RosterWatch Nation, it’s been too long. I had to step away for a few weeks to tend to some personal business. But like the Dark Knight, I had to return! I can’t quit you RosterWatch Nation! I’m here to break down fantasy football and chew bubblegum and I’m all out of bubble gum so let’s get down to it.

Jamaal Charles tore his ACL and we all died a little inside. It doesn’t matter if you owned him in fantasy or you’re a Chiefs fan, he’s just an incredible player to watch. Shady McCoy may or may not be in the lineup but it bears noting that Shady averaged 1.5 yards per carry AGAINST THE DOLPHINS. Marshawn may be back to take the lion’s share of carries in Seattle but who knows if he or Thomas Rawls will shine. You need some help at running back so let’s do work!

The fantasy world is in an uproar right now over Chandarick West, the second-year Kansas City Chiefs running back set to fill in for Jamaal Charles. Don’t get me wrong. I like West but there are a few things that concern me. He’s splitting time with Knile Davis, who is not spectacular, but is going to steal some PPR points and TDs as well. “Rick” West is a former undrafted guy who has 12 regular season carries and a total of 48 yards in the NFL regular season. West has some upside, but he’s not the guy you want. The guy you want just had his biggest competition put on IR and the starter ahead of him is looking shaky for Sunday. The guy you want is only going to get better as the year goes on. The guy you want is Javorius “Buck” Allen.

I’ve been a fan of Buck Allen since the draft season. I felt like it was only a matter of time when he took the reins of lead back from Justin Forsett. I didn’t expect much out of Forsett this year but, to Forsett’s credit, he’s performed decently besides a stinker against the stingy Bengals defense. But you cannot stop the future. Lorenzo Taliaffero (you can call him ‘Zo Tali’ which means ‘crappy player’ in yiddish) just got put on Injured Reserve and no one knows for sure if Justin Forsett is playing on Sunday! Enter the young Buck.

Let’s take a look at the positives and negatives for Buck Allen while considering his fantasy value in Week 6 versus the San Francisco 49ers.

Positives

– Productive: Allen was extremely productive at USC in 2013 and 2014. In those two seasons he put up over 2200 yards and 25 touchdowns. He’s got a nose for the end zone. Considering the limited playing time he’s had in Baltimore he’s gotten 144 yards with an average of 4.8 yards per carry. His workload is only going to increase regardless of Forsett’s health. Forsett is already 30 years old. Buck had a great showing against the Browns getting eight carries for 58 yards with a ridiculous average of 7.3 yards per carry.

– Matchup: The 49ers defense should be pretty good on paper. Yes they lost Patrick Willis and Chris Borland to retirements. Yes they lost pass rushing headcase Aldon Smith to his own demons (and eventually the Oakland Raiders). But they still have guys Glenn Dorsey, NaVorro Bowman, Aaron Lynch, and Antoine Bethea. And I loved the picks of Arik Armstead, Eli Harold, and Jaquiski Tartt in the 2015 NFL draft. But despite all this potential star power on paper, this defense is putrid in the real world. They’re allowing 28 points per game and averaging 108 yards rushing allowed per game. It’s a Top 5 RB matchup on this week’s RosterWatch Matchup Tool.

– Vision and Patience: Buck waits for his blocks to develop. He’ll find a crease, plant his foot, and hits the hole with some explosion. His ability in this regard reminds me a bit of Le’Veon Bell. Before you bust out the pitchforks I’m not calling him Bell!

– Pass Protection and Outlet Receiver: He’s good enough in pass protection that he won’t be a liability. If Joe Flacco does start feeling the pressure from Aaron Lynch, Allen will be a great outlet receiver. I think he gets some good third down work in.

– Nice Physical Traits: He’s got a good frame at 6’0” and 225 pounds. But he still has some burst and decent long speed. Fairly agile guy. Not incredibly fast though.

Negatives

– Limited Physicality: In reality he takes what’s given to him. Not a banger. Not a lot of umph in his game. Too often he goes down on first contact and doesn’t fight for extra yards. Sometimes prevents him from getting to the second level.

– The Forsett Factor: I don’t know if he’s playing. I’m not on the coaching staff and I’m not a beat writer. But if his practice participation is any indication, it doesn’t look good. On the flip side of that coin, this is excellent news if you’re playing Buck. I think Allen gets work regardless, but how much really depends on Forsett who has been pretty darn good. Keep an eye on this situation. As RW’s great friend Dr. David Chao pointed out, even if Forsett goes, he’s unsure of his level of effectiveness.

By video, @JForsett had a mild high ankle injury. Practiced Fri but even if active, doubt effective. @jamisonhensley https://t.co/m4NC3BZTSw

— David J. Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) October 17, 2015

– Offensive Line: Similarly to the 49ers defense, this unit looks good on paper. All the way across the line I love the starters. But this group is just not dominating in the trenches like you’d expect. However, in years past Baltimore’s line has shaped up nicely as the season progressed so there is a possibility of improvement.

DECLASSIFIED: Buck Allen’s Week 6 Fantasy Outlook

Allen may be considered a bit of a gamble compared to guys like West and Rawls but I think he’s worth it.

In redraft leagues, I think he’s a great streamer in Week 6 and beyond, especially in PPR. He’s available in around 90% of leagues! Ninety percent! I think it’s foolish not to take him in redraft leagues. Get one of the scrubs who you hate anyway off the bottom of your roster and Buck up!

Forsett could be in the lineup this week or back next week. I’m no Dr. James Andrews but ankle injuries (possibly of the hign-ankle variety) seem to linger albeit not as bad as hamstrings or softer-tisse ailments. Plus, I love his pricing in daily fantasy! He’s only $4300 in DraftKings! That means he costs less than Lamar Miller going against a run-stopping Tennessee defense and C.J. Anderson who has given a new meaning to the term “fantasy crap sandwich.” He’s going for $5100 in FanDuel which is $300 cheaper than Zach Zenner and Andre Willaims…. Zach Zenner and Andre Williams. Let that sink in.

I think Allen’s a RB2 this week who might, just might, have RB1 upside this week – and maybe going forward. All factors considered, I would expect Buck Allen to gain around 95 yards on the ground along with four receptions for 25 receiving yards, AND …. scoring TWICE in Week 6 versus the San Francisco 49ers (one rushing and one receiving).

Mark it, Dude!