Week 9 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.
Let’s break down my Week 9 start ’em, sit ’em fantasy football running back picks.
Start ‘Em: J.K. Dobbins (Chargers) at Browns
After a subpar Week 7 showing, Dobbins bounced back against the Saints, racking up 16.8 PPR points. His efficiency on the ground hasn’t been ideal since Week 3, but volume and scoring upside have carried him into fantasy relevance.
The 25-year-old back saw a season-high receptions (four) and targets (seven) on Sunday, showcasing value in the passing game. With a firm grip on the lead back role in a surprisingly effective offense, Dobbins is primed to produce strong RB2 numbers once again this week in Cleveland.
Sit ‘Em: Javonte Williams (Broncos) at Ravens
After a monstrous showing in New Orleans, Williams came back down to earth against the Panthers. The 24-year-old saw a season-high 21 touches but failed to hit the double-digit points mark, as Bo Nix stole a rushing touchdown from him and Jaleel McLaughlin found the end zone through the air.
It was McLaughlin who actually led Denver’s backfield with 47 rushing yards on fewer than half of Williams’ carries, which suggests their workloads could be evened out more next game. It also doesn’t help that Denver is taking on the Ravens, who allow the fewest rushing yards per game in the league. This isn’t the matchup to trust Williams in, there are better options out there.
Check out my full Week 9 start/sit article with picks at each position here!
Start ‘Em: Rhamondre Stevenson (Patriots) at Titans
We’ll be playing the waiting game with New England’s quarterback situation throughout the week. Rookie Drake Maye entered concussion protocol after a helmet-to-helmet hit late in the second half against the Jets. Jacoby Brissett stepped in and was shockingly effective, leading the Pats to a comeback victory at home.
While Brissett impressed in his return to action, it’s not fair to expect that level of play from him on a consistent basis. However, his presence does assure that Stevenson will be the focal point of New England’s offense. If Maye is able to clear protocol and suit up, it could result in fewer touches for Rhamondre, but the Patriots will move the ball with more ease and set him up to score.
Either way, you can look at this matchup against Tennessee positively for the star back.
Sit ‘Em: Rachaad White (Buccaneers) at Chiefs
It’s not often you sit a running back who racked up a combined 44 fantasy points over his last two games.
For me, this is one of those occasions. Despite producing at a high level, White saw a snap share of 56% or lower in each of those contests. He only garnered 11 touches last week, saving his fantasy day with a touchdown. According to the eye test, Bucky Irving is the best back in Tampa Bay. Not only is this the case, but he also ate into White’s receiving work against the Falcons, catching all seven of his targets.
There will be weeks when White and Irving can co-exist from a fantasy standpoint, but I don’t expect that to happen against the Chiefs, who allow the fewest fantasy points to opposing backfields.
Those are my start ’em, sit ’em Week 9 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.
