BALLER MOVE: Sit
POSITIONAL VALUE: RB4/RB5
ANALYSIS: Mostly unknown Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols burst onto the scene in a big way in Week 4 against the Arizona Cardinals, scoring 20.40 PPR fantasy points on the back of eight rushes for 68 yards and two touchdowns along with one reception for six yards.
The production was nice, but it came in a blowout game against the Arizona Cardinals, who have one of the worst defenses in the league. They've allowed the fifth-most rushing yards per game. In Week 5, the Commanders will face the Cleveland Browns, who allow the fifth-fewest PPR fantasy points to opposing running backs.
.@Commanders no @AustinEkeler no problem...in steps @JeremyMcNichols 9th team in 8 years. Definition of resilient and hopefully a Game Ball. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/XEYwiEoyFt
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 30, 2024
He had a nice game and he's a solid running back, but the defense he'll be facing will be much different. Also, he only got playing time because of the injury to backup running back Austin Ekeler. That said, lead RB Brian Robinson Jr. may miss time.
Either way, it's a tough sell to start him. If BRob plays, McNichols is unstartable, and even if he doesn't, he may not have much running room. It would be risky. Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury calls an excellent run game, though, and the offensive line has played well. There's a pathway to success, but it's difficult.
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