Fantasy Football Week 11: Alvin Kamara, Saquon Barkley and other must starts
By William Schneiderhan
Here is the Week 11 edition of top five running backs to start in fantasy football.
Just when you think you’re about to get on a roll, another down week of fantasy football hits you hard. Week 10’s edition of top five running backs to start on your fantasy team can attest to that.
Two players finished as top 10 scorers in ESPN PPR standard scoring leagues. Melvin Gordon was the highest scoring RB on the list with his 27.5 points, and Alvin Kamara came in with 26.2.
Todd Gurley had 25, Saquon Barkley only racked up 14 and Kareem Hunt stunned owners with his 11.6. Well, we can only do better, right?
Here are this week’s top five running backs worth starting in Week 1 fantasy football.
5. Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers
If you haven’t noticed, Christian McCaffrey has been tearing it up over the past three weeks. He has gone for 20+ three times, including 30+ in back-to-back weeks.
McCaffrey has been one of the best dual threat backs in the NFL. He is as dangerous on the ground as he is through the air.
Interestingly enough, McCaffrey only has one 100+ rushing yard game. But he has made up for that with his effectiveness as a pass catcher.
Last week, McCaffrey blew up for 36.8 points. This week he has a date with the Detroit Lions, a team with a subpar run defense.
Next: 4. Saquon Barkley
4. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
Now introducing the most consistent part of the New York Giants offense. Yes, Saquon Barkley comes in at number four.
The Giants escaped San Francisco with a much-needed win last week. Per usual, Barkley helped a lot.
While Barkley only gathered 14 points, he did run for 67 yards on 20 attempts. This was his first 20 attempt game of his young career.
Big blue plays the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week. Look for Barkley’s patch-catching ability to come into play in this one.
Next: 3. Ezekiel Elliott
3. Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have been a middle of the road team this season. But, per usual, that means they are right in the thick of things for the NFC East division title.
Ezekiel Elliott helped keep those hopes alive with a classic performance on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles. He had 36.7 points with his 151 yards on 19 attempts and a score.
Zeke also added six catches for 36 yards and a TD. As we have seen before, the Cowboys’ offense goes as he does.
Next on the calendar for America’s team? The Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have been one of the worst team’s against opposing running backs, especially through the air.
Next: 2. Alvin Kamara
2. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
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The New Orleans Saints are rolling. The team is winning and they look to be legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
While the Saints’ defense has taken a bit of a step back from last year, the offense has continued to fire on all cylinders. Alvin Kamara has been one of the biggest pieces for the Saints on that side of the ball.
Kamara’s usage has gone down with Mark Ingram’s return. He has been a touchdown machine.
The best part about Kamara is if he isn’t getting it done on the ground, he is a handful through the air. He is always a must start.
Next: 1. Todd Gurley
1. Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams
Todd Gurley has to be having one of the best fantasy football seasons of all time. Like his Los Angeles Rams, it’s hard to find a formula to stop him.
Gurley has only scored under 20 fantasy points once this season. He has five 30+ games and four 20+ games.
The touchdown machine found the end zone again during the Rams Week 10 win over the Seattle Seahawks. This week he may look to triple that as he prepares to play the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs are the owners of the worst run defenses in the league. Gurley is in for a big day.