Jacksonville Jaguars

Jaguars vs. Bills Fantasy Football Running Back Advice

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Need some Jaguars vs. Bills fantasy football running back advice? You’re in luck. Read on.

Last week LeSean McCoy was forced out of the game at Cincinnati early with a dislocated thumb. The thumb required surgery to repair and he wasn’t certain to be ready for this Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bills fans got some good news when it was reported that McCoy is back at practice with his thumb wrapped up and he is expected to play.

LeSean McCoy has left hand wrapped over glove after thumb surgery. pic.twitter.com/610pASn0sK

— Sal Capaccio ???? (@SalSports) November 23, 2016

The biggest concern with McCoy’s thumb actually had to do with it getting infected after surgery rather than it healing. According to the Buffalo News, Rex Ryan said, “I think we’ll just lean on him and we’ll also keep watching him as he goes. I think the big thing is making sure his thumb doesn’t get infected. That’s the number one thing. If that stays clean, then there’s no issue there. I think he’s going to be OK.”

McCoy should be in for a good day against a Jacksonville team that is ranked 22nd in the league in rushing yards allowed per game. Shady will get an added boost with the return of Sammy Watkins to the lineup. Watkins might not be full go and could see limited reps but when he is on the field other teams will have to show him some respect freeing up McCoy to be keyed in on less.

Mike Gillislee would normally spell McCoy but he has been ruled out for this week. He pulled his hamstring in practice on Wednesday opening up the opportunity for rookie Jonathan Williams to see some touches.

Williams had his best game this season against the Bengals last week with four rushes for 26 yards for a 6.5 yard per carry average. That is much better than his average on the season of 3.6 yards on 17 carries. Williams has a better north-south running style than McCoy so there is potential he could vulture a touchdown from Shady if the Bills get down deep in Jacksonville territory but he’s also fumbled earlier this year so the team may be reluctant to trust him with the ball in those situations.

The Jaguars feature a two-pronged rushing attack with T.J. Yeldon and Chris Ivory. Their stats are eerily similar this season. Yeldon has 83 attempts for 301 yards, a 3.6 yard per carry average and one touchdown. Ivory has 84 attempts for 306 yards, a 3.6 yard per carry average and one touchdown. Yeldon is questionable for the game but ESPN is reporting that signs are pointing to him suiting up.

If Yeldon doesn’t play expect Ivory to get most of the carries which would increase his value in leagues tremendously despite facing a very tough front seven from the Bills defense. If they both play, neither is worth much. Yeldon has rushed for over 40 yards just once this season while Ivory has done it twice. The only running back you should be starting in this game in LeSean McCoy unless Yeldon doesn’t play.