Running Back Start 'Em, Sit 'Em For Fantasy Football Week 18

Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em is the ultimate look at the best and worst matchups based on a PPR scoring system in fantasy football leagues. This column will not cover elite NFL players like Josh Allen, Bijan Robinson, or Ja’Marr Chase. Instead, it will focus on players who could exceed or fall short of their statistical expectations at each position. For all of your final lineup decisions, check out my weekly player rankings, which will be updated daily.

Fab’s Five Top 10 Fantasy Running Back Rankings For Week 18

Christian McCaffrey vs. Seahawks (Sat.)
Bijan Robinson vs. Saints
Jahmyr Gibbs at Bears
Chase Brown vs. Browns
Travis Etienne Jr. vs. Colts
Derrick Henry at Steelers
Jonathan Taylor at Texans
Ashton Jeanty vs. Chiefs
RJ Harvey vs. Chargers
Kyren Williams vs. Cardinals

Complete Week 18 running back rankings

All Positions: QBs | WRs | TEs | Ks & DEFs

Week 18 Start ‘Em Running Backs

Start of the Week

Jaylen Warren vs. Ravens (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): Warren and Kenneth Gainwell were both a disaster last week, but I’m sticking with them against the Ravens. The winner of this contest wins the AFC North, and Baltimore’s defense has been bad against running backs. In fact, the position has beaten them for 12-plus points 15 times, and that list includes Warren’s 15.2 points and Gainwell’s 16.2 points against them in Week 14.

Start ‘Em

Bucky Irving vs. Panthers (Sat. 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN): Irving has failed to score more than 8.3 fantasy points in his last three games, but he also just missed scoring a touchdown (tackled at the 1-yard line) in a Week 16 matchup against this week’s foe, the Panthers. That would have given him 13.1 points. Irving is a flex option against Carolina, as their defense has allowed the fifth-most points to backs since Week 10.

Jordan Mason vs. Packers (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Aaron Jones Sr. will not play in the Vikings' regular-season finale, so Mason should see a solid workload against the Packers. Their defense has allowed the eighth-most points to runners since Week 10, so the matchup is favorable. Green Bay also has nothing to play for and will rest its starters for the playoffs, so Mason will have an even easier matchup this week.

Tank Bigsby vs. Commanders (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): Reports suggest that the Eagles will rest their starters this week, which means Bigsby could see more work if Saquon Barkley gets the week off. In that scenario, he would be a very valuable asset against the Commanders. Over the last eight weeks, their defense has allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Bigbsy is likely on the waiver wire in many leagues.

Jaydon Blue at Giants (1 p.m. ET, Fox): The Cowboys will be without Javonte Williams and Malik Davis this week, so Blue will get a chance to show off his skills against the Giants. Their defense has been bad against running backs all season, allowing 5.6 yards per rush and the fourth-most fantasy points to the position. Blue is a free agent in a lot of fantasy leagues, and he's worth a low-RB2 or high flex spot in your starting lineup.

More Starts

Tyrone Tracy Jr. vs. Cowboys (1 p.m. ET, Fox)
D’Andre Swift vs. Lions (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox)
RJ Harvey vs. Chargers (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS)

Week 18 Sit ‘Em Running Backs

Sit of the Week

Kenneth Walker III at 49ers (Sat. 8 p.m. ET, Fox): Walker III rushed for just 51 yards and scored a mere 7.7 fantasy points last week against the Panthers. He has now scored single digits nine times in 16 games, and he’s averaged 9.2 fantasy points per game against all teams that aren’t the Rams. Walker III, who scored just 5.4 points against the Niners earlier in the season, is tough to trust in championship week.

Sit ‘Em

Rico Dowdle at Buccaneers (Sat. 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN): Dowdle has seen his totals fall over the last month, as he’s failed to score more than 12.4 fantasy points in his past five games. What’s more, he’s scored single digits in three of his past four contests. Next up is a huge matchup against the Buccaneers in a game that will determine the NFC South champion. Their defense held Dowdle to just 8.3 points in Week 16, and only superstar Bijan Robinson has had a huge game against the Bucs since Week 14.

Tony Pollard at Jaguars (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Pollard has been quite productive in recent weeks, as he’s scored double digits in four straight games. However, this week’s game against the Jaguars, who have a lot to play for in terms of the AFC South and playoff seeding, is not favorable. Their defense has allowed the fourth-fewest points to running backs in the last eight weeks, and it held Pollard to just 5.3 points back in Week 13.

Woody Marks vs. Colts (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Marks returned to action last week and led the Texans' backfield with 20 touches, but he still posted just 8.5 fantasy points in a win over the Chargers. He has now failed to score double-digit points in four of his last six games, including a Week 13 matchup against this week’s opponent, the Colts, where he was held to 7.7 points. Unless you’re desperate for a flex, Marks should be benched.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt at Eagles (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): Croskey-Merritt saw a bigger role in the Washington offense last week, rushing 11 times for 105 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to the Cowboys. The rookie has now scored 15-plus points in two of his last three games, but I wouldn’t chase the points against the Eagles. They’re still playing for postseason seeding, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. could be back as well.

More Sits

Kimani Vidal at Broncos (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS)
David Montgomery at Bears (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox)
Michael Carter at Rams (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox)