There’s really not all that much left to debate about Buffalo’s running back committee. Honestly, I’m not even feeling all that comfortable using the word “committee” anymore. Sure, Frank Gore continues to get a few carries here and there in an offense that averages the sixth-most rushing attempts per game in football (29.5), but, ever since Week 9, this has clearly been Devin Singletary’s backfield. Across that six-week span of time, the rookie RB has seen his volume skyrocket. Singletary ranks sixth among all running backs in carries (96), fourth in rushing yards (470) and tied for eighth with Leonard Fournette in PPR fantasy points (89.2). It seems like his stranglehold on this role is only getting stronger, too. In last weekend’s 24-17 loss to Baltimore, Singletary logged a season-high 82.2% of the offensive snaps and out-touched Gore 23-to-4.
It truly appears that the lone remaining doubt about Singletary’s week-to-week viability is matchup, yet even that is of secondary concern. Obviously those who own the 22-year-old RB would rather their asset not be squaring off with a defense as stout as the Steelers this Sunday, but it’s not as if Singletary hasn’t risen to the challenge before. The Ravens came into Week 15 allowing the fourth-fewest adjusted line yards per opponent attempt, however Singletary was able to gain 5.2 yards per carry against the unit less than seven days ago. Singletary was also able to find the end zone through the air versus formidable run-stopping teams like Dallas and Philadelphia, showcasing the varied skill-set that makes him such a promising fantasy prospect. When it comes to running backs, matchup will always take a back-seat to opportunity and ability.
Fantasy Football Analysis, Buffalo Bills RBs Devin Singletary and Frank Gore
Pittsburgh is far from an ideal opponent. The Steelers have yet to surrender an individual 100-yard rusher in 2019 and, on top of that, they’ve conceded just 0.4 rushing touchdowns per game - the lowest mark of any squad in the entire league. It’s a daunting enough resume to knock Singletary out of consideration for RB1 status this week, however players who consistently log at least 75% of their team’s offensive snaps don’t grow on trees. Neither do running backs who can effectively run between the tackles and be a viable option in the passing game. You can avoid him in DFS, but don’t be afraid to use Singletary in season-long.
Start/Sit Recommendation
Start Singletary. Sit Gore.