Fantasy Football Week 11 Start ‘Em & Sit ‘Em: Running backs

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More Week 11

Editor’s note: Welcome to Week 11! We’re handling Jamey Eisenberg’s Start ‘Em & Sit ‘Em column a bit differently this season. You’re still getting the same in-depth analysis as always, we’re just presenting a bit differently, in an effort to get it out to you earlier in the day. This column takes a long time to write, and in the past, we’ve usually gotten it out to you in the evening. This year, we’re going to publish it position-by-position, to get it into your hands quicker. Here’s Jamey’s take on running backs for this week.

Don’t worry: If you want the classic Start ‘Em & Sit ‘Em, we’ll still be publishing that at the end of the day with every position included. For now, here’s running back.

Projections are provided by CBS Sports and not Jamey Eisenberg. Projected points are for PPR leagues.

Running backs

Sleepers

• Doug Martin and Jalen Richard (at ARI): Martin has played well since taking over for the injured Marshawn Lynch (groin) in Week 8. In three games against Indianapolis, San Francisco and the Chargers, he’s averaging 4.6 yards per carry, and he has two games with at least 89 total yards. He’s yet to score a touchdown, but he can be a good flex option this week against the Cardinals, who allow the third-most Fantasy points to running backs this year. Richard is also worth using in PPR since he has at least 10 PPR points in four of his past five games.
• Theo Riddick (vs. CAR): He’s almost more of a receiver than a running back these days. In two games since Golden Tate was traded to Philadelphia, Riddick has 13 catches for 96 yards on 15 targets, and he’s scored at least 10 PPR points in each game over that span against Minnesota and Chicago, without getting a carry. With Marvin Jones (knee) hurt, Riddick could see an uptick in targets. He’s a flex option in all leagues this week, especially in PPR.
• Peyton Barber (at NYG): Barber only has two games this season with double digits in PPR points, and he’s risky to trust as anything more than a flex option. But he has a tremendous matchup against the Giants this week. In two games without defensive tackle Damon Harrison, the Giants have allowed Adrian Peterson and Matt Breida to each gain more than 130 total yards and score two touchdowns each. Barber is unlikely to reach that ceiling, but he does have the potential for a solid floor. And hopefully he can find the end zone for just the third time this year.
• Mike Davis (vs. GB): Even with Chris Carson (hip) expected to return this week after missing Week 10 and the emergence of Rashaad Penny, I still like Davis in PPR. He has 14 targets for 11 catches, 67 yards and a touchdown in his past two games, and he’s scored at least 11 PPR points with his receiving totals alone in each outing. His carries will likely be limited because of Carson and Penny, but if Seattle is chasing points against Green Bay, then look for Davis to be heavily involved in the passing game.
• Derrick Henry (at IND): While Lewis has done a nice job as the lead back for the Titans, Henry has done a nice job finding the end zone in recent weeks. In his past three games, Henry has scored four touchdowns on just 29 carries for 118 yards, and he’s even managed four receptions over that span. He’s risky to trust since he’s touchdown dependent, but he’s worth using as a flex option this week given his recent production.