Correlation Play - Week 5's Top Running Back-D/ST Duos
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Here are the top running back-defense/special teams duos of Week 5:
LeGarrette Blount & New England Patriots D/ST (at Browns)
With all eyes on the return of QB Tom Brady and his reunification with TE Rob Gronkowski, this is a Browns defense that has allowed 473 rushing yards in four games. With one game against the deficient Miami Dolphins running game, they easily could have allowed more.
The Browns are not in a good position. Brady and company won't let the foot off the gas, but it's wise to anticipate every facet of the Patriots' game to be on display. Even if Brady has an all-time classic, Blount will remain a big part of the game.
With the Browns continuing to rely on QB Cody Kessler, the Patriots' D/ST shapes up nicely to have a fantastic showing. Even though New England has only recorded a trio of interceptions, and has been otherwise unremarkable, the Browns' offense brings out the best in opposing defenses.
Jerick McKinnon & Minnesota Viking D/ST (vs. Texans)
With WR Stefon Diggs nursing a groin injury that could keep him out of Sunday's game, more focus will be on the Vikings' running game. Naturally, it could also mean a heavy dose of TE Kyle Rudolph with how solid Houston's front line is, though they're still without star DE J.J. Watt.
Houston's stout defense may be running on reputation and not results as they've allowed 4.6 yards per carry this season. McKinnon's attempts have increased the last two weeks in the wake of RB Adrian Peterson's injury, and more of the same can be expected, especially after running for 85 yards and a TD on 18 carries in Week 4.
The Houston offense shouldn't scare anyone off, no matter how talented WR DeAndre Hopkins is. The Vikings feature one of the stingiest overall defenses and have no glaring weaknesses.
Melvin Gordon & San Diego Chargers D/ST (at Raiders)
As strong as Oakland's offense has been, the defense has been poor. Only the San Francisco 49ers have allowed more rushing yards per game, and that could easily shift with Gordon carrying the rock. Gordon's averages haven't been sterling, but he's a double threat being used more frequently in the passing game every week.
With the Raiders struggling to find its own running game, QB Derek Carr will likely be forced to air it out some more. Carr has thrown at least 35 times in all four starts, and so far has only been picked off once. The Chargers have been able to pick off opposing QBs six times already and should cause Carr more trouble.
The issue here is the Chargers have found ways to crumble under pressure at the end of games and it has mitigated the D/ST's overall value. Consider this a high-risk, high-reward option. There may be just enough concern to keep people away, making it an excellent GPP combo play.