/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61933941/1052707038.jpg.0.jpg)
Marlon Mack, Running back, Indianapolis Colts
Mack is healthy and the Colts’ offensive line is improving by the snap, which should be concerning for an Oakland Raider team that is giving up 4.7 yards per carry.
Mack put together 159 total yards and two touchdowns against the Buffalo Bills one week ago, which resulted in a 37-5 win in favor of the Colts. The 19 carries by Mack easily exceeded the attempts of Jordan Wilkins (6) and Nyheim Hines (5). Another reason Mack needs to be picked up and started in lineups this week is the amount of touches he’s getting when he’s seeing the field. The former USF star has double-digit touches in games he has appeared in.
Hines and Wilkins were a decent duo when Mack was dealing with injuries, but it’s clear Mack is the workhorse running back with this offense. Mack is available in 48 percent of leagues across Yahoo! Sports, ESPN, and NFL.com.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13344585/637181386.jpg.jpg)
Doug Martin and Jalen Richard, Running backs, Oakland Raiders
With Marshawn Lynch out for 4-8 weeks with a groin injury, and Amari Cooper dawning a jersey for the Dallas Cowboys, the Raiders are in desperate need of offensive production from any skill players.
That’s where Martin and Richard enter the picture.
Martin is expected to get the early down runs with Lynch out of the lineup, while Richard is expected to be the third-down and receiving back Derek Carr can rely on — which makes Richard a suitable RB2 or FLEX in PPR leagues. Before the Raiders entered the Week 6 bye, Richard had garnered 37 targets in the passing game, hauling in 31 receptions.
Depending on who has the hot hand, Oakland could end up relying on Richard more than Martin, due to the fact the Colts have a chance to put up a lot of points with Andrew Luck.
Oakland’s defense ranks 27th overall in all categories. If the Raiders find themselves in a bind on the scoreboard, Richard’s value increases.