Fantasy Football Week 17: Evaluating Running Back Options

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28/12/2023 23h48

As the fantasy football season reaches its climax, owners are faced with tough decisions on which running backs to start in the most important games. Here's a breakdown of some notable players based on their recent performances and matchups.

Green Bay Packers' Aaron Jones has had a rollercoaster season, battling injuries and inconsistency. However, he showed signs of his true potential last week when he rushed for an impressive 127 yards against the Carolina Panthers. Despite facing a tough Minnesota run defense this week, Jones' strong performance and the absence of A.J. Dillon due to injury suggest he may once again be heavily utilized by the Packers.

In Minnesota, Ty Chandler had a mixed bag of performances in his first two starts. While he had an impressive outing against the Bengals with 132 rushing yards and a touchdown, he struggled in the following game against the Lions. However, it is worth noting that the Vikings' play volume was significantly reduced, impacting Chandler's numbers. This week, Chandler faces a favorable matchup against a Green Bay run defense that has struggled throughout the season.

The Las Vegas Raiders' running back situation remains uncertain, with Josh Jacobs recovering from a quad injury. While he is expected to return this week, there are rumors that the Raiders may move on from him after the season. This opens up an opportunity for Zamir White, who has shown promise in his limited opportunities over the past two weeks. White's recent performances make him an intriguing fantasy option if Jacobs is unable to play.

Tony Pollard of the Dallas Cowboys has not lived up to preseason expectations, underperforming as a lead back. He has been less efficient this year compared to previous seasons, failing to reach 80 rushing yards in a game since Week 4. Additionally, he faces a tough matchup against a stout Detroit defense that has allowed the fewest fantasy points to running backs this season.

De'Von Achane of the Miami Dolphins has shown flashes of brilliance with his speed and contact balance. However, his limited touch volume in recent games, coupled with a challenging matchup against the Baltimore defense, raises concerns about his fantasy production this week.

As fantasy owners make crucial lineup decisions for the final week, it is important to consider each player's recent performances, matchups, and the presence of any looming injuries. Evaluating these factors can help determine the best running back options for a successful fantasy football playoff run.

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

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