Sunday Morning Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em: Tyler Boyd, Peyton Barber, Adrian Peterson & More

by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)

Just hours before the start of Week 11′s Sunday action 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:

Tyler Boyd – Wide Receiver – Cincinnati Bengals
There had been chatter regarding A.J. Green returning this week, but that always seemed like a stretch (even though he may workout in pre-game warmups, as per Ian Rapoport).  Listed as doubtful, Adam Schefter (via Twitter) has reported that Green is “not expected to play”.  That leaves Boyd sitting atop the depth chart one again, though before we assume he’s going to thrive remember he was in a similar spot in Week 10 against the Saints and managed just 4 targets (turning them into 3 receptions and 65 yards).  Baltimore also represents a difficult matchup, allowing the seventh fewest points per week to opposing wide receivers.

There should be opportunities, but the Bengals could also once again feature John Ross (6 targets in Week 10) while also using both Joe Mixon and Giovani Bernard in the passing game.  Obviously if Ross, who is battling a groin injury, were unable to go the story on Boyd would be different (but according to Rapoport, via Twitter, Ross is “expected to play in an all-important game”).  That makes Boyd more of a WR3, though still an option as a low-end WR2.

Verdict – Start ‘Em (more of a WR3 due to the risk)

Peyton Barber – Running Back – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
There was a belief that Ronald Jones would return this week, but he’s already been ruled out leaving Barber alone to handle the early down work (with Jacquizz Rodgers operating as the third down/passing down alternative).  With Damon Harrison now in Detroit the Giants’ run defense isn’t quite as formidable as it was earlier in the season and Barber has had some success in recent weeks:

• Week 10 vs. Washington – 13 carries for 61 yards
• Week 8 at Cincinnati – 19 carries for 85 yards and 1 TD

Of course he’s also had some duds (Week 9 he turned 11 carries into 31 yards) and there’s always the chance that the Buccaneers go pass heavy.  Still, we’d be comfortable utilizing him as a RB2 if needed as certainly as a FLEX.

Verdict – Start ‘Em (low-end RB2/FLEX)

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Adrian Peterson – Running Back – Washington Redskins
With Chris Thompson again out, Peterson should have the opportunity to carry the load against the Houston Texans.  While the Redskins had been heavily using Peterson at one point, they’ve scaled things back over the past two weeks for a variety of reasons:

• vs. Atlanta – 9 carries for 17 yards
• at Tampa Bay – 19 carries for 68 yards

Those are uninspiring, and he’s also failed to find the end zone.  With Houston offering a difficult matchup and being more prone to pass catching running backs (356 yards, 5 TD), Peterson should be considered more of a FLEX play as opposed to a trustworthy RB2.

Verdict – Sit ‘Em (though he is a viable FLEX)

Lamar Jackson – Quarterback – Baltimore Ravens
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com (via Twitter):

While the #Ravens have kept their QB plan secret, Baltimore players expect Lamar Jackson to see a majority of snaps Sunday vs. #Bengals, sources tell @RapSheet and me. Highly unlikely Joe Flacco plays, but my understanding is no hip surgery needed. Should be ready in week or two.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 18, 2018

There had been rumblings about Robert Griffin III getting the start, but even with Jackson missing Thursday with a minor stomach issue that always seemed unlikely.  Instead it’s Jackson who steps into what should be an enviable matchup, taking on a Cincinnati defense that’s allowed the third most points per week to opposing quarterbacks.  Just look at some of the “highlights”:

• 3rd most passing yards allowed (2,911)
• Tied for 2nd most passing TD allowed (21)
• Tied for 2nd most rushing TD allowed (3)

Jackson, selected in the first round of the 2018 draft, has the potential to exploit the Bengals both with his arm and his legs.  It is his NFL debut so he’s going to be more of a QB2 given the risk of nerves/struggles, but if you are in need of a streaming option he’s usable as a QB1.  Also don’t ignore the potential for him to emerge as the starter the rest of the way where he could be a difference maker.

Verdict – Start ‘Em (desperation QB1, solid QB2)

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Brandon LaFell – Wide Receiver – Oakland Raiders
According to Adam Schefter (via Twitter) the Raiders will be without both Jordy Nelson and Martavis Bryant this week.  A team that was already unimpressive on offense, LaFell will now sit atop a depth that also features Seth Roberts and Dwayne Harris.  While the team will utilize both Jared Cook and Jalen Richards heavily, as they have anyways, LaFell has quietly seen his role grow in the offense since the trade of Amari Cooper.

Over the past three games LaFell has totaled 10 catches (on 14 targets) for 106 yards and 1 TD.  While the matchup isn’t necessarily ideal, he should be considered a dart throw for those who are desperately looking for a bye week fill-in.

Verdict – Start ‘Em (as a dart throw WR3)

Keke Coutee – Wide Receiver – Houston Texans
Coutee hasn’t played since October 21, and while he showed flashes in the four games he’s played this season he only had 8 targets total in the past two he played and will have to battle DeAndre Hopkins and Demaryius Thomas (he had 3 targets in his first game with Houston, but has now had two weeks to get acclimated with the offense) for chances.  While Adam Schefter is reporting that Coutee is expected to return from his hamstring injury, there’s always the chance that he’s limited or suffers yet another setback.  At this point there’s too much risk to trust him, even with the bye weeks to maneuver through.

Verdict – Sit ‘Em

Sammy Watkins – Wide Receiver – Kansas City Chiefs
According to ESPN’s Adam Teicher (via Twitter):

Sammy Watkins is listed as questionable by the Chiefs for Monday night’s game against the Rams. He didn’t practice on Friday or Saturday because of a sore foot. “We’re taking that day by day,’’ coach Andy Reid said. “We’ll see how he does as we go.’’

— Adam Teicher (@adamteicher) November 17, 2018

For those who had been considering utilizing him on Monday night it seems like a long shot that he plays, and even if he does play there’s a good chance that he’s limited.  With those concerns it’s impossible to trust him as you set your lineup on Sunday.

Verdict – Sit ‘Em

Sources – ESPN, NFL.com

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Make sure to check out all of our Week 11 rankings: