Week 18 of the NFL season is here, which means it is also the end of the fantasy football season. Fantasy football managers have one more week to win their championship (or avoid last place) and running backs are an important piece of that puzzle.
With top running backs like Christian McCaffrey and Kyren Williams resting as their teams have already secured playoff berths, many fantasy managers will be scrambling for replacements. Which running backs are worthy starters in Week 18, and who is better off left on the bench? Find out in our Fantasy Football Week 18 Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em: Running Backs column.
RBs to Start in Week 18
Seahawks' Kenneth Walker III (vs. Cardinals)
After a strong start to the season, Kenneth Walker has seen his share of touches decrease in the middle of the season. Walker has bounced back, averaging 17 touches over his last three games to go with a pair of touchdowns.
With a matchup against an Arizona Cardinals defense giving up the most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, Walker is a strong RB1 in Week 18.
Cardinals' James Conner (vs. Seahawks)
Despite an inefficient first two seasons in Arizona, James Conner has managed to put up his best season yet for the Cardinals in 2023. Conner is averaging a career-best 4.9 yards per carry and has three 100-yard rushing games after recording just one last year. He is also coming off his best game of the season, putting up 128 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries against the Philadelphia Eagles.
With a weak Seahawks defense (third-most rushing yards allowed) coming to town, Conner is in for another efficient afternoon.
Patriots' Ezekiel Elliott (vs. Jets)
For our discussion on the best fantasy football breakout and sleeper candidates, listen below:
Given the reigns to the New England backfield, Ezekiel Elliott has been a solid fantasy option despite inefficiency as a runner. Elliott is averaging just 2.8 yards per carry over his last five games while recording 26 catches for 172 yards during that stretch. Against a New York Jets defense that is vulnerable against opposing backs, Elliott is a strong RB2 this weekend.
RBs to Sit in Week 18
Panthers' Chubba Hubbard (vs. Buccaneers)
Much like Ezekiel Elliott, Chubba Hubbard has overcome inefficiency on the field to be a quality fantasy option. Hubbard has six straight weeks with double-digit fantasy points while averaging less than four yards per carry during that span. While his floor is high, running room will be at a premium against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense that is allowing the third-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing running backs.
Vikings' Ty Chandler (vs. Lions)
After Ty Chandler's success in Week 15 (23 carries for 132 yards), the Minnesota Vikings have abandoned the run game in the last two weeks. Chandler had eight carries in Week 16 and 10 carries the following game as Minnesota's litany of QBs proved to be ineffective high-volume passers. The Detroit Lions are allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, which means Chandler should be left on the bench in Week 18.
Saints' Alvin Kamara (vs. Falcons)
Still dealing with an ankle injury that knocked him out of the game in Week 17, Alvin Kamara is a game-time decision this weekend after not practicing all week. But even if he does suit up, the Atlanta Falcons are allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing rushers. With Kamara likely at less than 100%, he becomes a very risky play in Week 18.
Follow Us
Subscribe