Sunday Morning Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em: Doug Martin, C.J. Prosise, Randall Cobb & More

by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)

Just hours before the start of Week 8 I know many people have questions running through their heads. Who should I start? Who should I sit? Let’s take a look at how some of the recent news changes things:

Randall Cobb – Wide Receiver – Green Bay Packers
He’s been removed from the injury report and according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN:

No limitations on Packers receiver Randall Cobb (hamstring) this week. “He’s going to play as a full-time player,” coach Mike McCarthy said.

Cobb was limited last week, after it was thought that he was unlikely to play, turning 2 targets into 2 receptions and 14 yards.  That said he did find the end zone and has now scored in three straight games.  Prior to last week he had run off three straight games with 11+ targets and with the running game still a significant question (even if James Starks plays, he’ll be limited) Cobb should once again be among the focus of the offense.  Over the past four weeks the Titans have allowed the tenth most points per week  to opposing wide receivers, so consider Cobb a viable WR2 (depending on your alternatives) and a must use WR3.  Davante Adams, on the other hand, becomes a significantly questionable option.

C.J. Prosise – Running Back – Seattle Seahawks
With Christine Michael struggling (4.0 YPC or worse each of the past five weeks, capped off by a 5 carry, 1 yard performance) and listed as questionable with a hamstring injury (though reports are that he’ll play), along with Thomas Rawls still at least a week away, Prosise appears to be in position to carry a significant load.  Even if Michael does play, it’s fair to assume that he will be limited.

While the matchup itself doesn’t jump off the page as a great one, the Patriots have allowed the sixth most receiving yards to opposing running backs (410).  That’s where Prosise was expected to make his biggest impact, and he is just a week removed from a 4 catch, 80 yard effort against the Saints.  He also has the potential to produce in the running game, as the third round selection ran for 1,032 yards and 11 TD for Notre Dame last year.

Viewed as a potential every down back of the future, Prosise will get an opportunity to show it this week.  Consider him a viable FLEX option, even if Michael does play.

Doug Martin – Running Back – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
How big of a role could he really expect Martin to play, even if he does dress?  According to Rick Stroud (via Twitter):

RB Doug Martin was limited Wed and Thurs and was still doing some rehab during the 30 mins open to media. Doesn’t seem prepared to play.

In other words don’t be prepared to utilize him this week even with him scheduled to return because the touches will be limited (as per Ian Rapoport via Twitter this morning, “The plan is for #Bucs RB Doug Martin (hamstring) to be active and make his return today, but his workload should be limited, source said.”.  The one thing he would do is cut into the touches for Peyton Barber, though he was never going to be much of a trustworthy option to begin with.

Carlos Hyde – Running Back – San Francisco 49ers
Adam Schefter tweeted this morning:

After missing the past two games with a shoulder injury, 49ers’ RB Carlos Hyde expects to play Sunday vs. Cardinals, per sources.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 13, 2016

Arizona represents a difficult matchup, as they are allowing the fifth fewest points per week to opposing running backs.  You also have to wonder if Hyde will be limited in any way, and also how many touches he’s going to cede to DuJuan Harris (142 yards and 1 TD on 15 touches last week).  It all adds some risk to Hyde, who may be better viewed as a FLEX option this week if you can afford to be conservative.

Jamison Crowder – Wide Receiver – Washington Redskins
Whether DeSean Jackson is active or not, and it seems extremely likely that he won’t be (he’s listed as doubtful), Crowder should be once again be among the focuses of the offense.  Just look at what he’s done over the past two weeks:

• 7 catches, 108 yards, 0 TD
• 8 catches, 107 yards, 1 TD

He’s been targeted 22 times over this stretch and draws a Vikings defense that has been on the downturn.  Crowder obviously isn’t going to absorb all of Jackson’s targets (he’s averaging 7 per game), but he should see a slight bump up.  Considering he could see 12+ targets, he’s a must use WR3 and a potential WR2 for those in need.

Tyrell Williams – Wide Receiver – San Diego Chargers
Travis Benjamin is going to miss this week’s game, which leaves Williams as the unquestioned top receiver for San Diego.  He’s coming off a solid game (6 receptions, 65 yards, 1 TD) and draws a favorable matchup against the Dolphins (seventh most points per week to opposing wide receivers).  That said, even with Benjamin getting just 1 target last week Williams didn’t see a huge increase in his opportunities as the team has multiple other options to lean on.  Consider Williams more of a WR3.

Allen Hurns – Wide Receiver – Jacksonville Jaguars
According to Adam Schefter (via Twitter):

Jaguars’ WR Allen Hurns, listed as questionable for Sunday due to a concussion, is expected to play vs Texans, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 13, 2016

Hurns has had some high points this season, though he has yet to top 100 yards in a game (only once above 75) and has just 2 TD on the year.  Throw in the potential to be limited and he’s going to be tough to trust.

Tyreek Hill – Wide Receiver – Kansas City Chiefs
With Jeremy Maclin ruled out Hill will likely be a popular sleeper name for this week.  There’s good reason and there is upside, but he remains a high risk/high reward play.  Remember Maclin was lost early in Week 9 against the Jaguars and Hill managed just 3 receptions (on 5 targets) for 11 yards.  Travis Kelce is a much better bet to get a bump in opportunities and is a great play this week.  Unless you’re desperate, Hill is too risky to trust.

Chris Hogan – Wide Receiver – New England Patriots
Hampered by a back injury, Hogan could come down to a game time decision.  Of course he’s averaging just 3.25 targets per game this season, so a healthy Hogan has never been a very trustworthy option.  There’s obviously far too much risk to consider utilizing him this week.

Dion Lewis – Running Back – New England Patriots
According to Field Yates (via Twitter):

The Patriots have officially activated RB Dion Lewis to the 53-man roster, per source.

It’s good news, though from a fantasy perspective he’s not likely going to make an impact immediately.  He should be eased back into action, and he’ll be behind James White on the depth chart.  At best he’s a fantasy stash but not a viable option.

Sources – NFL.com, ESPN

*** Pre-Order Rotoprofessor’s 2017 Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide for Just $5.50 By Clicking Here!! ***

Make sure to check out all of our Week 10 rankings: