There have been many conflicting reports coming out of Eagles preseason regarding the backfield situation. Currently they have LeGarrette Blount, Darren Sproles, and Wendell Smallwood all in competition for touches. Eagles coach Doug Pederson didn’t give any back the biggest vote of confidence when he said “the game plan and situation” will determine which backs gets carries each week.
Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 1: LeGarrette Blount
After 18 touchdowns in 2016 with the Patriots, Blount looks to take over the Eagles’ backfield.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Some pundits would say that Pederson’s comments would suggest you would want to stay away from this backfield Week 1. I completely disagree and don’t particularly care about how Blount’s training camp went since he is a veteran. As the season goes on, Blount will emerge as the Eagles’ predominant ball carrier with Sproles handling passing situations.
Fantasy Impact:
Blount will be running behind one of the best offensive lines he has had his whole career. The Patriots multifaceted offense in 2016 consistently opened wide holes for Blount despite splitting touches with two other running backs. The Eagles aren’t the Patriots offense, but their line is as good as anyone’s in the league and they added Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith to get defenders out of the box.
If Carson Wentz can take another step this season by being able to push the ball down the field, I think Blount is in for a big year as an Eagle. No matter what, he is going to get the majority of the goal-line carries which adds to his value. Don’t let what Mike Gillislee did to so many fantasy owners on Thursday happen to you by benching Blount this week.
Recommendation: START
