The Las Vegas Raiders have struggled to run the football all season, but have been doing a little better lately thanks to improved frontcourt blocking and strong play from running back Sincere McCormick.

With running backs Alexander Mattison and Zamir White sidelined by injuries in recent weeks, McCormick has emerged as an impact player.

After having three fewer runs compared to Ameer Abdullah in Week 12, McCormick had two more in Week 13 and was clearly the more effective defender, as his rushing yards (64) and yards per carry (5.3) were superior to Abdullah’s . He also saw two targets, which he turned into two receptions for one yard.

After just two games, it’s clear that McCormick has had more success than anyone else who has carried the football for the Raiders this season. He deserves credit for that, of course, but the Raiders have also found a strong combination along the offensive line that has boosted the running game.

Looking ahead to Week 14, fantasy football managers want to know if McCormick will lead the way against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We know that.

Does Sincere McCormick start this week?

UPDATE: Alexander Mattison is officially inactive, clearing the way for McCormick to carry the lion’s share of the workload in Week 14.

Inactive for #LVvsTB pic.twitter.com/mrHrRB9ZvF

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 8, 2024

END OF UPDATE

UPDATE: According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Raiders running back Alexander Mattison is not expected to play in Week 14, meaning McCormick has one less back to compete with for touches.

Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers, listed as questionable for Sunday with an ankle injury, is expected to play against the Buccaneers, per source.

Raiders RB Alexander Mattison, also listed as questionable for Sunday with an ankle injury, is not expected to play against the Bucs, per…

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 8, 2024

And with McCormick overtaking veteran Ameer Abdullah last week, there’s a good chance he’ll lead the back field again on Sunday.

END OF UPDATE

During the week, head coach Antonio Pierce made it clear that the Raiders need to include McCormick, even more so than last week.

“What you see on game days, Sundays and Fridays last week is what we saw every day in practice – a guy who ran hard, runs hard, has good vision, is decisive and hits the hole,” said Pierce about McCormick. according to Justin Churchill of AtoZ Sports. “The first player isn’t attacking him at the moment, and that was a big key for us in the run game, not being attacked by that first defender. So he makes the most of his opportunity. He will continue to get opportunities. I said last week, I think it was 12 carries, and hopefully we can increase that a little bit this week.

With McCormick now potentially overtaking Abdullah, Mattison is the only running back who poses a threat given his lead back duties in Week 14, which is questionable after three limited practices.

It’s worth noting that Mattison also had three limited practices last week before being permanently ruled out. Even if Mattison takes over, the Raiders could decide to choose McCormick over the veteran as the Raiders have their eyes on the future.

Both players are free agents next year, but McCormick is an exclusive rights free agent, so the Raiders have control over him. Additionally, he is two years younger than Mattison and could provide a cheap option for the position in 2025.

Right now, given the success McCormick has had in recent weeks, it makes perfect sense for the Raiders to continue giving him the majority of the workload. And based on what Pierce said, that’s likely going to happen, with or without Mattison.

Fantasy Football Start or Sit Week 14: Sincere McCormick

With McCormick likely to see a heavy workload in Week 14, we now turn our attention to whether or not he is a viable starter in fantasy football.

The matchup against the Buccaneers is rather mediocre, as the Bucs give up the 13th fewest fantasy points per game to running backs. Not the best matchup, but not a bad one either.

Additionally, there are six teams on byes this week, so filling lineups will be difficult. If you have a gap at running back or the flex spot and are faced with the task of starting one of the Raiders backs, McCormick seems like the best choice.

Verdict: Start McCormick