For Week 12’s running back stories to follow, Josh Jacobs and possibly Jaylen Warren could miss this week due to injuries. On the flip side, we are hopeful players like Bucky Irving and Trey Benson can return to their teams this week.
Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty should be one you look to avoid this week if you can. He faces the Browns defense that allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs. The rookie running back has struggled to get much going in this Raiders offense, with under 60 rushing yards in four straight games. If Jeanty isn’t able to score a touchdown, which is a tall task since the Browns have only allowed four rushing touchdowns, it could be a tough day for the rookie. –Steve Pintado
If you assume that Sean Tucker is the new running back in Tampa, you’ll be very disappointed, even if Bucky Iriving doesn’t return. They will face off against the Rams in Week 12. The Rams allow the third-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs this season. Tucker only played 44% of the offensive snaps, while White played 60%. The Rams have kept opposing running backs under 60 rushing yards in each of the last 4 games. If it happens to be Tucker and White again, I’d look elsewhere if you can. –Steve Pintado
It may be the first time in weeks that you could trust the Seattle backfield in Week 12. Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet continue to split time, but they have a great matchup. They play the Titans, who allow the 5th most fantasy points per game to running backs. They have allowed the second-most rushing touchdowns. Seattle will look to bounce back with a big win this week after losing to the Rams last week. That happens with the run game and using both backs, and both could finish with 12-plus fantasy points against a poor Titans run defense. –Steve Pintado
If you’re looking to pick up players like Emanuel Wilson and Kenneth Gainwell this week, let’s take a look at their outlook. Wilson could be a solid RB2/3 value this week if Jacobs is going to miss time. Wilson has 5 games where he has 10 or more carries, and in those games, he has at least 10 fantasy points. The Vikings have an average run defense, so Wilson could help provide some floor play for a fantasy manager looking to make it to the playoffs. The two times Kenny G saw extended playing time, He put up 25-plus fantasy points. If Warren misses, then Gainwell has RB2 value in this game against the Bears, especially in PPR. We saw him have 8 targets, and some of those came with backup Mason Rudolph, who could also start in Week 12. If it’s not Gainwell, then Warren is still a great play against the Bears’ average run defense. –Steve Pintado