Heading into this weekend, fantasy managers will debate their rosters to create the best possible lineup and ensure a victory in Week 3.
And for managers forced to decide between starting Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift and New York Giants running back Devin Singletary, we’re here to explain why one of these choices is the right decision.
Should You Start D’Andre Swift or Devin Singletary in Week 3
In the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, PFN’s Consensus Rankings say Swift is the player to start. His projected 10.5 points include a projection of 37.6 rushing yards, 2.6 receptions, and 18.8 yards.
That doesn’t seem like a big stat line, but it slightly outperforms the consensus projection for Singletary (9.9 points).
While Singletary holds a tighter grip on leading his backfield in carries, the Bears’ matchup with Indianapolis favors Swift enough to make up for that difference. And for that reason, my ranking between these two running backs aligns with the consensus.
D’Andre Swift Fantasy Outlook this Week
Through two weeks of NFL action this season, Swift has been a bit disappointing for fantasy managers.
- Week 1: 10 rushes, 30 rushing yards, 0 rushing TDs, 1 target, 0 receptions, 0 receiving yards
- Week 2: 14 rushes, 18 rushing yards, 0 rushing TDs, 5 targets, 4 receptions, 24 receiving yards
However, the reason Swift is the right choice this week is because of his matchup on Sunday.
The Bears match up against Indianapolis this week, and the Colts are one of the, if not the worst, defenses in the league at defending the run.
Following Weeks 1 and 2, the Colts rank as such against the run:
- 32nd in rushes (93)
- 32nd in rushing yards allowed (473)
- 28th in yards per rush (5.1)
- 31st in opponents rushing first downs (24)
- 25th in opponents yards allowed before contact per rush (1.65)
- 25th in opponent yards allowed post-contact per rush (3.45)
Something to keep in mind is that these are stats while DeForest Buckner and Laiatu Latu are healthy. Buckner is confirmed “OUT” this week, while Latu didn’t practice Wednesday or Thursday.
As Chicago’s offensive line and rushing game look for a bounce-back opportunity, Swift could see that this week against the Colts.
Devin Singletary Fantasy Outlook this Week
On the opposing side, New York Giants running back Devin Singletary has had better stats this season.
- Week 1: 10 rushes, 37 rushing yards, 0 rushing TDs, 5 targets, 4 receptions, 15 receiving yards
- Week 2: 16 rushes, 95 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, 1 target, 1 reception, 0 receiving yards
However, the Giants face a Cleveland Browns defense that poses much more of a threat to New York than Indianapolis does to Chicago.
Through two weeks, Singletary has been the lead back in New York, though target share doesn’t appear to be the difference this week.
Devin Singletary so far this season:
🔷 132 YDs, 1 TD, 26 ATT, 5.1 Y/A
🔷 12 missed tackles forced (2nd)
🔷 46.2% avoided tackle rate (1st)"Motor" is looking phenomenal for the Giants. pic.twitter.com/LYUlPhjdiu
— Anthony Rivardo (@Anthony_Rivardo) September 19, 2024
The Browns’ defense, led by 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, is a more stout group against the run than the pass.
When looking at the numbers, Cleveland has been relatively strong against opposing rushers this season — at least in comparison with the Colts.
- Eighth in rushes (46)
- 14th in rushing yards allowed (229)
- 26th in yards per rush (5.0)
- 17th in opponents rushing first downs (14)
- 21st in opponents yards allowed before contact per rush (1.48)
- 26th in opponent yards allowed post-contact per rush (3.50)
So, while this defense ranks slightly better than the Colts do against Swift — on top of Indianapolis being without its best defensive linemen — the matchup side of this equation is what pushes me to pass on Singletary this week.