Week 15 of the NFL season has arrived, which means it’s time for the fantasy playoffs! Do you have tough lineup decisions to make in this must-win matchup? I’ve got you covered.
Let’s break down my Week 15 start ’em, sit ’em fantasy football running back picks.
Start ‘Em: Rico Dowdle (Cowboys) at Panthers
Don’t look now, but Dallas’ running game has come to life. Dowdle has now amassed 329 yards on the ground over his last three outings, including a ridiculous 131-yard performance against the Bengals.
The 26-year-old is averaging well over five yards per carry over that span, and is now set to face a Panthers defense that allows the most fantasy points per game to opposing backfields. With his sudden bump in usage and production, fire Dowdle up as a strong RB2 in the first round of the fantasy playoffs.
Sit ‘Em: Najee Harris (Steelers) at Eagles
It’s been a struggle on the ground lately for Harris, who has failed to eclipse 80 rushing yards in five straight contests. The usage has been there for Najee, but the efficiency has certainly been lacking, as the fourth-year back is now averaging under four yards per carry on the season.
This week, it won’t get any easier. Pittsburgh is slated to face an Eagles defense that allows the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing backfields and the eighth-fewest rushing yards this year. Harris does provide a fantasy floor due to volume, but you can likely do better at the position this week.
Check out my full Week 15 start/sit article with picks at each position here!
Start ‘Em: Rachaad White (Buccaneers) at Chargers
Both members of Tampa Bay’s two-headed backfield monster have been productive from a fantasy perspective, with Bucky Irving racking up the points as of late. However, a back injury to Irving firmly planted White in the lead back role, and he excelled, scoring 24.9 points.
The 25-year-old took his 19 touches for 109 yards and two touchdowns, feasting against the Raiders. This week, White draws the Chargers, who are a tough matchup on paper. That said, Tampa Bay is going to continue to pound the rock. If Irving remains out with his back issue, White is a must-start, but the third-year back still has high-end RB2 upside with Bucky in the equation.
Sit ‘Em: D’Andre Swift (Bears) at Vikings
Using game script as an excuse can only take you so far.
Yes, Swift has seen a reduction in touches as of late due to how Chicago’s games have panned out. However, his efficiency has drastically dipped compared to his streak of success earlier this year. The 25-year-old has now failed to score double-digit fantasy points in four of the Bears’ last five games.
It’s hard to justify starting Swift against a Vikings defense that allows the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing backfields.
Those are my start ’em, sit ’em Week 15 fantasy football running back picks! Stay tuned for more fantasy advice later this week.
All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
