Week 18 Start ’Em, Sit ’Em: Running Backs

Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em is the ultimate look at the best and worst matchups based on a PPR scoring system in fantasy football. This column will not cover the elite players in the NFL like Patrick Mahomes, Christian McCaffrey or Justin Jefferson. Instead, I'll look at the players you have questions about who could exceed or fail to meet expectations at each position. For all of your final fantasy lineup decisions, be sure to check out my weekly player rankings which will be updated daily throughout the 2023 NFL season.

Fabs’ Top 10 Running Backs

1. Jonathan Taylor vs. Houston Texans (Sat.)
2. De’Von Achane vs. Buffalo Bills
3. Breece Hall at New England Patriots
4. Rachaad White at Carolina Panthers
5. Kyren Williams at San Francisco 49ers
6. Travis Etienne at Indianapolis Colts (Sat.)
7. Saquon Barkley at Philadelphia Eagles
8. James Conner vs. Seattle Seahawks
9. Kenneth Walker at Arizona Cardinals
10. Jahmyr Gibbs vs. Minnesota Vikings

Week 18 Start ’Em, Sit ’Em: QUARTERBACKS | RUNNING BACKS | WIDE RECEIVERS | TIGHT ENDS | KICKERS & TEAM DEFENSES

Week 18 Start ’Em: Running Backs

Start of the Week

James Conner vs. Seahawks (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): Conner has been a league winner in the last month, scoring 20-plus points three times in his last four games. He should remain in starting lineups this week, too, as the veteran faces a porous Seahawks defense that’s surrendered five touchdowns and the fifth-most points to opposing backs in the last four weeks. Conner should be considered a must start.

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Start ’Em

Tony Pollard at Commanders (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): Pollard has been cold as ice in the last three weeks, scoring no more than 7.7 fantasy points in that time. This is a good week for him to rebound, however, as a matchup in Washington should be good for what’s ailed him. Over the last four weeks, their defense has allowed 151 rushing yards per game and the most fantasy points to opposing running backs.

Elijah Mitchell vs. Rams (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): The Niners will be without Christian McCaffrey this week, so Mitchell is next in line to see carries in Week 18. He put up a solid line last week in CMC’s absence, rushing for 80 yards and a touchdown on his 17 touches. While this week’s matchup against the Rams is bad on paper, the projected volume makes Mitchell a viable No. 2 fantasy running back this week.

Devin Singletary at Colts (Sat. 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN): Singletary hasn’t put up good totals in the last two weeks, but he should get back on track against the Colts. Their defense has been bad against running backs, allowing the third-most points to the position at home this season. What’s more, runners have averaged 176.8 total yards and the fourth-most points against Indianapolis in the last four weeks.

More Starts

Kenneth Walker at Cardinals (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox)
Ezekiel Elliott vs. Jets (1 p.m. ET, Fox)
James Cook at Dolphins (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC)

DFS Bargains (DraftKings)

James Conner vs. Seahawks ($6,100)
Ezekiel Elliott vs. Jets ($5,900)
Elijah Mitchell vs. Rams ($5,800)

Week 18 Sit ’Em: Running Backs

Sit of the Week

Javonte Williams at Raiders (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): Williams has failed to record good totals lately, scoring fewer than 11 points in six of his last seven games. He also didn’t start last week, and reports suggest Jaleel McLaughlin will see more work in the Broncos’ season finale. The Raiders have also been tougher on backs in the last four weeks, allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to the position.

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Sit ’Em

Chuba Hubbard vs. Buccaneers (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Hubbard has seen his touches decrease in four straight weeks, during which time he’s scored no more than 12.3 points in a game. Next up is a matchup against the Buccaneers, who have given up the third-fewest points to running backs in the last four weeks. Tampa Bay is also playing for the NFC South, while the Panthers are just riding the season out.

Tyler Chandler at Lions (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Chandler has continued to be the top option in the Vikings backfield even with the return of Alexander Mattison, but his totals remain unimpressive. He’s scored single digits in two straight games, and that includes a Week 16 matchup against the Lions in which he rushed for a mere 17 yards. Detroit plans to play their starters, so Chandler is a real risk in the finals.

Gus Edwards vs. Steelers (Sat. 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN): Edwards has been getting into the end zone on a regular basis lately, finding paydirt in each of his last three games. The problem is that the Ravens have clinched the top seed in the AFC, so coach John Harbaugh could decide to rest Edwards and Justice Hill in what is a meaningless game. That makes Edwards a risk in this AFC North competition.

More Sits

Derrick Henry vs. Jaguars (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Jerome Ford at Bengals (1 p.m. ET, CBS)|
Brian Robinson vs. Cowboys (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox)

DFS Fades (DraftKings)

Derrick Henry vs. Jaguars ($6,400)
Jerome Ford at Bengals ($5,600)
Ty Chandler at Lions ($5,600)