Week 13 Running Back Preview: Harvey Leads Denver's Charge

Top Fantasy RBs for Week 13

Here are the top Week 13 running backs, with usage and matchup details that drive their positioning in the Week 13 RB rankings. 

1. Christian McCaffrey, San Franisco 49ers

Christian McCaffrey

RB1 on Sun 1:00 PM @ CLE

Bye14

3D PPR ROS364.7

3D Value72.5

It's not the best matchup for McCaffrey -- Cleveland allows the eighth-fewest fantasy points to RBs. But it doesn't matter. McCaffrey's elite volume and productivity as a receiver keep him as an elite fantasy option every week. In Week 13, McCaffrey's consistent role as Brock Purdy's safety valve keeps in atop our RB rankings in a game that should feature more dump-offs against an elite defense.

2. De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins

De'Von Achane

RB2 on Sun 1:00 PM vs NO

Bye12

3D PPR ROS320.1

3D Value86

Achane should be well rested coming off a Week 12 bye. He ranks fourth among RBs in PPR points per game over the past five weeks and remains a high-upside RB1 vs. New Orleans.

3. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions

Jahmyr Gibbs

RB3 on Thu 1:00 PM vs GB

Bye8

3D PPR ROS312.1

3D Value87.7

Played on Thursday

4. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts

Jonathan Taylor

RB4 on Sun 1:00 PM vs HOU

Bye11

3D PPR ROS327.5

3D Value99.7

With Daniel Jones struggling and facing a Houston defense that allows the fewest fantasy points to QBs, Jonathan Taylor will be the focal point of Indy's Week 13 game plan. Taylor has scored at least one TD in seven straight games against this opponent, and the Texans have allowed an RB to score 15-plus PPR points in two of their last three. Taylor remains a top-5 fantasy option with No. 1 overall upside even against this defense.

5. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons

Bijan Robinson

RB5 on Sun 1:00 PM @ NYJ

Bye5

3D PPR ROS328.9

3D Value74.6

Robinson totaled just five targets in QB Kirk Cousins' two starts this season -- down from 6.2 per game with QB Michael Penix. It's too early to call that a trend, but it's worth monitoring. Robinson still racked up 107 total yards last week and remains a must-start against the Jets' 21st-ranked RB defense.

6. Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens 

Derrick Henry

RB6 on Thu 8:20 PM vs CIN

Bye7

3D PPR ROS266.7

3D Value55.1

Played on Thursday

7. James Cook, Buffalo Bills 

James Cook

RB7 on Sun 4:25 PM @ PIT

Bye7

3D PPR ROS272.2

3D Value60

On a bad day for the entire Bills’ team, Cook shined through last week for 129 total yards and a TD against the Texans. His passing game usage has increased, catching at least three passes in each of the last three games. The Steelers' defense has been volatile against opposing RBs, but it has allowed four top-12 scoring weeks this season. A TD or two could propel Cook to an RB1 week.

8. Breece Hall, New York Jets

Breece Hall

RB8 on Sun 1:00 PM vs ATL

Bye9

3D PPR ROS244.4

3D Value47.1

Hall has averaged 17.3 carries over his last four games. And he's now caught four balls in both of QB Tyrod Taylor's starts. Hall is looking like a strong volume bet in Sunday's plus matchup against an Atlanta defense that ranks 30th in adjusted fantasy points allowed to RBs over the last five weeks.

9. Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles

Saquon Barkley

RB9 on Fri 3:00 PM vs CHI

Bye9

3D PPR ROS275

3D Value51

At least Barkley's season-worst rushing performance at Dallas lined up with season highs in targets (8) and catches (7). Regardless of the matchup at this point, he's a start because you have to rather than because you want to.

10. Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars

Travis Etienne

RB10 on Sun 1:00 PM @ TEN

Bye8

3D PPR ROS224.2

3D Value34.8

Etienne took hold of Jacksonville’s backfield in Week 12 with a 60% carry share. The result? His second-highest PPR output of the year (17.6). He draws a Titans run defense that’s eighth-worst in average yards allowed before contact.

11. Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers 

Josh Jacobs

RB11 on Thu 1:00 PM @ DET

Bye5

3D PPR ROS275.9

3D Value57.1

Played on Thursday

12. Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals

Chase Brown

RB13 on Thu 8:20 PM @ BAL

Bye10

3D PPR ROS244.6

3D Value47.1

Played on Thursday

13. TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots

TreVeyon Henderson

RB12 on Mon 8:15 PM vs NYG

Bye14

3D PPR ROS209.5

3D Value23.8

Henderson hung on to lead duties last week, despite the return of RB Rhamondre Stevenson. The rookie played 64% of New England's offensive snaps, handled 18 of 25 RB carries, and drew four targets. The only bad news is that Henderson got just one of the four carries inside the five-yard line. We'll see how the backfield evolves going forward. But Henderson is an exciting Week 13 fantasy play against the Giants' 31st-ranked RB defense.

14. Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams 

Kyren Williams

RB14 on Sun 1:00 PM @ CAR

Bye8

3D PPR ROS247.4

3D Value31.5

Williams took a step behind Blake Corum last week, but the blowout against the Buccaneers may have contributed to that. He had only 13 touches for 48 yards. His split with Corum has caused a lack of touches, staying under 17 touches in six of the last eight games. The Panthers game should be a good spot, though, allowing a top-12 PPR RB in four of the past five games. The Panthers have also given up the most RB rushing TDs over the past five games. Williams is a good bet to score in this one.

15. Rico Dowdle, Carolina Panthers

Rico Dowdle

RB18 on Sun 1:00 PM vs LAR

Bye14

3D PPR ROS215.9

3D Value34.7

Dowdle only had 10 touches last week, including 6 carries. It was an odd game plan, taking the ball out of his hands, and they should move back to getting Dowdle involved this week. The Panthers' going pass-heavy shouldn’t be in the cards unless they get blown out by the Rams. The one downside is the stout Rams front could shut Dowdle down, even if he gets more work. They are only allowing 4.3 yards per touch to RBs, fifth in the league. Dowdle can be a fine PPR RB2 with receiving volume, but don’t expect a boom week.

16. Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders 

Ashton Jeanty

RB17 on Sun 4:25 PM @ LAC

Bye8

3D PPR ROS239

3D Value30.9

Jeanty surprisingly hasn't even appeared on the injury report this week after hurting an ankle and leaving early last week. His rushing efficiency has remained poor, including just 2.5 yards per carry over the past two games. But Jeanty has seen eight targets in consecutive outings and 5+ targets in four straight games. That's enough to keep him a fairly easy start in PPR leagues. The Chargers present some matchup hope by arriving with the No. 26 defense in rush DVOA.

17. RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos

The fantasy production wasn't big last time out, but Harvey got nice usage in his first game sans J.K. Dobbins. The rookie played 61% of Denver's offensive snaps, handled 11 of 17 RB carries, and drew three targets. That makes him an RB2 with upside in Sunday night's plus matchup against the Commanders' 26th-ranked RB defense.

18. Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys 

Javonte Williams

RB15 on Thu 4:30 PM vs KC

Bye10

3D PPR ROS259.9

3D Value53.9

Played on Thursday

20. Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks 

Kenneth Walker III

RB20 on Sun 4:05 PM vs MIN

Bye8

3D PPR ROS202

3D Value24.1

Walker has led Seattle’s backfield in attempts in back-to-back weeks. That stretch includes outings with 13.1 and 20.1 PPR points. Now, Walker enters the Vikings matchup as a huge home favorite, boosting his profile as an RB2.

21. Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers

Jaylen Warren

RB19 on Sun 4:25 PM vs BUF

Bye5

3D PPR ROS216.4

3D Value28.4

Warren played through an ankle injury last week, but ceded some work to Kenneth Gainwell, especially in the passing game. Warren did not catch a pass last week and may continue struggling in PPR leagues if he doesn’t score a TD. Thankfully, the Bills present an easy match-up. They are allowing 5.3 yards per carry, 31st in the league, and struggle when teams bring in additional blockers (which the Steelers pretty much run as a base offense). Warren should score fantasy points, even without the added receptions.

22. Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers

Kimani Vidal

RB21 on Sun 4:25 PM vs LVR

Bye12

3D PPR ROS142.8

3D Value14.9

Vidal has enjoyed good spurts in relief of Omarion Hampton (and Najee Harris). But his total body of work doesn't suggest a player capable of holding Hampton off. Expect the rookie to regain the backfield lead, though Vidal's likely to see a larger playing-time share in Hampton's first game back than when the starter's at full strength.

23. Woody Marks, Houston Texans 

Marks has taken control of Houston's backfield. In his last four games, Marks has out-toched Nick Chubb 62-27 and commanded 64% of Houston's backfield carries. He also plays on most of Houston's passing downs, and this week's matchup looks decent. The Colts have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to RBs since Week 8, including 5 TDs. Marks is firmly in RB2 territory this week.

24. Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns

Quinshon Judkins

RB24 on Sun 1:00 PM vs SF

Bye9

3D PPR ROS198.7

3D Value27.2

Opponents are selling out to stop Cleveland's rushing attack due to the Browns' inadequacies at QB. It's working. Judkins has been held to 3.5 yards per carry or less in six straight games. His volume as a runner remains good, but he won't catch many passes. San Francisco is league-average, allowing the 16th-most fantasy points to RBs. That volume keeps Judkins on the fantasy radar this week as a TD-dependent RB2/3.

25. Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants

Tyrone Tracy Jr.

RB25 on Mon 8:15 PM @ NE

Bye14

3D PPR ROS161.8

3D Value17.1

Tracy has racked up 53 carries over his last three games, including 39 over the last two. It's worth noting that the Giants as a team have totaled 107 carries in the last three games -- volume that we can't bank on going forward. Still, Tracy has played well ahead of RB Devin Singletary and even got two of three carries inside the five-yard line last week. He gets a Patriots defense on Monday night that played the run tough early this season, but has sagged lately. New England has allowed 272 yards on 4.9 yards per carry to RBs over the last three weeks.

26. Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers

Kenneth Gainwell

RB26 on Sun 4:25 PM vs BUF

Bye5

3D PPR ROS159.3

3D Value13.1

Gainwell worked his way into the pass-catching role while still getting enough rushing touches to be viable on his own. Last week, he went 10-92-0 on the ground and 6-30-0 through the air. Gainwell has 5+ targets in three straight games. The Bills should be a great match-up for Gainwell this week. They are allowing 5.3 yards per carry, 31st in the league, and struggle when teams bring in additional blockers (which the Steelers pretty much run as a base offense). Gainwell can be a PPR flex play this week.

27. Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bucky Irving

RB27 on Sun 1:00 PM vs ARI

Bye9

3D PPR ROS185.6

3D Value42.5

Bucs HC Todd Bowles said early this week that he expects to keep Irving's work limited in his first action since Week 4. He compared the situation to WR Chris Godwin's Week 12 return, which saw Godwin play just 36% of the snaps. Irving's coming off shoulder and foot injuries, and plays a position that takes a lot more hits. He looks like merely an RB3-level play despite a fine matchup.

28. Devin Neal, New Orleans Saints

Neal will step in for Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle), who averages 14.9 touches per game. But he draws an improved Miami run defense, while there’s a good chance that Taysom Hill remains active as a rusher. The veteran handled ten carries in Week 12. Treat the rookie as a fantasy Flex.

29. Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings 

Aaron Jones

RB28 on Sun 4:05 PM @ SEA

Bye6

3D PPR ROS175.7

3D Value22.3

Jones has remained the Vikings’ clear lead back, handling 63% of the carries with a 17% target share over his past three outings. The issue this week is a tough matchup vs. Seattle and continued question marks at QB. Treat the veteran as a volume-based Flex.

30. David Montgomery, Detroit Lions 

David Montgomery

RB30 on Thu 1:00 PM vs GB

Bye8

3D PPR ROS192.9

3D Value22.7

Played on Thursday

31. Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans

Tyjae Spears

RB33 on Sun 1:00 PM vs JAC

Bye10

3D PPR ROS140.8

3D Value16.6

Spears averages just 8.4 touches per game, while he’s coming off a season-low 3-carry effort in Week 12. Now he gets a Jags run defense that’s sixth-best in rush yards over expected per attempt. He remains an iffy PPR Flex.

32. Zonovan Knight, Arizona Cardinals 

Zonovan Knight

RB31 on Sun 1:00 PM @ TB

Bye8

3D PPR ROS159.4

3D Value10.3

Trey Benson remains out, and Knight will continue to be the best touch bet in the Arizona backfield. He not only beat Michael Carter 10-5 in carries last week, but Knight also edged Carter 5-3 in targets. He turned all that into poor yardage efficiency, but he has found the end zone in two straight games. A tough Bucs rushing matchup doesn't help the RB's outlook.

33. Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks 

Zach Charbonnet

RB32 on Sun 4:05 PM vs MIN

Bye8

3D PPR ROS157.5

3D Value20

Kenneth Walker’s recent boost in usage has come at Charbonnet’s expense. Charbonnet scored last week but has been out-carried by Walker 27-17 over his past two. He sticks in Flex range this week against a slumping Vikings team that should allow for Seattle to lean run.

34. Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans 

Tony Pollard

RB34 on Sun 1:00 PM vs JAC

Bye10

3D PPR ROS180.3

3D Value16

Pollard continues to split work with Tyjae Spears, who’s topped the veteran in yards per carry (4.2 to 3.7). He gets a Jags defense that’s allowed only four rushing scores all season.

35. D'Andre Swift, Chicago Bears

D'Andre Swift

RB31 on Fri 3:00 PM @ PHI

Bye5

3D PPR ROS204.3

3D Value21.5

It's possible that Swift's mid-RB3 range projection comes in even a little too high this week. He trailed rookie Kyle Monangai in playing time, pass routes, and carries last week. If the Bears repeat that usage, there will be little reason to consider Swift for fantasy lineups the rest of the way. We'll see, though, if he regains some passing-game work in a week that could find Chicago needing that.

36. Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs

Kareem Hunt

RB35 on Thu 4:30 PM @ DAL

Bye10

3D PPR ROS159.1

3D Value16.8

Played on Thursday

37. Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs 

Isiah Pacheco

RB36 on Thu 4:30 PM @ DAL

Bye10

3D PPR ROS164.6

3D Value17

Played on Thursday

38. Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears 

Monangai has outscored D'Andre Swift in fantasy for two straight weeks and found the end zone in three consecutive contests. But last week marked the first time he actually beat the veteran in workload. We'll see whether that usage shift sticks, but neither is more than an RB3-level option as a 7-point underdog at Philly.

39. Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots 

Rhamondre Stevenson

RB38 on Mon 8:15 PM vs NYG

Bye14

3D PPR ROS162.9

3D Value13.4

Stevenson was out-carried 18 to six by TreVeyon Henderson in his return last week. He did get two of the four carries inside the five-yard line, though. And his role could grow in his second game back from his toe injury. Stevenson would be a risky Week 13 fantasy start, but he certainly has upside against the Giants' 31st-ranked RB defense.

40. Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccnaeers 

Sean Tucker

RB39 on Sun 1:00 PM vs ARI

Bye9

3D PPR ROS112

3D Value11.3

Tucker endured a predictably quiet Week 12 against a Rams D much tougher than the Buffalo unit he torched the week before. He continued to trail Rachaad White in playing time but beat White in both carries and targets. This week's Arizona matchup looks more favorable, but Tucker also must contend with the expected return of Bucky Irving. We're expecting all three RBs to stay involved, but the workload challenge obviously makes Tucker difficult to trust outside desperation situations.

41. Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons 

Tyler Allgeier

RB41 on Sun 1:00 PM @ NYJ

Bye5

3D PPR ROS141

3D Value11.1

Allgeier has played 29% of Atlanta's snaps and accounted for 33% of the team's backfield carries. That puts him on the cusp of WR4/flex territory against a weak Jets' defense that has allowed the 13th-most fantasy points to opposing RBs. That defense has been the sixth-worst since trading off two of their top defenders at the trade deadline, so Allgeier has some flex potential in deeper leagues. 

