Did your fantasy football question not make this week's Mailbag? You can still get an answer! Submit it to Fantasy Genius and have your question seen by millions of fantasy fans just like you!
Marcas Grant: I understand your consternation. You waited through a three-game suspension to get Bell into your lineup and he's giving you a version of the Melvin Gordon Treatment (2015 edition, of course). But never fear, Bell is far too talented of a player to not find the end zone soon. We've seen with him in the past that once the floodgates open, there's usually a tidal wave of scoring that pours in. Did you forget Bell ripping off seven touchdowns in a five-game span near the end of 2014? This week's matchup against the Cowboys is thoroughly unfavorable on paper, but the Steelers are also a different team at home. There's no time like the present for Bell to turn things around.
M.G.: There's little doubt that both players are going to start to see more work down the stretch. But they won't have much more value than a handcuff for each team's primary back. If there's one that's slightly ahead (and the lead is slight), it would be Bibbs since Booker seems to have less of a hold on the starting gig. If you have either Terrance West or Devontae Booker, it makes sense to pick up the guy playing behind him but don't rush either into your lineup just yet.
M.G.: There was a concern at the start of the season that with the Texans making moves to upgrade their offensive weapons that Hopkins could see fewer targets. Then again, it was always improbable that he'd be fed another 192 opportunities. The unforeseen problem was exactly how bad Brock Osweiler would be this year. Right now, there doesn't seem to be a lot of hope on the horizon that the Texans quarterback will make a major turnaround. As long as that's the case, Hopkins' fantasy value is pretty minimal. Best case scenario, you trade him for some more productive options. If that isn't possible, then keep him on the bench and try to play matchups when and where you can.
M.G.: You are right to be frustrated with Jeremy Maclin. More accurately, you should be upset with the Kansas City Chiefs offense -- an attack that continues to be just as exciting as caffeine-free diet cola. The crazy part is that Maclin leads the team in targets, but he's only been able to turn it into 376 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Such is the way of the Chiefs passing game as helmed by Alex Smith. The schedule has some appealing matchups, but it doesn't matter if Smith won't throw the ball downfield. Your best option is to package Maclin and try to get something back in return.
M.G.: It looks like "The Awakening" is coming to an end in Seattle. Adjust accordingly. The Seahawks are struggling to run the football and Pete Carroll has said that C.J. Prosise will start to see more work. That's before we even mention that Thomas Rawls is going to be back soon. Maybe you can convince someone in your league that Michael still has some trade value, otherwise he should be on the bench until you need to free up a roster spot. As for Brandon Marshall, you just have to stay patient. He's seeing a consistent level of targets. Unfortunately he hasn't turned it into any notable level of production. Keep an eye on the Jets quarterback situation, but Marshall's too big a part of their game plan to be abandoned.
M.G.: The Jets passing game is certainly a mess. But Gang Green's running game has been one of the more productive in the league, thanks to Matt Forte. Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey hasn't been super consistent about getting his veteran running back a steady number of touches, but Forte has still found ways to succeed regardless. The best part is that Bilal Powell hasn't been the threat to Forte's snaps that we believed he'd be in the preseason. This is Matt Forte's show for the foreseeable future and you shouldn't fear making a deal to get him on your roster.
M.G.: They will be once Dion Lewis gets back (hopefully this week). What we saw last season showed that both of those players can prosper in the Patriots offense. Lewis should see a larger slice of backfield work than James White did, but it shouldn't preclude Blount from remaining the closer at running back tasked with finishing games in the fourth quarter. I have very little fear of starting two teammates from the same skill position group if there's a reasonable expectation that both can be productive. Such is the case with New England's running backs.
M.G.: This week will tell us a lot about Matt Jones' fantasy future. Washington head coach Jay Gruden has said that Robert Kelley will start to see more work in the backfield but added that Jones will still get his touches every week. How many touches remains to be seen. This week is obviously a bad matchup against the Vikings, but it will be interesting to see how the snaps will be divided in the Washington backfield. By this time next week, we should be able to pass greater judgement on Jones going forward.
M.G.: You should definitely keep rolling with Jameis Winston. The Bucs quarterback is prone to turning the ball over at times (were it not for some bad games early in the season, he might be leading the Marc Bulger Award watchlist). Nonethless, he's still been very productive for much of the season by exploiting his good matchups. The encouraging part is that Winston has a number of plus matchups down the stretch with games against Kansas City, San Diego and a pair of fantasy playoff games versus New Orleans. Winston is one of those players you should definitely try to acquire for a championship run.
M.G.: With a glut of Buccaneers running backs dealing with injuries, it looks like Peyton Barber is next in line to get a full workload. There is certainly volume upside to be had with the rookie, but his matchup is an absolutely terrible one. The Bears have allowed just 617 rushing yards all season (sixth-fewest in the league) and the Bucs offensive line hasn't exactly been a juggernaut. Start Barber this week if you're out of other options, but try to find something better if you can.
Bonus question:
M.G.: I'm happy that California avoided the scourge of candy corn, but it appears that we have more work to do. I am ashamed of my state.
In the latest episode of the NFL Fantasy LIVE podcast, the crew discusses the latest headlines and injury news around the league, and breaks down some of the offenses you simply can't trust in fantasy. Don't forget to subscribe to the show or download each episode HERE!
Marcas Grant is a fantasy editor for NFL.com and a man who knows that no one cares about your fantasy team as much as you do. Send him fantasy football questions or fantasy football love sonnets on Twitter @MarcasG or Snapchat at marcasg9.
