Week 8 at Jacksonville Jaguars (London)
The Eagles split backfield touches last week three ways between Wendell Smallwood (11), Corey Clement (10) and Josh Adams (4). The Jaguars present a top ten test in terms of aFPA to RBs. Plus, this game has the second lowest over/under on the Week 8 slate. The ceiling appears capped for each of these backs, with the only chance at useful fantasy production coming in the form of picking the one that falls into a touchdown. And that was not necessarily Clement near the goal line last week. So this is a full-blown RBBC guessing game.
Week 7 vs. Carolina Panthers
In Corey Clement’s first game back from his quad injury, Smallwood out-touched him 19-to-14. It's possible the Eagles were easing Clement into Week 6 since he was coming off an injury. In Week 3 with Ajayi out, Clement out-touched Smallwood 19-to-13. This will continue to be a committee, but Clement is the lead fantasy option in Week 7. Smallwood had been efficient before his Week 6 performance, but Darren Sproles has to be out again for Smallwood to be on the deep league FLEX radar for Week 7.
Week 6 at New York Giants (Thursday)
Going on the road for Thursday Night Football is always a tough ask. The game having the fifth lowest over/under in Vegas this week isn't promising, but Jay Ajayi going on IR with a torn ACL should mean a 2-man RBBC between Clement and Wendell Smallwood. Clement is the bigger back, and the favorite to assume red zone / goal line duties, per various beat reporters, but Smallwood has been very efficient when given the chance this year both running and catching the ball. If you're desperate for a RB this week, Smallwood is worth a dart throw, but he's a low floor/low ceiling option that likely needs a touchdown to return value in this RBBC.
Week 5 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Darren Sproles and Corey Clement still have not returned to practice, as of Thursday. That means Jay Ajayi only hast to share the backfield with Wendell Smallwood if both are out again. Monitor their status, as more than a two-man RBBC will crush Smallwood's Week 5 prospects. If you're desperate for a RB in Week 5, Smallwood is likely available in your league. Three receptions the past two weeks should make him a stable floor play again with Sproles and Clement are out.
Week 3 vs. Indianapolis Colts
Philadelphia has an attractive 27-point implied team total this week, which should lead to positive game script for the running backs. The Colts are also just 25th in PPR points allowed to the running back position through two weeks. Plus, Jay Ajayi and Darren Sproles both missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. If both are ruled out, Smallwood gets some sleeper appeal after getting eight touches last week in a three-man running back by committee (RBBC). If it's only a two-man RBBC this week, volume increases his floor.
Week 9 vs. Denver Broncos
Wendell Smallwood's workload had already shrunk beyond the point of fantasy usability and now the Eagles have traded for Jay Ajayi. He can be safely dropped in redraft leagues.
Week 8 vs. San Francisco
The matchup doesn't get any better, as the 49ers are dead last in our aFPA vs. RB rankings, and the Eagles have the highest implied total in Vegas this week at almost 30 points. Plus, positive game script is expected with the Eagles as a heavy favorite. Smallwood received 10 touches in his return from injury last week, but given the split workload in this backfield, this is a touchdown-or-bust proposition for Smallwood. How lucky do you feel? He's a desperation FLEX on a heavy bye week.
Week 7 vs. Washington
Wendell Smallwood looks like he'll return this week. However, Washington is top-10 in our aFPA vs. RB rankings. In his one game without Darren Sproles, Smallwood put up 17.9 PPR points, albeit against a Chargers defense that was a much better matchup. It's best to take a wait and see approach with Smallwood in your lineups this week, as LeGarrette Blount has been efficient the past two weeks and this is already a RBBC situation.
Week 5 vs. Arizona Cardinals
LeGarrette Blount stole the headlines with 156 total yards last week in the first game without Darren Sproles; however, it was Wendell Smallwood who led the team in snaps and added 79 total yards with a touchdown. Against a Cardinals defense ranked 12th in our aFPA vs. PPR RBs, Smallwood is still on FLEX radars for Week 5.
Week 4 at Los Angeles Chargers
With Darren Sproles out for the year, the rest of the Eagles backfield should see increased snaps. The Chargers are also top-10 against fantasy RBs in our aFPA vs. RB rankings; however, the Eagles coaching staff has indicated Smallwood is in line for more snaps moving forward. The hot waiver wire pick-up this week, at least for Week 4, is still a FLEX option at best. This is still an RBBC that feels better to avoid, but obviously, Smallwood is a good stash on benches unless you are desperate for a back this week.
