Start: Breece Hall — New York Jets (vs WAS)
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The entire Jets offense was shutout in Week 15, and RB Breece Hall had his worst game of the year. Hall carried the rock just six times for 12 yards, and hauled in one reception for six yards. That hasn’t been the norm for Hall who has shined in 2023 despite New York’s offensive troubles. He’s been leaned upon in the passing game (53 receptions on the year) and is an explosive runner who doesn’t need much daylight to break off a big gain. The Commanders are dreadful defensively, and Hall should be able to exploit them.
Sit: Aaron Jones — Green Bay Packers (at CAR)
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Aaron Jones has had one of the worst years of his career. In the past, Jones’ fantasy ceiling was only limited by Green Bay’s infuriating usage of him. This year, it’s been injuries that have plagued his season — but Jones hasn’t really stood out even when he has suited up. In his return to the field in Week 15, Jones finished the day with 69 yards on 17 opportunities (four receptions). And, that was with AJ Dillon out. It’s fantasy playoff season, and we can’t suggest Jones being one of your starters if you are looking to advance.
Start: Kyren Williams — Los Angeles Rams (vs NO)
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Kyren Williams has been a machine for the Rams this season. He was excellent in his return to the lineup in Week 12 (38.40 FP), and has continued his strong play over the past three weeks. Versus a stout Ravens defense, Williams finished the day with 114 rushing yards — eclipsing the century mark for total yards for the sixth time this year. Against the Commanders, Williams toted the rock 27 times and rushed for 152 yards and a score. Williams has reached the endzone in seven of ten games this year. The Saints defense has been on a tear, but this Rams offense is exceptionally high-powered.
Sit: Clyde Edwards-Helaire — Kansas City Chiefs (vs LVR)
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Don’t be fooled by a single strong performance. Clyde Edwards-Helaire enjoyed his best game of the year in Week 15, totaling 101 yards and a score while hauling in four receptions. Of course, his increased role was due to Isiah Pacheco missing the contest. With Pacheco likely returning in Week 16, we will see CEH once again reduced to a backup. Prior to Kansas City’s last outing, Edwards-Helaire had just one game registering over 10.00 FP in PPR leagues (Week 3).
Start: Zack Moss — Indianapolis Colts (at ATL)
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Zach Moss was well on his way to a huge fantasy day before exiting with an injury. In his limited time, Moss posted 12.30 FP (PPR) against the Steelers and scored on a receiving touchdown. The Colts ended the game with 170 rushing yards as Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson carried the load. Moss hopes to play Week 16, and we would expect a huge game from him if he’s able to go.
Sit: Khalil Herbert — Chicago Bears (vs ARI)
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Khalil Herbert entered the year as the clear starter in Chicago’s backfield, but his role has grown murkier as the season has progressed. He was out-carried in Chicago rookie Roschon Johnson three weeks ago in a game the Bears won by just two points. And, two weeks ago we saw the return of D’Onta Foreman who paced the backfield with 11 carries in his first game back. In their most recent game, Herbert handled just six of the 27 team carries which were divvyed up between six different Chicago rushers. As it currently stands, we don’t have much faith in any Chicago running back to produce a quality fantasy scoring line.
Start: Rachaad White — Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs JAC)
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Rachaad White has been on fire in recent weeks, and is quickly rising the ranks of top RB’s in fantasy football. White has scored at least 13.00 FP in each of Tampa’s last nine games (PPR). He topped 100 total yards for the fourth straight week last time out, and scored his eight TD of the season versus the Packers. His consistent usage makes him a strong option every week. On the year, only three RB’s have posted more points in PPR leagues than White — Christian McCaffrey, Travis Etienne Jr., and Raheem Mostert.
Start: Joe Mixon — Cincinnati Bengals (at PIT)
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It looked like the Bengals season was over after Joe Burrow went down with an injury. However, Jake Browning has blown past any expectations and has looked more than capable in two starts. Additionally, RB Joe Mixon has really hit his stride with Browning under center. Over his last three games, Mixon has seen 50 carries and 14 targets in the passing game — totaling 303 yards and 4 TD’s. This is the best he’s played all year, and he’ll look to keep it going against a stingy Steelers defense.
