Green Bay Packers running back James Starks will get the first series on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, the team announced.
James Starks named Packers’ starter, fantasy value on the rise
A changing of the guard is in order for the struggling Packers backfield. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Starks was the Packers' lead back in Week 10, but this bears mention because Eddie Lacy was inactive due to a groin injury. Lacy returned to practice on Wednesday, but it appears that the Packers are set on going forward with Starks as their starting running back. Lacy has battled ankle and groin injuries throughout the season, and his ineffectiveness is more of a reason for his benching than his health.
Fantasy impact: With Lacy cracking the 50-yard mark just twice over the course of the season, a changing of the guard is necessary for a Packers offense that is struggling to find its groove. Starks has produced when given the chance this season, which isn’t something that Lacy can’t boast.
Unfortunately for Starks’ owners, having Lacy in the lineup still clouds the backfield’s usage even with head coach Mike McCarthy declaring Starks the starter. As a result, Starks is still an RB2, but the situation to be “hot-handed” by Lacy presents itself. Lacy isn’t worth a start in leagues of any format until he proves productive.
