Honorable mention Starts: Jahymr Gibbs (DET), Jerome Ford (CLE), Bucky Irving (TB)
Honorable mention Sits: Gus Edwards (SD), D’Andre Swift (CHI), Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS)
Start: Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
Real quick – I just want to thank Robinson for hitting that 100-yard bonus for me and squeaking me into Round 2 of the fantasy playoffs. Thanks to Brock (mentioned above), I was in a tight spot. Moving on. I’m going to be counting on him again this week, and mannnnnn, he’s got a fantastic matchup against the Giants. Granted, Derrick Henry was just held in check by these very Giants, but my theory says the game script factored here – the Ravens passing game was so effective Henry wasn’t needed. The Falcons passing game has been far from effective, and they’re starting the rookie Michael Penix Jr. this week, so I expect a HUGE dose of Bijan. You were starting him anyway; I’m just here to reinforce that thought. Potential for RB1 on the week is real.
Start: James Conner, Arizona Cardinals
James Conner has been one of the most consistent RBs in the league for us, and he’s surging when we need him the most. RB10 on the season, his floor is sturdy, and he’s capable of dropping 25+ in the right matchups. Enter the Carolina Panthers. Worst defense against the position all year and not much better than that here lately. This offense has leaned on Conner heavily the past three games (averaging 20+ touches during that span), and Trey Benson has been an afterthought. And he has the Rams next week? SWOOOOOOOOOON. Start him with confidence, as he has the potential to be a top 5 back this week.
Sit: Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots
Seems counterintuitive to recommend a sit against one of the league’s most generous units to RBs, but that’s exactly what is happening. And it’s less of a knock on Rhamondre and more of a nod to what figures to be a super negative game script. Josh Allen is on another level, and the Bills are favored by more than a touchdown (-7.5 feels too low to me). You may be tempted, but consider that Stevenson has only finished above RB23 once in the last five games, which included some tasty matchups as well. This game is going to get away from the Patriots early, and the Pats will be throwing to compensate. I suppose Rhamondre could see an elevation in targets; I just don’t think it will be enough.
Sit: Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers
I want to love Najee Harris, I do. But he just continues to disappoint me on a fantasy level, week over week, year over year. Three weeks ago in Cincy, he looked like a stud (22 touches, 129 yards, a score – RB3 on the week). And Weeks 6 through 11 weren’t terrible. But as is the case with Harris, it’s the inconsistent results – and now isn’t the time for those shenanigans. Six finishes outside the top 30, another two outside the top 20, and only two top 10s all year. The floor is fairly sturdy, so if that’s what you need, go get it. The Ravens are really good against running backs and have been all season, so the matchup isn’t great. Add to all this a game script where the Steelers are chasing all game, and it doesn’t bode well for Harris. Unless he is all you’ve got, sit him on the bench for this one (and next week, also – KC).
