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Fantasy football: Start-em, sit-em players for Week 2

By Jay Marsdale

FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 07: Kareem Hunt #27 of the Kansas City Chiefs stiff arms Duron Harmon #30 of the New England Patriots as he runs for a 4-yard rushing touchdown during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 7, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 07: Kareem Hunt #27 of the Kansas City Chiefs stiff arms Duron Harmon #30 of the New England Patriots as he runs for a 4-yard rushing touchdown during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 7, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN- SEPTEMBER 10: Running back Demarco Murray #29 of the Tennessee Titans caries the ball against the Oakland Raiders-the Tennessee Titans game at Nissan Stadium on September 10, 2017 In Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN- SEPTEMBER 10: Running back Demarco Murray #29 of the Tennessee Titans caries the ball against the Oakland Raiders-the Tennessee Titans game at Nissan Stadium on September 10, 2017 In Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Sit-em: DeMarco Murray (TEN) vs. Jacksonville

DeMarco Murray was last season’s fantasy football darling, but this season is off to a completely different beginning. This truly is a timeshare backfield in Tennessee and fantasy football players need to realize that before it’s too late.

Murray did get two-thirds of the running back carries on Sunday, but Derrick Henry statistically performed better. Henry averaged 4.2 yards per carry, while Murray averaged 3.7 yards. Neither was incredibly effective, but don’t think the Titans didn’t see these stats after the game.

I apologize to players who drafted Murray this season in fantasy football expecting last season to repeat, but that isn’t happening. Henry is going to get more and more touches. Murray is still going to produce solid numbers, but not top-five numbers like last season.

That drop off started last week and continues into Week 2 verses that suddenly stifling Jacksonville Jaguars defense?!? Sacksonville! Love the nickname, after the Jaguars incredible 10- sack performance in Week 1. Houston is not an offense force, by any means, but 10 sacks is impressive against anyone.

The combination of a loss of touches and a strong opposing defense makes Murray a risky play in Week 2. In order for me to have confidence in him again, I need to see him get 20 or more touches in a game, and I don’t think that’s happening soon.

Other options: Eddie Lacy (SEA) vs. San Francisco, Jordan Howard (CHI) vs. Tampa Bay