Fantasy Football Player Notes
Week 17 Rankings
|
1.
Jahmyr Gibbs
DET (at MIN)
Not many backs can finish with seven carries for two yards and still finish as the RB13 on the week. Thankfully, Gibbs is one of those backs, saving his week in the receiving game. 13 targets, 10 receptions, 66 yards, and a score made up for being shut down on the ground. With their playoff chances on life-support, these next two games are must-wins. In these situations, Dan Campbell isn't scared to lean on his stars. This week, they take on the Vikings, who have been hovering around league average against fantasy RBs. It's not the best matchup, but expect Gibbs to get plenty of touches to close out the fantasy season.
|
|
2.
Christian McCaffrey
SF (vs . CHI)
On the season, CMC has only four weeks outside the top 10 backs and two outside the top 15. This is one of those memorable fantasy seasons for the veteran back and is likely rostered in most championship matchups. This week, they take on the feisty Bears, who are coming off an electric win over the Packers last Saturday. The Bears have been susceptible to fantasy RBs, and CMC has eight touchdowns in his last five games. Keep riding the superstar to fantasy glory this season.
|
|
3.
Bijan Robinson
ATL (vs . LAR)
It may not be the elite fantasy season we had hoped for from the third year back, but there have been plenty of glimpses that an incredible season may only be a matter of time. Over his last six games, he has four games over 25 Half PPR points. Arguably, what is most impressive is how well-rounded his production has been. With 70-plus rushing yards in each of his last seven games, he also has two consecutive games with over 80 receiving yards. Even though they face a very tough Rams run defense, this offense runs through the RB, and he should see plenty of opportunities to have another good fantasy week.
|
|
4.
James Cook III
BUF (vs . PHI)
All season, DeVon Achane was crowned the most underrated RB1. That still may be true, but James Cook is giving him a run for his money. With 14 touchdowns on the season, and five in his last two games, Cook is getting hot at the right time for fantasy championships. Over his last six weeks, he has five games inside the top 10 at the position and now faces a surprisingly vulnerable Eagles defense. The Eagles are allowing the seventh most fantasy points to the RB position on the season. Most notably, they are allowing the sixth most fantasy points to RBs in the red zone. With 80-plus rushing yards in all of his last five games, with four topping 100 yards, he is the perfect mix of floor and ceiling for your fantasy championship match.
|
|
5.
Saquon Barkley
PHI (at BUF)
If you managed to hang onto your fantasy season with Barkley, he is finally making his draft price worth it. With three straight games of top 10 finishes at the position, he is finally helping your fantasy team when you need it most. Even with minimal receiving work over the last three games, he has had at least 20 rush attempts and a score in each contest. To make matters even better, they face the Bills' Swiss cheese run defense in Week 17. Averaging the sixth most fantasy points to fantasy RBs, Barkley should keep his hot streak alive to close out the season.
|
|
6.
Jonathan Taylor
IND (vs . JAC)
It's a tale of two seasons for JT and the Colts. After running pure before their bye week, JT has been the RB19. Unfortunately, there is no reason for that to change in the last week of the fantasy season. Especially against a Jaguars team that has become elite against the run, averaging the fourth fewest rushing yards to the position since Week 10. Taylor can always spring a big play, but he is a firm RB2 in a tough matchup in Championship Week.
|
|
7.
Ashton Jeanty
LV (vs . NYG)
This is why you start your stars. It's not always pretty, but when you are a premier talent, any matchup can turn into a good one. After failing to have 50 scrimmage yards in back-to-back weeks, Jeanty was the RB1 against the Texans in your fantasy semi-finals. Rushing 24 times for 128 yards and a score, to go along with his 60-yard receiving touchdown, Jeanty came through against arguably the best defense in the league. This week, he gets the Giants, who have allowed the seventh most fantasy points to the RB position since Week 10. If you made it through the season, Jeanty could carry your team to a championship this week.
|
|
8.
De'Von Achane
MIA (vs . TB)
It may not have been the explosive week we hoped for when Achane took on the Bengals last week, but he has kept his streak of top 16 finishes alive. With all 15 games inside the top 16 at the position, he has, without a doubt, been the most consistent fantasy RB on the season. Even with Quinn Ewers under center, Achane is the motor of this offense. This week, he has another great matchup against the Bucs, who are allowing the 13th most fantasy points to the RB position. In a game that is primed for plenty of touchdowns, Achane should keep his incredible season going right to the end.
|
|
9.
