Week 18 will not have a few elite running backs in Saquon Barkley and Kyren Williams. Don’t worry. There are some backups worth taking a chance on. Carson Steele will likely see a big workload as most of the Chiefs backfield will sit. As years passed, the Chiefs gave a backup running back a high number of touches in the last week of the season.
There are three other sleeper running backs: Kenneth Gainwell, Michael Carter, and Blake Corum. Gainwell has a great matchup against the Giants, who have a poor run defense, but they could also work in Will Shipley. Carter filled in for James Conner last week and finished with 70 rushing yards. Carter should see a big workload against the 49ers, who are hurt on defense. Blake Corum will get extended time and should be able to practice against a weak Seattle run defense.
Be cautious of De’Von Achane with Tua Tagovailoa on the sidelines. Achane hasn’t been well with Tagovailoa on the field. James Cook and Joe Mixon could not play a full game, making them risky in lineups in Week 18.