Week 9 at Atlanta Falcons
Sony Michel is firmly behind Austin Ekeler on the Chargers' depth chart, playing just 19.9% of the offensive snaps this season. He has 33 attempts for 91 scoreless yards and nine receptions for 53 more yards. He hasn't rushed for more than 28 yards in a single game.
Michel should continue to see spot duty in Week 9 behind Ekeler against the Falcons. The Falcons rank 21st in aFPA allowed to running backs, so maybe Michel could get something after Ekeler goes off. But it would help if you didn't bank on it.
Week 7 vs Seattle Seahawks
After Joshua Kelley left the Week 6 win over the Broncos early with an injury, Sony Michel was able to see some work in relief of Austin Ekeler. Michel rushed a season-high eight times for 28 yards, adding another 12 yards on three receptions. Michel only managed 5.7 Half PPR points, finishing as the RB33 on the week.
The Seahawks rank 27th in aFPA to running backs and have allowed a league-high 995 rushing yards. They've also surrendered the third-most receiving yards to running backs after six games. All of this suggests a huge day for Ekeler, but Michel might get a little work behind him. He's an uninspiring low-end RB3 for Week 7.
Week 17 at Baltimore Ravens
Until Cam Akers is given the keys to the Rams running game, Michel is the guy. The only issue is that the Ravens are one of the best run defenses in the NFL (5th in aFPA). If Michel can get incorporated in the passing game a la Joe Mixon, his fantasy floor is much higher. Michel may end up being a clock killer that gets 20 rushes but low yardage in a game that the Rams should win.
Week 16 at Minnesota Vikings
Excellent play and the playoffs looming gives Michel an excellent chance to play a lot more in the final few weeks of the season with Week 16 no exception. The Rams have a five-day week before Sunday’s game and with Darrell Henderson being eased into action, Michel has been carrying the rushing load and saw receiving work Week 15. The running back position is a mess, but Michel has been a sure thing the past few weeks.
Week 15 versus Seattle Seahawks
Michel will not be confused with a dynamic running back, but he continues to produce enough. He saw another 20 carries in Week 14 and only turned in 79 yards, but his production was solid more so for real-life football than fantasy. The Seahawks rank 31st in schedule-adjusted fantasy points against (aFPA) and are a dream matchup for Michel if Darrell Henderson remains on the COVID-19 list.
Week 14 at Arizona Cardinals
UPDATE: Darrell Henderson (COVID-19) will miss Week 14's game against the Arizona Cardinals.
If you roster Sony Michel, the good times could roll into Week 14. Darrell Henderson did not log one snap Week 13 despite being active, and if the Rams are looking to ease their starting back into his normal workload, it could mean another strong day for Michel. The Arizona Cardinals rank 22nd in schedule-adjusted fantasy points allowed to opposing backs and just allowed David Montgomery, the focal point of the Bears offense, to have a game. Michel is not the focal point and could see less attention with teammates such as Cooper Kupp dominating weekly. If Henderson is limited ahead of Monday’s game, fire up Michel as an RB2 and no worse than an RB3.
Week 13 versus Jacksonville Jaguars
Teammate Darrell Henderson has done little to separate himself from Sony Michel, but the back-up continues to see limited touches. Michel’s four total touches Week 12 were his fewest since Week 7. Michel is a desperation flex option against a top tier rushing defense.
Week 12 at Green Bay Packers
Do not be surprised if Michel’s role changes in Week 12 as the Rams face a tough road matchup against Green Bay. Instead of just giving Darrell Henderson a breather for a couple series, look for Michel to be the short-yardage back throughout the game against a top 15 rush defense according to aFPA. Michel is not much more than a desperation flex option in what is expected to be a tight game in Week 12.
Week 10 at San Francisco 49ers
A production spike is in the cards for Week 10 if Darrell Henderson (ankle) misses the game or is truly limited. Michel’s production has come from a majority of careers, so a limited Henderson could be in the game for strictly passing work. The 49ers are a good matchup for running backs, allowing 90 yards on the ground and 37.5 through the air. Look for Michel to get a handful more carries in Week 10 assuming Henderson does not get a full practice in ahead of Monday’s game.
Week 9 versus Tennessee Titans
Michel got his share of garbage touches in Week 8 and may get more in Week 9 against Tennessee. The Titans are poor against the pass and a blowout could lead to Michel helping bleed the clock. That is not the best way to roster Michel, but bye weeks have no mercy. Michel has at least nine carries in two of the past three weeks, both convincing wins.
