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Week 12 Running Back Preview: Lions' RBs Ready To Feast
Top Fantasy RBs for Week 12
Here are the top Week 12 running backs, with usage and matchup details that drive their positioning in the Week 12 RB rankings.
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1. Christian McCaffrey, SF
Christian McCaffrey
SF RB1
Christian McCaffrey has failed to finish as a top-10 PPR RB in just one game all season. He's led the position in points three times, including last week's 121-yard, 3-TD explosion. CMC will probably have a little extra motivation on Monday night in his first game against the team that drafted him. Carolina ranks 18th in adjusted fantasy points allowed to RBs but has struggled lately, coughing up 768 total yards and six TDs to RBs over the last five games.
2. Jahmyr Gibbs, DET
Jahmyr Gibbs
DET RB2
Gibbs followed a 3-TD effort at Washington with his first career 100-yard receiving effort at Philly. This week’s matchup presents a much friendlier environment for the ground game. The Giants have been the second-most generous to RB scoring by our adjusted fantasy points allowed.
3. Jonathan Taylor, IND
Jonathan Taylor
IND RB3
Fantasy's top scorer, Taylor is averaging 27.2 PPR points per game. He leads the NFL in rushing (1,139) and TDs (17). Kansas City has only allowed 1 RB to top 90 rushing yards this season and has only allowed 5 rushing TDs to RBs. Regardless of the matchup, Taylor is an elite option who will continue to see a ton of volume--especially in a game where the Colts could struggle to pass. Expect another elite performance out of the fantasy MVP.
4. Bijan Robinson, ATL
Bijan Robinson
ATL RB4
Without their starting QB, expect the Falcons to center their offense around Bijan Roinson and the rushing attack. Robinson enters this game as the overall RB4, averaging 21.2 PPR points per game. He got 23 carries and rushed for 104 yards and 2 TDs last week. The last time he played in this building, Robinson had similar results, running for 116 with 2 scores. Expect him to receive a ton of volume here as the Falcons try to limit Kirk Cousins' pass attempts. Robinson is a locked-in top-5 option with overall RB1 potential.
5. Chase Brown, CIN
Chase Brown
CIN RB6
Chase Brown remains locked into bellcow usage with Samaje Perine still sidelined, playing 95% of Cincinnati’s snaps in their last game. He gashed Pittsburgh for 108 yards on just 11 carries in the previous meeting, and the Steelers have since allowed big games to Kimani Vidal, Josh Jacobs, and Jonathan Taylor. Brown’s elite workload and a vulnerable run defense make him a strong RB2 with clear top-12 upside in Week 12.
6. Derrick Henry, BAL
Derrick Henry
BAL RB5
Henry put up 103 yards and a TD on Cleveland's stout run defense last week. In Week 12, he'll get a Jets' defense that has allowed the 14th-most fantasy points to RBs. Henry won't provide much in the passing game, but the Ravens don't need him to. Baltimore is the biggest favorite (13.5) of the week and is projected to score the second-most points (29). Sounds like the formula for another big game for King Henry, who has top-5 upside in this game.
7. Saquon Barkley, PHI
Saquon Barkley
PHI RB7
Barkley’s efficiency has continued to stink in two games since Philly’s bye. But he has, at least, reached 20 carries in consecutive games for the first time all season. This week presents a Dallas D that has allowed 4.8 yards per RB carry on the season -- even after stifling Ashton Jeanty last week.
8. Rico Dowdle, CAR
Rico Dowdle
CAR RB8
Dowdle has cooled off the past two weeks but continues to dominate backfield work, out-touching Chuba Hubbard 45 to nine. Next up is a struggling 49ers defense that ranks 27th in adjusted fantasy points allowed to RBs. San Francisco has allowed an RB to top 17 PPR points in six of 11 games.
9. James Cook, BUF
James Cook
BUF RB9
Played Thursday night.
10. TreVeyon Henderson, NE
TreVeyon Henderson
NE RB10
Henderson’s finished RB16, RB4, and RB3 over his past three. But with Rhamondre Stevenson likely to return, the rookie’s workload may take a hit. Henderson still projects as a fringe RB1 against an awful Cincy run defense.
11. Ashton Jeanty, LVR
Ashton Jeanty
LVR RB13
Jeanty went 6-7-0 despite having an 11-yard run last week. The Raiders' O-line could not establish anything in the ground game, and the team moved away from the rush early. That did translate into some catches for Jeant,y who went 6-27-0 through the air. The good news is that the Browns’ offense should be lackluster and keep the game close, allowing Jeanty to get more touches. The bad news is that the Browns have one of the best run defenses in the league. If you have Jeanty, he is worth a PPR play, but temper expectations.
