College Fantasy Football: Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em for Notre Dame vs. Navy

Notre Dame football improved to 7-2 last weekend with a convincing victory against Duke in Durham, North Carolina. Next up for the Irish is their annual game against Navy.

After narrowly avoiding an upset at home against Virginia Tech, Notre Dame had to travel to North Carolina to take on a Duke team that was coming off of a bye week.

There were plenty of concerns among Notre Dame fans heading into this game. Thankfully, those concerns were largely put to rest when the Irish jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first half.

After cruising to a 38-7 victory, some faith has been restored in the Notre Dame offense. However, there is still much that needs improving.

The Irish offense will need to continue playing well next weekend. They will have a limited number of offensive possessions, and they cannot afford to squander opportunities. Here are the Notre Dame players you should start and sit in college fantasy football this weekend.

Start ‘Em

Chase Claypool (WR)

After a couple of quiet games in October, Chase Claypool has had back-to-back strong performances in November. In the last two games, he has 13 catches for 215 yards and a touchdown.

I expect the Irish passing attack to have success against Navy on Saturday. As a result, Claypool should have a big day and find the endzone at least once.

At this point, Claypool should be locked into a starting spot on your fantasy football roster. The playoffs for most leagues are starting this week or the next. Make sure your best players, like Claypool, are in your starting lineup.

Ian Book (QB)

Ian Book has given college fantasy football players plenty of reasons to be skeptical about playing him these last few weeks. However, he did have a solid game against Duke last weekend. In that game, he threw four touchdowns and rushed for 139 yards.

Book’s explosion in the run game last weekend sparked the Notre Dame offense. It helped open things up for the rest of the offense.

I think there is a good chance that Book’s strong performance carries over into this week. If he can eliminate the turnovers, he could have a big day in fantasy football.

Sit ‘Em

Notre Dame Defense (D/ST)

No defense likes preparing to face a triple option offense. They cut block, they usually go for it on fourth down, and they hold the ball for long periods of time.

Saturday will probably be a frustrating day for he Notre Dame defense. I do not think they will surrender a ton of points, but they have a low ceiling in fantasy football.

The triple option offense seriously limits opportunities for sacks and interceptions. There are definitely better options for a defense in fantasy football this weekend.

Notre Dame Running Backs (RB)

The Notre Dame backfield has transformed into a running back by committee. For fantasy purposes, I was hoping one player would claim the role of lead running back, but that has not been the case.

Tony Jones Jr. had nine total touches against Duke last weekend. Jafar Armstrong only had five. The running back with the most carries in that game was Jahmir Smith, and the only running back that scored a touchdown was C’Bo Flemister (his fourth of the season).

None of the Notre Dame running backs have a role big enough to warrant starting them in fantasy football. Maybe we gain some clarity this week, but do not count on it.