Week 11 of the NFL season has arrived! Injuries have 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 11 start ’em, sit ’em fantasy football running back picks.
Start ‘Em: Rhamondre Stevenson (Patriots) vs. Rams
Stevenson underwhelmed from a fantasy perspective against the Bears, although he did feature heavily with 21 touches for 77 total yards.
The Patriots don’t seem too eager to ask that much of rookie Drake Maye — although whenever he is allowed to sling it, it typically works out — which means more work for their star back. Prior to last week’s outing, Stevenson had racked up at least 22 points in back-to-back games. He should play a large role in New England’s game plan against the Rams, who rank in near the bottom third of the league in rushing yards allowed.
Sit ‘Em: Rico Dowdle (Cowboys) vs. Texans
Unfortunately, when Dak Prescott went down, so did the fantasy value of his teammates. Yes, even the running backs, as you need the passing threat there to establish the ground game.
In reality, the only Cowboy worth starting until proven otherwise is CeeDee Lamb, who needs to be in your lineup for obvious reasons. Dowdle may be the top guy in Dallas’ backfield, but that doesn’t mean he’s a lock for 20 touches. Game script will likely take him out of this contest early, and the Texans are also one of the best teams in the league against the run, allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing backfields.
Check out my full Week 11 start/sit article with picks at each position here!
Start ‘Em: David Montgomery (Lions) vs. Jaguars
Look, I get it. If David Montgomery is on your fantasy team, you’re likely starting him.
This is more of a reassurance than anything, as Monty has been relatively subpar lately. The 27-year-old has failed to score 13 PPR points in back-to-back outings and was stymied on the ground against Houston, averaging just 2.7 yards per carry. He was able to find the end zone, which saved his fantasy day.
Montgomery and Detroit’s running game as a whole should bounce back against the Jaguars this week, as they allow the third-most fantasy points to opposing backfields. Fire Monty up with confidence as a high-end RB2.
Sit ‘Em: Tony Pollard (Titans) vs. Vikings
I was on the Pollard sit train last Sunday after his monstrous workload in Week 8, and that decision was vindicated. Tennessee’s lead back saw his workload virtually cut in a third — after Brian Callahan indicated that could be the case — against the Chargers, and he managed just 10.3 points.
It’ll be an uphill battle for Pollard this week as well, as Minnesota allows the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing backs. With a difficult matchup and game script likely working against him, I would keep Pollard on your bench for at least another week.
Those are my start ’em, sit ’em Week 11 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.
