Fantasy Football: The Extra Point Poll

Every week we post a little poll sponsored by Xfinity, which looks at different fantasy matchups in comparing specific position players. Xfinity's Austin Schindel has some content below discussing running backs Darren McFadden and DeMarco Murray, but given that we are a 49ers blog, I figured I'd focus in on the 49ers and Giants rushing attacks.

This should actually be an intriguing offensive battle. Football Outsiders ranks the 49ers third and the Giants second in overall offense. They rank the Giants fifth in rushing, while the 49ers are standing tall at first in rushing. Both teams look solid in FO's offensive line stats.

Where it gets interesting is in the defensive lines. We talked about the pass rush on both sides, but the real battle could come in the rushing attack. The 49ers are thoroughly dominating, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. The Giants are on a solid run of their own, averaging 4.8 yards per carry, with Ahmad Bradshaw coming off a 200-yard performance.

The stronger rushing attack could prove to be the difference-maker in this one. I suppose this could turn into a shoot-out, but I could see the 49ers trying to take early control on the ground. The 49ers offensive game-plan seems to bounce around fairly regularly, and I honestly would not be surprised if the 49ers came out on Sunday pounding the rock and really trying to control the time of possession early.

I have to think the 49ers dominate the rushing game, but I suppose anything is possible. Ahmad Bradshaw is playing well right now, and the Giants will need continued strong production if they are going to hang in this one. The 49ers have had strong rushing performances all season. Even when they lost to the Vikings, Frank Gore was averaging over five yards per carry. The 49ers will bring plenty of Gore and Hunter on Sunday. I can say that with some measure of certainty.

On to Austin's commentary:

Let’s recap this past week in the NFL by sharing the top NFL Twitter headlines from this past week in 140 characters or less.

#RGII – @RGIII sustained a concussion in a loss against the @Atlanta_Falcons and spurred debate over his durability over a full season.

#Tebow – The @nyjets fans are beginning to ask when @TimTebow will take over the starting role from @Mark_Sanchez after two straight losses.

#ChuckStrong – Andrew Luck leads @nflcolts to win over @Packers behind emotional lift for head coach Chuck Pagano.

Last week’s question involved the aforementioned Andrew Luck and Ben Roethlisberger. Luck came out on top on the field and in the poll by leading the Colts charge with 362 passing yards and 2 touchdown passes. Roethlisberger went 21-37 for 207 yards and no touchdowns in a win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Luck is quickly showing that he is the real deal and is a strong mid-tier fantasy quarterback option.

In this week's edition of The Extra Point Poll presented by XFINITY, we move to the running back position which has been shown to be a difficult position to find consistent fantasy performers this season. This week the spotlight turns to the Raiders RB Darren McFadden (@dmcfadden20) and Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray (@DeMarcoMurray). Darren McFadden is averaging 3.5 yards per carry for 201 yards rushing through four games and just one touchdown. He will be on the road to face the undefeated Falcons. McFadden’s counterpart for the poll this week, DeMarco Murray, is averaging 3.9 yards per carry for 237 yards and one touchdown. Murray will be on the road to face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6. The Ravens rush defense was torched last week as they gave up over 200 yards on the ground to the Chiefs, so Murray could be a high producer for fantasy owners this week.

Which running back will have more RedZone rushing yards in Week 6: Darren McFadden or DeMarco Murray? Vote now in the poll below. And remember to tweet me all week long @XFINITYSports as I give fantasy tips and keep you posted on the latest NFL developments via social media.

Good luck!

Austin Schindel

XFINITY Sports Guy

@XFINITYSports