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Some running backs are coming into Week 17 with ideal matchups while others seem likely to underperform. We’ve identified two backs who are ideal starters in fantasy football and two who could bust ahead of the action. Let’s go over some of the top options and fades.
Running Back Starts
David Johnson, Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans
Johnson has played at a very high level for the last two weeks and has a great chance to finish the year on a high note. He followed up his 106 receiving yards from Week 15 with a season-high 128 rushing yards in Week 16. Duke Johnson is in danger of missing yet another game with a neck injury so David’s snap percentage share could be sky-high. The Texans could make use of the versatile back quite a bit against the high-flying Titans offense that put up 42 points against them in Week 6.
Myles Gaskin, Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills
The Dolphins need a win to clinch a playoff spot and Tua Tagovailoa’s arm strength isn’t what got them in this position. Gaskin has emerged as one of the more interesting fantasy running backs in the NFL and posted his best stat line of the year against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 16 by running for 87 yards and catching five passes for 82 yards and two scores. He hasn’t gotten less than 13 touches in a game this season. If Jakeem Grant and DeVante Parker are limited or ruled out for Week 17 we can expect to see a lot of Gaskin.
Running Back Sits
Jeff Wilson, San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks
Wilson was unstoppable in Week 16 and ran for 183 yards on a season-high 22 carries. Can we count on him to be the workhorse two games in a row though? The 49ers love to lead the fantasy community astray by making you think one player is the feature back before going in a completely different direction. San Francisco’s unpredictability and Seattle’s top-five run defense make me low on Wilson in the regular-season finale.
Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens
Bernard has accounted for more than 90 total yards in two straight games but I think his hot streak will run out in Week 17. Baltimore has held opposing teams under 65 total rushing yards for two straight weeks and bottom has the seventh-fewest rushing yards in the NFL. the emergence of Samaje Perine will likely cause Bernard to share a significant number of touches with the RB2.