Week 16 of the NFL season has arrived, which means it’s time for the second round of 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 16 start ’em, sit ’em fantasy football running back picks.
Start ‘Em: Rico Dowdle (Cowboys) vs. Buccaneers
Dowdle has been absolutely stellar over his last three outings, racking up 392 rushing yards on 65 carries, also finding the end zone on the ground for the first time this season.
The 26-year-old’s receiving work has been minimal over that stretch, but it doesn’t matter when you’re pacing an offense on the ground at Dowdle’s current rate. After struggling with efficiency for the entire season, something has clicked for the Cowboys’ rushing attack, with the fifth-year back being the primary beneficiary.
The Bucs are a tougher matchup than Dowdle has faced as of late, but given his recent volume and efficiency, you can fire him up as a strong RB2.
Sit ‘Em: Breece Hall (Jets) vs. Rams
Benching one of the highest-drafted fantasy backs this year in the most crucial week to date?
Unfortunately, I think it’s the right call.
Hall hasn’t looked like himself over the last few weeks. He salvaged his most recent outing with a touchdown, but the star back was outgained by a 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers on the ground, managing just 30 yards on nine carries with a 48% snap share.
While the Jets are adamant they won’t shut Hall down, I would expect him to continue to see a reduced role, with both Isaiah Davis and Braelon Allen poised to steal touches.
Check out my full Week 16 start/sit article with picks at each position here!
Start ‘Em: Jerome Ford (Browns) at Bengals
With Nick Chubb officially done for the year due to a broken foot, Ford has the opportunity to step into a league-winner role depending on his volume and efficiency down the stretch.
The 25-year-old broke off a long touchdown run in Cleveland’s loss to the Chiefs, finishing the day with 18.4 PPR points on nine total touches. Next up for the Browns is a Bengals run defense that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing backfields this year. In an expanded role, Ford holds legitimate RB2 value with upside in Cincinnati this weekend.
Sit ‘Em: Najee Harris (Steelers) at Ravens
Harris is known for getting stronger as the season progresses, but that hasn’t been the case this year.
Pittsburgh’s lead back is coming off his worst outing of the season against Philadelphia, in which he managed just 3.1 points on seven total touches. This was the third time Najee has been held under 12 fantasy points in his last four contests. To make matters worse, the 26-year-old also received his lowest snap share of the season at just 33%. In a Week 16 matchup with the Ravens, game script could result in a similar outcome.
Those are my start ’em, sit ’em Week 16 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.
