Who To Watch: James Starks
(Green Bay Packers, Running Back)
Week 10
Every fantasy player has his/her own strategy on how to manage their roster. Some play traditionally, which is where they draft a team and stick with their players through the highs and the lows. Many others play weekly, where they start players depending on match ups and will add/drop any of their players no matter who they are. And others, including myself, play their stars and use their bench as more of an insurance for their starters. This type of strategy, I have found, is very successful. The perfect example of an "insurance player" is my Who To Watch for Week 10, James Starks.
James Starks played three of his four years at the University of Buffalo, missing his senior season due to a shoulder injury. He recorded back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons in his second and third seasons as a Buffalo Bull. Rushing for 3,140 yards and 40 total touchdowns during his college career at Buffalo. He was drafted in the 6th round as the 193rd overall pick by the Green Bay Packers in the 2010 NFL Draft. His ability to carry, catch, and block as a running back fit perfectly in the Packers offense. In years past, the Packers never had a healthy back that could continuously be an offensive weapon.
James Starks entered into the NFL underrated because he was acquired by a team that ran over 60% of their plays without anyone in the backfield. He has played for the Packers for 6 total seasons (including the current 2015-2016 season). The veteran back has had his ups and downs, but his biggest success was in the 2011 playoff Wild-Card game against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he broke the Packers' rookie post-season, single-game rushing yards record.
From 2010 through 2012, the Packers' backfield shared everything as a committee. With the experience and talent from multiple backs, like: Ryan Grant, Brandon Jackson, John Kuhn, Brandon Saine, Alex Green, and Cedric Benson, James Starks only got 213 carries for 934 yards and 2 touchdowns, which was not enough snaps to prove himself as the Packers' lead back. Before the 2013 NFL Draft, the Packers decided to change the usage of their backfield. They drafted Alabama running back, Eddie Lacy, in hopes for him to be the No. 1 back. In his first two seasons in the NFL, Lacy looked great as the Packers' main back. He rushed 530 times for 2,317 yards and 20 touchdowns; recording 77 receptions for 684 yards and 4 TDs. While sharing time and playing behind Lacy, Starks has only gotten 174 carries for 826 yards and 5 TDs and recording 28 receptions for 229 yards and one touchdown.
Entering into the 2015 season, everyone believed Eddie Lacy would be the dominating back once again. Taken in the first round in every fantasy league, Lacy was owned in 100% of leagues. ESPN's Senior Fantasy Analyst, Matthew Berry, has mentioned many times that he doesn't understand how Starks is not 100% owned, as well, because every Lacy owner should own James Starks for insurance. Starks, almost forgotten by most, was drafted in the late rounds, if he was drafted at all (roughly 8%).
Fantasy sports is one of the most unpredictable and nerve-wrecking games in our culture, today. Through 8 weeks of play and one BYE week, Lacy has performed poorly almost every week. Battling injuries and struggling to play well, Lacy has become one of the many first round busts of this season. This is why having a bench filled of insurance players, like DeAngelo Williams for LeVeon Bell owners, Karlos Williams for LeSean McCoy owners, and James Starks for Eddie Lacy owners, is so important. Those who fill their bench spots with the right strategic players will win their league, but those who chase points, waste their waiver priority, and add/drop their players too much can't seem to make the playoffs.
One of the best pickups for this week is James Starks. Because of Lacy's struggles this season, Starks has performed very well, when given the touches. Exiting the game early in the 2Q, Lacy was reported to be benched due to a groin injury. This gave Starks an amazing opportunity, giving him 71% of the carries. This is definitely a reoccurring injury for Lacy and needs to be watched by all Lacy and Starks' owners. If Lacy is limited or misses practice this week, look for Starks to be the No. 1 back for the Pack. Only 39% owned, entering the Packers' week 10 matchup against the Detroit Lions, Starks is wildly available in most leagues. Put in your claim now; Starks will be claimed this week and owned in all leagues. Also priced at $4,900, James Starks is a great play for any Daily Fantasy lineup. For week 10, Starks is a RB2 with some upside against a Lions' defense that has been struggling to stop the run.
