Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
When you boil it all down, fantasy football is about production versus expectations. If you expect your RB2 to get you 20 points, then you are likely going to be left disappointed. I would think that most fantasy owners are shooting to get somewhere between 7-15 points for their RB2. I expect my first string running back to get around 80-100 yards and a touchdown. If I can get 70 yards from my RB2, then I’m typically a happy camper and any touchdowns are bonuses.
With that in mind, Oakland Raiders running back Rashad Jennings should not be your starting running back. If he is, you clearly have had some bad luck this season. Maybe you drafted Ray Rice, Trent Richardson or Arian Foster. Maybe you got bit by some injuries like owners of C.J. Spiller or Steven Jackson. Either way, in an ideal situation, you have some stud starting running back and you are lucky enough to have Jennings as your RB2 or flex. If so, you should be in a pretty solid spot.
Recently I read a story that suggests that you should bench Jennings due to the return of Darren McFadden to the lineup. I pose the question how can you bench a guy who has averaged almost 17 fantasy points per game (good enough for sixth place, averaging 103 rushing yards, and 35 receiving yards per game) over the last month? How deep is your bench that you have that kind of luxury?
I say you should start Jennings this week, as the Dallas Cowboys defense is allowing the most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. Don’t let the threat of splitting the carries scare you, even if McFadden comes back with a solid game the Cowboys are still giving up enough points to where both running backs could have productive outings. This Cowboy defense has been gashed by split committees this season. Keep in mind they’ve allowed over 100 yards on the season to a running back in eight of 12 games so far, and have allowed seven other running backs to gain at least 70 yards. Dallas is allowing the third most rushing yards per game (133.6). While that has been happening, Jennings has rushed for 413 yards over the last month, while adding 140 more yards through the passing game.
Again, if you have the kind of depth on your roster to where you could start someone like Alfred Morris, Eddie Lacy or Andre Brown as your RB2, then I think that you could give honest thought to sitting Jennings this week. However, if you have had that kind of depth and good luck this season, you are probably in a position to take a risk or two. I would roll the dice on Jennings today.
As always, I welcome your comments. If you think I’m wrong, I’m willing to listen. Just back it up with some facts and solid evidence. Thanks for reading and good luck this season.
Dustin Manko is an author at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DustinManko, ”Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
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