Continuing with some of Week 16’s most overrated and underrated guys. Today, running backs, based on Fantasy Pros’
composite of 57 fantasy experts:
Overrated:
David Johnson (#4 ranked Week 16 RB) is a must-start because of his talent,
usage, and versatility (can’t ask for much more than that in an RB). But his lowest output of the season will come
on Christmas Eve at the hands of a Seattle defense that will limit him to 9-12
fantasy points.
Sunday was Devonta Freeman’s (#8) turn to reclaim his dominant fantasy
role after Tevin Coleman’s brief return to relevance the week before. But I don’t like his matchup in Carolina and put
Freeman in the David Johnson camp: top 16-20 RB with around 8-11 points.
Matt Forte might sit this week, and experts’ rankings already assume
it, with the veteran RB placed all the way down at #43. Bilal Powell (#19) is an assured RB2 on most
websites. Not this one. The Patriots are putting 40+ on the Jets this
week and will embarrass Bryce Petty.
Powell will be limited to 15 touches, culminating in 5-7 points.
Underrated:
Mark Ingram’s (#20) inconsistency drives fantasy managers nuts. In fairness, he’s the 17th highest
scoring fantasy RB this season and closes the year against Tampa Bay (4.5 YPC
yielded) and Atlanta (4.4). Remember
when the Bucs held the Saints to 11 points.
That was their lowest output in 17 regular season games, and featured a
very un-Brees-like performance. Expect
payback on Saturday, when Ingram’s huge upside will be on display.
Dion Lewis (#27) will contribute to the previously mentioned shellacking
of the Jets. I like him as a top 20 RB
and as a top 16 RB in PPR.
Tim Hightower (#32) is a great dart throw, with five double-digit games
in his past eight. Ingram going off
doesn’t preclude Hightower from claiming RB2 numbers.
Duke Johnson (#40) was Cleveland’s lone bright spot last weekend. Experts are dismissing him. I’m tagging him as a top 30 RB with strong
top 20 PPR potential.
Charles Sims (#41) should get more run this week when Tampa Bay falls
behind early. Sims is useful in catch-up
mode and merits attention among desperate fantasy managers.
Paul Perkins (#42) had 16 and 11 touches in weeks 14 and 15,
respectively. He’ll get enough carries
against Philly to be an RB3.