Sunday Morning Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em: Bishop Sankey, Joique Bell, Ronnie Hillman & More

by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)

Just hours before the start of Week 6 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:

Storm Johnson – Running Back – Jacksonville Jaguars
Johnson has been gaining a lot of hype in recent days, with expectations that he could get his chance to operate as the lead back. Toby Gerhart is out, but it’s not a given that it’s Johnson that emerges.

The team also has Jordan Todman and Denard Robinson who will factor into the mix, just as they have when Gerhart has been active. Could Johnson see an increased role? Absolutely, but it’s hardly a given that he not only assumes all of Gerhart’s touches (he’s averaging just over 11 per game). Just keep on mind what NFL.com said about him prior to the draft:

“However, he will have to take better care of the football and make strides in pass protection to earn carries.”

It remains to be seen if he’s fixed those problems, but if he hasn’t the playing time isn’t going to be there.

Value – There’s upside, but also a lot of risk. Consider him a risky FLEX option for this week.

Lamar Miller – Running Back – Miami Dolphins
Knowshon Moreno is listed as probable, so what initially looked like a prime matchup against the Packers is now a lot riskier of a proposition. Maybe the Dolphins ease Moreno back into the mix, especially with how well Miller has played (277 yards and 2 TD on 47 carries), but we all know Moreno is going to be playing a role. We have to remember he looked like a beast early on (138 yards and 1 TD on 25 carries) and has won the lead back duties prior to getting injured.

Chances are the Dolphins split the carries and opportunities, unless one of the backs is really struggling.

Value – At this point Miller needs to be downgraded to a riskier RB2 depending on your alternatives

Michael Crabtree – Wide Receiver – San Francisco 49ers
There was concern about an injury after he saw reduced playing time in Week 5, but he wasn’t on the injury report this week. While that is good news, the production simply hasn’t been there. St. Louis has allowed some touchdowns to wide receivers this season, but their 500 yards and 44 receptions are the fewest in the league.

Value – At best Crabtree enters the week as an upside WR3 play, but he’s hardly a must start option

Joique Bell – Running Back – Detroit Lions
It’s shaping up like Bell is ready to assume the bulk of the work this week in the absence of Reggie Bush. While he has underwhelmed overall this season, the Minnesota defense has allowed 591 rushing yards (5th most). You also have to remember that the team will be without Calvin Johnson, putting that much more of an emphasis on the running game.

Value – Bell is locked in as a RB2 this week in all formats

Mohamed Sanu – Wide Receiver – Cincinnati Bengals
He figures to be one of the focal points of the offense, though he’ll be behind Giovani Bernard in the pecking order. The Panthers defense hasn’t been as good as anyone expected this season and they are actually tied for the second most receiving TD allowed to wide receivers this season (7). While we would anticipate more of a ground based attack, the Bengals have to throw the ball to someone to keep Carolina honest and Sanu should definitely see his chances.

Value – Consider him more of a WR3, with WR2 potential

Bishop Sankey – Running Back – Tennessee Titans
Shonn Greene, who missed practice this week, is listed as doubtful due to a hamstring injury and is not expected to play. Finally Sankey will get his chance to assume lead back duties.

While Dexter McCluster will continue to get touches, this is a prime opportunity for Sankey. The Jaguars are the second worst defensive team against opposing running backs, having allowed 837 total yards and 6 TD. It’s easy to anticipate at least 12-15 touches and, with a 4.7 YPC average, that should be enough for a productive day.

Value – Consider him a viable RB2, but a definite FLEX play

Ronnie Hillman – Running Back – Denver Broncos
Here’s an interesting breakdown of lead backs in Denver since Peyton Manning arrived:

“Since Peyton Manning was signed in 2012, the Broncos’ lead running back had 65 percent of the carries in 2012 (Willis McGahee), 52.3 percent in ’13 (Knowshon Moreno) and 55.6 percent so far this year (Ball). Hillman should get roughly 55 percent of the carries and roughly 60 percent of the snaps as the lead guy”

Hillman is expected to fill that role, with Montee Ball injured, but is he really going to make the most of it? The Jets rush defense is their strength (what Branden Oliver did to them last week not withstanding) and Hillman has failed to impress since entering the NFL.

Value – Sure there’s upside, but he’s nothing more than a FLEX gamble until he proves otherwise

Eric Decker – Wide Receiver – New York Jets
He’s listed as questionable, but even if he plays does anyone care? The Jets’ quarterback play has been poor and they easily could try to run the ball in an attempt to keep the ball put of Peyton Manning’s hands. Throw in the fear of a setback or usage as more of a decoy and there’s simply too much risk at play.

Value – Only a consideration for those in the deepest of formats

Vernon Davis – Tight End – San Francisco 49ers
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee (click here for the post) has the following quote from Davis:

“I don’t feel like I’m where I need to be at the moment, but I’m getting there,” the 49ers tight end said Saturday before the team left for St. Louis.