Fantasy Football Decision: Start Brian Robinson Jr. or Sit Him?

As Week 11 of fantasy football approaches, one question looms large for many owners: Should you start Brian Robinson Jr. against the Philadelphia Eagles? With the Commanders in a high-stakes matchup against their NFC East rivals, understanding Robinson’s situation is key to making the right call.

Injury Status and Recent Performance

Brian Robinson Jr. has had an interesting journey this season. After showcasing his potential as a solid running back for the Washington Commanders, he faced health challenges that sidelined him for three games due to a hamstring injury. Thankfully, Robinson has now cleared the injury report, which is promising for fantasy football players anxious to utilize him.

Robinson's return comes after he demonstrated impressive performance earlier in the season, consistently achieving double-digit fantasy points and recording six touchdowns in his first six games. His best showing was a remarkable 23.3 fantasy points against the Cardinals, illustrating his ability to produce impactful performances when healthy.

Facing a Tough Defense

The matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles is not an easy one for Robinson. The Eagles have significantly strengthened their run defense, allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs since Week 5. They also have low rates of explosive runs, rushing yards per game, and missed tackles against, indicating a tough uphill battle for any rushing attempts Robinson may receive.

Considerations for Starting Robinson

Pros:

• No Injury Designation: Robinson has returned to full practice without any injury concerns. This is crucial, particularly since his loss in previous games impacted the Commanders' offensive dynamics.
• Potential for High-Scoring Game: Given the stakes of the matchup, there is a possibility that the game could be high-scoring, potentially creating opportunities for running backs to find chances both on the ground and receiving.

Cons:

• Tough Matchup: The Eagles have proven to be an elite unit against the run, statistically ranking high in various defensive metrics. This is a concern when considering Robinson as a starting option.
• Risky Need to Start: If your lineup is struggling with bye weeks or injuries, starting Robinson might be a risk worth taking. However, if you can afford to bench him, it may be prudent to wait for a better matchup.

Alternative Options: Austin Ekeler

With Robinson likely back, don’t forget about Austin Ekeler, who flourished during Robinson’s absence, posting respectable fantasy point scores (18.1 points in Week 10). While his success cannot be ignored, Ekeler might share workload with Robinson, which complicates their respective values.

• Balanced Risk: Ekeler presents a more stable option due to his pass-catching abilities, which give him value regardless of Robinson's presence on the field. In a matchup where the Eagles have also limited receiving yards to running backs, Ekeler's versatility may provide an edge.

Conclusion: Start or Sit?

In summary, the decision to start Brian Robinson Jr. this week against the Eagles needs to be weighed carefully. If you have other viable options and can afford to bench him, this might be wise given the challenging matchup and potential for limited touches. On the flip side, if circumstances force your hand, starting Robinson could still yield decent results, particularly if the game turns into a high-scoring affair. Ultimately, monitor the game's progression and match-up dynamics closely to make the best decision on Sunday.

Stay tuned for updates and best of luck navigating your fantasy lineup this week!