Fantasy Football Player Notes

Gibbs has three touchdowns in three of his last five games. This is some early-season Jonathan Taylor kind of stuff. Even with David Montgomery mixing in for a handful of carries, Gibbs is the engine of this offense. With double-digit carries in all but two games this season, he is getting plenty of touches for his efficient running style. This week, they have a tough matchup against the Rams, who are allowing the third-fewest fantasy points and fourth-lowest yards per carry to the RB position. Thankfully, Gibbs has also seen seven or more targets in three of his last four games, providing a concrete foundation for fantasy. Keep riding the hot hand right into your fantasy playoffs.

ARSB playing last week after injuring his ankle in Week 13 was one of the most surprising recoveries I can remember. After spraining his ankle, it appeared incredibly unlikely he would suit up against the Cowboys. Despite this, he was ruled to be active an hour before kickoff and caught six passes for 92 yards. On the season, he has been one of the most reliable fantasy options. This week, he faces the Rams in a game that is primed for fantasy fireworks. The Rams' defensive strength is their defensive line; however, their secondary is near league average in fantasy points allowed to the WR position over the last five weeks. With a guaranteed hearty dose of targets, ARSB is locked in for another WR1 week.

David Montgomery is a touchdown-dependent flex play again this week. Since Week 11, he has averaged 8.1 touches and 48.8 total yards with a 35.3% snap rate. Montgomery has still been effective on a per-carry basis. Among 57 qualifying backs, he ranks 27th in explosive run rate and 11th in yards after contact per attempt. Montgomery will have a tough time with his early down grinding this week. Since Week 10, the Rams have allowed the 12th-fewest rushing yards per game, the fifth-lowest explosive run rate, the tenth-lowest rushing success rate, and the ninth-lowest yards before contact per attempt. Montgomery needs a touchdown to pay off for fantasy this week.