Week 12 of the NFL season has arrived! Injuries have thrown a wrench into multiple backfields around the league, so it’s time to take a deep dive into the position with the fantasy playoffs around the corner.
Let’s break down my Week 12 start ’em, sit ’em fantasy football running back picks.
Start ‘Em: Brian Robinson Jr. (Commanders) vs. Cowboys
The Commanders struggled to get anything going offensively against the Eagles, but Robinson was one of the few bright spots in his return to action, racking up 72 total yards and a touchdown.
His receiving work will continue to be minimal thanks to Austin Ekeler, but the 25-year-old reassumed his typical role as the lead back with 16 carries. Robinson and the Commanders should have an easier time this week against the Cowboys, who allow the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing backfields. Fire him up as a solid RB2 with upside.
Sit ‘Em: Chuba Hubbard (Panthers) vs. Chiefs
Typically, you don’t sit a guy who has racked up at least 21 PPR points in back-to-back games.
However, this Chiefs run defense is not to be trifled with. Kansas City allows the fewest fantasy points to opposing backs by a sizable margin and the third-fewest rushing yards per game. Hubbard is undeniably Carolina’s best offensive playmaker, but considering Jonathon Brooks’ impending debut and game script likely working against the 25-year-old back, it’s best to leave him on your bench in favor of a better option.
Check out my full Week 12 start/sit article with picks at each position here!
Start ‘Em: Rachaad White (Buccaneers) at Giants
No clear lead rusher in Tampa Bay? No problem for Rachaad White and Bucky Irving.
Both backs have found a path to strong fantasy production over the last few weeks. White, especially, has been solid, racking up at least 15 PPR points in three of the Bucs’ last four games. While I think both of these guys are viable against the Giants, I’d give the edge to Rachaad thanks to his receiving upside.
Sit ‘Em: D’Andre Swift (Bears) vs. Vikings
This isn’t indicative of my feelings towards D’Andre Swift. From Week 4 on, the guy has been stellar for Chicago in virtually every outing. That includes last week’s heartbreaking loss to the Packers, in which he finished with 16.4 points.
The problem lies within Swift’s matchup this week. The Vikings are not to be trifled with on the ground, allowing the fewest rushing yards per game. Over their last three weeks, Brian Flores’ unit has held opponents to a ridiculous 52.3 rushing yards per outing. With game script likely being a factor for this matchup as well, it’s best to bench Swift for a player with a more favorable path to production.
Those are my start ’em, sit ’em Week 12 fantasy football running back picks! Stay tuned for more fantasy advice next week.
All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
