Start 'EM/Sit 'Em Week 3: RB Edition

The Auburn Realist: Overview

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Catch up on this week's posts.

Start 'Em/Sit 'Em Week Three: QB Edition

For the most part, I was on target for most of last week's Start 'Em/Sit 'Em. The issue for me was that my opponents had record weeks across the board. I went 1-6 with some big hits and misses. Of note was scoring over 200 points and still managing to lose. I did manage to cash a check on Draftkings, so there is that. You can read last week's articles below.

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em for Week Two: QB and RB Edition

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em for Week Two: WR/TE Edition

Let's get to the RBs. 

The following RBs are those that I currently own and are not on BYEs

I promise that I don't have an emotional attachment to my 2nd round pick in Alex Collins He has been a solid Flex play, averaging 15.5 points a game. You just get the feeling that he could go off at any point. Last week looked to be that week. Instead, the Hogs dropped the game against Toledo, limiting Collins to 20 rushes for 54 yards. A long TD kept him from being a major bust. They have Texas Tech this week, a team that gives up over 250 rushing yards a game. Once again, it would look like a great start. I can't bench him. 

Devon Johnson remains a must-own, must-start player for Marshall. Start him.

The USC-Stanford rivalry games doesn't usually feature high scores. But, Kessler disappears in big games and Stanford has struggled against even decent runners. Tre Madden is much more than decent. If you are risk adverse, sit him. It's just hard to believe that Stanford can stop such a balanced attack. But, it's a rivalry game. I'm starting him. 

Florida owned the ECU run game. Hairston was still viable in PPR leagues with his 5 receptions, but a fumble killed is value. He has now caught 5 passes in both games. Up next is Navy who is gave up 200 yards on the ground  in their game against Colgate. Granted, Colgate had to earn those yards during a blowout. Hairston is a decent flex play. 

Skov and the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets are getting to the point where people can't ignore them anymore. Skov has been a TD vulture thus far, only having 23 touches but recording a solid 4TDs on only 120 yards. That will change this week as the Jackets play a very good Notre Dame team. Will he continue to get 2 TDs a game? Probably not. But, his yardage should go up. It's tough not to start him, regardless of the opponent. The Jackets are going to run the ball, regardless of the score and opponent. The question is who will get the carries. Skov will get a boat-load of work. Start him. 

Ouellette has been limited to only 18 points in his first two games. That's a far cry from the high expectations. If you don't have him, you should at least stash him. Ohio gets Southern Louisiana this week. While they shouldn't put up much of a fight, this is too risky a play with Minnesota up next. Sit him. 

Ball State's Green gets the tastiest matchup of any RB I have. They have Eastern Michigan, who gives up 329 rush yards a game. He must be started. 

Texas State's Lowe isn't off to the start many expected. He was blanked by Florida State. That wasn't a surprise. He had a nice day against a powderpuff week two. It leaves fantasy owners wondering what to expect against a decent Southern Miss team that has a balanced defense. Stash him, sure. Don't play him. 

Were you lucky enough to get Prosise two weeks ago? I was. It's your lucky year, I guess. With Folston taking the hit and now Zaire, you have an opportunity to take a nobody and score big. Georgia Tech isn't a slouch and it could be tough sledding. But, it's a season...not a single game...that wins leagues. Still, one can't but wonder and wish. This one is up to you. I'm not starting him, despite his upside...as an RB. If you took him as a WR, then you better. 

Rouse, as well as every BC back, looks awesome. They set all kinds of records last week. Yet, Rouse is the bellcow of a run-first offense that really can score. But, they are playing Florida State. There is too much risk in playing a team as talented as the Seminoles and a team that can only run. Sit him. 

I wasn't surprised that Michigan got beat by Utah. I was surprised at how many people bailed on all of Michigan's players. Smith beat up Oregon State last week with 126 yards and 3 TDs. With Michigan struggling to throw the ball, expect more of the same against UNLV. While there is some risk that this may be a QB tune up game for the upcoming BYU game, even a drain the clock scenario will work out just fine. Start him. 

Lawry may be the top back and point scorer in fantasy football, but Old Dominion is up against a decent defense in NC State, who allows only 78 rush yards per game. That average was lifted by Troy, who is a decent offense. Even if the Wolfpack holds him to twice that and still gives up a TD, that is a win by your opposition. It's hard to tell you to sit the highest scorer in fantasy, but that's what I am telling you to do. 

Bouagnan may be one of the very best, but so is the Ohio State defense. The only chance that NIU has to stay in this game in through the running and passing of their QB. Bouagnan won't be a factor. Sit him.