Sit: Ezekiel Elliott — New England Patriots (at DEN)
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Zeke looked great in his first chance as New England’s lead back. Going up against the Steelers, Elliott had his best game in a New England uniform totaling 140 yards plus a score. QB Bailey Zappe checked it down to Elliott seven times — a great trend for fantasy players in PPR leagues. However, we have zero trust in this offense. And, we were proven right in the Patriots’ most recent outing when Elliott finished with just 46 total yards on 16 opportunities. While his pass-game usage has been promising, we can’t bank on this Pats offense moving the ball.
Start: Raheem Mostert — Miami Dolphins (vs DAL)
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Mostert has been a revelation for the Dolphins this season. Amidst all of the hype surrounding Miami’s passing attack, Mostert has collected a franchise-record 20 TD — seven of which have occurred in Miami’s last four games. Even with Devon Achane returning, it’s clear the Dolphins prefer the more experienced Mostert near the goal line. That trend should continue against a Cowboys team that is reeling after being embarrassed by the Bills.
Sit: Javonte Williams — Denver Broncos (vs NE)
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Javonte Williams is the clear lead back in Denver’s offense. That much is obvious. However, he’s been inefficient in that role and hasn’t made much of an impact for fantasy purposes. Williams has eclipsed 100 yards just a single time this year, and has been held without a score in all but three games. A lack of explosion is apparent, as backup Jaleel McLaughlin often times looks more spry than the former second-round pick Williams. Denver’s offense isn’t nearly dynamic enough to trust a struggling Williams in your lineup during the fantasy postseason.
Start: David Montgomery — Detroit Lions (at MIN)
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David Montgomery is having an excellent first year with the Lions. A move to Detroit has seemingly rejuvenated the former Bear as he’s been one of the best RB’s in fantasy all season. Montgomery has played ten full games this year, and has scored at least 10.20 PPR in each of those contests. That kind of consistency is key to winning your fantasy matchups. You can’t have a RB post single-digits, and Montgomery has proven that he has one of the higher floors in terms of production in the league.
Sit: Najee Harris — Pittsburgh Steelers (vs CIN)
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Najee Harris has been one of the biggest fantasy busts thus far. After getting drafted in the first or second round of most leagues, Harris’ production has been nowhere near that level. Most troubling is Harris has seemingly lost snaps to backup Jaylen Warren. Neither have been very productive, and the Steelers offense isn’t nearly good enough to sustain two fantasy relevant RB’s. Harris is coming off a horrid outing (12 carries for 33 yards), and we expect that to be the norm moving forward.
Start: Chuba Hubbard — Carolina Panthers (vs GB)
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Chuba Hubbard will look to make it five good games in a row. The last four outings for Carolina’s lead back have been impressive. Hubbard ran for 104 yards and two scores versus the Bucs in Week 13. Four weeks ago, he caught five passes and totaled 92 yards plus a score versus the Titans. Versus the Saints, Hubbard carried the ball 23 times and finished with 96 total yards. Last week, Hubbard eclipsed 100 yards for the second time in three games. While he’s not overly explosive, Hubbard’s usage keeps him fantasy viable. The Panthers are more than happy handing the ball off to him 20-plus times per game. That should be more than enough to post a solid fantasy outing.
Sit: Dalvin Cook — New York Jets (vs WAS)
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It’s been a disappointing season for Cook who thought he’d be playing alongside Aaron Rodgers. Instead, he’s dealt with the play of QB’s like Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian. Against the Dolphins, Cook was limited to just two touches. He caught one pass for six yards. Cook’s nightmare season rolls on against the Commanders. Don’t expect him to have his biggest game of the year in this one.
Start: Tony Pollard — Dallas Cowboys (at MIA)
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The No. 1 back on Dallas’ offense will always have value. Especially when it comes to Pollard who has been a massive big play threat in the past. Though he struggled to find his footing, Pollard is coming on strong as of late. Plus, the Cowboys offense will be looking for a big bounceback after that letdown versus the Bills. Easiest way to get back on track? Get the ball to your playmakers. Pollard should be featured heavily in this one.
Sit: Kareem Hunt — Cleveland Browns (at HOU)
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Kareem Hunt has been on a peculiar run since returning to the Browns. Hunt scored in every game from Week 6 to Week 10 — a five-game TD streak. However, his streak was snapped in Week 11 and his fantasy totals have plummeted ever since. Perhaps most stunningly, the Browns have shown little interest in getting Hunt involved in the passing game — 29 receiving yards over last nine games. Previously one of the league’s most dangerous pass-catching backs, Hunt has one or fewer receptions in nine of 12 games this year. Even with Jerome Ford on the injured list, Hunt has not been his usual efficient-self. He’s a clear stayaway.