Kyren Williams
LAR (at ATL)
Losing a thriller to the Seahawks last week means this Rams team will be giving it all they have right to the end of the season. This includes riding their two backs all the way to the finish line. Last week, in what may have been their biggest game of the season, Williams played 71% of snaps. This was the first time he had hit that mark since Week 6. Clearly, their most trusted guy, Williams, may see more work in these must-win games. This week's matchup is against the Falcons, who are near league average against running backs. Keep riding the lead back on an elite offense, but don't be surprised if Blake Corum steals some important carries.
|
|
10.
Chase Brown
CIN (vs . ARI)
Christmas came early for Brown managers, after he had a hat-trick of touchdowns in the third quarter of their game last week. Since Week 8, Brown only had one week outside of the top 19 at the position. With Joe Burrow back commanding this team, a matchup against the Cardinals is made for fantasy championships. Last week, the Cardinals allowed 168 yards and a score to Bijan Robinson. With Jacobe slinging the rock on the otherside, this is a matchup with huge fantasy point potential. You want every piece you can get in this matchup, especially a workhorse RB.
|
|
11.
Derrick Henry
BAL (at GB)
There is something going on with Derrick Henry. Even though he looks as electric as ever, the usage between the Ravens' backs is something we haven't seen before. With multiple backs mixing in regardless of gamescript, Henry is not as surefire as he has been in the past. Still, he rushed for 128 yards and two scores against the Patriots last week. With Lamar Jackson dealing with injuries, and Snoop Huntley as the backup, it would be smart for this team to lean on their big back. However, his 37% and 44% of snaps in each of the last two weeks are slightly concerning.
|
|
12.
Travis Etienne Jr.
NO (at TEN)
After all the shade thrown Etienne's way in the draft season, he has been one of the best RBs in fantasy. Sitting as the RB7, he has had over 12 fantasy points in all but four games this season. With Baysul Tuten recovering from a hand injury, Etienne will continue to dominate touches. This week, they face the Colts, whose defense was embarrassed by the 49ers last Monday Night. The Jaguars are rolling and should be able to have their way in this matchup. Etienne remains a RB1 to close out the season.
|
|
13.
Javonte Williams
DAL (at WAS)
|
|
14.
Bucky Irving
TB (at MIA)
|
|
15.
RJ Harvey
DEN (at KC)
|
|
16.
Omarion Hampton
LAC (vs . HOU)
Last week, with Kimani Vidal injured, Omarion Hampton saw his snap rate increase to 53.2% with a 33% route share and a 6.9% target share. Hampton finished with 17 touches and 95 total yards. Since his Week 14 return, Hampton has averaged 16 touches and 75.6 total yards. Since Week 14, Hampton has generated a wonderful 9.1% explosive run rate, but he has only had a 14% missed tackle rate and 1.50 yards after contact per attempt. With many runs, unless he can find daylight, he's simply getting what is blocked. Hampton could produce as a solid RB2 this week despite the tough matchup with his volume and touchdown equity in the offense. Since Week 12, Houston has allowed the 14th-fewest rushing yards per game, the eighth-lowest explosive run rate, and the fourth-lowest missed tackle rate.
|
|
17.
Josh Jacobs
GB (vs . BAL)
|
|
18.
D'Andre Swift
CHI (at SF)
D'Andre Swift has had a resurgent season as the RB18 in fantasy points per game. Since Week 13, he has averaged 17.3 touches and 96.5 total yards while splitting the red zone role with Kyle Monangai (each back has ten red zone rushing attempts). Among 48 qualifying backs, Swift ranks 13th in explosive run rate and 19th in missed tackle rate. Swift is a strong RB2 with RB1 upside. Since Week 12, the 49ers have allowed the third-highest explosive run rate, the third-highest rushing success rate, and the highest missed tackle rate.
|
|
19.
Kenneth Gainwell
TB (at MIA)
Since Week 13, Gainwell has been the RB10 in fantasy points per game, averaging 12.8 touches and 85.3 total yards with a 49.1% snap rate, a 48.1% route share, and a 16.7% target share. Overall, among 54 qualifying backs, Gainwell is 15th in explosive run rate and eighth in missed tackle rate. Gainwell is a solid RB2 with RB1 upside again this week. Since Week 12, Cleveland has allowed the 14th-most rushing yards per game, the second-highest rushing touchdown rate, and the 14th-highest yards before contact per attempt.
|
|
20.
Tyrone Tracy Jr.
NYG (at LV)
Across his last three full games, Tracy has averaged 19.6 touches and 101.6 total yards with weekly scoring finishes as RB12, RB5, and RB32. Tracy is a rock-solid RB2 this week that could easily flirt with 20 touches this week. Among 48 qualifying backs, Tracy ranks 38th in missed tackle rate and 28th in yards after contact per attempt. Since Week 12, the Raiders have allowed the tenth-most rushing yards per game, the seventh-highest missed tackle rate, and the second-most yards after contact per attempt.
|
|
21.