12. Javonte Williams, DAL
Javonte Williams
DAL RB11
Williams’ receiving production has dried up recently, but his usage has remained strong in that area. Despite finishing four straight games with just a single catch, Williams still ranks ninth among RBs in route rate over that span. And he has remained plenty productive on the ground.
13. Breece Hall, NYJ
Breece Hall
NYJ RB14
Hall will see plenty of volume, but this matchup isn't as appealing as it looked a month ago. Baltimore has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to RBs over their last four games. Hall will lead the Jets in carries and will see a boost in targets with Tyrod Taylor starting. He's a high-end RB2 with a fairly high floor.
14. Kyren Williams, LAR
Kyren Williams
LAR RB12
Williams draws a Bucs run defense that’s second-best in stuff percentage (21.2%) and third in stacked-box rate (36.9%), per Next Gen Stats. He sticks in RB1 range because of his projected workload (15.5 touches).
15. Aaron Jones, MIN
Aaron Jones
MIN RB15
Jones watched Jordan Mason score the team's only rushing TD last week, but he continued to control backfield work. Jones played 67% of the offensive snaps, handled 16 of 22 carries, and drew six targets. This Sunday brings a tough matchup against the Packers' 11th-ranked RB defense. The Vikings are implied for only 17.25 points. But they're 6.5-point underdogs, so game script should mean more Jones (and less Mason).
16. Quinshon Judkins, CLE
Quinshon Judkins
CLE RB19
Judkins went 17-59-0 this past week and didn’t catch a pass yet again. His lack of passing game involvement makes Judkins very TD dependent in PPR, and having Shedeur Sanders at QB is unlikely to help get them close to the end zone. The Browns' O-line has been poor as well, with Judkins averaging only 0.52 yards per rush before contact, 28th out of 29 RBs with 100+ carries. He can be plugged in, but is a better non-PPR play.
17. D'Andre Swift, CHI
D'Andre Swift
CHI RB16
Swift had 90 total yards last week and has reclaimed the bulk of RB touches from Kyle Monangai. Since returning from injury, Swift has 40 total touches to Monangai’s 20, though Monangai has two goal-line TDs. The Steelers have been volatile against the run, shutting down runners like Josh Jacobs and Jonathan Taylor, while Kimani Vidal has torched them. Swift is a solid RB2 start this week.
18. Woody Marks, HOU
Played Thursday night.
19. Travis Etienne, JAC
Travis Etienne
JAC RB18
Etienne appeared on Wednesday’s injury report as limited with a shoulder. He’s fully expected to play, although his workload is less certain after Bhayshul Tuten’s resurgent Week 11. A solid matchup vs. Arizona helps secure Etienne’s RB2 value.
20. Kareem Hunt, KC
Kareem Hunt
KC RB20
In two starts since Isiah Pacheco was injured, Hunt has played 81% and 82% of Kansas City's snaps. Last week, Hunt took all of the Chiefs' RB carries and scored for the second week in a row. The Colts have allowed 9 TDs to RBs in 10 games, so Hunt's odds of scoring again are solid. Hunt's volume hasn't been overly impressive, but he is commanding enough touches to warrant RB2 consideration.
21. David Montgomery, DET
David Montgomery
DET RB20
Last week at Philly reminded everyone that Montgomery is less matchup-proof than Jahmyr Gibbs. (But we already knew that.) Fortunately for him, this week brings a Giants D that’s second-worst against RBs by our adjusted fantasy points per game. Detroit’s status as a 10.5-point favorite should set up plenty of rushing volume. Montgomery drew his second-most carries of the season two weeks ago at Washington, another positive rushing matchup, and the first game with HC Dan Campbell taking over playcalling.
22. Kenneth Walker III, SEA
Kenneth Walker III
SEA RB21
Walker continues looking great, and it finally hit in his 19 touches for 111 yards and a TD last week. He also had another TD brought back due to a penalty. Zach Charbonnet continues to get work, but Walker has hit his stride and should continue seeing a majority of opportunities. The Titans have allowed 14 TDs to RBs this year, third most in the league. It is a good spot for Walker if the Seahawks get up early.
23. Emanuel Wilson, GB
Emanuel Wilson
GB RB22
RB Josh Jacobs still has a shot to play this weekend. Check Shark Bites for updates on his status. If Jacobs sits, Wilson would be a viable RB2 in fantasy lineups. He dominated backfield work after Jacobs exited last week, playing 94% of Green Bay's offensive snaps and handling all 11 RB carries. The Vikings' 10th-ranked RB defense comes to town on Sunday. But the Packers are 6.5-point favorites with a solid 23.75-point implied total, so game script should work in Wilson's favor.
