1) Tyrone Tracy Jr. @ Carolina (Munich)

Carolina has given up the most rushing yards and most rushing touchdowns to opposing running backs and the most total points overall (32.6 points per game). That means both the passing and running games work against the Panthers. Tracy has been inconsistent as a starter with big games against Cincinnati and Pittsburgh and poor games versus Philadelphia and Washington. This will be an “up” weekend.

2) Aaron Jones @ Jacksonville

Jones has been getting a consistent workload, but he’s an RB2 when he doesn’t score and an RB1 when he gets into the end zone. Jacksonville has allowed opposing RBs 12 touchdowns in nine games, including four through the air where Jones is usually a valuable asset with 26 receptions and 245 receiving yards. Saquon Barkley just toasted the Jaguars for 199 combined yards and two scores.

3) D’Andre Swift vs. New England

After a slow start, Swift has become a valuable fantasy option averaging 20.9 FPts/G since Week 4. The Bears even “sold off” a running back at the trade deadline, so they must be confident in Swift and backup Roschon Johnson. This isn’t a Bill Belichick Patriots defense anymore. They are middle-of-the-road against the pass and ranked 27th against opposing RBs.

Grab some Pine

1) Javonte Williams @ Kansas City

The Chiefs are No.1 against opposing backs and there is a big gap between No.1 and No.2 (Chargers). They allow barely 50 yards per game on the ground to running backs and just three touchdowns (none through the air). Williams has really only had one good game this season and you can’t expect him to turn it around in this divisional battle. The last time he saw the Kansas City defense he rushed for 52 yards, with no receptions and no scores.

2) Tony Pollard @ Los Angeles Chargers

Pollard has been a solid fantasy option this season (14.7 FPts/G), particularly with Tyjae Spears sidelined (three weeks with a hamstring issue, but could return this Sunday). However, Jim Harbaugh has this Chargers side of the ball playing elite defense. They have yielded just two touchdowns to backs all season and none since Week 4. They have allowed the fewest points in the league (12.6 ppg) and the offense doesn’t put them in bad situations (just four turnovers).

3) Rico Dowdle vs. Philadelphia

Dowdle is the best running back in a weak running back room and can’t be started this weekend. The offense is likely to be a disaster without Dak Prescott (hamstring) and possibly CeeDee Lamb (shoulder). The Eagles run defense has allowed just two rushing touchdowns all season and none in the last four games. Stay far away.

Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers