After Mark Ingram Jr. was conclusively the Houston Texans’ lead back last week, can you trust the running back in your fantasy football lineup in Week 2? With other options in that backfield, could we see Ingram disappoint as someone else takes over, or should you start him this week?
Mark Ingram Jr. produces for fantasy managers in Week 1
There was much debate over who would be the lead back for the Texans in 2021, but Ingram appears to have stamped his authority on the role after Week 1. The Texans’ backs carried the ball 37 times, and Ingram saw 26 of them. He converted those into 85 yards and a touchdown for a total of 14.5 fantasy points.
All is not rosy for Ingram and his fantasy managers heading into Week 2
While the final results look conclusive that Ingram is the lead back, that may not be the case. Ingram only took 46% of the team’s snaps offensively, with Phillip Lindsay and David Johnson sharing 54% between them.
Additionally, Ingram was barely used in the passing game, seeing just 1 target. In contrast, Johnson saw 4 targets, pulling in 3 receptions for 18 yards and a touchdown. It is fine to dominate the rushing attempts when you are blowing a team out. However, that lack of targets could come back to bite Ingram in a game where the Texans are chasing.
That split of snaps and responsibility could mean Ingram struggles at times if Johnson or Lindsay are seen to be the hot hand.
Week 2 brings a tough matchup for Houston’s running game
While the Texans somewhat had their way with the Jaguars’ run game, things could look different in Week 2. Last week, the Clyde Edwards-Helaire-led running game of the Chiefs struggled to get any momentum against the Browns’ run defense.
On 16 rushing attempts, the Chiefs had just 49 yards, adding only 3 receptions for 29 yards. Edwards-Helaire did not have a single run longer than 9 yards and had numerous carries that went for 4 yards or less. That is despite the Browns sitting back and respecting the Chiefs’ passing game far more than they will against the Texans.
Should you start Ingram in your fantasy lineup in Week 2?
It is so hard to tell anyone not to start what appears to be a lead back on a given week. However, the warning signs suggest things may not be as good as they seem. Ingram did not dominate snaps at the position in Week 1. He also averaged a paltry 3.3 yards per rush attempt.
When you look at the advanced numbers, things get worse. Ingram could only manage an average of 0.8 yards before contact per rush attempt. That number against any defense is not ideal, but when you are playing a Jaguars team who you scored 37 points against and blew out is even more concerning. Cleveland’s defense is likely to be even better and could cause Ingram significant issues.
There is a realistic chance of Ingram struggling in this game. Firstly, the Texans’ offensive line is likely to be overwhelmed in this game. Secondly, the Texans will presumably be chasing the game this week instead of protecting a lead. All of that could lead to us seeing more of Johnson, who appeared to be the preferred back in the passing game.
It is hard to do, but if you have an option you feel more confident about in your fantasy lineup, Ingram may have to ride the pine this week.