Darren McFadden Is Elite Flex Option for Fantasy Owners vs. Browns in Week 8

Nothing has gone right for the Oakland Raiders upon starting 0-6 this season. Fantasy owners haven't been thrilled with the performance of the skill position players, though that will change this weekend for anyone still riding the Darren McFadden train. 

McFadden has never been able to duplicate his breakthrough season in 2010 (1,157 yards, seven touchdowns) thanks to injuries in of the last three seasons. Now, despite not having the stats to back it up, the 27-year-old has remained healthy and is on pace for his best year since that huge season. 

Following a disastrous Week 1 with 15 rushing yards and one fantasy point in standard scoring leagues, McFadden has been consistent the last five games with at least seven points four times and breaking double digits twice, per ESPN. 

That's not an easy feat considering the last two weeks McFadden has gone against a solid San Diego run defense that's tied for sixth with four forced fumbles and Arizona's second-ranked run defense. He deserves a break and will finally get one against Cleveland's run defense. 

The Browns' focus may be on Brian Hoyer's struggles the last two weeks, but if their defense could contain anyone's rushing attack, the subpar play of their QB wouldn't be that much of a problem. The Browns are allowing the most yards per game on the ground (155.5), second-most rushing yards per attempt (5.0) and are tied for the fourth-most rushing touchdowns allowed (seven). 

McFadden's yards per carry haven't been there basically for three years. He's averaging only 3.8 yards per run this season, yet that would be his best total since 2011. Here's how bad things have been for the seven-year veteran, via ESPN Stats & Info:

It's because of a stat like this that McFadden doesn't get bumped up to a No. 1- or No. 2-running back status for this week. You can't show that much faith in a player who is on the worst team in the league and has struggled to break four yards per carry. 

There's also the concern that McFadden looks like such a good play this week that something awful will happen, as Sigmund Bloom of FootballGuys.com noted on Twitter:

Despite the feeling of inevitability that McFadden will break at some point, especially in looks on paper to a great matchup for him, he's also as safe a bet to succeed as anyone on Oakland's, roster because no one touches the ball with more regularity outside the quarterback spot. 

McFadden has touched the ball at least 14 times every game since Week 2, and he scored his first touchdown last week against the Arizona Cardinals. All you can ask of any running back is to get his hands on the ball to make something happen. 

Another great point, made by Chris Towers of CBS Sports, is that running backs overall this year have left a lot to be desired:

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McFadden ranks 29th among running backs in Fantasy points over his last three games, but has just 25 Fantasy points. This might be more indicative of just how bad the position has been recently, as he isn't exactly lighting the world on fire. McFadden has topped 4.0 yards per carry just once this season, and has registered one or more Fantasy points through the air in just two games.

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Regardless of the rationale behind putting McFadden in the lineup, just make sure he is in there. This is the one week of the year when you are all but guaranteed to get something good out of him. There have been glimpses at various points this season. Now, it's time to cash in. 

Also, don't be surprised to see McFadden take on an expanded role in the passing game. He's been solid in that area all year with 17 receptions. Rookie quarterback Derek Carr has done a good job so far going through progressions and taking the check-down when it is there. 

It would be foolish to expect 100 yards rushing and two touchdowns from McFadden this week. However, it's not unreasonable to think that 70-80 rushing yards and another 25-30 yards in the passing game with one score is in the cards. 

With the running back spot looking more volatile by the week, it's nice to count on McFadden as a reliable option. Even if it is just for one week. 

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