-Who Else To Watch in Week 10-
Tyrod Taylor (BUF • QB) - Surprisingly owned in only 50% of leagues, Tyrod Taylor is a top 10 fantasy quarterback. Dropped in many leagues because of his recent injury, the Bills' QB performed very well this past week against the Miami Dolphins. He threw 11/12 for 181 yards and one touchdown. This week against a strong Jets' defense, Tyrod will have to be creative. The Jets have a strong run D, and Sammy Watkins will be on Revis Island; look for Taylor to spread the ball around and be forced to keep it himself and run a lot. Priced at $5,500, Tyrod Taylor could be a good start in DFS.
Brian Hoyer (HOU • QB) - The Texans finally release Ryan Mallet, which means that Brian Hoyer is their weekly starter for the rest of the season. With his great fantasy production this year, Brian has become a strong streaming option. Coming off a BYE week, Houston plays a tough matchup against a good Cincinnati defense. And without Arian Foster, Hoyer will be forced to throw the ball a lot. Only owned in 11% of leagues, his availability makes him a great streamer for week 10. Priced at $5,400 in DFS, Hoyer has a ton of upside in a game where he'll be forced to throw a ton of passes.
Jameis Winston (TB • QB) - Playing extremely well for the past few weeks, Winston has become a solid QB streamer. Last week against the New York Giants, Winston threw 19/36 for 249 yards, and no touchdowns but no turnovers either (4th straight game with no turnovers). He also rushed 3 times for 24 yards and boosted his fantasy production with a rushing touchdown. His ability to run makes the Tampa Bay QB a more interesting streamer over some other choices for week 10. Going up against an average defense of the Cowboys, Winston could continue his strong fantasy streak. 28% owned, the QB is extremely available. Priced at $5,000 in DFS, makes him an interesting start for a strategic lineup, if you're looking to spend more on RBs and WRs.
Karlos Williams (BUF • RB) - Earlier this season, LeSean McCoy got hurt, and Karlos Williams showed his potential of being an RB1. Getting 42 carries for 226 yards and 3 touchdowns in 4 games. Out the past few weeks due to a concussion, Williams was dropped in almost 70% of leagues. Cleared for the week 9 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, Williams was barely picked up. After a shoulder injury to Shady McCoy, Williams stepped in and got 9 carries for 110 yards and 2 TDs. Entering a week 10 Thursday Night Football matchup against the Jets, Karlos is only owned in 36% of leagues. After an amazing RB1 performance, Williams will be claimed in all leagues. Priced at $3,800 in DFS, is cheaply priced for a guy that could put up top 3 RB numbers. He will be a boom or bust play this week, depending on McCoy's injury return on a short week.
Antonio Andrews (TEN • RB) - We saw it this year in Lamar Miller; his production increased tremendously after the coaching change. Last week, the Titans' new head coach, Mike Mularkey, was adamant about their offense using the run more. Well, it worked. Antonio Andrews performed well against the New Orleans Saints. Only 51% owned, he is still available and a great pickup this week. He goes into a tough matchup against a strong, Carolina defense. Last week against Green Bay, the Panthers played poorly against the pass coming out of the backfield, which makes Andrews a great start for PPR leagues. Even with David Cobb returning to the active roster, Andrews is still the main back. Priced at $3,700 in DFS, Antonio Andrews is a cheap RB2 for week 10.
Matt Jones (WAS • RB) - In an offense that seems to struggle every week, there is one man that shines among them. Redskins' running back, Matt Jones, has become a great RB2 in PPR leagues. While rushing 74 times for 276 yards and 3 TDs, the young back has shown his skill in more than just the run game. Getting 9 receptions of 12 targets, through 9 weeks, for 79 yards, the halfback has proven himself as an offensive weapon for a weak offense. With an offense that continues to lean on his ability to run in the open field, Jones will continue to perform well in PPR scoring. Only 33% owned entering into week 10, Jones is still available and is a great pickup. In a favorable matchup against New Orleans this week, he is a strong FLEX option. Although I'd start Matt Jones in PPR, I'd stay away from him in Daily. Priced too high at $3,300, there are better options with more upside.
