Fantasy Football Week 9 Start 'Em & Sit' Em: Running backs

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More Week 9

Editor's note: Welcome to Week 9! 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 you started earlier in the day. This column takes a long time to write, and in the past, we've usually gotten you out in the evening. This year, we're going to publish it's position-by-position, to get it into your hands quicker. Here's Jamey's take on running backs for this week.

Do not worry: If you want the classic Start 'Em & Sit' em, we'll still be publishing at the end of the day with every position included. For now, here's running back.

Running backs

Note: Projections are provided by SportsLine.com.

Sleepers

• Doug Martin and Jalen Richard (at SF): In Week 8 Against the Colts, Marshawn Lynch, Martin and Richard played well. Martin had 13 carries for 72 yards, plus two catches for 17 yards, but he also fumbled. Still, it's a solid debut as the starter. And Richard had two carries for 14 yards, plus eight catches for 50 yards. I expect more than this week against 49ers for both, and I like both at least flex options in most leagues. Martin is better in non-PPR leagues, and Richard has top-15 upside in PPR.
• Matt Breida (vs. OAK): The indestructible man just continues to play with a myriad of injuries. It looked like it was going to miss Week 8 at Arizona with an ankle sprain, but not only did he play, he had a season-high 16 carries. Even though he's gone three games without a catch, he's worthy trusting this week against the Raiders. Oakland has been running at least 80 gold yards this year.
• Devontae Booker (vs. HOU): With Royce Freeman (ankle) out in Week 8 at Kansas City, Booker had a solid performance with nine carries for 78 yards, plus catches for 23 yards in tandem with Phillip Lindsay. If Freeman remains out, then use Booker at least a flex option, especially in PPR. Lindsay will remain a must-start option against the Texans, who will have a back to score gold winning at least 80 total yards in seven of eight games this season.
• Dion Lewis (at DAL): Tennessee's bye week, Lewis had one of his best games in the season 7 at the Chargers, and he should stay hot. Against Los Angeles, Lewis had 21 PPR points, and he now has at least six catches in two of his four games. Hopefully that continues, and Lewis is worth using at least a flex against Dallas. The Cowboys have struggled with catching running backs, and four – Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley, Alfred Blue, and Kapri Bibbs – have scored at least 10 PPR points with just their total receipts alone. That bodes well for Lewis this week.