In an expected continuation from last week's season-opening victory against the New Orleans Saints, the Green Bay Packers will look to utilize James Starks more regularly than Ryan Grant. Although Grant has been technically classified as the starting running back, Starks is considered the better pass protecting back, which means more opportunities on pass plays.
Packers’ RB James Starks To Continue Getting More Snaps Than Ryan Grant
The Packers run a lot of spread formations, which requires a better blocking back. Starks appeared in 45 snaps, while Grant only appeared in 16 snaps. Starks carried the ball 12 times to Grant's 9. Both were effective running the ball, but if Starks can provide a more complete package, it can only help his cause.
The question then becomes who is the worthwhile fantasy start. This week against the Panthers you could actually argue both are worth starting as the Packers could run rough-shod over the Panthers defense. If you have Starks, he would appear to be an excellent flex option this week, and maybe a decent number two back. If you have Grant, he's no better than a flex option right now. One or the other could firmly grab hold of the starting job, but for now it appears that we'll see a bit of a platoon for the foreseeable future.
For more on the Packers, check out Acme Packing Company.
See More:
