Fantasy Start/Sit Week 5: RB LeSean McCoy

LeSean McCoy finally had a double-digit fantasy point performance again. Can he build on that against a tough Cincinnati Bengals defense?

LeSean McCoy had a solid workload last week against the Atlanta Falcons which will continue throughout the course of the season. He is most likely your top option at running back, so you should be comfortable rolling with McCoy moving forward.

All statistics and fantasy projections per ESPN standard scoring leagues.

Here is how LeSean McCoy performed in recent weeks:

• Week 3 vs. Denver Broncos
  • 21 rushing yards, 48 receiving yards
  • 0 touchdowns
  • 6.9 fantasy points
• Week 4 @ Atlanta Falcons
  • 76 rushing yards, 32 receiving yards
  • 0 touchdowns
  • 10.8 fantasy points

LeSean McCoy has had a decent 2017 campaign thus far but has still yet to find the end-zone. That is the only thing holding him back from being the top running back in the league. The Buffalo Bills have a lot of other short yardage and red-zone targets which restricts LeSean McCoy’s ability in this area.

The Cincinnati Bengals have been cracking down on opponents run game as of late.

Here are how the Cincinnati Bengals fared against opposing running backs in recent weeks:

• Week 3 @ Green Bay (Ty Montgomery)
  • 41 rushing yards
  • 0 touchdown
  • 5.6 fantasy points
• Week 4 @ Cleveland (Isaiah Crowell, Duke Johnson)
  • 35 rushing yards
  • 1 touchdown
  • 14.9 fantasy points

As you can see, these running backs are far from top-tier guys. Cincinnati has yet to face a top 10 back this year, so that makes them ill-prepared this week against LeSean McCoy. The Buffalo Bills’ running back could potentially break off a big play, but I doubt he sees the end-zone this week. He may have to wait until week 7 against Tampa Bay following a week 6 bye.

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

80.7 rushing yards – 36.6 receiving yards – 0.4 touchdowns – 14.5 fantasy points

LeSean McCoy’s projected totals are the third highest of any running back in week 5. ESPN has him scoring more than Kareem Hunt and Todd Gurley. This just shows how confident they are in McCoy to have a big week against the Bengals. I’m not sure why I write a start/sit for him because he is absolutely a must-start every single week.

Verdict:

START

Next: Fantasy Start/Sit Week 5: QB Tyrod Taylor

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