- Ashton Jeanty is still getting good volume: Jeanty is running the ball and receiving early-down snaps at a much better rate than most running backs, which outweighs any efficiency problems and the matchup.
- Kyle Pitts Sr. is handling a larger role: Pitts is back in contention to be a fantasy starter at tight end after the Falcons changed how they use their tight ends.
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Estimated Reading Time: 25minutes
I asked fantasy managers on the PFF Discord and Bluesky which players they are least sure about this week, and I compiled that list and ranked them against one another. If you have multiple players mentioned, you should start with the player ranked highest. At the bottom of each position, you’ll find players to start over the featured players and those to sit in favor of them.
If a player isn’t mentioned, that means they are very close to those with blurbs, and factors such as injuries on the opposing defenses or weather could influence the rankings. Situations involving injuries are also generally avoided because things typically don’t become clearer until closer to kickoff. As always, check the weekly PFF fantasy rankings for the most up-to-date information to help you make all start-sit decisions.
RUNNING BACKS
Jeanty has disappointed fantasy managers through two weeks, averaging 9.7 PPR points per game (28th among running backs). The Raiders significantly reduced his playing time from Week 1, taking away snaps on third downs, in two-minute drills and in short-yardage situations.
However, he’s still played 84% of normal early-down snaps, which is by far the most critical situation for running backs in fantasy football. That is the fourth-highest rate at the position this season. That has led to 30 rushing attempts, the 13th most among running backs. He has taken 74.4% of the Raiders’ rushing attempts so far this season, which ranks fourth best.
Jeanty faces the Washington Commanders this week, which is not the best matchup. The Commanders sport the second-highest team PFF run-defense grade through two weeks. It could be a negative game script, similar to Monday Night Football, but Jayden Daniels is dealing with a knee sprain, which may keep the game closer than initially anticipated.
Volume is king in fantasy football, and while Jeanty’s efficiency and opponent this week push him down in the fantasy rankings, he still places among the top 15 running backs. This makes him a must-start for all teams except for those who drafted two early running backs, including Jeanty, and Jordan Mason later. In that case, it’s OK to start the other running back and Mason over Jeanty.
