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James Starks a problematic fantasy football waiver add

By Keegan Matheson

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James Starks of the Green Bay Packers is a hot fantasy football add this week week following the injury to Eddie Lacy, but not every roster is a good fit for this problematic situation. Given the offense he’d be working in and a potential starting workload, Starks would be an RB2 with double-digit point potential as the Packers host the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football.

The first variable working against James Starks as a top-end addition on this week’s waiver wire is the uncertainty surrounding Eddie Lacy. Whereas someone like Devonta Freeman is a near lock for starting carries with Tevin Coleman already ruled out, Lacy could very well suit up on Monday with the extra day of rest working in his favor.

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Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on Monday afternoon that Lacy’s injury was “minor”, leaving week three still very much in the picture. Some fantasy owners will hold out hope for a 50-50 split in carries if Lacy operates in a limited fashion, which is very possible, but the Chiefs’ defense doesn’t offer a fantastic matchup.

Kansas City looked strong against the run versus Denver in week two, limiting Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson to 61 yards on 21 carries. The Houston Texans were able to find limited success the week prior, but I still wouldn’t consider this a plus matchup.

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The primary issue with Starks, though, is scheduling. Your fantasy football roster needs medical certainty from Monday night starts, and this could tie the hands of many fantasy owners who put too much value into Starks. Working with the example from above, let’s assume that you have Devonta Freeman on your bench alongside Starks.

If both players are the starter in their week three game, I like the upside of Starks more than that of Freeman, which may tempt you to wait it out until Monday night with Starks in your RB2-3 or FLEX spot. If Lacy is able to play on Monday, though, this would leave you with a watered-down version of Starks to win your week while a running back with a starting workload sits locked on your bench.

This is not to say that Starks will not pay off in a big way, but there are a lot of variables here with the talented longtime backup. Other situations, such as Freeman, Dion Lewis, David Johnson or Lorenzo Taliaferro may have similar short-term value with a greater long-term projection. Plus, many of them come with less of an “if” factor.

If you’re dead set on taking Starks into Monday night, be sure to roster someone like Ty Montgomery or Richard Rodgers from Green Bay’s side or Knile Davis from Kansas City. This way, you’ll at least be left with some form of option if Lacy surprises us and returns at 100%, although none of them are all that encouraging. James Starks is a fine waiver addition, but temper your expectations and make sure he’s right for your roster situation and your weekly matchup.

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