Week 6 of the NFL season has arrived! Injuries have already thrown a wrench into multiple backfields around the league, so it’s time to take a deep dive into the position.
Let’s break down my Week 6 start ’em, sit ’em fantasy football running back picks.
Start ‘Em: Tank Bigsby (Jaguars) at Bears
Managers who roster Travis Etienne, look away.
Bigsby has outperformed his backfield mate consistently this year, averaging a whopping eight yards per carry. That’s nearly double what the former first-round pick has been able to manage with his touches. While many believed in Tank’s talent, he didn’t see nearly enough work to actually consider starting through the first four weeks.
Last Sunday against the Colts, that changed. Bigsby took his 13 carries for a whopping 101 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Jaguars to a much-needed win. He also showcased some big-play potential as a receiver, catching one ball for 28 yards. Meanwhile, Etienne re-aggravated his shoulder injury late in the game and doesn’t appear to be 100% heading into this week’s tilt against a vulnerable Bears run defense.
Regardless of Etienne’s status, Tank should be the guy on the ground moving forward.
Sit ‘Em: Rico Dowdle (Cowboys) vs. Lions
Dowdle is coming off his best game of the season, in which he racked up 114 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. So, why fade him?
Two words: Dan Campbell.
Well, actually, it’s the defensive unit Campbell coaches. The Lions are a force to be reckoned with on that side of the ball, allowing the fourth-fewest rushing yards per game and third-fewest fantasy points to opposing backs. That doesn’t bode well for Dowdle, who will need to make the most of his touches. While the 26-year-old saw 20 carries against the Steelers, he still hasn’t surpassed a 50% snap rate in a contest this season.
With game script likely working against him and the overall tough matchup, I would leave Dowdle on your bench after his big Week 5 outing.
Check out my full Week 6 start/sit article with picks at each position here!
Start ‘Em: Rhamondre Stevenson (Patriots) vs. Texans
Jerod Mayo was adamant that Stevenson was going to face consequences after his rampant fumbling issues heading into Week 5. Rhamondre’s punishment lasted exactly one series, as he checked into the game after Antonio Gibson drew the start. He then proceeded to turn 16 touches into 19.2 PPR points, having his most efficient day on the ground yet this season while — most importantly — holding onto the football.
This week, Stevenson and the Patriots host one of the most imposing defensive lines in the league. I’m not going to act like the matchup against Houston is ideal, but there are a couple factors working in Stevenson’s favor. First, he’s by far the Patriots’ best offensive playmaker, which means Alex Van Pelt has to keep manufacturing him touches. Rookie Drake Maye will also be getting his first career start, and he’ll regularly look for his pass-catching security blanket out of the backfield when DeMeco Ryans sends pressure.
The Patriots may struggle to move the ball at times, but Stevenson should be heavily involved in all aspects of their offensive game plan.
Sit ‘Em: Najee Harris (Steelers) at Raiders — IF Justin Fields remains Pittsburgh’s starter
Good news: Harris is the clear lead back for Pittsburgh.
Bad news: It hasn’t translated to strong fantasy production up to this point.
Najee has received 82 carries through five weeks, but he’s only averaging 3.3 yards per attempt and has failed to find the end zone so far. As a result, he’s scored more than 11 PPR points in just one game. With Justin Fields under center, I expect his ceiling to remain capped, as the dual-threat quarterback has already racked up 44 carries and two touchdowns on the ground. While the Raiders are an enticing matchup, if Fields remains the starter, leave Najee on your bench. If Russell Wilson gets the surprise start, Harris would be upgraded to a low-end RB2.
Start ‘Em: D’Andre Swift (Bears) vs. Jaguars
Through the first three weeks, it looked like Chicago had made a horrible mistake signing Swift. After his last two games, the shifty back has become a must-start. How quickly things change…
Swift racked up 49.5 PPR points across Weeks 4 and 5, drastically improving his rushing efficiency while also posing a legitimate threat through the air. The 25-year-old would have added even more points to his tally if Matt Eberflus didn’t pull him from a deserved goalline opportunity, handing Roschon Johnson the touchdown.
Regardless of Johnson’s touchdown-vulturing tendencies, Swift’s elite production has propelled him into low-end RB1 territory against a vulnerable Jacksonville run defense.
Those are my start ’em, sit ’em Week 6 fantasy football running back picks! Stay tuned for more fantasy advice next week.
All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
