Should you start Eagles running back Boston Scott in fantasy football despite the potential of a split workload with Kenneth Gainwell and Jordan Howard?
Many managers assumed Gainwell would take over as the lead back in Philadelphia with Miles Sanders sidelined, but it was Scott who emerged with the most work last week. Still, there's concern about lack of job security in this committee, so our experts weigh in on what to expect from Scott in his Week 9 matchup against the Chargers (4:05 p.m. ET on Sunday).
Start Eagles RB Boston Scott In Fantasy?
by Sean Koerner
Boston Scott is a RB3/Flex play with RB2+ upside against the Chargers.
It's challenging to take away too much from the Eagles' 44-6 blowout win over the Lions last week — Scott operated as the Eagles' lead back, but was put on ice in the second half once the game was out of hand. While his role in that game is an excellent sign for his fantasy football value until Miles Sanders returns from Injured Reserve, the Eagles' backfield could be a very volatile three-way committee that rotates between Scott, Kenneth Gainwell and Jordan Howard with the "hot hand" approach.
That said, Scott should be treated as an RB3/Flex option with RB2+ upside this week. If he dominates the Eagles' backfield in touches again, he'll be in the RB2 discussion for their Week 10 road date with the Broncos.
Verdict:Start Boston Scott as an RB3/Flex
by Chris Raybon
Scott has a great matchup vs. a Chargers run defense ranked 32nd in Football Outsiders’ DVOA, but he’s a risky RB3/FLEX play this week because of the possibility of three backs — him, Gainwell and Howard — getting work.
Scott operated as the Eagles’ lead back in Week 8, handling the first seven backfield carries of the game and logging 45% of the snaps while Gainwell played 31% and Howard played 25%.
Although the matchup against the Chargers is alluring, game script may not work in Scott’s favor as the Eagles are underdogs at home; they won’t romp their opponent 44-6 every week. A negative game script could be a major issue because the Eagles have been the most run-averse team in the league through eight weeks, averaging an NFL-low 16.6 backfield carries per game.
If the Eagles are in passing situations, it’s possible Gainwell becomes the preferred option, as the rookie has run 103 routes to Scott’s 25 this season.
There’s also the possibility of the 5-foot-6, 203-pound Scott getting vultured at the goal line by the 6-feet, 224-pound Howard. Both Scott and Howard got a carry inside the 5-yard line in the first half last week, with Scott totaling three carries inside the 5 for the game while Howard received two.
Scott has a high ceiling but a low floor in what will be a low-volume rush offense more often than not.
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