Start: Alvin Kamara — New Orleans Saints (at LAR)
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Alvin Kamara has been the first, second, and third option for the Saints since returning from a three-game suspension. He might have to become the fourth, fifth, and sixth option moving forward. This offense has been decimated by injuries. Michael Thomas and Chris Olave were both out last game in addition to right tackle Ryan Ramczyk. The Saints need to win every game down the stretch to make a postseason appearance. On a short week, Kamara will be the featured player in New Orleans’ offense against the Rams.
Sit: Tyler Allgeier — Atlanta Falcons (vs IND)
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Tyler Allgeier has seen his role decrease over the course of the season. And, it’s not all that hard to see why. Allgeier has been mostly ineffective out of the backfield this year. Week 15 saw his biggest workload in over a month, and he turned 14 carries to just 45 yards. Additionally, he’s hardly ever included in the passing game having just one reception in his last four games. The Falcons offense is in a tail spin, and we can’t trust Allgeier to put up a big performance even in a favorable matchup Colts.
Sit: Derrick Henry — Tennessee Titans (vs SEA)
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Derrick Henry was forced out of the Week 13 matchup against the Titans to be checked for a concussion. Fortunately, the RB was not placed into the protocols after not exhibiting any of the symptoms. Though, he’s been largely ineffective over his last two games. In matchups against the Dolphins and Texans, Henry totaled just 43 rushing yards on a 33 attempts. That’s not going to get it done, as the Titans offense has mightily struggled during that span. Even in a favorable matchup versus the Seahawks, Henry is tough to trust.
Start: Devin Singletary — Houston Texans (vs CLE)
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Devin Singletary had been excellent as the No. 1 back in Houston’s offense. His skill-set fits a pass-heavy attack better than Dameon Pierce. As such, Singletary starred in Weeks 10-12 as he averaged over 18 FP (PPR) during that stretch. When CJ Stroud went down, it was assumed Singletary was going to take a step back along with the rest of the offense. However, Singletary responded with a huge game against the Titans totaling 170 yards — and nearly had an overtime score before it was called back. With Stroud likely returning in Week 16, start Singletary with confidence.
Start: Jahmyr Gibbs — Detroit Lions (at MIN)
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There aren’t too many RB’s doing it better than rookie Jahmyr Gibbs right now. The former Alabama star has been dominant since carving himself a larger role within Detroit’s offense. You can’t possibly sit him, even with David Montgomery cutting into his usage. Gibbs is too explosive and he can produce a solid fantasy day even without a ton of touches. The Vikings defense has been stingy, but showed some cracks late against the Bengals. Detroit’s offense is humming following a dominant performance against the Broncos, and should keep it up in a winnable road matchup.
Start: Saquon Barkley — New York Giants (at PHI)
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The Giants don’t have much of a choice — they have to feed Saquon Barkley the ball as often as possible. That bodes well for fantasy managers who have Barkley on their squad. The former Penn State runner is a bit boom-or-bust. You’ll have to be willing to accept a lousy game here and there if he isn’t able to break off a big gain. However, he’s capable of carrying your entire lineup any given week — like he did for some in Week 11 when he scored 30.00 fantasy points versus the Commanders. The Eagles are reeling defensively, and the Giants will definitely want to spoiler versus their division rival.
Start: Austin Ekeler — Los Angeles Chargers (vs BUF)
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Austin Ekeler finally broke out of his funk with a strong outing against the Broncos. The Chargers’ RB has been a consistent force in fantasy since entering the league, but had a three-week lull in which he failed to score even 10 FP (PPR). Though Justin Herbert will be out for this one, Ekeler is still a must-start. The Bills are a middling team against the run, and are especially susceptible to giving up receptions to RB’s. Even in a reduced role, Ekeler should find plenty of chances to score.
Start: Christian McCaffrey — San Francisco 49ers (vs BAL)
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The No. 1 back in all of fantasy, McCaffrey is the surest bet to dominate his matchup every week. What separates him from other top backs is in his dual-threat ability. No players puts more stress on defenses both on the ground and through the air than CMC. And, 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan always has a play in his back pocket that goes McCaffrey’s way. He’s the top option this week and for the remainder of the year. The 49ers will assuredly get the ball to McCaffrey early and often in a game marquee game versus the Ravens.
