his last four games. He also shares snaps and carries with Kimani Vidal and Keaton Mitchell. At this point, you are likely better off starting a backup in a better offense, like San Francisco’s Kaelon Black or Kansas City’s Emmett Johnson. Despite an average matchup against the Ravens on Monday night, Hampton is someone who will most likely let you down.
Tony Pollard vs. JAX (Projected FPTS – 12.9): I guess it depends on how you feel, but I am not buying Pollard’s two monster outings before the Titans’ Week Nine bye. Besides the five touchdowns he scored during those two weeks, he found the end zone only one time over the first six weeks. He has a very tough contest ahead against the Jaguars, who’ve allowed the second-fewest rushing yards per game and the second-lowest rush success rate to opposing running backs. Jacksonville also added Jordan Davis to its defensive line. If the Titans are losing by multiple scores in this contest, the team might start giving more opportunities to Tyjae Spears.
Lowlights: Corey Kiner @ DET; Tyler Allgeier @ LAR; Mike Washington Jr. vs. SEA; Rachaad White @ NYG; Quinshon Judkins vs. HOU; Braelon Allen vs. BUF; Aaron Jones @ GB.
