Run's House: Should You Start Darren McFadden in Week 15?

Ryan LesterJun 4, 2018

Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden returned last week following a four-game hiatus with 64 total yards and a touchdown. He tweaked his ankle, but escaped without seriously re-injuring it. Should you roll with Run DMC in Week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs?

Fortunately, McFadden played last week on Thursday Night Football, which gave his ankle extra time to heal for this week's AFC West showdown.

Given McFadden's injury history, you'll have to keep tabs on the Raiders' practices to make sure he doesn't come up lame. If he is a go this week, he should be a rock-solid option.

For starters, the Kansas City Chiefs are bad. Their run defense is one of the main culprits. They rank 27th in the league in run defense, giving up 131.2 yards per game at 4.6 yards per carry. They have also allowed nine rushing scores.

Run DMC carved up the Chiefs in the first meeting, running for 114 yards and 29 carries. He added four receptions for 23 yards.

According to NFLWeather.com, there is a chance of rain. If the field is sloppy, the pass-happy Raiders could be forced to take a more conservative approach.

If you have dodged the land mines of McFadden's injury and ineffectiveness, a favorable Week 15 matchup is your just reward.

Obviously, if you have quality alternatives you don't have to go with McFadden, but on paper he looks like one of the better running back plays this week.

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