Aaron Jones Sr.
MIN (vs . DET)
|
|
22.
Jaylen Warren
PIT (at CLE)
Jaylen Warren is the RB19 in fantasy points per game. Since Week 13, Warren has averaged 13.5 touches and 76.3 total yards with a 50% snap rate and 34.1% route share as the RB11 in fantasy points per game. Overall, among 54 qualifying backs, Warren ranks fifth in missed tackle rate and 20th in yards after contact per attempt. Warren is a strong RB2 with RB1 upside again this week. Since Week 12, Cleveland has allowed the 14th-most rushing yards per game, the second-highest rushing touchdown rate, and the 14th-highest yards before contact per attempt.
|
|
23.
Michael Carter
FA (BYE)
Michael Carter is a flex/RB2 play this week. Last week, he played 53.6% of the snaps with a 51.5% route share, finishing with 11 carries and 65 total yards. Over the last two games, he has averaged 14.5 touches and 70 total yards. Carter got most of the backfield work last week, but Emari Demercado was also involved, and Corey Kiner had both of the team's red zone rushing attempts. I mention it to highlight that Carter isn't the safest play this week, as Arizona will get other backs involved. Carter hasn't been impressive on a per-touch basis, with only a 6% missed tackle rate and 1.59 yards after contact per attempt. Luckily for Carter, that might not matter against Cincy's horrible run defense. If Carter gets the volume, he should produce nicely. Since Week 12, Cincy has allowed the fourth-most rushing yards per game, the highest explosive run rate, and the fifth-most yards after contact per attempt.
|
|
24.
Kenneth Walker III
KC (vs . DEN)
Since Week 10, Kenneth Walker has been the RB25 in fantasy points per game, averaging 14.1 touches and 81 total yards. Among 60 qualifying backs, Walker ranks second in explosive run rate and third in missed tackle rate. This week, he's a strong RB2 again with big play potential for more. Since Week 12, Carolina has allowed the ninth-most rushing yards per game, the 11th-highest explosive run rate, the 12th-highest rushing success rate, and the fifth-most yards before contact per attempt.
|
|
25.
TreVeyon Henderson
NE (at NYJ)
|
|
26.
Rhamondre Stevenson
NE (at NYJ)
Rhamondre Stevenson is a strong RB2/flex this week. Since Week 13, he has averaged 11.4 touches and 78.3 total yards. Among 48 qualifying backs, he ranks 19th in explosive run rate and seventh in missed tackle rate. He should have no problems finding running room this week against the Jets' horrible run defense. Since Week 12, New York has allowed the eighth-most rushing yards per game, the 13th-highest explosive run rate, and the third-most yards after contact per attempt.
|
|
27.
Tony Pollard
TEN (vs . NO)
Tony Pollard has been running like a man possessed over the last three weeks as the RB9 in fantasy points per game, averaging 20.3 touches and 125 total yards per game. He isn't going to offer much in the passing game, though. During that span, he has only two targets, one reception, and eight receiving yards. He has rattled off three straight 100-yard rushing performances. Since Week 14, Pollard has been on fire with an 8.3% explosive run rate and a 17% missed tackle rate. Pollard should have success on the ground again this week. Since Week 12, New Orleans has allowed the 11th-most rushing yards per game while having the 12th-lowest stuff rate and sitting at 17th in yards before contact per attempt.
|
|
28.
Breece Hall
NYJ (vs . NE)
Breece Hall is a strong RB2 again this week. Hall is the RB22 in fantasy points per game, averaging 17.6 touches and 85.7 total yards. Among 48 qualifying backs, Hall ranks seventh in explosive run rate and 16th in missed tackle rate. Hall should have running lanes this week despite dealing with a limited offense led by Brady Cook. Since Week 12, New England has allowed the sixth-most rushing yards per game, the fourth-highest explosive run rate, the highest rushing success rate, and the highest yards before contact per attempt.
|
|
29.
Rico Dowdle
PIT (at CLE)
Since Week 13, Rico Dowdle has averaged 16.6 touches and 51 total yards as the lead back for the Carolina Panthers. Chuba Hubbard has also factored in, but Dowdle has been the main source of volume in this backfield. Among 60 qualifying backs, Dowdle ranks 24th in missed tackle rate and 12th in yards after contact per attempt. He's a volume-driven low-end flex this week. Seattle's run defense remains elite. Since Week 12, they have allowed the sixth-fewest rushing yards per game, the lowest explosive run rate, the second-lowest missed tackle rate, and the fourth-fewest yards before contact per attempt.
|
|
30.
