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Marlon Macks continues to get great opportunities, with 21, 20, 21, 32 touches in his last four games and has only dropped below 18 touches once. He’s averaged 21.3 touches per game but has been unlucky in the touchdown department with three total.
Second in touches per game for the Colts is Nyheim Hines, who averages 5.3 touches per game. Hines’ value is through the pass, as he has 23 receptions on the season, but has seen that number fall of late with five receptions in his last three games. His usage continues to correlate with game flow, as he is needed more when the team trails, and he will often take over for Mack in hurry-up situations, but the Colts tend to keep games close, limiting Hines.
Fantasy football analysis: Indianapolis Colts RBs Marlon Mack, Nyheim Hines
This week the pair take on the Miami Dolphins in Indianapolis. We still don’t know if Jacoby Brissett will play or if we get Brian Hoyer, but that hasn’t stopped the Colts from being 10-point favorites. Those odds point us toward high usage for Mack.
The Dolphins have given up the fourth-most fantasy points, fourth-most yards per carry and most rushing yards per game to running backs. In a game where the Colts look to control at some point, Mack should easily hit his 20+ rushing attempts. The main trouble Mack has is limited upside due to his scarce usage as a receiver, but the Colts don’t target their backs much as it is, ranking 24th in the league in that category.
Hines could end up seeing more work with both T.Y. Hilton and Parris Campbell out with injuries, but he will still need the win to be in peril after halftime. If things go as they should, Hines will see his average of five touches.
Traditional Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation
Start Mack with confidence.
Sit Hines.
DraftKings DFS Recommendation
Hines has had value in DraftKings PPR scoring in the past, but even at $4,500, he isn’t worth a roster spot this week.
Mack’s lack of receptions isn’t great for DraftKings, but this matchup is too good to look past. His $7,000 is by far his highest on the season due to his opponent, so his ownership numbers might not be as high as they should. He is a strong play with his consistent touches, though, and I’d be surprised if he doesn’t have an above-average day for fantasy with upside for more.