Devin Singletary took over the Houston Texans’ starting running back duties after Dameon Pierce went down with an ankle injury. He’s done a nice job filling in, but with Pierce on the way back, which Texans’ RB should be in your lineup?
Let’s check out the fantasy football outlook for each player.
Should You Start Devin Singletary or Dameon Pierce This Week?
In the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, our Consensus Rankings say that Singletary is the player to start. He is projected to hit 9.6 points, including 38 rushing yards, two receptions, and 18 receiving yards. That projected stat line outperforms that of Pierce (7.4 points).
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In this question, the Optimizer is definitely on the right track, as Singletary is the guy who should be in your lineup. The former Buffalo Bill has done an awesome job filling in and has done everything necessary to maintain his role. The matchup against a pretty good Jacksonville Jaguars defense is also a reason to play Singletary in this matchup.
Fantasy Outlook for Singletary This Week
When Pierce was out, the Texans were likely hoping that Singletary would continue to at least give the offense some balance. They have to be absolutely ecstatic, as he’s produced the top two rushing games of his career.
In a big-time upset win against the Cincinnati Bengals two weeks ago, Singletary set career highs in carries (30) and rushing yards (150). He was also able to score a touchdown in the game and was on the field for a season-high 61 offensive plays.
He followed that up with the second-most rushing yards of his career, carrying the ball 22 times for 112 yards and one touchdown in a win over the Arizona Cardinals.
The Texans weren’t a good rushing team early in the year and, in fact, are one of the worst rushing teams in the league. Even with those two great performances by Singletary, Houston still averages only 99.5 yards on the ground (24th). Singletary’s play has been too good as of late to remove him from the RB1 role.
Fantasy Outlook for Pierce This Week
It’s been a tough second year for Pierce, as he’s missed the last three games due to an ankle injury. He was close to returning last week and appears to be well on his way to being active on Sunday.
While it wouldn’t be shocking to see Pierce get the ball, he wasn’t effective when he was healthy early in the season. He has carried the ball 109 times this year, gaining only 327 yards and scoring only one touchdown.
Pierce still has a role on this team, but he shouldn’t be in your fantasy lineup in Week 12.
Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Setting DFS lineups? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer, Start/Sit Optimizer, and DFS Lineup Optimizer to help you make the right decision!