24. Alvin Kamara, NO
Alvin Kamara
NO RB23
In his last game before the bye, Kamara earned a season-high 22 carries and caught all three of his targets. While the volume was vintage Kamara, the production remained worrisome. Kamara is only averaging 3.6 yards per carry, and his receiving volume is way down. He is what he is at this point--a low-end RB2/3 with limited upside. Atlanta also presents a challenging matchup. The Falcons have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to RBs. Kamara remains fantasy-relevant, but his upside is limited.
25. Tyrone Tracy Jr., NYG
Tyrone Tracy Jr.
NYG RB25
Tracy trailed Devin Singletary in carries in the first game after Cam Skattebo went down. But he has rebounded to lead his teammate each of the past two weeks. The split limits the upside for each player, as does a matchup with the league’s No. 6 defense in rush DVOA. Entering the contest as 10.5-point underdogs doesn’t help the rushing-volume projection either.
26. Jaylen Warren, PIT
Jaylen Warren
PIT RB24
Warren left last week’s game with an ankle injury, but he did return and is slated to play this week. He should keep his lead role, but could cede snaps to Kaleb Johnson and Kenneth Gainwell. Gainwell did outperform Warren, catching 7 of 8 targets for 81 yards and 2 TDs. The Bears are a solid defense to target, with RBs having given up 270 total rushing yards to RBs over the last two weeks. Warren’s injury gives him a low floor, but he is still a solid RB2/flex start.
27. Rachaad White, TB
Rachaad White
TB RB27
White was outplayed by Sean Tucker in Week 11, but there’s a chance the former’s usage rises Sunday against the Rams. That, of course, assumes Bucky Irving remains out. But Tampa arrives as 6.5-point road underdogs, while White remains the preferred option in passing situations. He’s a PPR Flex at best.
28. Kenneth Gainwell, PIT
Kenneth Gainwell
PIT RB26
Gainwell benefitted from Jaylen Warren leaving the game with an ankle injury last week, catching 7 of 8 targets for 81 yards and 2 TDs. He did get fewer carries than Kaleb Johnson after Warren’s injury, showing Gainwell will stick in a heavier pass-catching type of role. The Bears are a solid defense to target, with RBs having given up 270 total rushing yards to RBs over the last two weeks. Gainwell can be used in the flex in PPR leagues with upside if he gets more snaps due to Warren’s injury.
29. Zonovan Knight, ARI
Zonovan Knight
ARI RB30
Since Week 9, Knight has led Arizona's RB room in snap share (46%) and run share (41%). Emari Demercado won't play this week, so Knight should be more involved, perhaps seeing an extra target or two. He's on the low-end RB2/RB3 radar this week against a Jacksonville defense that is surrendering the sixth-fewest fantasy points to RBs.
30. Sean Tucker, TB
Sean Tucker
TB RB28
Tucker erupted for 140 yards and three total scores against Buffalo. We expect him to lead Tampa in carries if Bucky Irving remains out, but his appeal takes a hit with his lack of receiving. (Tucker handled just a 23% route rate against the Bills.) A tough matchup with the Rams further keeps him in Flex range.
31. Rhamondre Stevenson, NE
Rhamondre Stevenson
NE RB29
Stevenson is tentatively expected to return from a toe injury. However, TreVeyon Henderson’s recent rise leaves the veteran as a shaky Flex option. Stevenson is propped up by a Bengals run defense that allows the most PPR points per game to RBs.
32. Zach Charbonnet, SEA
Zach Charbonnet
SEA RB31
Charbonnet had 47 yards on 13 touches and is starting to fall behind Kenneth Walker a bit in the pecking order for the Seahawks. He still does short yardage work and may get goal-line carries, making him a TD-dependent RB. The Titans have allowed 14 TDs to RBs this year, third most in the league. Charbonnet can be a TD-dependent flex option this week.
33. Tyjae Spears, TEN
Tyjae Spears
TEN RB32
The split between Spears and Tony Pollard kills their fantasy value on a team that doesn’t score many offensive points. Spears has gotten more passing game work while Pollard gets more on the ground. Against a stout Seahawks run defense, neither should be started. Spears gets a slight edge with the Seahawks ranking 29th in receiving points per game given up to RBs.
34. Tony Pollard, TEN
Tony Pollard
TEN RB33
The split between Tyjae Spears and Pollard kills their fantasy value on a team that doesn’t score many offensive points. Spears has gotten more passing game work while Pollard gets more on the ground. Against a stout Seahawks run defense, neither should be started.
35. Michael Carter, ARI
Michael Carter
ARI RB36
With Emari Demercado ruled out, Carter becomes a sneaky flex option. Last week, he led Arizona's backfield with a 44% snap share. He also commanded a healthy 7 targets. While the Cardinals won't be as pass-heavy in this game, it's a decent enough matchup for the passing attack. Consider Carter an RB3/4, but one who has enough upside to warrant flex considerations in Week 12.
