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Fantasy Football Week 5: Toby Gerhart Can’t Be Trusted

Toby Gerhart, Jacksonville Jaguars, Fantasy Football Start or Sit

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Toby Gerhart’s fantasy football stock rose upon his signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars last offseason, with the promise of a starting job after toiling behind Adrian Peterson over his first four seasons. But through four games that has not come to fruition, with 114 yards on 44 carries (2.6 yards per carry), seven catches for 63 yards and one rushing touchdown.

Gerhart’s rushing score came last week against the San Diego Chargers, but Denard Robinson actually finished with more touches in the game (12 vs. 11), which is a fairly big concern going forward. A one-sided game in favor of San Diego during the second half may have helped Robinson see more opportunities, but overall the potential for an equal split of playing time is not great news for Gerhart’s fantasy outlook.

Week 5 brings a matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have been stingy against the run over the last two weeks. After allowing 327 rushing yards and 44 fantasy points to running backs (ESPN scoring) in Week 1 and Week 2 combined, over the last two weeks the Steelers have allowed just 18 fantasy points and 79 rushing yards to the position. Some of that success can be chalked up to low carry volume, with just 27 carries by running backs over the last two games compared to 58 carries over the first two games of the season.

It’s safe to say the Jaguars will attempt to run the ball a lot, as long as Sunday’s game remains close. That makes Gerhart and Robinson usable for fantasy owners in the right context, but the upside is not great for either with the prospect of a timeshare. If I had to start a Jaguars’ running back this week, as a RB3 or a flex and nothing more in anything other than a very dire situation, I would actually lean toward Robinson and leave Gerhart on the bench.

Brad Berreman is a Columnist at Rant Sports.com. Connect with him on Google +.

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