Kamar Aiken (BAL • WR) - Only 40% owned, the Baltimore Ravens' new No. 1 WR, Kamar Aiken, is a must add in all leagues. Coming off a BYE week, Aiken was overlooked by many and is still available for this week's waiver wire. With the loss of Steve Smith Sr. to injury, Aiken will get all the targets. Totaling 25 receptions on 44 targets for 333 yards and 2 touchdowns, Aiken is all alone in competition for targets in the Ravens' receiving core for the rest of season. Joe Flacco is known for forcing passes; going up against a Jaguars defense that struggles in the long ball, look for Flacco to force a few down field to his only target. Priced at $4,500 in DFS, Kamar Aiken is not badly priced for a WR1 with big play possibility.
Marvin Jones (CIN • WR) - In an offense that seems to have too many offensive weapons. Cincinnati Bangles' quarterback, Andy Dalton, has shared the targets evenly among his receivers. For fantasy, this is not always a good thing. Many AJ Green owners are not happy with the low number of targets given to their top pick. With all the attention on AJ Green and Tyler Eifert, Marvin Jones has become one of the Bangles sneaky weapons down field. With his ability to break off a big play, the Bangles' No. 2 wideout is a decent, matchup-dependent WR3. Only 48% owned, he is still out there on waivers. With a favorable matchup against Houston's surprisingly weak defense, Marvin Jones is a solid start for DFS; priced at $4,300.
Nate Washington (HOU • WR) - Coming off a BYE week, Nate Washington is only 26% of leagues. With the injury to Arian Foster, Brian Hoyer and the Texans have been forced to throw the ball. Since Foster's injury in week 7 against Miami, Washington's numbers have increased; catching 13 of 22 targets in 2 games, including 3 touchdowns. Running routes opposite side of the dangerous DeAndre Hopkins, Nate has been able to become open more often. Even with the possibility of Cecil Shorts III returning to action, Nasty Nate is still going to be a favorite target for Hoyer. Possibly trailing most of the game in their matchup against Cincinnati this week, look for Nate Washington to get a lot of "garbage time" late in the game. Priced at $4,400 in DFS, Nate is a cheap WR3 that has a ton of upside.
Danny Amendola (NE • WR) - In an offense that seems unstoppable, the New England Patriots enter week 10 with a big injury altering their lineup. The loss of Dion Lewis is bigger than most people think. Yes, they still have a solid running back in LeGarrent Blount, but their offense will be missing something - their short, pass plays. Dion Lewis was their favorite target in screens and cross-routes over the middle. It helped keep the defense honest, which opened up the long plays for Brady. While the loss of Lewis is devastating for his owners and the Patriots franchise, it opens the door for two players in Bill Belichick's offense. This will force more passes to Gronk, which makes him the best TE in fantasy (like he wasn't already?). And it also will create more opportunities for WR, Danny Amendola. Lining up in the slot, Amendola will soon become a fantasy WR3 with upside. Only 26% owned, he is a must add in all leagues. Priced at $4,000, Danny Amendola is a fantastic start at WR.
Richard Rodgers (GB • TE) - Richard Rodgers is a solid, boom or bust tight end. He is matchup-dependent. Only owned in 24% of leagues, Rodgers is available for a good streaming option at TE. Aaron Rodgers, known for finding his favorite receivers in the red zone, has continued to find his tight end for touchdowns. With all of the Packers' wide receivers healthy, Richard Rodgers seems to be almost being forgotten about by everyone; everyone besides Aaron Rodgers. The "Rodgers-to-Rodgers" has connected for a total of 4 touchdowns this season every time their offense has been poor on the ground. After a tough loss against the Panthers, the Packers' QB was very expressive about his feeling towards his performance. Coming into week 10 against a struggling Detroit Lions, Aaron Rodgers will be pushing himself to fuel the offense, which is good news for all fantasy owners who are starting Packers' receivers. Look for the Rodgers-to-Rodgers connections to continue this week, while the Lions try to focus on stopping the Packers' depth of talented wideouts. Priced cheaply at $3,000 in DFS, Richard Rodgers is an interesting start at TE for Daily.
By: Cameron Black
@GBCam_Black
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