The Rams-Seahawks game has moved from Monday to Tuesday. If you have Darrell Henderson Jr. and/or Sony Michel, the start/sit decision you make could impact whether you win or lose in Week 15. Has Henderson recovered from his quad injury, and is he or Michel a trustworthy fantasy football starter? Or should you hedge your bets ahead of Tuesday and start a “safer” fantasy RB?
Darrell Henderson Jr. Week 15 fantasy outlook
It’s been a tale of three seasons for this Rams backfield.
Cam Akers entered the preseason as the unquestioned lead back. However, he tore his Achilles in July, thrusting the formerly highly touted Henderson into the No. 1 RB role. Henderson seized the opportunity and is currently the RB14 in fantasy points per game. A quad injury sidelined him in Week 13, and placement on the COVID-19 list kept him out last weekend.
The challenge now is anticipating Henderson’s usage in his first game back. Henderson is not your typical No. 1 RB. His injury history is well-documented. While the Rams hope to get Akers back for the postseason, they have to prepare for worst-case scenarios. Can they win the Super Bowl if Michel is their only healthy running back?
I believe they’ll ease Henderson back in. Fortunately, they’re facing the Seahawks, who are giving up the second-most fantasy RB points in the NFL. Henderson is a solid bet for RB2/3 production and should be in most starting lineups. But he’s a long shot for high-volume RB1 numbers.
Sony Michel Week 15 fantasy outlook
Akers’ injury prompted the Rams to trade for Michel, who was squeezed out of the Patriots’ 2021 plans when they drafted Rhamondre Stevenson. Indeed, it was a rare win-win trade with New England head coach Bill Belichick, as the Rams landed a capable backup bell cow on the cheap.
The biggest knock on the 26-year-old Michel was his lack of usage in the passing game (26 catches in his first three seasons). But he’s enjoyed a career-high 14 receptions this season — nothing to celebrate, yet also a sign of a slightly expanded skill set.
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While Henderson (36 receptions) should continue to see more work on passing downs, I would not be surprised if Michel leads the backfield in rushing attempts.
Nonetheless, that makes Michel a lower-floor option — an RB3/4 with some TD pop. 14 of his last 16 touchdowns during his career have come inside the 5-yard line. If you start him, you’re hoping he gets more close-up opportunities on Tuesday.
