Fantasy Football 2018: Start or sit for Week 7

Start

Tarik Cohen vs. New England– Jordan Howard’s usage has gone down by the week, which has resulted in the resurgence of Tarik Cohen. Cohen has now registered 53 fantasy points in his last two outings, seeing at least seven catches, ninety yards receiving and a score each week. Cohen has by far been the more productive back in the Bears backfield, and will look to continue the trend in what is expected to be an offensive friendly game against the Patriots.

The only concern with Cohen will be the split time with Howard, and how Matt Nagy will choose to utilize either/or. Nagy re-assured Howard was still a big part of the team’s success after Howard voiced frustrations earlier in the season. Yet Howard is limited in his abilities, with Cohen providing a wider array of possibilities in Nagy’s offense. Cohen is hot, and should continue his hot streak as long as Nagy’s usage permits him.

Sony Michel at Chicago– Sony Michel had fantasy question marks painted all over him coming into 2018 for a few reasons. A rookie running back drafted in the first round to what is an already crowded New England backfield surely deserves criticisms, but thanks to multiple injuries Michel now finds himself as the team’s primary running back on the ground.

Michel’s usage has slowly seen an uptake through the season, and his numbers reflect as such. The last three weeks, Michel has averaged over 20 carries for 100 yards and one score. Bill Belichick obviously trusts the rookie running back to handle a workload, which bodes well for Michel and fantasy owners as he takes on a stingy Bears defense. Factor in the Patriots offense with red zone opportunities for Michel and you have potential for another solid say at the office, helping his case in what would otherwise be an automatic sit against Chicago’s defense.

Sit

Austin Ekeler vs. Tennessee– Every running back on this list thus far has been part of a solid running back duo, and Ekeler continues that trend playing behind Melvin Gordon. Yet Ekeler provides the least amount of upside among the potential candidates by having a smaller share in the backfield he plays in. Ekeler’s main duties are to spell Gordon in usual passing scenarios, yet hasn’t seen more than three receptions since week three.

Ekeler also isn’t reliable on the ground, netting just one game where he received over ten carries. Ekeler has been extremely touchdown reliant in terms of fantasy points, and to this part of the season, he has certainly came through. It’s not that Ekeler can’t put up numbers, but rather his lack of usage behind Gordon. With the Titans limiting opposing running backs in the passing game, I’ll take my chances that Ekeler doesn’t see the end zone in London.

Jordan Howard vs. New England– Per FantasyPros.com, the following percentages represent Jordan Howard’s snap percentage per week: 71, 73, 62, 54, 51. Howard appears to be slowly but surely relinquishing his role as favorite back in Chicago, as Tarik Cohen has made the most of his opportunities thus far.

The Patriots defense hasn’t been exactly dominant in 2018, but most damage to their defense has come via speedy backs who are able to catch balls out of the backfield. While Howard could probably catch a ball if asked (hasn’t recorded a catch since Week 3), Cohen is lined up to receive a heavy and favorable workload in this match-up, which doesn’t bode well for Howard owners that have seen a recent drop in production.