Favorable Running Back Matchups For Week 12 (2021)
Each week Fantasy In Frames is highlighting key running back matchups to take advantage of. Here are four favorable running back matchups for Week 12!
We had some hits in week 11 with both Gaskin and Mark Ingram producing solid fantasy performances, while Carter was efficient in his limited touches before his injury. D’Onta Foreman meanwhile saw just eight touches in the Titans’ bizarre loss to the Texans and it is impossible to have any faith going forwards.
So from this side of the Atlantic I’d like to wish you all a happy Thanksgiving and good luck in week 12!
David Montgomery (@ DET)
David Montgomery managers rejoice 😜 pic.twitter.com/TYYMg7PHHI
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) September 13, 2021
In his first two games back from injury, the Bears starting running back has handled the vast majority of the work in the backfield. Montgomery’s fantasy production, however, has left a little to be desired. Over the last two games, he has failed to reach double-digit points in half-PPR scoring but a return to fantasy success is on the cards this coming week against Detroit.
The Lions continue to be one of the best matchups for running backs and have allowed the third-most average points to the position this year. In fact, earlier in the season Montgomery rushed 23 times for 106 yards and two touchdowns against the Lions – his best fantasy performance of the season. After two fairly mediocre performances, expect a big bounce-back performance from Montgomery on Thursday.
Tony Pollard (vs LV)
After a plethora of injuries to Dallas’ skill-position players, Cowboys running back Tony Pollard has a great chance to impress on Thanksgiving. Starting running back Zeke Elliot left the game briefly against the Chiefs with a knee injury, and while he may still play on Sunday, there is a good chance his workload will be limited. Meanwhile, Pollard has quietly had a stellar couple of weeks, accumulating a total of 168 scrimmage yards over the last two games.
Not only does Pollard have the chance to receive more touches, but he also has one of the most favorable matchups for running backs. The Cowboys face the Raiders on Thursday, who have allowed the sixth-most average points to running backs, according to FantasyData. This included a monster performance from Joe Mixon on Sunday, rushing for 123 yards and two touchdowns.
Miles Sanders (@ NYG)
Sanders returned to the playing field on Sunday and saw 16 rushing attempts against the Saints, the most he has seen so far this year. The third-year running back saw irregular touches prior to his injury, seeing fewer than 12 touches four times. The fact he returned to a strong workload immediately should give some reassurance. Sanders has been efficient with his limited touches, reaching 5.0 yards per carry this year – the joint-ninth most amongst running backs with at least 50 rushing attempts. He has also recorded a 33.2% breakaway percentage, the joint fifth-most in the same group.
This weekend the Eagles face division rivals the New York Giants. The Giants have allowed an average of just under 24 points in half-PPR scoring to running backs, according to FantasyData, the sixth most in the league. The Eagles have a number of favorable matchups upcoming, including against the New York Jets in a week’s time. He has underwhelmed in fantasy terms this year, but there is a clear path to strong production over the next few weeks.
Ty Johnson (@ HOU)
Michael Carter has been mentioned numerous times in this piece this season and has had an impressive start to his young NFL career. However, after suffering an ankle sprain, Ty Johnson will step into the role as starting running back in a great matchup this weekend in Carter’s absence. The Jets face the Houston Texans, who have allowed the third-most rushing yards in the league so far this season, as well as the second-most rushing touchdowns. The Texans have been one of the most favorable matchups for running backs this season, allowing the ninth-most average points to the position this year, according to FantasyData.
Johnson had seen some success in the passing game prior to last Sunday – recording 18 receptions for 212 yards over the previous four weeks. With Carter now out for one or two weeks Johnson is the most obvious choice to replace the rookie and is a worthy flex-option this weekend.