RADIO
With a few first-rounders out for the year and six teams on a bye this week, the pickings are slim for quality running back play in Week 9. However, there are three running backs in particular who should have big days in their respective games.
Doug Martin has been a monster over his last two home games, and he’s shown that he can indeed return to the rookie form he displayed in 2012. Martin has averaged 27 fantasy points in each of his last two home games, and he managed a 17-point performance against the Redskins on the road.
The Buccaneers have thrived on the ground this year and it's helped Jameis Winston limit his turnovers. No need to go away from that formula against a New York Giants team that's allowing 112 yards per game on the ground.
Dion Lewis exploded for a 17-point performance against the Miami Dolphins in Week 8. Lewis has been lethal in New England’s passing game this season and the Patriots are letting LeGarrette Blount handle more of the physical running duties. Lewis has only played in one game where he finished with single-digit fantasy points, and he’s averaging more than 13 points per game this season.
The Washington Redskins, New England’s Week 9 opponent, have allowed 531 rushing yards to opposing running backs over the last three weeks. This sets up nicely for Lewis and the Patriots who will be playing at home with 10 days rest.
Finally, Oakland’s Latavius Murray wraps up this edition of Week 9 fantasy running backs. The rest of the NFL should take note that this Oakland Raiders offense is for real, and Murray is one of its integral parts. Murray has totaled nearly 200 yards and 27 fantasy points over his last two games, and now he’ll face a Pittsburgh defense that was burned by Kansas City's Charcandrick West just a few weeks ago.
West is not a good running back, but the Steelers made him look elite. The Raiders offense has the potential to be one of the best in the league, and they could very well make the playoffs this year. Murray just shredded a stellar New York Jets defense for 113 yards and a touchdown, so there’s no reason to think he can’t do the same against Pittsburgh.
