Fantasy Upside
Despite playing behind the second-leading rusher in the league, Charles Sims found a way to be productive last season. He finished with over 1,000 scrimmage yards, and was the No. 22 back in standard and No. 17 in PPR.
He's a very capable runner, but his main contribution came through the air as he caught 51 passes for 561 yards and four touchdowns. He had at least three receptions in over half his games last season, just to emphasize his receiving ability.
Fantasy Downside
Sims is still the backup to Doug Martin, so getting touches doesn't come as easily for him. His ceiling will always be limited with Martin being the starting back. There will be some weeks where he doesn't score much, simply because he didn't get enough touches.
Bottom Line
Sims is a rare back who isn't really in a RBBC system, but still gets enough love every week to be relevant in fantasy. He won't get you the monster multiple-touchdown, 100-plus yard performances, but he will get you something, and there's value in a player like that.
Week 17 at Carolina
Charles Sims had an explosive 50-yard touchdown reception last week as he finished with 117 total yards. He's also over 1,000 all-purpose yards on the season, which is pretty impressive for the backup back. It just proves he has a lot of value for Tampa Bay.
Sims will face a Panthers defense he was able to have success against earlier in the season (53 yards, TD). He's still a bit of a risk in a tough matchup as a backup, and should be viewed as a lower-end flex play.
Week 16 vs. Chicago
Charles Sims finished with 72 yards last week, which makes it three weeks in a row he's finished with at least 70 yards. That's a pretty impressive stat for a backup running back.
While Sims may not be an elite option, he's still proving he's a valuable asset. He'll look to prove that even more in a favorable matchup against Chicago this week. Sims should be viewed as a solid flex play.
Week 15 at St. Louis
Charles Sims had nearly equal playing time with Doug Martin last week as he played just one less offensive snap than his teammate. Sims' production came mostly through the passing game as he caught six passes for 64 yards while adding 10 yards on the ground.
When Tampa Bay gets behind, they like to get Sims on the field for passing situations. The good news this week is Sims faces a Rams defense that has allowed the most receiving yards to backs, and the second-most receptions. Sims will be a flex play option this week, with more upside in PPR formats.
Week 14 vs. New Orleans
Charles Sims had 77 yards a week ago, further proving his worth in Tampa Bay's offense. Sims is usually good for at least 30 yards per game, although he averages over 60.
Sims gets a favorable matchup this week against the Saints, and should be able to find some production. He won't get many touches, but he'll get enough to make him a flex play against New Orleans.
Week 13 vs. Atlanta
Charles Sims finished with 39 yards on seven touches last week. His usage seems to vary week-to-week depending on the game scenario. Sometimes he sees equal touches to Doug Martin, and other times you forget he's on the team.
This week he faces a Falcons defense that he had 46 yards against in Week 8. It's a decent matchup for the backup back, and he should be viewed as a low-end RB3 or flex play.
Week 12 at Indianapolis
Charles Sims finished with 69 yards and a touchdown last week while Doug Martin enjoyed a 235-yard rushing performance. This just proves Sims and Martin can enjoy great success together while sharing the backfield. Sims gets enough touches on a weekly basis to warrant being a solid flex play. That should continue this week in a favorable matchup against the Colts.
Week 11 at Philadelphia
Charles Sims only finished with 31 total yards last week. He's usually good for at least 40 yards or 50, so for now we'll just view it as a down week. It's possible his struggles continue, however, against Philly in Week 11. The Eagles have been tough against backs, and Sims is already the backup in Tampa. He should be viewed as nothing more than an RB3 or flex option.
Week 10 vs. Dallas
Charles Sims actually played more offensive snaps last week (32) than Doug Martin (31). It was close, but that stat just emphasizes how much of a role Sims has in Tampa Bay's offense. For what it's worth, he finished with 82 total yards.
Martin is still the lead back in Tampa, but you can't deny Sims' impact. He'll continue to get touches, and will do so this week in a favorable matchup against Dallas. Sims isn't a strong option, but he should be viewed as a solid RB3 or flex play in Week 10.
Week 9 vs. New York Giants
Charles Sims didn't have quite the impact in the passing game as we would have thought with Vincent Jackson, Louis Murphy and Austin Seferian-Jenkins out in Week 8. Actually, Sims had a small role overall, finishing with nine touches for 46 yards. Sims has had a few big games this season, and could have another good game this week in a favorable matchup against the Giants. He should be viewed as a RB3 option.
