Week 9 Offenders

Trey Edmunds

Pittsburgh Steelers

James Conner and Benny Snell were ruled out for week 10, paving the way for Jaylen Samuels to lead this backfield. Surprisingly, it was un-drafted RB Trey Edmunds that led the Steelers on the ground- recording the most carries (12), rushing yards (73), and yards per carry (6.1). At the end of the day, Jaylen Samuels ended up with the better fantasy outing (19.3 PPR points to Edmunds 7.3) and recorded more snaps, 40 for Jaylen to Edmunds 17 snaps (63.5% to 27%). Samuels managed an uninspiring 1.2 yards per carry, but salvaged his outing through the air. Jaylen finished with 13 catches on 13 targets for 73 receiving yards. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, James Conner is recovering from an AC joint injury and is expected to miss at least 2 weeks. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that 2019 4th-round rookie, Benny Snell is expected to miss at least 2-3 weeks after undergoing a minor surgery on his meniscus. Trey Edmunds is name to consider adding from waivers this week for fantasy owners desperate for running back depth. Pittsburgh’s next matchups, 4 out of 5, are against the Cleveland Browns (2x), Arizona Cardinals, and Cincinnati Bengals. All are plus matchups for the Steelers running game.

Keeping Detained

JD Mckissic – DET – Week 8’s handcuff report warned about over investing on acquiring Ty Johnson and suggested McKissic might be the better add in PPR leagues. On Sunday, McKissic finished the game with 16.2 fantasy points to Ty Johnson’s 6.6 (PPR scoring). Detroit’s week 8 leading rusher, Tra Carson was placed on season ending IR which paved the way for McKissic to earn more snaps. JD’s snaps increased from 16 in week 8 to 27 in week 9. Reaching almost a 60-40 split with Ty Johnson (62% for TY – 38% JD), McKissic’s receiving usage is what makes him an intriguing add in deeper PPR leagues. The Lions rushing game does not warrant a high priority add in any format. The Lions are averaging the NFL’s 7th lowest yards per rush attempt (3.7), and 12 fewest rushing yards per game (96). Keep an eye out this week to see if Detroit makes a free agent acquisition to bolster this running back room with Kerryon and Tra on IR.

Duke Johnson – HOU – Carlos Hyde continues to cement his role as the early down back, but Johnson’s usage in in the passing game and red zone yields fantasy value. Johnson scored on from the 1-yard line and recorded 5 receptions on 5 targets for 68 yards on Sunday against Oakland. Duke finished with 19.1 PPR points to Hydes 14 points, even though Hyde finished with an impressive 160 rushing yards and 8.4 yards per carry. Nearly a 50-50 snap share for the season between the two backs, Johnsons is finding the field for 48% of the Texans offensive snaps compared to Hyde’s 52%. If you’ve been following the handcuff report all season, Johnson is already on your bench but there is still an opportunity to add him if you haven’t yet. Duke is still available in 52% of NFL.com, 41% of Yahoo, and 40% of ESPN leagues. In full point and .5 PPR leagues, Duke should have higher ownership numbers.

Reminders: Written about multiple times this season, traditional handcuffs Rashaad Penny, Gus Edwards, and Tony Pollard need to be rostered by those who own the respective starter.

Under Surveillance

Ryquell Armstead – JAX – Ryquell is not on the field enough for anyone to rush out and waste waiver priority or FAAB $$ on acquiring him, but Fournette owners need to add him before his usage increase and non-Fournette owners decide to roster him. Playing from behind the whole game, Armstead was able to turn in 11.5 PPR points by taking 5 receptions for 63 yards. Fournette has recorded the 3rd most rushing attempts in the NFL, along with every other top tier running back, fantasy owners need to make sure to roster their handcuff.

Dare Ogunbowale – TB – For the 6th week this season, Dare finished 2nd or better in snaps played by a Tampa running back. It was a 1-yard goal line touchdown and Peyton Barbers season low 11 snaps that made his week 9 fantasy outing worth talking about. Dare only recorded 1 carry and 1 reception last week, keeping him under surveillance (watch list) and not worth a bench spot in 12 team or smaller leagues. On the season, Dare is leading this backfield in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. Bruce Arians is deploying a true three-headed running back committee, with a RB snap share split nearly even in thirds (33.4% Dare, 32.9% Barber, Jones 31.7%). If either Ronald Jones or Peyton Barber suffer an injury, then Dare will be an interesting add in PPR formats.

As always, leaves your lineup questions below or you can @ me on twitter. Good luck in week 10!