Fantasy Cheat Sheet: Andre Ellington a star in waiting, more storylines

First, consider his opponent from a week ago. The Cowboys have been a sieve on defense all year, allowing the most fantasy points per game to running backs

Andre Ellington has gotten only 54 carries this year but is averaging 7.2 yards per rushing attempt :: Jeff Gross/Getty Images

First, consider his opponent from a week ago. The Cowboys have been a sieve on defense all year, allowing the most fantasy points per game to running backs and quarterbacks. This is a team that made Mark Ingram look not only like a viable NFL running back, but like a star. Second, Thomas had done most of his damage before last week, when he was the lone runner in New Orleans' backfield. Against Dallas, Darren Sproles and Ingram combined for 28 touches. The Saints won't run 80 plays against the 49ers like they did against the Cowboys, and you can bet both Sproles and Ingram will be involved again. The Niners actually don't present a terrible matchup -- they've allowed the 12th most fantasy points per game to running backs -- but it's not a clearly beneficial one, either. While none of these points taken individually would be enough to bench Thomas, they combine to make a compelling case against the seven-year veteran out of Illinois. I've got him scoring outside the top 25 backs this week.

• Matt McGloin is likely to start in place of Terrelle Pryor (knee) on Sunday. The Texans defense could win some weeks for fantasy owners.