Fantasy Football Mailbag: Thursday 11/3/16

Fantasy football research never stops, and roles change drastically from one week to the next. That's where our fantasy football mailbag comes into play.

Have a question about a certain player, team, strategy, or anything football? Shoot us a question on Twitter or send an email to Brandon.Gdula@FanDuel.com, and we can talk anything fantasy football related -- even daily fantasy football.

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Now, let's answer some questions.

Yeah, Steve, I think Antone Smith is worth rostering given the running back situation for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Smith played with Dirk Koetter in Atlanta and got 31% of the team's snaps last week -- compared to 4% for Peyton Barber. It's sounding as if Smith will draw the start tonight against the Atlanta Falcons, though he will be part of a committee.

If you can cut someone else and add Smith, I'd consider doing that in case he becomes the lead back for the team while other backs try to get healthy. He makes for a good start in Week 9, but he's probably not worth starting over Darren Sproles or Davante Adams.

We project Sproles for 11.02 half-PPR points, Adams for 11.10, and Smith for 10.09. I'd place Smith third in that trio for Week 9 given his timeshare, but he's certainly worth an add if you're holding onto a second tight end or another droppable player.

Email submission from Matthew Smith:

I'm hesitant on Gurley this week but there isn't exactly much on the waiver this week. I'll attach a screenshot of the RB waivers. Keep in mind I have Crabtree now but who would you start/sit for me?

To summarize, Matthew Smith, who was phenomenal as the Eleventh Doctor, needs to decide between Todd Gurley in a gross matchup against the Carolina Panthers, and some waiver-wire backs for his team, which is brilliantly named "Revenge of the Smith." I'm pretty much in nerd heaven here.

Our projections peg Gurley for 11.6 half-PPR points this week, placing him 17th at the position. Matthew already has Charcandrick West locked in at one running back slot but lost Jacquizz Rodgers for Thursday Night Football and has Mike Gillislee in a rough matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Those are some useful pieces, but clearly, decisions need to be made for this week in particular.

Really, the waiver wire looks bleak in Matthew's league, with the only real choices coming down to Terron Ward (6.0 projected points), Peyton Barber (7.2), and Chris Ivory (3.5).

In this case, I think we just have to roll with Gurley, whose 73.24% carry market share over his past three games ranks fourth among running backs, over Gillislee (7.3 projected points) and Barber.

Email Submission from Keenan Bates:

I'm trying to decide between Michael Thomas and Allen Robinson for my WR3. My gut says to start Thomas and bench Robinson, but part of me is still holding out hope that Robinson will reward my patience with a breakout game (wishful thinking, I know.lol).

This is one of those situations where I think you should listen to your gut instinct. If we removed the names from this decision and looked at recent usage and performance as well as the matchup, it would be much easier.

Over their past five games, Michael Thomas has seen 20% of the New Orleans Saints' targets. Allen Robinson has seen 24.88%. However, Robinson hasn't topped 72 yards yet this season, and he's notched just 6.4, 1.9, and 10 half-PPR points in his past three games.

Thomas, on the other hand, has had 16.3, 18, and 9.3 half-PPR points (with just one touchdown in that span buoying his production).

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a terribly low implied team total of just 18.75 points, and the Saints are at 27.5. Stick with your gut and roll with Thomas against the San Francisco 49ers.

Want to have your questions answered in our mailbag? Submit your questions by tweeting @numberFire or sending an email to Brandon.Gdula@FanDuel.com.