Admin December 19, 2024
Eagles look like team to beat in NFC, Bills beat Lions in potential SB preview
Mackenzie Salmon breaks down the top storylines from Week 15 in the NFL.
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We’re now in the thick of the fantasy football playoffs. Week 16 marks the semifinal round for leagues and managers across the country have to make crucial decisions on their lineups.
If you’re still in the hunt for a fantasy football title, you’ve likely capitalized on some star players at the running back position. But if you’re facing some questions due to injuries or tough decisions at a flex position, we’ve got advice for you.
Here are five running backs to start and five to sit in Week 16.
Fantasy football start ’em: Week 16 RBs
James Conner, Arizona Cardinals (at Carolina Panthers)
Conner had his first 100-yard game since Week 9 last time out against the Patriots. He finished as RB1 in all formats with 138 total yards and two touchdowns against New England’s defense.
Conditions are even better for Conner this week. The Panthers are the worst run defense in the league but are especially bad at home, where they’re allowing 191.8 yards per game. Conner should absolutely churn out yards against the Panthers at the very least and could find the end zone, as well.
Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans (at Indianapolis Colts)
Pollard had a solid game against the Bengals last week with 17 carries for 45 yards and a touchdown. A lost fumble for the second time in three weeks knocked him down the rankings a bit but he still managed a representable week against Cincinnati.
Against Indianapolis, Pollard could have another strong game. The Colts have allowed 136 total yards per game to running backs over their last three games and four touchdowns as well. He had 93 yards and touchdown against the Colts in their first meeting this season in Week 6.
Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings (at Seattle Seahawks)
Jones was a start last week and delivered to the tune of 106 total yards and touchdown against the Bears on “Monday Night Football.” He’s now scored a touchdown in each of the last four games as the Vikings make a push to the playoffs.
Jones should have similar luck this week. The Seahawks have allowed 145 total yards per game to opposing running backs over their last three games and three touchdowns in that span as well. Of those three touchdowns, two were receiving, meaning Jones’ ability as a pass-catching running back could be a big benefit this week.
Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Cleveland Browns)
Brown’s ascent to must-start status continued in Week 15 with 113 total yards and two touchdowns against the Titans. The second-year back has scored a touchdown in six of his last seven matchups, punctuated by that two-touchdown effort last week.
The Browns’ defense seems to play entirely differently at home than on the road in 2024. At home, they’re allowing just 106.4 rushing yards per game; on the road, they’re allowing 150.0. Brown is already getting the volume needed to be a top back regardless of opponent. This week, it’s an especially good matchup.
Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots (at Buffalo Bills)
Stevenson had 85 total yards on 14 touches last week against the Cardinals. It may seem surprising to have him as a start against the AFC East champion Bills but Buffalo’s defense offers an opening for opposing running backs. Last week, Detroit’s running backs managed just 35 rushing yards on 13 carries but 114 receiving yards on nine catches. Stevenson’s pass-catching reputation out of the backfield could be a bright spot in an otherwise tough matchup for the Patriots on the road in Week 16.
Fantasy football sit ’em: Week 16 RBs
Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks (vs. Minnesota Vikings)
Walker III is dealing with a calf injury, making him a question mark health-wise this week. Even if he’s good to go, it’s likely best to leave him on the bench if possible. Minnesota is the No. 2 rushing defense in the league but the unit is especially good on the road, allowing just 72.3 rushing yards per game on the road this season. That’s better than any defense on the road this season.
The Vikings’ lone bad game against running backs recently came against the Falcons in Week 14 at home but Atlanta’s running game is in a much better place than Seattle’s at this point. Be wary with Walker III.
Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. Houston Texans)
Pacheco was a sit last week and had just 47 total yards on 14 touches last week. That’s his lowest total since returning to the starting lineup in Week 13 and he likely won’t fare much better this time out, even at home.
Houston’s defense is allowing 92.4 rushing yards per game on the road. If the Texans played that well over the course of the season, they’d be the No. 4 run defense in the league. Opposing running backs have scored once in Houston’s last four games.
Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers (at Baltimore Ravens)
Harris was a sit last week as well and lived up to it with a season-low 21 total yards. The Eagles held Pittsburgh to a season-low 163 total yards in a dominant performance against their in-state foe.
Things likely won’t get much better for Harris this week. The strength of the Ravens’ defense is against the run; Baltimore has allowed just one 100-yard rusher all year (Saquon Barkley). Harris had 93 total yards against the Ravens the last time these teams played in Pittsburgh. He may hit that total again but it’ll be tough to get much more.
Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys (vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Dowdle’s been on a hot streak lately. He’s averaged 137 total yards per game and scored one touchdown in the Cowboys’ last three games. That streak could come to an end against the Buccaneers on “Sunday Night Football” this week.
Like Houston, Tampa Bay’s defense is especially strong against the run in road games this season. The Buccaneers’ defense is allowing 86.1 rushing yards per game on the road versus 132.3 at home. Dowdle’s capitalized recently against some porous defenses but that won’t be the case this week. Proceed with caution.
Brian Robinson Jr., Washington Commanders (vs. Philadelphia Eagles)
Robinson Jr. was a start last week and had an okay performance with 87 total yards on 24 touches against a bad Saints run defense. Things will be tougher this week against the Eagles. Washington’s offense as a whole could do better at home than against the Eagles on the road in Week 11, when late scores closed the deficit.
Robinson Jr. had 72 total yards and a touchdown in that contest. Last week, the Eagles’ run defense dominated and held the Steelers to 56 yards on the ground. It’s tough to imagine Robinson Jr. faring much better.
Fantasy football start ’em, sit ’ems, Week 16
Looking for more fantasy football advice? USA TODAY Sports has you covered:
→ Need an edge under center? Here are the best quarterback options to start and to sit in Week 16.
→ Kickers are people, too. Here are the most clutch kickers to start, and some to sit, for Week 16.
→ The wide receiver position has been decimated this season. Protect yourself in Week 16 with start ’em, sit ’em advice for wideouts.
→ Tight ends can be the perfect X-factor for any fantasy team. Here’s who you should start and sit in Week 16.
→ A good defense can shut down your fantasy opponent’s offense. Here are some D/ST options to start and sit for Week 16.