Week 10 at Tampa Bay
With Joseph Randle officially suspended, there is no doubt Darren McFadden is the featured back now in Dallas. He carried the ball 27 times for 117 yards and that makes three straight games with 20+ carries. He also played 78 percent of the snaps.
McFadden has a neutral matchup this week as the 'Boys face Tampa, who is 13th in aFPA to running backs. Expect the carries and production like we have been seeing in recent games. Start McFadden as a solid RB1 for Week 10.
Week 9 vs Philadelphia
Darren McFadden has 49 carries over the last two weeks, so there is no doubt he is getting frequency. He played 80 percent of the snaps which emphasizes his role. The Eagles are No. 1 in aFPA to running backs, but even with the bad matchup, McFadden should still put up numbers because the touches will be high. Start McFadden in all leagues as a low-end RB1 for Week 9.
Week 8 vs Seattle
Darren McFadden was outstanding against New York last week, rushing for 152 yards and a touchdown. He played 81 percent of the snaps and is officially the starter now for the Cowboys. However, if he doesn't continue to perform, Christine Michael is waiting in the wings.
This is not a great matchup for McFadden as they face the Seahawks, who are 3rd in aFPA to running backs. With the struggles Dallas has had without QB Tony Romo, this limits most of the skill players from reaching their fantasy potential. McFadden's stock is high right now and he should be in your lineup as a RB2 for Week 8.
Week 7 vs New York Giants
Darren McFadden is now part of the three-headed monster for Dallas. Nobody is too sure what his role will be Sunday. There is a good chance he will not even see the 27 percent of the snaps he has been getting this season. If you have McFadden on your roster, keep him on the bench for Week 7 and see how the Cowboys play it on Sunday.
Week 5 vs New England
Darren McFadden saw only five less snaps than Joseph Randle last week, and had only two less carries. The point is McFadden might be the moving towards actually splitting time in the Cowboys backfield. It appears a goal line fumble hurt Randle's standing, so McFadden could be the beneficiary.
The Patriots are the next opponent for the Cowboys and they have been pretty good against the run ranked 10th in aFPA to running backs. McFadden's stock could be rising, so keep an eye on the snaps and carries. For Week 5, he should remain on the bench.
Week 1 vs Giants
The Cowboys brought in Darren McFadden with the hope he can become their No. 1 back, and he might eventually get a shot. For Week 1, we expect him to split time with Joseph Randle. One of the backs will get the bulk of the carries, but it is still to be determined and now Christine Michael is in the mix. Against an average Giants run defense, McFadden should get enough touches to start as an RB3 or flex this Sunday night.
Fantasy Upside
2015 represents a new chapter for Darren McFadden as his time in Oakland was mostly a disappointment. There is no doubt that McFadden can play. He has shown great physical skills and could be an every-down back in the league if he can avoid injuries and repeat his performance from 2010. Dallas will run the football behind one of the best offensive lines in football, so there will be opportunities.
Fantasy Downside
There are several reasons McFadden has not reached his potential. Staying on the field has been a problem. He has also been inconsistent and has seen backs on his own team outperform him. He is currently second on the Cowboys depth chart, so he is probably going to have to count on Joseph Randle under-performing or getting injury in order to become the every-down back.
Bottom Line
McFadden is getting a second chance. Will he get the opportunity to succeed? That is the big question. For now, he will have to wait his turn and there is a good chance he will only be a backup. His ADP is 116, so he isn't more than a late-round flier as a handcuff for Randle right now. If you want McFadden, don't overreach. It won't be worth it.
Week 17 – Darren McFadden at Denver Broncos
Darren McFadden had one of his stronger performances of 2014 last weekend as Oakland upset Buffalo. McFadden wasn’t terribly active in a reserve role behind Latavius Murray, but averaged six yards a carry and accumulated 54 yards. Nevertheless, with limited work and Denver’s tough run defense on tap, McFadden is off the flex radar.
Week 16 – Darren McFadden vs. Buffalo Bills
With Latavius Murray now carrying the load in the Oakland backfield, there is little for Darren McFadden to do. The declining veteran had two carries in Week 15. It would be a major surprise if McFadden made a fantasy impact in the final two games of the season.
Week 15 – Darren McFadden at Oakland Raiders
Finally taking a back seat to Latavius Murray and Marcel Reece, Darren McFadden finished Week 14 with four carries for five yards. If by chance McFadden is still on your roster and you need to make a move to bolster your chances of success in the playoffs, he can be waived without a second thought.
