Saquon Barkley has averaged just 10.6 FPts/G over the last three
games, but he’s got a great matchup in Week 18. The Eagles
have allowed the opposing team’s best running back to average
20.2 FPts/G over the past five games and seven backs to crack
double digits. In seven career games against the Eagles, Barkley
has averaged 19.8 FPts/G. Also, the Eagles might be using backups
in the second half.
Fantasy owners will curse when Ekeler has a good game in Week
18 after disappointing them for most of the season, but here it
comes. The Chiefs are locked into the No.3 seed and have no reason
to play their starters, particularly since they don’t have
a first-round bye. Ekeler knows he’s auditioning for his
next team/contract and this is his last chance to impress which
he hasn’t done much of this season. He’s produced
just one 20-point game since Week 11.
Assuming Josh Jacobs’ injury keeps him out again, White is a
very good option. Three consecutive games with at least 14.5 fantasy
points, at least 20 touches per game and he faces a generous Broncos’
run defense which ranks 31st in fantasy points allowed to opposing
running backs (27.7 FPts/G).
Mitchell produced 14 fantasy points in less than a full game
against Washington last Sunday, but I’m not expecting much from
him in Week 18. First, he’ll share time with No.3 back Jordan
Mason. Second, I wouldn’t expect to see All-Pro LT Trent Williams
to be on the field and the 49ers can’t run the ball when he’s
not out there. Williams missed two weeks back in October and even
with McCaffrey running the ball, the MVP candidate managed a combined
99 yards on the ground in those two games. Mitchell is no CMC.
Ty Chandler had a chance to show his stuff and produced one good
game, but Alexander Mattison returned in Week 17 to share some
of the load. In Week 16 he faced this tough Lions’ run defense
and managed just 17 yards on eight carries. The Lions allow a
league-low 15.9 fantasy points to opposing running backs. This
is a matchup to avoid.
Chuba Hubbard has produced six consecutive double-digit games,
but the last four have barely got there. Those four games have
produced between 11.1 and 12.3 fantasy points despite at least
15 touches in each game. The Bucs’ rank No.3 in fantasy
points allowed to opposing backs (17.8 FPts/G) and while the Panthers
are playing out the string, the Bucs are playing for an NFC South
title. Hubbard likely has a Monday tee time already lined up.
