Fantasy Upside
Even though he is a seven-year veteran, LeSean 'Shady' McCoy continues to still be one of the better running backs in the NFL. He will begin hit second season as the Buffalo No. 1 back and will receive most of the carries on 1st and 2nd down. He averaged 4.4 yards per carry and still manage five touchdowns despite missing a quarter of the season.
Fantasy Downside
McCoy is 29 and missed four games, although he has been healthy for most his career. The question is will he see the ball on 3rd down and will the Bills spell him more in 2016 with two young talented running backs behind him. He did only have three rushing touchdowns so the goal line situations might go to one of the other backs.
2016 Bottom Line
If he stays healthy, McCoy should have at least one more season as a top 10 running back. The fact that he might not see 300 carries might help him stay and fresh and injury-free. But he still is the No. 1 guy and will be a vital part of Buffalo's offense. He has an ADP of 26, but don't be afraid to take him on the tail-end of the second round or early third round. He still has some of the 'Shady' left in him.
Week 15 vs Washington
LeSean McCoy had a decent outing against his old team with 109 yards from scrimmage. However, Shady was kept out of the end zone and the Bills lost for the third time in their last four games. McCoy is still getting most of the snaps and although backip Mike Gillislee did get his first career touchdown, McCoy is still the most likely Buffalo player to rush for one.
It's a great matchup for McCoy as he faces a Redskins defense that is 29th in aFPA to running backs. Expect a big game for Shady who is ranked one of the best running back fantasy plays for Week 15.
Week 14 vs Eagles
112 seems to be the magic number for LeSean McCoy. He has rushed for exactly 112 yards in three of his last five games. More important, he is averaging more than 20 touches per game over that stretch. No doubt he has become the focus of the Buffalo offense now that he is healthy.
Of course, McCoy will be very motivated against his former team and coach Chip Kelly. Philadelphia is 27th in aFPA to running backs so Shady is due for another big game considering the frequency will be there and the matchup is favorable. Start McCoy as the overall No. 1 fantasy running back for Week 14. He in in line for some big numbers.
Week 13 vs Houston
For the third straight week, LeSean McCoy had over 20 touches and solidified his role as the No. 1 option in the Bills offense. Last week, he had 101 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown reception. He has scored in three of his last four games.
The matchup is favorable against Houston who has had trouble stopping the run and is 24th in aFPA to running backs. Also, McCoy's primary backup Karlos Williams is out which means Shady will probably get those touches as well.
Start McCoy in all leagues and formats as a top 5 fantasy running back for Week 13.
Week 12 at Kansas City
LeSean McCoy had a season-high 26 touch game last week, which bodes well for his owners. He is finally healthy and the focal point of the Buffalo offense. He had 123 total yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on Monday.
It's a tough matchup for McCoy this week as the Chiefs are 8th in aFPA to running backs. Despite that fact, the volume Shady has received the past couple weeks makes him a good option for Week 12. Start McCoy as a low-end RB1 against KC.
Week 11 at New England
LeSean McCoy had his best game of the season last Thursday when he ran for 112 yards (second straight week with that total) and more importantly, 47 yards receiving, a season-high. He did not have a touchdown, but did look like the old 'Shady' that made him one of the more dangerous all-around backs in the NFL.
The long week should help McCoy, who will face a New England defense that is 6th in aFPA to running backs. The first time the two teams met, McCoy had good numbers with 116 yards from scrimmage. The Pats have been tough in the running game in 2015 which knocks McCoy back to a high-end RB2 for Week 11.
Week 10 at New York Jets
It was a great game for LeSean McCoy against Miami last week with 112 yards rushing and a touchdown. It was also his first 100-yard game with the Bills. The bad news is McCoy injured his shoulder. He is listed as questionable for Thursday night, but is expected to play. However, his workload will be limited.
McCoy will also face a very good Jets defense that is ranked second to aFPA to running backs. That factor (along with his health) puts Shady in the low-end RB2 range. Start McCoy, but be aware of the barriers he faces in Week 10 and don't expect fantasy numbers that will carry your team.
Week 9 vs Dolphins
After missing several weeks, LeSean McCoy ran the ball 35 times over the last two games and the bye week gave him an opportunity to rest up. He has pretty much been the only Bills back seeing time, playing 84 percent of the snaps in that two week period. His numbers have been okay, but he has not had that break out game this season yet. McCoy will face the Dolphins, who are 29th in aFPA to running backs, which should help McCoy to an effective afternoon on Sunday. Start him in all leagues as a low-end RB1 for Week 9.
Week 7 vs Jacksonville
LeSean McCoy returned after missing two games with a hamstring injury. He rushed for 90 yards and a touchdown, so his return was good especially considering the problems Buffalo has had running the football. McCoy is listed as probable for Sunday so the hamstring isn't 100 percent, but it's pretty close.
It's a great matchup for McCoy this week as the Jags are 30th in aFPA to running backs. With his performance last week and a favorable matchup, McCoy is a solid RB1 for Week 7 in London. Start him in all leagues and formats.
Week 3 at Dolphins
It was a better week for LeSean McCoy last Sunday, but he is still looking for his first TD and his yardage numbers aren't exactly where you want them. McCoy has been limited in practice with a sore hamstring, but he is expected to play against Miami. The Dolphins have a pretty good defense, but Shady should still be around the 20-touch mark. Fantasy owners need him to start scoring to reach his full fantasy potential. Start McCoy in all league as a low-end RB1 for Week 3.
