Fantasy Football Championship Week: Running Backs To Start
START Ashton Jeanty: The Las Vegas rookie sparkled in a Week 16 breakout performance. Against the formidable Houston defense, Jeanty rushed for 128 yards and a touchdown, and he also caught a 60-yard TD pass.
This week, the Raiders face the Giants, who have been a prime fantasy matchup for opposing RBs throughout the season. New York ranks 30th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to opposing RBs. Although this game could have an impact on next year’s NFL Draft positioning at the top of the order, Jeanty is going to be riding momentum into a very favorable matchup. He should still be started as he looks to finish his first NFL season with strong performances.
START Rhamondre Stevenson: TreVeyon Henderson is in the league’s concussion protocol, and he might miss New England’s Week 17 game against the Jets. Stevenson can produce very good numbers if he is needed to operate as the lead RB for New England. The Patriots are getting a great matchup for fantasy RBs as they close in on an AFC East title.
New York has allowed 15 rushing TDs to RBs this season, which is tied for the second-most in the NFL. The Jets’ defense might spend a lot of time on the field this week, and Stevenson may build an impressive stat line with an expanded workload. If the Patriots dominate this matchup, expect Stevenson to be a big part of the offensive success.
Be sure to monitor Henderson’s status leading up to Sunday’s game. If he is ruled out, lock Stevenson in as an RB2 or flex play. If Henderson can play, Stevenson can still be considered as a flex option for possible goal-line work.
START Kenneth Gainwell: The Steelers are on the verge of clinching the AFC North title, and they have been able to rely on both of their top two RBs during the push to the postseason. Pittsburgh is looking thin at wide receiver heading into a Week 17 matchup with the Browns, and Gainwell and Jaylen Warren are both viable options.
Over the past four weeks, Cleveland ranks 30th in FFPG allowed to opposing RBs. Gainwell should be very busy this week. He has finished as a fantasy RB1 in three consecutive games and five of his last six. Gainwell caught 19 passes in his last three games and will help the Steelers compensate in the passing game while DK Metcalf is out.
Gainwell is a good flex play or RB2 streamer for NFL Week 17.
START Kenneth Walker III: Last week, Walker delivered his best fantasy performance of the season. In the thrilling win over the Rams, he totaled 164 scrimmage yards and rushed for a TD. Walker averaged 9.1 yards per carry on 11 attempts and finished with 26.4 points.
The Seahawks are heading into another pivotal late-season matchup against the surprising Panthers. Carolina ranks 24th in FFPG allowed to opposing RBs this season. The fantasy matchup indicates potential upside for Walker again this week. Start him if you need a possible boost at a flex spot.