Week 1 at Arizona
Doug Martin had a role on the ground, and in the passing game, en route to a 96-yard day. He didn't have a touchdown, but that yardage total is nothing to laugh at. It's encouraging to see 34 of his yards come on five receptions, as Martin wasn't used much as a receiver last season.
The Bucs back may not have the same success this week, though as he'll be going against a tough Cardinals defense. Still, Martin will get his touches (he had 18 carries in Week 1) so he's still a solid start. He should be viewed as a RB2 play.
Week 1 at Atlanta
Doug Martin surprised nearly everyone with his season in 2015 when he finished second in the league in rushing yards. That led to a big contract, which means Martin is comfortably the starting back in Tampa, even though Charles Sims is a lingering threat.
Martin will get a favorable Week 1 matchup against the Falcons, a team that allowed the most rushing touchdowns a season ago. Martin played well in 2015 against Atlanta, putting up 178 total yards in two games, with one touchdown. Martin should be viewed as a RB1 option this week.
Fantasy Upside
After a few down years, Doug Martin broke out again in 2015 and nearly led the league in rushing. His big production led to a new contract, and he's ready to do the same thing again in Tampa this season.
Not only did Martin finish with 1,673 yards from scrimmage last season, he also had 288 carries, which was second in the league. He'll get plenty of opportunities in Tampa Bay's offense to try and repeat his success.
Fantasy Downside
While it's nice Martin played well last season, it's hard to ignore the two years prior. Yes, he had injuries cut his seasons short, but even beforehand, he wasn't playing well.
His usage could also come into play as the Bucs have a talented Charles Sims playing behind Martin. It obviously didn't factor in a year ago, but it's possible the coaches are looking for a way to share the workload.
Bottom Line
Martin's overall numbers might take a slight hit, but overall, he should finish on the low-end of the RB1 spectrum.
Week 17 at Carolina
Doug Martin has a chance to win the rushing title as he's just 64 yards behind leader Adrian Peterson. This is likely something Martin has in the back of his mind as he faces the Panthers in Week 17.
It will be a tough task for Martin, as the Panthers' defense is tough against the run. Although Martin did finish with 143 total yards against them earlier in the season. Martin should be viewed as a low-end RB1 this week.
Week 16 vs. Chicago
Doug Martin is averaging 120 rushing yards per game in his last five outings, and is easily becoming one of the best running back options this season. We expect him to continue his strong production in a favorable matchup against Chicago.
The Bears have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing backs this season, and Martin is a guy who can take full advantage. He should be viewed as a strong RB1 play this week.
Week 15 at St. Louis
Doug Martin tied his season low for carries (11) last week, but he made every one count en route to an 81-yard game with a score. His time in the backfield was essentially split with Charles Sims against New Orleans as Martin finished with just one more offensive snap. It's strange to see Martin's touches limited considering the success he's had. He finished last week's game averaging 7.4 yards per carry.
This week Martin faces a Rams defense that has struggled against the run lately. St Louis has allowed an average of over 121 rushing yards to backs in the last six games. We expect Martin to take advantage, and he should be viewed as an RB1 this week.
Week 14 vs. New Orleans
Doug Martin just continues his strong production week after week, piling up 100 total yards and a touchdown last Sunday vs. Atlanta. He now has 100 total yards or more in six games this season.
This week he faces a Saints defense that he piled up 98 yards against in Week 2. New Orleans' defense has become a bit worse that time, so we expect a similar or even better performance the second time around.
Martin is easily a RB1 this week and is a must-start option in all formats.
Week 13 vs. Atlanta
Doug Martin was playing well last week and finished with 14 carries for 97 yards, but his touches were limited as Tampa Bay started to fall behind late in the game. Martin has been a beast this season and is second in the league in rushing yards.
The Bucs back finds an intriguging matchup against Atlanta this week. The Falcons are a top-10 rush defense when it comes to yards, but they've allowed 15 touchdowns to backs, which is the highest of any team. When Martin played Atlanta earlier this season he had 78 total yards and no scores.
He'll be an easy RB1 this week.
Week 12 at Indianapolis
Doug Martin blew up for 235 yards last week, highlighted by his 84-yard and 58-yard runs. Unfortunately he was unable to find the end zone, but he still had a highly productive day nonetheless. Martin will look to continue his success against a favorable Colts team this week. He should be viewed as a strong RB1 option.
Week 11 at Philadelphia
Doug Martin hasn't found the endzone since Week 5, which is a bit of a problem. Quarterback Jameis Winston has scored via rushing touchdowns the last three weeks, essentially being a vulture towards Martin. Still, Martin has been able to find production, going over 100 total yards in Week 10.
He may struggle this week, however, against a tough Eagles defense. Philly has only allowed one rushing touchdown to a running back all season. In a good matchup, Martin would be a RB1, but this week he should be viewed more as a low-end RB2.
