Although Rojo is an underwhelming talent, anyone playing the Jets
is an instant RB1 as evidenced by Duke Johnson coming off the scrap
heap two weeks ago to dominate. I think Tampa tries to get a big
lead in this one and bleed the clock in the 2nd half, so Jones should
be in line for 20-plus touches. 100-plus total yards and a score
is a reliable stat line.
Looking like a man possessed over the last few weeks against bad
defenses, Penny gets another shot at greatness this week vs the
Lions. The 4th year back is on pace to break his career highs across
the board and has shown off the ability that made him a 1st round
pick. Whether he can stay healthy and do that against better teams
isn’t your worry beyond Championship Week.
The unquestioned workhorse in this backfield, Montgomery has no
fewer than 17 touches since Week 11. While the touchdowns haven’t
quite been there, he’s due for a little positive regression
in that spot this week against a Giants team limping into the offseason.
The G-men are the 8th most generous defense to running backs, and
will likely have to devote resources to keeping Justin Fields in
check.
Coming off his first 100-yard rushing game of his career against
the Jags, the harsh reality of the Tampa rush defense arrives in
Week 17. The Bucs have totally erased the running games of their
last four opponents and have yielded the fewest rushing yards and
touchdowns to backs. Carter hasn’t been a big part of the
passing game other than a two week stretch in October so he will
be incredibly hard to trust this week.
With Robinson on the shelf with an Achilles injury, Ogunbowale might
be a consideration off the waiver wire this week. I’d certainly
think twice about that. An absolutely brutal matchup on the road
with New England awaits, and you would have to be in truly dire
straits to look in this direction.
Dolphins RBs @ TEN
This has generally been a backfield to avoid all season, but this
is the case now more than ever. During the Monday night win over
New Orleans, it’s become apparent that this is likely a three-headed
committee (Myles
Gaskin, Phillip
Lindsay, Duke
Johnson) led by no one in particular. If you could even figure
out who might lead in touches, that option would still be a desperation
play.
