As we approach the fantasy football playoffs, with just two weeks remaining in most leagues, managers face the crucial task of identifying reliable starters for a pivotal week. Bye weeks pose a challenge across all positions, creating a significant issue in Week 13.

Fortunately, the impact on running backs is not as severe, as the notable absences predominantly fall within the RB2 tier of the rankings. Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley, James Cook, and Gus Edwards are among those sidelined. They are in addition to the running back committees in Chicago and Minnesota, featuring players like Khalil Herbert and Alexander Mattison. While these are valuable options, the absence of true must-start players provides a silver lining.

However, the challenge lies in finding suitable replacements on the waiver wire. Unfortunately, the options available for immediate help are limited. One potential addition is Ty Chandler, even though he's on a bye and currently rostered in most fantasy football leagues. The upside emerges if Chandler manages to claim the lead back role for the Vikings from Mattison. However, this prospect doesn't provide immediate relief for teams with roster gaps in the upcoming week.

Teams on Bye

In Week 13, a total of six teams will be on bye. This will sideline at least seven well-known fantasy football players. This presents a significant challenge for fantasy owners, as they navigate lineup decisions in what could be the most demanding week of the fantasy football season. The Vikings, Raiders, Bears, Ravens, Giants, and Bills will all have a bye. Again, this leads to the absence of notable players such as Mattison, Chandler, Jacobs, Herbert, Keaton Mitchell, Edwards, Barkley, and Cook.

Top Fantasy Football Picks

Despite playing away games, Christian McCaffrey and Austin Ekeler maintain their top-tier rankings for Week 13. Travis Etienne, who will be at home facing the Bengals, is particularly favored for his PPR potential in a positive game scenario for Jacksonville.

Christian McCaffrey record, 49ers, Bengals, NFL record

As for McCaffrey, he showcased another stellar performance in the 49ers' 31-13 victory over the Seahawks. He rushed for 114 yards and scored two touchdowns on 19 carries. He also contributed 25 receiving yards by catching 5-of-6 targets. McCaffrey's impactful night was facilitated by substantial running lanes provided by Trent Williams and the 49ers' offensive line. Notably, he initiated a new touchdown streak after his historic one concluded a couple of weeks ago.

As for Ekeler, in a Week 12 matchup against the Ravens, he rushed 10 times for 32 yards. Ekeler also secured five receptions for an additional 32 yards but unfortunately lost a fumble in a 20-10 loss. Despite a quiet ground performance and being kept out of the end zone for the second consecutive game, Ekeler remains a strong contender. Week 13 presents an opportunity for him to reclaim RB1 status against the Patriots.

Kansas City's Isiah Pacheco is also in excellent recent form. He should sustain his success against the Packers. Rhamondre Stevenson of the Patriots is coming off a robust performance in Week 12. Tony Pollard of the Cowboys has also impressed over the past two weeks. He should take advantage of Seattle's susceptibility to the run.

Anticipated to thrive in a more favorable game script, the Jets' Breece Hall is expected to perform well against the Falcons. This is especially true in potentially cold and wet conditions. The forecast suggests conditions conducive to the running game, as observed in the Falcons' Week 12 encounter with the Saints.

Fantasy Football Sleepers

While Zach Charbonnet's reliability in standard formats may be uncertain, his PPR potential is more dependable. This is especially true in a game where the Cowboys pass-rush poses a threat to Geno Smith. With Kenneth Walker likely to sit out another start, Charbonnet emerges as a high-ceiling flex play.

Remember that in the Seahawks' 31-13 loss to the 49ers, Charbonnet managed to run for 47 yards on 14 carries. He also caught all four targets for an additional 11 yards through the air. Despite the unfavorable game script that saw the Seahawks trailing 24-3 at halftime, Charbonnet produced some garbage-time fantasy points, which included a few receptions.

James Conner of the Cardinals is another sleeper to monitor. He should benefit from one more week of adjustment following his return from injury. Facing the Steelers, Conner could find numerous opportunities through the air. This is given the aggressive pass rush of the Steelers' defense.

Fantasy Football Busts

Despite a tempting matchup, De'Von Achane is considered a risky play due to concerns about his recent knee injury and limited playing time in the last game. Dameon Pierce's lackluster performance in Week 12 also raises doubts about his reliability in PPR formats. This makes him a questionable choice until he demonstrates improvement.

