Each week Fantasy In Frames is highlighting key running back matchups to take advantage of. Here are four favorable running back matchups for Week 10!
We had a successful week last week, with three of the four picks hitting double-digit points in half-PPR scoring. This included Elijah Mitchell who, surprisingly, had success in the passing game. One of the main concerns surrounding the rookie recently was his lack of passing work, and therefore the potential drop in fantasy production in negative game scripts. Mitchell was targeted five times last week, reeling in all five for 43 yards. This followed a total of just four targets, four receptions, and 30 receiving yards before this game, including three games without a single target. Mitchell managers should therefore be reassured by the fact he is likely to remain heavily involved in both positive and negative game scripts.
Now: On to Week 10
So without further adieu, let us go over some favorable running back matchups for Week 10 of the 2021 fantasy football season that’ll be sure to help you win your week!
Melvin Gordon (vs PHI)
After rushing for 190 yards against the Cowboys, the Broncos have a favorable matchup this week against another NFC East team – this time in the form of the Philadelphia Eagles. Philly ranks fifth in average weekly fantasy points allowed to running backs in half-PPR scoring, according to FantasyData. The Eagles have allowed ten rushing touchdowns so far this year, the joint-fifth most in the NFL, including five over the last three games.
The workload between Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams has been split fairly evenly – with a slight edge to the veteran. Gordon has registered 109 rushing attempts this year, ahead of the 95 attempts by the rookie. The main difference between the two in terms of fantasy production has been touchdowns. The Javonte breakout is coming, we’re just going to have to be patient. He should certainly still be considered as a flex-option again this week but until we see otherwise Gordon should still be deemed the lead back. He can be started with confidence again this week.
Denver’s 80-yard drive is capped off by a @Melvingordon25 touchdown! #BroncosCountry
— NFL (@NFL) November 7, 2021
📺: #DENvsDAL on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/4AVz3GwPnN
Leonard Fournette (@ WAS)
After being stifled by New Orleans’ defense prior to the bye, Fournette should be in for a bounce-back game against a surprisingly disappointing Washington defense this Sunday. The Buccaneers are around nine-point favorites on the road this weekend, meaning Fournette should be benefitting from a positive game script. Now with Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown likely out on Sunday, Fournette is likely to be a key part of this Buccaneers offense once again – both on the ground and through the air. The former fourth overall pick has seen at least five targets in four of his last five games.
The number of high-quality touches for Fournette this season has been key to his fantasy success. He has already seen 31 touches from inside the 10-yard line – the fifth-most in the league this year. The Washington Football Team is an average defense this year, albeit better against the run than the pass. Given the game script and injuries, however, Fournette should be in line for another big game this Sunday.
D’Ernest Johnson (@ NE)
COVID has reared its ugly head once again. With Kareem Hunt already out, the Cleveland Browns are now down two more running backs with Nick Chubb and Demetric Felton both testing positive. It does mean that we will see the return of D’Ernest Johnson, after his incredible Thursday night performance in week 7. Against the Broncos, Johnson rushed 22 times for 146 yards and a touchdown, adding a further 22 yards through the air. Since that game, however, he has only seen a total of 13 touches. It’s obviously a small sample size but we have seen that Johnson can handle a large workload and be successful as the lead back – a scenario he will inevitably find himself in again this Sunday.
Johnson should have a fairly safe floor given the lack of options at running back with the Browns facing the Patriots this weekend. New England allows an average of around 21 points to running backs in half-PPR scoring, according to FantasyData. The matchup is average, but volume remains king.
If Nick Chubb is OUT…
— Derek Brown (@DBro_FFB) November 11, 2021
D’Ernest Johnson is a top 10 RB play with top 3 upside in Week 10pic.twitter.com/juxsXB90Ul
AJ Dillon (vs SEA)
This week the Packers face Seattle, which has been a favorable matchup to exploit this year for running backs. The Seahawks have allowed the third-most average points to running backs so far this season. Although the defense has improved marginally in recent weeks, it remains susceptible to the run.
Second-year back AJ Dillon should therefore be one of the main beneficiaries – along with starter Aaron Jones. ‘Quadzilla’ has seen at least ten touches in four of his last five games, including a healthy level of work in the passing game. This week should also see the return of Aaron Rodgers after his bout with COVID and should therefore mean a boost for the entire offense after Jordan Love’s underwhelming first start. Either way, Dillon has been a growing part of this Packers offense this year and remains a worthy flex option this week.