As we enter the fantasy football playoffs, it's important to make the right decisions at running back, especially when it comes to RB rankings for Week 16.
Some key questions include: Can you trust Mckinnon or Dobbins? What should we expect from the Indianapolis Colts backfield with Jonathan Taylor out? And what's going on with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers running backs?
First, let's address McKinnon. While it's unlikely that he'll continue to average 91 yards per game as a receiver, it's not surprising to see him taking on a larger role in the offense. Last season, he played over 70% of snaps in the playoffs for the Kansas City Chiefs and averaged over 100 total yards per game. While he may not see as many carries, it's reasonable to expect him to see around five targets per game. McKinnon is the better starting option, with Isiah Pacheco serving as more of a change-of-pace back.
With Taylor out, it looks like Zack Moss is the lead back for the Colts. In Week 15, he played 53 of 79 offensive snaps and saw more involvement in the passing game than Deon Jackson. While Jackson has been involved in the passing game when Taylor was out earlier in the season, the addition of Moss changes things. Moss is a to0 running back this week.
As for Miles Sanders, he's a solid RB2 despite a frustrating Week 15 in which he didn't get his first touch until late in the second quarter. If Jalen Hurts is out due to a shoulder injury, Sanders could see more opportunities as both a pass-catcher and near the goal line. Without Hurts, Sanders' chances of scoring could actually increase.
In Tampa Bay, it looks like Leonard Fournette is the better option over Rachaad White, though both are more like fringe RB2s at this point. Fournette out-snapped White in Week 15, with much of that edge coming on passing downs. While the offense can support multiple fantasy-relevant running backs, Fournette is the better bet to get into the end zone.
As for Dobbins, he's had a strong two games since returning from knee surgery, rushing for 145 yards on 8.8 yards per carry. However, his lack of involvement in the passing game and being in a struggling offense limits his upside. If he can find the end zone, he's a solid RB2. If not, he could still have an efficient day on the ground but only provide six PPR points. If Lamar Jackson returns, Dobbins' chances of scoring increase, but he's still a risky play in fantasy.
Overall, it's important to carefully consider the matchups and roles of running backs in Week 16. Trustworthy options include McKinnon, Moss, Sanders, and Fournette, while Dobbins and White are riskier plays. Make sure to keep an eye on injuries and workloads as well as the potential return of Jackson. In these crucial playoff weeks, every decision counts. For more information, please visit our website daily.
Some key questions include: Can you trust Mckinnon or Dobbins? What should we expect from the Indianapolis Colts backfield with Jonathan Taylor out? And what's going on with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers running backs?
#1. Can You Trust Jerick McKinnon in the Fantasy Football Playoffs?
Source: CBS Sports
First, let's address McKinnon. While it's unlikely that he'll continue to average 91 yards per game as a receiver, it's not surprising to see him taking on a larger role in the offense. Last season, he played over 70% of snaps in the playoffs for the Kansas City Chiefs and averaged over 100 total yards per game. While he may not see as many carries, it's reasonable to expect him to see around five targets per game. McKinnon is the better starting option, with Isiah Pacheco serving as more of a change-of-pace back.
#2. Who Should You Start in the Indianapolis Colts Backfield Without Jonathan Taylor?
Source: Colts Wire - USA Today
With Taylor out, it looks like Zack Moss is the lead back for the Colts. In Week 15, he played 53 of 79 offensive snaps and saw more involvement in the passing game than Deon Jackson. While Jackson has been involved in the passing game when Taylor was out earlier in the season, the addition of Moss changes things. Moss is a to0 running back this week.
#3. Is Miles Sanders a Reliable Option at Running Back in Week 16?
Source: The Athletic
As for Miles Sanders, he's a solid RB2 despite a frustrating Week 15 in which he didn't get his first touch until late in the second quarter. If Jalen Hurts is out due to a shoulder injury, Sanders could see more opportunities as both a pass-catcher and near the goal line. Without Hurts, Sanders' chances of scoring could actually increase.
#4. Examining the Situation in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Backfield
Source: FantasyData
In Tampa Bay, it looks like Leonard Fournette is the better option over Rachaad White, though both are more like fringe RB2s at this point. Fournette out-snapped White in Week 15, with much of that edge coming on passing downs. While the offense can support multiple fantasy-relevant running backs, Fournette is the better bet to get into the end zone.
#5. Is J.K. Dobbins a Must-Start RB in Week 16?
Source: ESPN
As for Dobbins, he's had a strong two games since returning from knee surgery, rushing for 145 yards on 8.8 yards per carry. However, his lack of involvement in the passing game and being in a struggling offense limits his upside. If he can find the end zone, he's a solid RB2. If not, he could still have an efficient day on the ground but only provide six PPR points. If Lamar Jackson returns, Dobbins' chances of scoring increase, but he's still a risky play in fantasy.
Overall, it's important to carefully consider the matchups and roles of running backs in Week 16. Trustworthy options include McKinnon, Moss, Sanders, and Fournette, while Dobbins and White are riskier plays. Make sure to keep an eye on injuries and workloads as well as the potential return of Jackson. In these crucial playoff weeks, every decision counts. For more information, please visit our website daily.