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Todd Gurley’s return to Georgia hasn’t gone as well as the Atlanta Falcons hoped. The former Offensive Player of the Year hasn’t come close to matching the efficiency and productivity of his best seasons and will now miss a Week 12 matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders, further limiting an already injury-riddled offense.
With Gurley on the shelf, the Falcons will turn to lightly used backup Brian Hill to lead the ground attack on Sunday.
Fantasy Football analysis: Falcons RB Brian Hill
While Hill lacks the power and explosiveness of his more decorated teammate, he has played more efficiently this season. The fourth-year back averages 4.4 yards per carry and has as many receptions as Gurley despite playing roughly half the number of snaps from scrimmage. With pass catchers like Julio Jones and Hayden Hurst in danger of missing the game or playing through injuries if they do suit up, Hill should see his usage rate surge this week.
Meanwhile, the Raiders haven’t enjoyed much luck stopping opposing running backs this season. The defense allows an average of over 90 rushing yards and about 1.2 rushing touchdowns to the position per week as well as nearly six catches for 49 receiving yards. Hill has the skill set to take advantage of those holes and could remain productive even if the Falcons find themselves behind by multiple scores.
Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation
Start Hill as a low-end RB2.