Fantasy In Frames is highlighting key running back matchups to take advantage of. Here are four favorable running back matchups for Week 16!
Despite all the chaos in week 16, we hit on all four matchups last week. All four finished in the top-15 in half-PPR scoring with two finishing in the top five. D’Onta Foreman continued to take advantage of the increasingly favorable Pittsburgh matchup, while James Robinson re-assumed his role as the lead running back for the Jaguars. Sony Michel, meanwhile, continued to impress despite Henderson’s return and Jeff Wilson cemented his role as lead back with Mitchell on the sideline. Hopefully, these four provide just as much success in this pivotal playoff week!
James Robinson (@ NYJ)
JAMES ROBINSON IS FINALLY FREE pic.twitter.com/VsNZGjUb1w
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) December 19, 2021
Robinson saw a return to his regular usage in week 15 against the Texans, following Urban Meyer’s departure. He saw a total of 21 touches for 88 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown last week – more opportunities than he had seen in the two prior weeks combined. Any previous concern over his usage has now been completely evaporated, and we can expect bell-cow production going forward.
Now Robinson faces the most favorable matchup for running backs in the league in the New York Jets. This season the team is allowing over 31 points per game to running backs in half-PPR scoring – by far the most in the league. The Jets continued to provide fantasy success to opposing running backs last week, allowing Duke Johnson to finish as the RB1 in week 15. Johnson rushed 22 times for 107 yards and two touchdowns, adding a further 20 yards on one reception. The Jets have now allowed a total of 26 rushing touchdowns this season, again the most in the league. Expect another big performance from Robinson this week.
Javonte Williams (@ LV)
He may be sharing a backfield, but Javonte Williams continues to produce for fantasy and has seen a slight uptick in usage. Williams has now seen at least 16 touches in each of the last four games, hitting this mark only twice prior to the team’s bye in week 11. It is worth reiterating just how good Williams has been despite the split backfield, particularly in recent weeks. The rookie now leads the league in missed tackles forced with 57, three ahead of Jonathan Taylor. Williams now ranks as the RB15 on the year in half-PPR scoring and has been on fire since the Broncos’ bye. Over the last four games, he is averaging 19.1 points per game in half-PPR scoring, with Gordon playing in three of these.
This week Williams has another good matchup as the Broncos face division rivals the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders have allowed over 25 points per game to running backs in half-PPR scoring, according to FantasyData, the third-most in the league. Fire him up again.
Miles Sanders (vs NYG)
The Eagles backfield has been difficult to decipher this season. Miles Sanders came into the year as the presumed starter but has struggled with injuries and often a lack of opportunities. Sanders, despite his limited usage, has been remarkably efficient. He is one of only four players with at least 100 rushing attempts to have more than 5.0 yards per carry and is sixth in breakaway percentage amongst the same group, according to PFF. His recent production has improved, breaching the 100-rushing yard mark in the last two games on either side of the team’s bye, and has reached at least 60 yards in the last four.
Justin Jackson (@ HOU)
With Austin Ekeler on the COVID list, Justin Jackson looks set to step in the starting role, with a great matchup ahead this weekend. Jackson stepped up with Ekeler somewhat limited last week, rushing 13 times for an impressive 86 yards, adding an additional 13-yard reception against the Chiefs. It seems clear from last week that if Ekeler does miss this week’s game Jackson will assume the role of lead back.
The Chargers face the lowly Houston Texans, one of two teams to have allowed 2,000 rushing yards this season at 2,030 yards – the most in the league. They have also allowed 23 rushing touchdowns, the second-most behind the Jets at 26. As a result, the Texans have allowed over 24 points-per-game to running backs this season, according to FantasyData, the sixth-most in the league. On top of this, the Chargers are heavy favorites for the game, pointing to a probable positive game script for Jackson. So if Ekeler fails to clear protocols, fire Jackson up with full confidence.
