Houston is No.2 against opposing quarterbacks, but No.32 against
opposing running backs. For this reason, it’s possible that
both Elliott and Pollard will have big games, perhaps even both
cracking the 100-yard mark, something “Zeke” hasn’t
done since Week 5 of 2021 (22 regular season games). The Texans
rank last in yards allowed (1,731) and rushing touchdowns allowed
(14). Start both men.
If Joe Mixon continues to be sidelined by his concussion, then
I wholeheartedly recommend Perine against the 31st-ranked defense
which allows 28.4 FPts/G as he’s been a great handcuff the past
two games (20.4 FPts/G). However, if Mixon is active, I believe
this will be a fairly even workload because of Perine’s success
and to limit Mixon’s exposure in his first game back.
Foreman bounced back from an ugly Week 11 to produce 113 rushing
yards against Denver in Week 12. The next opponent, Seattle, is
usually a very generous host allowing 28.2 FPts/G to opposing
backs and a well-rested Foreman, after a bye, should be able to
take advantage. When Foreman sees at least 15 carries, he’s
produced 19.2 FPts/G and the Seahawks have allowed 24.3 rushing
attempts to opposing RBs this season.
Leonard Fournette returned from his hip injury and saw 60% of
the snaps Monday night while White was reduced to just nine rushing
attempts after averaging 18 the previous two games. White’s night
was saved by the game-winning touchdown catch with .03 second
on the clock. The 49ers defense is No.1 against opposing RBs,
allowing just 16.2 FPts/G, and have yet to allow a receiving touchdown
to a back.
Pierce did rebound from two historically bad games to produce
95 yards on 21 touches in Week 13, but he hasn’t sniffed
the end zone since Week 8. The Cowboys are No. 5 against opposing
backs (19.1 FPts/G) and the likely game script figures to work
against the Texans’ running game.
The Titans don’t allow people to run the ball against them
(65.3 ypg) and most teams elect to attack their subpar pass defense.
As an example, the Eagles rushed for 363 yards against the Packers
in Week 12, but rushed 19 times for just 67 yards against the
Titans while passing for 384 yards. Plus, Etienne is just one
game removed from a foot injury so the team will likely once again
limit his workload.
