Fantasy Football Player Notes

This is the worst part of the fantasy playoffs. It's win or go home. If you made it through last week with Michel, you should be counting your lucky stars. However, how do you not consider him against the Bengals, a team that's been constantly abused by running backs, particularly on the ground. Opposing running backs have combined to average 24.4 carries per game against them, which is the third highest mark in the league. On those carries, they've allowed 4.74 yards per carry. There have been 10 running backs who've totaled at least 12 carries against the Bengals, and every one of them finished as a top-20 performer on the week. While Michel has only received 15 carries the last two weeks combined, the gamescript has been negative throughout both games. In the 18 games the Patriots have won over the last two years, Michel has averaged 17.3 carries. In the eight losses, he's averaged 10.9 carries. The Patriots are going to win this game, which is what brings up the tough question of what to do with Michel this week. Despite the bad performance in Week 14, Michel should be back in fantasy lineups as a low-end RB2 who should fare much better.