Fantasy football is a platform where we believe that our superstars will be the reason we win every week. However, more often than not, it’s the correct start each week from our bench that helps elevate our rosters to that victory. Most of those come from players who are dart throws or even backup running backs, such as Braelon Allen or Tank Bigsby.
Although it’s only Week 4, we are already in an arena where a backup running back can help elevate our roster. Injuries around the league have led us here; however, we can correctly identify the most competent play for our fantasy football lineup.
Should You Start Braelon Allen or Tank Bigsby in Week 4?
In the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, PFN’s Consensus Rankings say that Allen is the player to start. Allen is projected to have 8.7 total fantasy points compared to Bigsby’s 7.7. Allen is projected for 43.9 rushing yards and 13.3 receiving yards from 1.3 receptions. Meanwhile, Bigsby is projected to create 37.7 rushing yards and only 1.7 receiving yards.
My rankings agree with the Optimizer as Allen has been showing his talent these past two weeks for the New York Jets’ run game. He may have to share the limelight of New York with Breece Hall, but when he steps into the spotlight, he has shined so far this season.
Allen’s Fantasy Outlook This Season
Allen has seen less than 20 rushing attempts this season, which could be scary on the surface. TruMedia has shown us that he makes the most of each attempt, ranking second in yards after contact per rushing attempt. Allen is an explosive running back who can create to help the Jets move the chain down the field. We should see more of that this week as the Jets face the Denver Broncos in Week 4.
Braelon Allen offers standalone value for fantasy football and isn't just a handcuff to Breece Hall. pic.twitter.com/Fgrvo8t4Q4
— Dynasty Nerds (@DynastyNerds)
The Broncos have allowed the 11th-most rushing yards this season to the running back position. They are also tied for the seventh-most targets to the running back position while allowing the eighth-most receptions to running backs. This matchup could be beneficial for Allen and Hall as Garrett Wilson draws a shadow from one of the best corners in the game, Patrick Surtain II.
Bigsby’s Fantasy Outlook This Season
The Jacksonville Jaguars drew a challenging matchup in Week 4 as they will face one of their most vigorous opponents, the Houston Texans. The division rivals have allowed only the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game to the running back position. The Texans have held running backs to the sixth-fewest rushing yards on the ground this season, which makes playing this defense extremely difficult, especially for the backup running back.
Bigsby has had an elevated role this season compared to last; however, as long as Travis Etienne Jr. is in the backfield, and the Jaguars’ offense is struggling as it has been all season long, we cannot trust that the backup running back can help elevate our roster.