Neither Gus Edwards nor Justice Hill put up super numbers in last week’s big win for the Baltimore Ravens over the San Francisco 49ers. So, with another huge matchup this week with the Miami Dolphins, which player should fantasy football managers look to start in their lineups?
Should You Start Gus Edwards or Justice Hill This Week?
In the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, our Consensus Rankings say Edwards is the player to start. His projected 8.0 points include 57 rushing yards, with no receptions. Still, that projected stat line narrowly outperforms Hill’s 6.4 points.
My ranking for these running backs aligns with the consensus. While it’s a close call between the two, the fact that Edwards can get in the end zone a little more frequently overcomes Hill’s ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.
Fantasy Outlook for Edwards This Week
There really isn’t a whole lot to like about Edwards’ game in recent weeks. He’s been held under four yards a carry in five of his last six games and has had fewer than 10 carries in three of his last four games.
On top of that, the added element of receiving is basically non-existent with Edwards, with a total of 12 receptions for the season.
Yet, Edwards does provide value for fantasy managers. He had a touchdown run in last week’s win over the 49ers, the second straight game he’s scored and the 12th rushing touchdown of the season.
The Ravens are hosting the Dolphins, which could be another reason to favor Edwards. At home, he averages 4.5 yards per carry at home, as opposed to 3.8 on the road.
In addition, Edwards has 11 touchdowns in Baltimore’s 12 wins this season. So if you like the Ravens in this matchup, then that’s one more reason to like him.
Fantasy Outlook for Hill This Week
Hill saw plenty of time on the field last week, playing in 42 of the Ravens’ offensive snaps, the second-most amount for him this season. However, that time didn’t make him much more productive for fantasy managers.
While Hill did reach double figures in rush attempts for just the third time this season (10 carries), he finished with just 26 rushing yards.
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The biggest bright spot for Hill — and why he should at least be considered by fantasy managers — is his receiving skills. In the win over the 49ers, Hill finished with 31 receiving yards, his second-highest total of the season.
Hill’s ability to catch the ball draws him a little closer to Edwards in terms of production. Edwards, in 184 touches, is averaging 4.8 yards per touch, while Hill, in only 101 touches, is averaging 4.5 yards.
Of course, Hill’s inability to get in the end zone is a problem. He has just three touchdowns on the season and only one since the season opener — when he scored twice against the Houston Texans.
The PFN Start/Sit Optimizer projects Hill to finish with 32 rushing yards and two receptions for 11 receiving yards.
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