Fantasy Start/Sit Week 4: RB LeSean McCoy

LeSean McCoy has struggled in recent weeks against some of the top run defenses in the NFL. Does that mean you shouldn’t give your top running back a chance in week 4?

LeSean McCoy owners may be getting frustrated at this point with his production early in the season. My number one piece of advice for McCoy fantasy owners is to be patient. You drafted him in the first or second round for a reason, and you most likely have no better options. The good news? He is projected to have a monster week.

All statistics and fantasy projections per ESPN standard scoring leagues.

Here is how LeSean McCoy performed in recent weeks:

• Week 2 @ Carolina Panthers
  • 9 rushing yards, 34 receiving yards
  • 0 touchdowns
  • 4.3 fantasy points
• Week 3 vs. Denver Broncos
  • 21 rushing yards, 48 receiving yards
  • 0 touchdowns
  • 6.9 fantasy points

LeSean McCoy is still trying to find the end-zone this season, and I predict that this is the week he does it. The Atlanta Falcons are a team that surrenders plenty of yards to running backs catching passes out of the backfield, and that is just what LeSean McCoy does. All signs point to McCoy having a big day.

Here are how the Atlanta Falcons fared against opposing running backs in recent weeks:

• Week 2 vs. Green Bay (Ty Montgomery)
  • 41 rushing yards
  • 1 touchdown
  • 24.3 fantasy points
• Week 3 @ Detroit (Ameer Abdullah)
  • 52 rushing yards
  • 0 touchdowns
  • 12.9 fantasy points

As you can see a majority of these yards come from receiving yards. The Atlanta Falcons may be looking past the Buffalo Bills and onto their week 5 bye week where they can enjoy a nice break. There is not much respect for the Buffalo Bills around the league, and the face of the franchise may have something to say about it this week.

Here are LeSean McCoy’s ESPN projections for week 4:

71.1 rushing yards – 41.4 receiving yards – 0.4 touchdowns – 14.7 fantasy points

LeSean McCoy’s projected totals are higher than the likes of Dalvin Cook and Jay Ajayi. It will be an away game for the Buffalo Bills, and the only reason that I could see LeSean McCoy struggling is because of that. The last time they were on the road was against a tough Carolina Panthers’ defense which held the Bills to just 3 points on the day. Nearly a complete shut-out.

The Buffalo Bills need a statement win on the road such as this to be taken seriously around the league. If they pull this off, it will send shock waves throughout the entire National Football League. If there is one guy to do it, it is LeSean McCoy.

Verdict:

START

Next: Fantasy Start/Sit Week 4: QB Tyrod Taylor

Do you agree with my LeSean McCoy verdict? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!