36. Devin Singletary, NYG
Devin Singletary
NYG RB39
After beating Tyrone Tracy in rushing production in the first game following Cam Skattebo’s injury, Singletary has fallen back to the No. 2 role. That’s an especially unattractive spot to be this week against a stout Lions run D in a game that finds the Giants 10.5-point underdogs.
37. Bhayshul Tuten, JAC
Bhayshul Tuten
JAC RB35
Tuten left Week 11 with an ankle injury, but he returned to a limited practice on Wednesday. He looked explosive his last time out, turning 15 carries into 74 yards. We’ll see if his ankle remains on the right track. But the rookie deserves Flex consideration in his current form.
38. Blake Corum, LAR
Blake Corum
LAR RB37
Corum took a step back in Week 11, notching only 10 yards on 8 carries. He faced a stout Seattle defense in that one, and Sunday presents another tough challenge in the Bucs. Corum remains a fringe Flex.
39. Kyle Monangai, CHI
Monangai has taken a backseat to D’Andre Swift since Swift’s return from injury. Swift has 40 touches in the last two games compared to Monangai’s 20, though Monangai has two goal-line TDs. He is a TD-dependent desperation option this week against a Steelers’ defense that has been volatile against the run.
40. Brian Robinson Jr., SF
Brian Robinson Jr.
SF RB40
Robinson has tallied eight carries in back-to-back games, with four of those coming inside the red zone. He still qualifies as a desperation fantasy start, but he's at least in a nice spot on Monday night with his 49ers 7-point home favorites against a slumping Panthers run defense.
41. Tyler Allgeier, ATL
Tyler Allgeier
ATL RB41
With Kirk Cousins now quarterbacking, this feels like a potentially run-heavy game script for the Falcons. Allgeier lost out on his short-yardage reps last week, but has out-carried Bijan Robinson inside the opponent's 10-yard line 14-8. He won't do much as a receiver, but Allgeier looks like a good bet for 10 carries and has a decent shot at punching in a goal-line score. View him as an RB4/flex option in deeper leagues.
42. Devin Neal, NO
Neal's snap share has declined in three straight games. He did have his best numbers of the season in Week 10, but Neal isn't receiving enough opportunities to be a reliable option in fantasy lineups. Facing Atlanta's stout run defense, Neal is little more than a deep-league desperation flex play who will get a handful of touches, at best.
43. Keaton Mitchell, BAL
Keaton Mitchell
BAL RB44
Justice Hill missed Week 11, which freed up Keaton Mitchell to have RB2 duties behind Derrick Henry. Mitchell played 27% of Baltimore's snaps and had 9 opportunities. That's enough usage for Mitchell to be on the RB4/flex radar in Week 12 as the Ravens are big favorites over a fading Jets defense.
44. Nick Chubb, HOU
Nick Chubb
HOU RB43
Played Thursday night.
45. Isaiah Davis, NYJ
Isaiah Davis
NYJ RB47
Davis saw 9 targets from Weeks 7-8 but has all but disappeared from the Jets' offense. He's gotten 1 target in their last 2 games and has been under 2 PPR points in each. Perhaps the QB change will help make Davis relevant again in deeper leagues, but his floor is precipitously low. Davis is a low-end RB4 or flex play only in the deepest of leagues against an improved Ravens' defense.
46. Jordan Mason, MIN
Mason scored a 16-yard TD last week, but that was one of only six touches on the day. He's been well behind RB Aaron Jones in playing time in two straight games. And, with the Vikings 6.5-point underdogs in Green Bay this weekend, game script figures to favor Jones once again. Mason should be parked on fantasy benches.
47. Christopher Brooks, GB
Christopher Brooks
GB RB48
Emanuel Wilson handled all 11 RB carries after Josh Jacobs left last week's game. Expect Brooks to be involved if Jacobs misses Sunday's game vs. the Vikings -- but not enough to be a viable fantasy play.
48. Brashard Smith, KC
Brashard Smith
KC RB46
Smith has played 18% of Kansas City's snaps in back-to-back games but hasn't received many touches. He's only accumulated 15 yards on 5 touches in Kansas City's last two games. His role in the passing game has also eroded. Smith has only caught 2 balls in the previous 3 games. Smith is little more than a desperation flex play in deeper leagues, with the hope that his receiving role from Weeks 4-7 returns against the Colts.
49. Chuba Hubbard, CAR
Chuba Hubbard
CAR RB49
Hubbard has been out-touches 45 to nine by Rico Dowdle over the past two weeks. Despite Monday night's plus matchup vs. the 49ers, Hubbard should not be in starting lineups.
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