In Sunday's loss to the Jaguars, Pierce rushed for 14 yards on five carries and caught his only target for four yards. Sure, Pierce didn't have a significant impact on the Texans' offense during his first game in nearly a month. However, the positive note is that he completed the contest without setbacks. Still, Pierce is currently in a clear timeshare with Devin Singletary. This really limits the fantasy football upside for both backs.

Even against Denver, AJ Dillon is met with skepticism given his recent below-par performances and the formidable Kansas City defense. The effectiveness of Chris Jones and the Chiefs' defense against power running backs further contributes to the reservations surrounding Dillon's fantasy football prospects.

Injuries

Injuries to key players like Achane, Aaron Jones, and Walker add uncertainty to their availability for Week 13. While Jones and Walker are questionable due to their injuries, Achane has a good chance of returning against the Commanders, pending a setback in practice.

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Meanwhile, Jerick McKinnon's ongoing absence due to a groin injury enhances Pacheco's value. If McKinnon sits out again against the Packers, Pacheco's fantasy football floor is expected to be even higher.

Fantasy Football Strategy

For immediate help in Week 13, fantasy football owners may want to explore options like Miles Sanders or Tyler Allgeier. Both should receive double-digit touches. Antonio Gibson, Rico Dowdle, and Samaje Perine pose uncertainties regarding workload. This renders them riskier choices.

A notable addition for Week 13 could be Royce Freeman. He received an uptick in involvement in the Rams' backfield during Week 12. Yes, it remains unclear whether this adjustment was a one-time occurrence or part of a strategy to ease in Kyren Williams. However, Freeman's potential demands attention.

In Sunday's victory over the Cardinals, Freeman rushed for 77 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. Despite Kyren Williams reclaiming the lead role in the Rams' backfield, Freeman demonstrated consistent rushing prowess. He scored his second touchdown of the season and accumulated over 65 yards for the third time in the last five games. While Williams is the undisputed primary option, Freeman continues to carve out a role in the Rams' backfield.

Now, let's dive into our NFL Fantasy Football Running Back rankings for Week 13 of the 2023 regular season. Standard rankings are indicated in parentheses.

NFL Fantasy Football Week 13 Running Back Rankings

1. Christian McCaffrey, SF @ PHI (1)
2. Austin Ekeler, LAC @ NE (2)
3. Jonathan Taylor, IND @ TEN (9)
4. Alvin Kamara, NO vs. DET (11)
5. Jahmyr Gibbs, DET @ NO (16)
6. Travis Etienne Jr., JAC vs. CIN (4)
7. Tony Pollard, DAL vs. SEA (7)
8. Derrick Henry, TEN vs. IND (12)
9. D'Andre Swift, PHI vs. SF (21)
10. Bijan Robinson, ATL @ NYJ (10)
11. Isiah Pacheco, KC @ GB (5)
12. Rachaad White, TB vs. CAR (15)
13. Raheem Mostert, MIA @ WAS (3)
14. Kyren Williams, LAR vs. CLE (14)
15. Breece Hall, NYJ vs. ATL (8)
16. Javonte Williams, DEN @ HOU (18)
17. David Montgomery, DET @ NO (13)
18. James Conner, ARI @ PIT (27)
19. Rhamondre Stevenson, NE vs. LAC (6)
20. Joe Mixon, CIN @ JAC (19)
21. Jaylen Warren, PIT vs. ARI (20)
22. Zach Charbonnet, SEA @ DAL (26)
23. Devin Singletary, HOU vs. DEN (25)
24. Kareem Hunt, CLE @ LAR (28)
25. Brian Robinson Jr., WAS vs. MIA (17)
26. Chuba Hubbard, CAR @ TB (32)
27. AJ Dillon, GB vs. KC (29)
28. Jerome Ford, CLE @ LAR (22)
29. Najee Harris, PIT vs. ARI (23)
30. Tyjae Spears, TEN vs. IND (37)
31. Royce Freeman, LAR vs. CLE (36)
32. Dameon Pierce, HOU vs. DEN (31)
33. Ezekiel Elliott, NE vs. LAC (35)
34. Tyler Allgeier, ATL @ NYJ (30)
35. Miles Sanders, CAR @ TB (33)
36. Rico Dowdle, DAL vs. SEA (48)