Detroit Lions - Fantasy News

Who to Start: Latavius Murray or Ameer Abdullah?

by Mike Rose

11/22/17

NFL

Detroit Lions

Ameer Abdullah

A Turkey Day matchup is set to take place inside of Ford Field on Thursday when the Detroit Lions welcome the Minnesota Vikings for a rematch of last year’s Thanksgiving Day clash.

In this storied NFC North rivalry, the Vikings lead the all-time series 71-39-2. Latavius Murray wasn’t a member of the Vikes last season, while Ameer Abdullah wasn’t a factor in the Lions rushing attack. This time around, though, both running backs figure to see a lot of action in this pivotal divisional clash. So they are both worthy adds to your Dober Play Cards.

Fantasy Matchup: Latavius Murray (8.0 PFP) vs. Ameer Abdullah (9.0 PFP)

Murray blew up in a big way last season to put himself on the fantasy map by scoring 12 rushing touchdowns and piling up 788 yards on the ground. That strong campaign came after he ran for 1,088 yards in 2015. Unfortunately, it’s been somewhat of a struggle for him to get on track in 2017.

However, he has started to show some signs of life as he’s crossed the goal line three times in the past two games and on four occasions in as many contests. Murray has been a consistent figure in this offense as he’s recorded 12-plus carries in five straight games. On the season, while averaging just over 7.0 Dober Fantasy Points per game (7.36), he’s rushed 110 times for 412 yards and four scores.

Coming off of a great game against the Los Angeles Rams in which he ran for 95 yards and two touchdowns, Murray will be facing a Lions defense that ranks No. 18 against opposing backfields. That same Detroit defense has given up 272.4 fantasy points (27.2 per game) to opposing running backs as well as 145.4 yards per contest. Murray was ranked as the No. 55 running back in fantasy heading into the showdown against the Rams, so that number has improved after the great performance.

Meanwhile, after a slow start to his 2017 campaign, Abdullah has turned up the heat by scoring a touchdown two of the last three weeks. He’s also one of only six backs to log double-digit carries in every game this season. He hasn’t been the most productive rusher, but he’s been consistent in his carries.

A big downfall to choosing Abdullah for your Dober Play Card is the fact that he’ll be facing the No. 2 rush defense of the Vikings. The Nebraska product has logged 491 yards and three touchdowns on the year. He only managed 22 yards on 11 carries against Chicago, though, so this Turkey Day matchup against Minnesota is going to be tough.

Murray has only scored one of his four touchdowns on the road, but he’s gotten hot at just the right time. If you’re looking to start one of these two guys on Thanksgiving in your Dober lineup, go with the man in purple as Abdullah hasn’t been super reliable in the touchdown department despite being a 1-point dog.

Week 12 Fantasy Projection: Latavius Murray (+1) vs. Ameer Abdullah