Joe Mixon has been a workhorse running back for the Cincinnati Bengals over the last two weeks. He has done a good job reminding everyone that he is one of the most versatile backs in the NFL. But is that enough to give him the start over Denver Broncos RB Javonte Williams?
Let’s check out the fantasy football outlook for each player heading into Week 15.
Should You Start Joe Mixon in Fantasy This Week?
Two weeks ago, the Bengals were reeling. They had lost three in a row and were on the road to take on a tough Jacksonville Jaguars team. They were also missing star QB Joe Burrow.
They needed someone to step up, and Mixon became that guy. Over the last two games — both Bengals wins — Mixon has carried the ball a combined 40 times and caught nine passes. He has 49 combined touches over the last two games.
The result was 121.0 scrimmage yards per game and three touchdowns.
His impressive production of late is not relegated to just those last two games. Mixon has at least 100 scrimmage yards in three of his last four games and has scored at least one scrimmage touchdown in six of his last seven.
According to NFL’s Next Gen Stats, the running back has recorded a team-high 77 yards after the catch over expected since Week 12.
Still, Minnesota’s defense has been tough of late, allowing less than 300 total yards in four of its last six games.
Should You Start Javonte Williams in Fantasy This Week?
Williams continues to be the main man in the backfield for the Broncos, averaging 17.4 rush attempts per game over his last seven games.
Even though he has been held under four yards a carry in six straight games, he did pick up his first touchdown of the season last week.
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With Williams, fantasy football managers know what they are getting — a player who will be on the field for at least half of Denver’s offensive snaps.
I’m just not sure if the carries are enough to support starting him over Mixon, who lately has gotten the carries and turned in the production.
Using the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, our Consensus Rankings say that Mixon is the player to start. His projected 13.3 points include 39 rushing yards and four receptions for 28 receiving yards. His projected stat line barely outperforms the consensus projection of Williams’ 13.2 points.
The Bronco is projected to record 48 rush yards and six receptions for 27 yards.
My ranking for these running backs aligns with the consensus. Not only did Mixon have one of his best games of the season, in terms of rushing yards, last week, but he has been finding the end zone frequently in recent weeks.
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