Kyle Monangai
CHI (at SF)
Kyle Monangai has been a wonderful find for the Bears this season. The barbed wire tackle-breaking behemoth has averaged 15 touches and 78.3 total yards since Week 13. Since Week 13, Monangai has split the red zone rushing work with D'Andre Swift, with each back seeing ten red zone carries. Overall, among 48 qualifying backs, Monangai ranks 28th in explosive run rates and 14th in yards after contact per attempt. He should have nice flex, worthy work with RB2 upside. Since Week 12, the 49ers have allowed the third-highest explosive run rate, the third-highest rushing success rate, and the highest missed tackle rate.
|
|
31.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt
WAS (vs . DAL)
|
|
32.
Woody Marks
HOU (at LAC)
Woody Marks is set to return to his workhorse role this week. His ankle has improved, as evidenced by his full practices all week. In Weeks 10-14, Marks averaged 20 touches and 68.8 total yards as Houston's lead back. Among 48 qualifying backs, he ranks 31st in explosive run rate and 36th in yards after contact per attempt. Those paltry rankings in per-touch efficiency highlight the continuing fact that Marks is a volume-based RB2 play. Sadly, he returns just in time to face an improved Chargers run defense. Since Week 12, the Chargers have allowed the fourth-lowest explosive run rate, the lowest yards after contact per attempt, and the second-lowest rushing success rate. Marks could still post RB2 numbers this week if he sees his customary 15-20 touches and gets in the end zone, but he won't finish with a pretty stat line.
|
|
33.
David Montgomery
HOU (at LAC)
|
|
34.
Blake Corum
LAR (at ATL)
Since Week 12, Blake Corum has been the RB9 in fantasy points per game, averaging 11.5 touches and 86 total yards with five scores. Among 48 qualifying backs, Corum ranks fifth in explosive run rate and ninth in missed tackle rate. Corum is a strong flex this week with RB2 upside if he gets into the endzone again. Since Week 12, Atlanta has allowed the fifth-highest missed tackle rate while ranking 15th in explosive run rate and 14th in rushing success rate allowed.
|
|
35.
Isiah Pacheco
DET (at MIN)
|
|
36.
Zach Charbonnet
SEA (at CAR)
Zach Charbonnet is a solid flex this week that could easily be an RB2 if he gets into the end zone. Since Week 10, Charbonnet has averaged 11 touches and 52.5 total yards as the RB34 in fantasy points per game. Among 60 qualifying backs, Charbonnet ranks 11th in missed tackle rate and sixth in yards after contact per attempt. Since Week 12, Carolina has allowed the ninth-most rushing yards per game, the 11th-highest explosive run rate, the 12th-highest rushing success rate, and the fifth-most yards before contact per attempt.
|
|
37.
Dylan Sampson
CLE (vs . PIT)
Dylan Sampson could be Cleveland's lead back this week. He has been listed as questionable (hand) after practicing on a limited basis all week. Among 66 qualifying backs, Sampson ranks 25th in explosive run rate, ninth in missed tackle rate, and 26th in yards after contact per attempt. Sampson is a solid volume-driven flex play this week that could easily push for 15-20 touches. Since Week 12, Pittsburgh has allowed the 13th-most rushing yards per game, the seventh-highest explosive run rate, and the 13th-highest rushing success rate.
|
|
38.
Audric Estime
NO (at TEN)
Audric Estime was the Saints' lead back last week, and he'll reprise the role again this week. Unfortunately, the starting role didn't amount to much for Estime last week. He played 57.7% of the snaps with only eight touches and 36 total yards. Taysom Hill essentially operated as the team's "real" starting running back. Last week was essentially "it" if Estime was going to pay off as a flex play. Sit him this week. Since Week 12, Tennessee has allowed the third-fewest rushing yards per game, the sixth-lowest explosive run rate, and the tenth-lowest missed tackle rate.
|
|
39.
Chuba Hubbard
CAR (vs . SEA)
|
|
40.
Samaje Perine
CIN (vs . ARI)
|
|
41.
Tyjae Spears
TEN (vs . NO)
|
|
42.
Tyler Allgeier
ARI (at CIN)
|
|
43.
Emanuel Wilson
SEA (at CAR)
|
|
44.
Devin Singletary
NYG (at LV)
|
|
45.
Keaton Mitchell
LAC (vs . HOU)
|
|
46.
