Bills vs. Raiders Fantasy Football Running Back Advice
By Dennis Moody
Bills vs. Raiders Fantasy Football Running Back Advice
The Buffalo Bills are the number one rushing attack in the league averaging 157.4 yards per game. They have the added benefit of Tyrod Taylor as their quarterback who has the most rushing yards of any QB in the league with 439. Having LeSean McCoy, one of the best running backs in the NFL, doesn’t hurt either.
McCoy played through a thumb injury last week and despite being limited for much of the day he still broke off a 75 yard run for a touchdown and finished with over 100 yards and two touchdowns. He’ll get some help this week with Ian Rapoport reporting that Mike Gillislee is expected to play after sitting out against Jacksonville and being limited in practice this week.
#Bills RB Mike Gillislee (hamstring) is a go this week after missing last week's game, source said. Some help for LeSean McCoy.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 4, 2016
McCoy is a must start this week and when healthy he is having one of his best seasons in years. He’s one touchdown away from his second double-digit rushing touchdown season of his career. The last time he did it was in 2011 when he had 1,309 rushing yards, 315 receiving yards, 17 rushing touchdowns and 3 receiving touchdowns for a total of 20 touchdowns in just 15 games played. He’s not having that big of a year this season but he has been one of the best and most dynamic runners in the NFL when he’s been healthy.
The Raiders have mixed carries amongst several backs this season. Latavius Murray has been their “workhorse” with 120 carries which is almost double the next back on the team. He hasn’t been a dominate back in terms of yardage but his nine touchdowns are tied with LeSean McCoy and Melvin Gordon for fourth most in the league. The Bills have given up 13 rushing touchdowns this season which is 25th worst in the league so Murray has a favorable matchup in adding to his total.
The Raiders other backs aren’t good options for your fantasy team. Jalen Richard has just 53 carries this season and DeAndre Washington was inactive last week. Each of them have just north of 300 yards on the season and provide as a compliment to Murray but they don’t get enough touches or touchdowns.
Next: Start Buffalo Bills Defense, Bench Raiders Defense
If you have LeSean McCoy or Latavius Murray on your roster you can feel comfortable starting them this week as they are both in for a favorable matchup. Otherwise leave the other backs on your bench.