Running Backs
START — James Cook (BUF @ CAR): This is a “get-right” setup after the bye, and I expect Buffalo to juice him in space and on screens. Cook doesn’t need 25 touches – give me 15-18 with a few goal-to-go looks and I’m happy. In PPR, he’s a top-10 swing I’ll back.
START — Derrick Henry (BAL vs CHI): The stars have aligned for King Henry this week: this one gives shootout vibes, and Chicago’s rush defense has been absolutely, historically brutal. It’s the perfect week for Baltimore to remember they’ve got a monster in the backfield. 20+ touches, and a home run-level touchdown incoming.
SIT — Saquon Barkley (PHI vs NYG): Yes, I know most will play him, but I’m lowering expectations or sitting if I’ve got a comparable option. Philly siphons short-yardage scores with Hurts, and ‘Quon just hasn’t been as effective this season with the ball in his hands (maybe the shoulder is a thing). The ceiling looks slimmer than the name value suggests.
SIT — Rico Dowdle (CAR vs BUF): I’m benching him in a split backfield that will fight for touches. Buffalo comes in fresh and typically rallies to the run, so chunk gains are thin. In a likely neutral-to-negative game flow, the math with a 10-12 touch ceiling just doesn’t add up.
