Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Running Backs for Week 13

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29/11/2023 23h37

In the ever-changing world of fantasy football, making the right lineup decisions can make all the difference. To assist fantasy managers, we have analyzed the performances and matchups of several running backs for Week 13. From consistent performers to breakout stars, here are our recommendations for start 'em and sit 'em running backs.

Rachaad White, the Arizona Cardinals' running back, has been a model of consistency in recent weeks. With 110 yards in his worst fantasy game over the past six weeks, White has proven to be a reliable fantasy asset. Facing the vulnerable Carolina Panthers defense, who have given up the most rushing touchdowns and third-most fantasy points per game to running backs this season, White enters Week 13 as a strong start option.

Another running back who has caught fire recently is Tony Pollard of the Dallas Cowboys. After a slump, Pollard has exploded with impressive performances in his last two outings. In Week 11, he scored 18 fantasy points, breaking his touchdown drought against the Panthers. Pollard followed it up with a stellar 100-yard game and a touchdown, amassing 22.3 fantasy points in Week 12. This week, Pollard faces the Seattle Seahawks, who have struggled against running backs, allowing the second-most rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns since Week 8. Fantasy managers can confidently start Pollard in Week 13.

For fantasy managers looking for a deep streaming option, Rico Dowdle of the Cowboys could be a viable choice. Having scored over nine fantasy points in two of his last three games, Dowdle has shown potential. With the Seahawks allowing an average of 5.3 yards per carry, Dowdle could surprise with a solid performance in Week 13.

The New England Patriots' Damien Harris and J.J. Taylor share a backfield that showed promise under new play-caller Josh McDaniels. In their first game with McDaniels calling the shots, Harris ran for a season-high 99 yards and found the end zone. Taylor, on the other hand, had a less significant game but still displayed promising usage. Both running backs offer fantasy value against the Arizona Cardinals, who have allowed the most yards and touchdowns to running backs since Week 8. Harris, who has consistently scored touchdowns and tallied over 15 fantasy points in his last six games, brings a reliable floor, while Taylor presents a high ceiling due to his involvement in the passing game.

In Houston, the backfield hierarchy has become clearer with Devin Singletary emerging as the lead running back for the Dolphins. Singletary played a staggering 81 percent of the snaps in Week 12, dominating the passing-down work. With Denver's struggling defense, which has surrendered the most rushing yards, seventh-most rushing touchdowns, and the highest fantasy points per game to running backs, Singletary is a must-start option. However, fantasy managers should consider sitting Dameon Pierce, as he takes a backseat to Singletary in terms of snaps and passing game involvement.

Lastly, fantasy managers in deep leagues may find value in Michael Carter of the New York Jets. Although his workload is shared with James Conner, Carter outperformed him in fantasy scoring last week. With the Jets facing the Atlanta Falcons, who have allowed the third-most rushing yards to running backs since Week 8, Carter could be a sneaky play for managers in need of a deep-league option.

As the fantasy football playoffs approach, making the right lineup decisions becomes increasingly crucial. Considering the matchups and recent performances of the running backs highlighted above, fantasy managers can make informed choices to edge closer to victory in Week 13.

Note: All statistics mentioned are based on the information provided in the original text.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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