Week 5 at San Francisco
Andre Ellington only had two touches for four total yards on Sunday against the Rams, but with Chris Johnson injured and placed on IR this week, he could be in line for an increased workload. Ellington has shown explosiveness and versatility in the past and could be used as a change-of-pace back moving forward. He also becomes the primary handcuff to David Johnson. He’s unlikely to get a ton of looks on Thursday night (and should likely be left out of your starting lineup), but he’s worth watching in case the Cardinals decide to increase his role -- especially in PPR leagues since he caught 46 passes two seasons ago.
Fantasy Upside
This season, with David Johnson and Chris Johnson expected to see the bulk of the running back snaps, Andre Ellington's chances to contribute may be limited. In fact, the Cardinals could add return work to Ellington's duties in order to make some use of his speed and explosiveness. “He’s returned kickoffs before, and as dynamic as he is,” HC Bruce Arians said, “you’d like to look for more opportunities for him to touch the ball.” Ellington would love an opportunity to impact games again. He did just that as a rookie and then again in 2014, becoming one of just two players in franchise history—Ottis Anderson being the other one—to record 1,000-plus yards from scrimmage in each of their first two seasons. As for a role in offense? Good health would go a long way to helping him carve one out.
Fantasy Downside
Ellington has missed 10 games the past two years and has gone from being the team’s featured back to someone who struggles to stay on the field. While lauding Ellington’s talent, GM Steve Keim didn’t mince words about Ellington’s tenuous future. “Andre’s a dynamic player, there’s no doubt about that,” Keim told the Arizona Republic. “We love his skill set, but it’s no secret the guy has had durability problems. As an organization, you have expectations and if a guy doesn’t fulfill those expectations, you may have to move on."
2016 Bottom Line
Fantasy owners in redraft leagues should already be doing that as Ellington has yet to prove that he can handle a heavy workload. In contrast, newcomer David Johnson showed that he could last year as a rookie. Johnson is a lock to get the featured role again this fall, barring injury, leaving Ellington as a fringe prospect in PPR leagues.
NFC Championship at Carolina
Andre Ellington had three carries for three yards last week against the Packers in a change-of-pace role behind starter David Johnson. Ellington may get a few looks this week against the Panthers as well, but ultimately, it’s going to be up to David Johnson to move the ball on the ground for the Cardinals. Ellington isn’t a horrible option once you get past the starters playing this weekend, simply because he should touch the ball at least a few times, but if you’re counting on Ellington, then you may be in trouble at the position. Look to a committee back like Ronnie Hillman or Steven Jackson instead of you need to gamble at the RB spot.
Week 19 vs. Green Bay
Andre Ellington had a couple of touches to finish off the season, but has largely lost his job to rookie David Johnson, who has been phenomenal since taking over the starting job vacated by the injured Chris Johnson. Ellington has some value in PPR leagues for fantasy owners looking to bargain shop, as he’ll probably get a few looks in the passing game. However, he’s not likely to put up big numbers and is a risky start. Fantasy owners looking for bargains might find better gambles on guys with more likelihood for touches and in true committees, rather than Ellington who may be situational at best.
Week 12 at San Francisco
Andre Ellington had just three touches for seven yards last week, including a five-yard reception. Ellington was on the field a lot, but he didn’t end up getting the ball much wit starter Chris Johnson carrying the rock 18 times. Don’t expect much to change this week, even in a great matchup against the 49ers. There’s no reason to expect Arizona to start giving Ellington more touches, and his usage has been too low to warrant the risk of having him active on your fantasy roster this week. Sit him.
Week 11 vs. Cincinnati
Andre Ellington got a little more work in last week, but he’s still taking a back seat to Chris Johnson in the Cardinals offense. He’s was able to take advantage of his touches last week against Seattle though, putting up 61 yards on five carries, including a 48 yard touchdown run late in the game to seal the victory for Arizona. He also added 27 more yards on three catches.
The Bengals aren’t much easier of a matchup this week, and with only eight touches against the Seahawks, it’s risky to bank on Ellington. The Cardinals do seem to want him more active in the passing game, which gives him some RB3 or flex potential in PPR leagues, but if you can go with someone that has a better matchup or a more clearly defined role, that might be a smarter idea.
Week 10 at Seattle
Andre Ellington didn’t do anything against Cleveland before the bye week, netting a big goose egg, despite logging three carries. Supposedly, the Cardinals prefer having Ellington in the lineup over rookie David Johnson, but it might not matter as long as Chris Johnson keeps playing well as the starting RB.
Ellington has limited value in a tough matchup against the Seahawks this week, but he’s worth stashing on a roster in case he starts getting the ball a bit more, particularly on passing downs. Aside from handcuff potential to Chris Johnson, however, Ellington should likely remain on waivers at this point in most leagues.
Week 7 at Cleveland
Andre Ellington was only on the field for less than a third of the Cardinals offensive snaps last week against the Ravens, but he did touch the ball eight times. With five carries and three receptions, he ended up with 49 yards from scrimmage in a change-of-pace role. He continues to lose touches to rookie David Johnson though, limiting his fantasy upside.
This week, Ellington has some deep sleeper flex value in large leagues against the league’s worst run defense. The Browns have allowed 132 more yards on the ground than any other team in the league this season and have given up eight touchdowns to opposing rushers. Ellington is risky because of his usage, but if he touches the ball 8-12 times this week, he could have value in large leagues.
Week 7 vs. Baltimore
Andre Ellington had only a single carry and two receptions last week against the Steelers. He did finish with 54 total yards from scrimmage, but it wasn’t encouraging to see him on the field for less than 15 percent of the offensive snaps, compared to rookie David Johnson being in on nearly a third of them. Ellington is in a three-headed backfield and is coming in last in appearances, which is not a good sign for fantasy owners.
This week, he’ll face a Baltimore defense that has been awful against the pass this year, but has actually been above average against the run. Still, until his usage goes up, it’s hard to trust Ellington, and we recommend he stays on your bench this week.
Week 6 at Pittsburgh
Andre Ellington had a nice 63-yard touchdown run against the Lions last week, but he only carried the ball three times and wasn’t active in the passing game either. The Cardinals beat Detroit 42-17 and it’s likely the Arizona coaching staff chose to use Ellington sparingly once the game was out of reach.
This week, he should see the field more frequently against the Steelers, but is still a risky option. Chris Johnson still saw the bulk of the snaps and played the lead back role against the Lions. With Johnson playing well, there’s no reason to expect that to stop this week. Ellington should stay on your roster, but he probably should stay on your bench for the time being.
