Week 3 – Flex – Start or Sit – Peyton Hillis, Mark Ingram, or Michael Crabtree?

Question:

Should I start or sit Peyton Hillis in week 3 @ New Orlenas? This is for my flex and my other options are Mark Ingram vs. KC or Michael Crabtree @ MIN.

Answer:

Peyton Hillis has been a disappointment for fantasy owner who likely spent a mid-round pick on him when a quality WR could have been taken such as Mike Wallace or Stevie Johnson.

The good news for Peyton Hillis this week is the Saints defense. They’ve given up the 2nd most fantasy points to running backs through two games this season. Jamaal Charles also tweaked his inured knee last week against the Bills. Although Charles should play this week (he’s listed as probable), the injury gives the Chiefs staff more reasons to decrease his workload while giving Hillis more carries.

Hillis saw 7 carries in week 1 and 11 carries last week. Hills may see as many as 15 carries this week. Although Hillis in week 1 was a bust against the Falcons, Hillis had a much better game in week 2 against the Bills picking up 66 yards on 11 carries and hauling in 3 receptions for 25 yards. A 6.0 YPC and 12.5 YPR average make fantasy owners happy, but he just needs to get more touches and he should have that opportunity against the Saints this week.

I don’t trust Ingram in my starting lineup since his fantasy numbers are always contingent on whether he gets any goalline opportunities for the Saints. Without the goalline opportunities, he won’t put up any big numbers and his statline may come in at 15 carries for 60 yards on a good day. Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles also put a big dent in his touches.

Michael Crabtree is a good option in PPR leagues since he’s been targeted a lot by Alex Smith in the first two weeks and the Vikings have a lot of issues in their secondary. However, in standard scoring leagues, I think you still go with Peyton Hillis who should have more opportunities to see paydirt against the Saints defense.