42. Chris Rodriguez, Washington Commanders

Chris Rodriguez

RB44 on Sun 8:20 PM vs DEN

Bye12

3D PPR ROS97.7

3D Value18.2

Rodriguez had taken over as Washington's lead back before the Week 12 bye, out-carrying Jacory Croskey-Merritt 15 to nine in the team's last game. That makes Rodriguez the best fantasy bet in the backfield this week. But he's not a particularly good bet with the Commanders 5.5-point underdogs against the Broncos' eighth-ranked RB defense.

43. Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Rachaad White

RB40 on Sun 1:00 PM vs ARI

Bye9

3D PPR ROS180

3D Value9.9

White maintained his playing-time lead over Sean Tucker last week but trailed his teammate in opportunities. The expected return of Bucky Irving against the Cardinals only further strains White's chances of helping your fantasy lineup. Try to avoid using him if you can help it.

44. Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams

Blake Corum

RB43 on Sun 1:00 PM @ CAR

Bye8

3D PPR ROS136

3D Value17.8

Corum went 7-24-0 last week, splitting carries with Kyren Williams. He did not see a target in the blowout against the Bucs, with the Rams moving away from the pass. Corum now has 7+ rushes in each of the last five games, including three games of 12+ rushes. He isn’t a great fantasy bet with only one TD this season.

45. Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars 

Bhayshul Tuten

RB42 on Sun 1:00 PM @ TEN

Bye8

3D PPR ROS120.5

3D Value17.8

Tuten saw just a 28% carry share last week in a tight game at Arizona. His current role leaves him as only a deep-league Flex.

46. Michael Carter, Arizona Cardinals

Michael Carter

RB47 on Sun 1:00 PM @ TB

Bye8

3D PPR ROS95.8

3D Value3.4

Trey Benson's knee isn't ready for Week 13, and Emari Demercado still hasn't practiced. That will keep Carter running second among Arizona RBs. There's a chance that the difficult Tampa Bay rushing matchup favors Carter's usage over Bam Knight. Carter brings a better record of receiving production. But Knight led him in both carries (10-5) and targets (5-3) last week. So betting on Carter to lead this week isn't the move.

47. Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens 

Keaton Mitchell

RB46 on Thu 8:20 PM vs CIN

Bye7

3D PPR ROS66.1

3D Value4.2

Played on Thursday

48. Devin Singletary, New York Giants

Devin Singletary

RB48 on Mon 8:15 PM @ NE

Bye14

3D PPR ROS99.7

3D Value8.3

Singletary has totaled 38 carries over the last three weeks. But that's only 36% of the Giants' whopping 107 total carries over that span. We can't bank on that type of volume going forward, particularly with the Giants as 7.5-point road underdogs to the Patriots on Monday night. Consider Singletary just an RB4 in Week 13 fantasy lineups.

49. Emanuel Wilson, Green Bay Packers 

Emanuel Wilson

RB52 on Thu 1:00 PM @ DET

Bye5

3D PPR ROS116.1

3D Value9.3

Played on Thursday

50. Brian Robinson Jr., San Francisco 49ers

Brian Robinson Jr.

RB50 on Sun 1:00 PM @ CLE

Bye14

3D PPR ROS94.4

3D Value-2.5

Robinson has seen an uptick in usage. Since Week 10, he's played 23% of San Francisco's snaps but taken a healthy 30% of the carries as a change-of-pace option behind Christian McCaffrey. He'll also catch a pass or two, so there's some potential for Robinson to warrant deep-league flex attention in a game that could feature an increased emphasis on the rushing attack due to a tough matchup against Cleveland's superb defense.

Next Up

Week 13 Tight End Preview: Is Brenton Strange Already A Fantasy Starter?

Next Article  

Jody Smith, Analyst

Jody Smith has been playing fantasy football for over 30 years, the last 15 as an analyst, writer, and editor. Jody's rankings have been among the most consistent, placing him inside the top-10 in multi-year accuracy.