The running back position is the most important to pay attention to for fantasy football as the playoffs are right around the corner. It's time to continue our fantasy football series with a breakdown of the running back position.
So far this season, backup running backs are starting to make names for themselves. A good amount of starting running backs missed at least one game this season which allowed for the reserves to shine. Most of those players are now back from injuries and are taking over the majority of the carries. The NFL saw the return of Saquon Barkley, Miles Sanders, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. That forced many fantasy football owners to release the backups to make room for those players.
It's going to be exciting to see how this position plays out as the season winds down. Let's take a look at who fantasy football owners should consider starting and sitting for Week 12.
Fantasy Football Week 12 Start ‘Em
James Robinson – Jacksonville Jaguars
The last two weeks were relatively quiet for Robinson. He reached the endzone in each of the games but didn't produce much on the ground. Robinson is clearly the Jags' top option at running back and should see a ton more carries this week. He's battling knee injuries that could hurt him when it comes to the number of carries he gets. He will be heavily involved this weekend, however.
Robinson and the Jaguars face the Atlanta Falcons who are ranked 29th against opposing running backs. This should be the game where he gets back over the 100-yard mark and gets back on track.
Joe Mixon – Cincinnati Bengals
Mixon's last three games are one of the best streaks of his career. He's reached 24 fantasy football points in all three games and scored a combined six touchdowns. The Bengals love feeding him the ball and I don't think that is going to stop anytime soon.
The Bengals face the 13th ranked Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. The Steelers just allowed four touchdowns to LA Chargers' running back Austin Ekeler, so Mixon should be excited about this matchup. Mixon is a must-start in Week 12.
David Montgomery – Chicago Bears
David Montgomery is looking for another breakout game badly this season. This could be the game for it. He faced the Detroit Lions earlier in the season and rushed for over 100 yards and two touchdowns. The Bears will try and utilize him in a similar way so that he can play well once again. They are trying to get him the carries, it's just the yardage isn't there.
The Lions rank 30th against opposing running backs. If healthy, Montgomery is a must-start this week.
Running Backs Sit ‘Em
Leonard Fournette – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Leonard Fournette is the Bucs' top running back this season. The problem is that the Buccaneers don't need to run that often with Tom Brady under center. The Bucs like the pass more often than not and so Fournette's fantasy value declines because of it. He will still lead the team in carries but it's tough to tell if it will be enough to start.
He faces the 2nd ranked defense against the run in the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts are playing very well and it's more than likely going to be a difficult game for Fournette once again.
Miles Gaskin – Miami Dolphins
Gaskin is certainly a streaky running back this season. You can't make this stuff up, literally every other game this season turns out well for Gaskin. Once he has a great game, the next game is the opposite. If the pattern stays its course, Gaskin will not play well this week. One thing that should make sure of that is the Carolina Panthers' No .1 defense against the run. Gaskin shouldn't get many fantasy football points this week and should be benched.
Elijah Mitchell – San Francisco 49ers
With the return of Jeff Wilson Jr., Mitchell's production has gone down quite a bit. He is currently dealing with a finger injury which could limit him even more. Many fantasy teams added him when Raheem Mostert went down with an injury. He faces the 22nd ranked Minnesota Vikings defense this week. Despite the semi-favorable matchup, Mitchell should not start in your lineup.
Follow Us
Subscribe