The short answer is YES. With players like Spiller, Lynch, Foster and Wilson all underperforming we all need to be concerned. Let's take a closer look into these top drafted running backs.
C.J. Spiller - Probably the most concerning of them all. Spiller averaged 6.01 ypc in 2012 and produced a dismal 2.41 ypc in Week 1 against the Patriots. Spiller also fumbled the ball in this game, which led to Fred Jackson getting an opportunity. One that he made the best of. Jackson outplayed Spiller pretty handedly and this should be a major concern for everyone, since we all heard the coach comment on how he was going to run Spiller until he "Puked!" Well, he puked alright, just not in the literal sense of the word. Spiller faces Carolina in Week 2 and there should be some concern here too. Carolina held Seattle to 70 total rushing yards last week with a 2.7 ypc average.
Outlook: I don't see Spiller getting his "run on" in this game. He obviously is a must start in all leagues, but keep your eye on him. Spiller doesn't have the easiest schedule this year.
Marshawn Lynch - Lynch ran for 43 yards on 17 carries (2.5 ypc) on the road against Carolina in Week 1. Those are not the stats we are used to seeing from this Battering Ram. His Week 2 matchup against SF probably looks pretty disheartening. Chin up all you Lynch backers. Lynch has had over a 100 yards in his last three games against the 49ers. Seattle's offensive line should continue to get better as the year progresses and so will Lynch's stats.
Outlook: Lynch is a safe play this week. He is good for at least one short touchdown (probably two).
David Wilson - Mr. Wilson repeated his terrible performance of Week 1 last year. At least he didn't cry after fumbling the ball this year. He may have in the locker room, just not on the sidelines. Wilson ran for 19 yards on seven attempts, with an average of 2.7 ypc. I would usually say "look at picking up Wilson's backup, Scott," but Wilson is hands down a better running back than Scott and has a much higher ceiling. Wilson may be in the doghouse for a few days, but he will get the ball first snap of Week 2. Now just because I say that, it doesn't mean he is going to have a good game against the high flying, high scoring, Broncos. Denver's Defense is no joke. Wilson will have trouble finding open space running the ball. Also, the Giants will need to beat Denver at their own game if they want to win, and that means airing it out.
Outlook: Wilson will not get much of a chance to redeem himself in this matchup. Leave him on your bench. He will only get around 8 carries and a few targets in the passing game.
Arian Foster - Foster finished the Monday night game with 57 yards on 18 carries (3.2 ypc) and caught six balls for 33 years. His stats are a little deceiving, since Houston started out behind right away and spent most of the night throwing the ball. However, Foster looked sluggish and not sharp. It was noticeable that he missed preseason and will need a couple games to get back to the "Fantasy Football Killer Foster" that we all know and love. Foster should be able to put up better numbers next week, at home against the Titans.
Outlook: Obvious start. Foster will have a better game. Houston will be able to run a more balanced attack this week. But if you are in a keeper/dynasty league, start looking for his numbers to slowly decrease.
Written and Composed by Kevin Blackburn
Ask him any Fantasy Football questions on twitter @kblackburn10
Tags: Fantasy Football, Running Backs, Week 1, Week 2, Week 2 Top Running Backs, Spiller, Lynch, Wilson, Foster, Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants, Houston Texans, Who to Start Week 2, 2013, PPR
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