Heading into last week’s group of games, it is hard to imagine that anyone would have predicted that New Orleans Saints running back Tim Hightower would finish the team’s game against the Seattle Seahawks with 103 total yards on 27 touches. Especially since Hightower had only been averaging around four touches per game during the team’s previous six games.
Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 9: Tim Hightower gets a good matchup
New Orleans’ running back saw an increased role in the team’s game last week. We explore the fantasy implications.
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Due to Saints starting running back Mark Ingram having trouble holding onto the ball last Sunday versus the Seahawks, Hightower was given a more than normal amount of playing time and he certainly made the most of it.
Fantasy Impact: It is hard to predict if Hightower will continue to see an increase in touches for the remainder of the season, but New Orleans head coach Sean Payton did say earlier this week that the running back has at least earned some more playing time after last Sunday.
This week, the Saints and their running back are heading into a very favorable matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers defense is giving up the most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs in 2016 and they have already allowed six backs to rush for at least 100 yards this season.
Even if Hightower does not get a similar amount of touches that he had against Seattle, the running back should still get a good number of opportunities to make plays against a weak San Francisco run defense. Fantasy owners in need of spark in their lineup may want to consider starting Hightower this week due to his favorable matchup.
