Each week Fantasy In Frames is highlighting key running back matchups to take advantage of. Here are four favorable running back matchups for Week 14!
Last week’s predictions were a success with three of the four running backs finishing in the top-15 in half-PPR scoring, according to FantasyData. Mattison again displayed his abilities as the starter, while Elijah Mitchell continued to dominate the 49ers backfield, seeing 25 touches in total. Devonta Freeman, meanwhile, remains a viable high-floor flex starter.
Alexander Mattison (vs PIT)
Alexander Mattison’s second effort 💪@Vikings cut the lead to 20-15. #SKOL
— NFL (@NFL) December 5, 2021
📺: #MINvsDET on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/Z2KTb5vocw
“I am not throwing away my shot”
Against Detroit last weekend Mattison stepped up in Dalvin Cook’s absence with a total of 124 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. In his three games as a starter Mattison has seen at least 25 touches in each and we can expect Mattison to assume the role of a three-down back for as long as Cook is sidelined. Cook is listed as questionable but, at the time of writing, it would seem incredibly unlikely he would see anything close to a full workload.
The Vikings face the Steelers on Thursday night, which is another good matchup for Mattison. Do not be fooled by the Pittsburgh name, this is a defense we can target as a favorable matchup – as discussed last week with Devonta Freeman. Freeman is certainly not the dynamic running back he once was but was still able to produce. Pittsburgh ranks 24th in rush DVOA and has allowed the ninth-most points to fantasy running backs this season. Mattison is a strong start again this week.
Javonte Williams (vs DET)
FREE JAVONTE WILLIAMS IS AMAZING pic.twitter.com/YryZ9Po6jQ
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) December 6, 2021
All hail the King of Fantasy Twitter!
With Melvin Gordon out we finally had the chance to see Javonte Williams with a full workload, and we weren’t disappointed. The rookie has been extremely efficient whilst sharing a backfield and it was only a matter of time before his touches increased. Against the Chiefs, Williams accumulated 178 total yards and a touchdown from 29 total touches. One of the most promising aspects of his performance on Sunday night was his usage in the passing game. The rookie saw an impressive nine targets, recording six receptions for 76 yards.
His underlying numbers show why so many in the fantasy community are enamored with him. Williams, despite splitting a backfield, ranks second in the league in missed tackles forced and second in elusiveness, according to PFF. Gordon’s availability for Sunday remains unclear, and even if he returns, there is a strong chance Williams sees the majority of touches. The matchup is also extremely enticing. The Broncos face the Detroit Lions, who have allowed the third-most points to running backs. Denver should also have a positive game script, given they are around 8-point favorites. The rookie could be on course for another big performance this week.
Chuba Hubbard (vs ATL)
With Christian McCaffrey suffering another injury and landing on IR, Chuba Hubbard is in line to step up once again. The rookie was a competent stand-in for the superstar running back earlier in the season. Over that five-game period, Hubbard saw 15 touches in each game and registered three games with double-digit half-PPR points. Additionally, reports this week following Joe Brady’s departure suggested Matt Rhule “wanted the Panthers to rush 30-33 times a game”, according to ESPN’s David Newton. If that is the case Hubbard is one of the main beneficiaries now CMC is out.
This week’s matchup presents a great opportunity for Hubbard with the Panthers facing the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have allowed an average of just over 23 points per game to running backs this season, according to FantasyData, the seventh most in the league.
D’Onta Foreman (vs JAX)
Despite a difficult matchup prior to their bye, the Titans found success on the ground against the Patriots. D’Onta Foreman led the team in attempts, rushing 19 times for 109 yards. This compared to 12 for Hilliard and three for Blasingame. After this performance, Foreman should once again be the starter in a favorable matchup this weekend.
This coming Sunday the Titans face AFC South rivals the Jacksonville Jaguars. This is a team that has allowed the tenth-most average points to running backs in the league this season, according to FantasyData. The Titans are also heavy favorites at around -8.5, and should therefore enjoy a positive game script. Although I believe both Foreman and Hilliard are solid flex options, it is the former who is likely the more obvious choice the take advantage of this matchup.
