Complete Week One Player Rankings & Projections l More Sit & Starts
These Running Back Starts are pretty easy. I've decided to stop getting cute and simply trust the computer. And things have worked out pretty well. However these damn Sits are proving a bit more challenging.
I only allow myself to recommend sitting players that are ranked in our Top 50 for the week. And there are some pretty good backs up and down that list. And invariably I recommend sitting one or two guys that blow up each week. So why am I telling you this and undermining any remaining credibility I have left?
Because I'm a man of honor and integrity. Pay attention to the Starts...and ignore the Sits.
Week Five Running Back Starts: Bilal Powell (34), Dion Lewis (DNP), Michael Dyer (8), Johnathan Franklin (28), Vai Taua (45), Adonis Thomas (19), Jerrell Rhodes (12), Kevis Streeter (3)
Grade: B-. The injuries to Lewis and Streeter make this look worse than it is.
Week Five Running Back Sits: Darius Willis (29), Le'Veon Bell (8), Cameron Marshall (15), Jonathan Williams (7), Alvester Alexander (10), Matt Brown (47)
Grade: D-, only because I graded on a curve. Nothing personal Matt, but I cried when I saw your box score.
Start Em! Running Backs
BCS-Only
1. LaMichael James, Oregon at Washington State
43 fantasy points against Stanford equates to 297 against Washington State.
2. Vick Ballard, Mississippi State at Houston
Ballard has eight touchdowns on just 44 carries this season. So my question is this: why doesn't Dan Mullen give Ballard the ball 44 times against Houston on Saturday? I think 56 points may get the job done for the Bulldogs.
3. James White, Wisconsin vs. Minnesota
Remember how good and fast LaMichael James looked last season when he followed LeGarrett Blount? James White looks pretty damn good and fast when he replaces John Clay. He's going to see plenty of carries this week.
4. Darren Evans, Virginia Tech vs. Central Michigan
I'm a believer again.
All-120
5. Vai Taua, Nevada vs. San Jose State
He's scored in each game, and SJSU can't stop anyone. Both Kaepernick and Taua get theirs.
6. Doug Martin, Boise vs. Toledo
Martin is now a weekly must-start. Dude is a bowling ball.
7. Seth Smith, New Mexico State vs. New Mexico
Both defenses stink. A bunch of points will be scored. Smith is due to bust out.
8. Charles Clay, Tulsa at SMU
He hardly touches the ball and I always recommend starting him. I really don't know how he scores all those touchdowns, so I just go with it.
Sit Em! Running Backs
BCS Only
1. John Clay, Wisconsin vs. Minnesota
Not feeling the big fella this week.
2. Stepfan Taylor, Stanford vs. USC
USC's defense pretty much stinks, but they can handle the run.
3. Daniel Thomas, Kansas State vs. Nebraska
As a Thomas owner I can't bench him this week, but this is only because I have no better options.
4. Ray Graham, Pitt at Notre Dame
Graham is certainly a talented back, but we're a week late and a dollar short.
All-120
5. J.J. Di Luigi, BYU vs. San Diego State
I watched ALL of the BYU game last week. I have no faith in that offense.
6. Sam McGuffie, Rice at UTEP
McGuffie is seeing the touches, but I don't see him scoring in three straight.
7. Joseph Banyard, UTEP vs. Rice
It's not faith that Donald Buckram will play, rather this game will be a bit more in the air.