Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy told reporters that he considers running back James Starks his top back, and it will stay that way even when running back Eddie Lacy is healthy, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport.
Fantasy owners should check Starks' availability in most leagues, but the Packers running back is likely gone in deep leagues. He is averaging 4.3 yards per carry this season, but has only scored one rushing touchdown. Expect his numbers to improve, as the Packers will look to focus their running game around Starks down the stretch of this season.
Starks has played every season in Green Bay since being drafted in 2010, and understands McCarthy's system inside and out. He is also a great fantasy play in point per reception leagues, as he already has 19 receptions for 167 yards and two touchdowns. Starks has struggled running the ball in the past two games only rushing for 48 yards and no touchdowns, but that was against top NFL defenses in both the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers.
Despite struggling to run the ball last week, he managed six catches for 83 yards and a touchdown reception last week. Starks has a perfect matchup for fantasy owners this weekend as he faces the third worst rushing defense in the league in the Detroit Lions. The Lions are giving up an average of 133.8 yards per game, and Starks is expected to have a big day for the Packers.
Running back Eddie Lacy suffered a groin injury this past week against the Carolina Panthers. Lacy's injury is reportedly is not too serious, but Starks will still be the lead back this Sunday, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The Packers have lost two straight games, and will likely come out fired up on Sunday. Look for Starks to have a big fantasy day, as he has a great matchup against a weak Detroit defense.