Jeremy McNichols
WAS (vs . DAL)
|
|
47.
Brian Robinson Jr.
FA (BYE)
|
|
48.
Emari Demercado
KC (vs . DEN)
|
|
49.
Kareem Hunt
FA (BYE)
|
|
50.
Rachaad White
WAS (vs . DAL)
|
|
51.
Sean Tucker
TB (at MIA)
|
|
52.
Jaleel McLaughlin
DEN (at KC)
|
|
53.
Malik Davis
DAL (at WAS)
|
|
54.
Raheim Sanders
CLE (vs . PIT)
Last week, Raheim Sanders took over the early down role for Cleveland, finishing with 12 touches and 46 total yards. Sanders didn't manage any explosive runs, but he had a 7% missed tackle rate and 2.86 yards after contact per attempt. Sanders is a risky flex with Sampson active. Since Week 12, Pittsburgh has allowed the 13th-most rushing yards per game, the seventh-highest explosive run rate, and the 13th-highest rushing success rate. Sanders could operate as the goalline back this week, which makes him a low-end touchdown-driven flex play.Â
|
|
55.
Ty Johnson
BUF (vs . PHI)
|
|
56.
Jawhar Jordan
HOU (at LAC)
|
|
57.
Nick Chubb
FA (BYE)
|
|
58.
Jaylen Wright
MIA (vs . TB)
|
|
59.
Evan Hull
NO (at TEN)
|
|
60.
Isaiah Davis
NYJ (vs . NE)
|
|
61.
Zavier Scott
MIN (vs . DET)
|
|
62.
Tank Bigsby
PHI (at BUF)
|
|
63.
LeQuint Allen Jr.
JAC (at IND)
|
|
64.
Corey Kiner
ARI (at CIN)
|
|
65.
Trayveon Williams
FA (BYE)
|
|
66.
Rasheen Ali
BAL (at GB)
|
|
67.
Ameer Abdullah
FA (BYE)
|
|
68.
Ollie Gordon II
MIA (vs . TB)
|
|
69.
Hassan Haskins
LAC (vs . HOU)
|
|
70.
Ray Davis
BUF (vs . PHI)
|
|
71.
Tyler Badie
DEN (at KC)
|
|
72.
Chris Brooks
GB (vs . BAL)
|
|
73.
Kyle Juszczyk
SF (vs . CHI)
|
|
74.
Will Shipley
PHI (at BUF)
|
|
75.
D'Ernest Johnson
FA (BYE)
|
|
76.
Brashard Smith
KC (vs . DEN)
|
|
77.
Dylan Laube
LV (vs . NYG)
|
|
78.
Dare Ogunbowale
FA (BYE)
|
|
79.
Tahj Brooks
CIN (vs . ARI)
|
|
80.
Ty Chandler
NO (at TEN)
|
|
81.
Trevor Etienne
CAR (vs . SEA)
|
|
82.
Adam Prentice
DEN (at KC)
|
|
83.
Alec Ingold
LAC (vs . HOU)
|
|
84.
C.J. Ham
FA (BYE)
|
|
85.
Hunter Luepke
DAL (at WAS)
|
|
86.
Kendall Milton
CIN (vs . ARI)
|
|
87.
Patrick Ricard
NYG (at LV)
|
|
88.
Chase Edmonds
WAS (vs . DAL)
|
|
89.
DJ Giddens
IND (vs . JAC)
|
|
90.
Jaret Patterson
LAC (vs . HOU)
|
|
91.
Cam Akers
SEA (at CAR)
|
|
92.
Kalel Mullings
TEN (vs . NO)
|
|
93.
Julius Chestnut
TEN (vs . NO)
|
|
94.
Khalil Herbert
FA (BYE)
|
|
95.
DeeJay Dallas
JAC (at IND)
|
|
96.
Zamir White
LV (vs . NYG)
|
|
97.
Reggie Gilliam
NE (at NYJ)
|
|
98.
Eric Gray
NYG (at LV)
|
|
99.
Ronnie Rivers
LAR (at ATL)
|
|
100.
British Brooks
HOU (at LAC)
|
|
101.
Travis Homer
FA (BYE)
|
|
102.
Jordan James
SF (vs . CHI)
|
|
103.
Jacob Saylors
DET (at MIN)
|
|
104.
Braelon Allen
NYJ (vs . NE)
|
|
105.
Kene Nwangwu
NYJ (vs . NE)
|
|
106.
Scott Matlock
LAC (vs . HOU)
|
|
107.
Sione Vaki
DET (at MIN)
|
|
108.
Jashaun Corbin
FA (BYE)
|
