Christian McCaffrey, 49ers: The Seahawks have allowed 5.05 yards per carry as well as the 7th most rushing yards to opposing running backs. We saw last week that the 49ers were not shy about giving McCaffrey a plentiful number of snaps. He should have another 25+ touches this week which should give him a great opportunity to have about 20-25 fantasy points. He will likely be the highest-scoring player on the slate.
Breece Hall, Jets
Aaron Rodgers has looked like a train wreck for the Jets over the past few weeks. The team insists on throwing the ball and they have not handed the ball enough to Hall. The Jets need to slow this game down take their time on offense to keep Anthony Richardson off the field and make sure that Hall gets his carries. The Colts have allowed the second most rushing yards to opponents this season. I think Hall gets 20+ touches for 80 yards and a touchdown.
Joe Mixon, Texans
Mixon has been the Texans MVP this season. This week, he’s playing the Cowboys, who’ve allowed the third most touchdowns to opposing running backs and the highest yards per target to running backs out of the backfield. Why that stat is important? Imagine if CJ Stroud can find Mixon on one or two outlet passes he might be able to take the receptions 20 to 30 yards each and make some big plays. Look for Mixon to have 120 all-purpose yards and a touchdown.
Kareem Hunt, Chiefs
The Chiefs versus the Bills may be a preview of the AFC championship game. What I like about this matchup is that the teams aren’t going to want to show their entire offensive arsenal, as they know that there’s a good chance that they may see each other again when it counts before the Super Bowl. Because the Chiefs are going to keep their playbook close to the vest, they’re going to hand the ball off a lot to Kareem Hunt and, more importantly, throw the ball to him out of the backfield. The Bills have let up the most receptions to opposing running backs, and Hunt should dominate to the tune of 18 fantasy points this week.
Nick Chubb, Browns
The Saints have led up 5.17 yards per carry this season and they’ve also let up the second most touchdowns to opposing running backs. We haven’t seen the best of Nick Chubb yet but we’ve seen him be more involved in the offense and this might be the week where he finds the end zone for a touchdown.