Running back has been a highly variable position this year, so analyzing matchups becomes all the more important for fantasy football. Below we will break down the NFL fantasy football rankings and go over the Week 12 fantasy football start ’em/sit ’em running backs.
Week 12 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em: Running Backs
Must Start: Mark Ingram — Saints vs. Bills
With Alvin Kamara sidelined for Tuesday’s practice, it seems less and less likely that he will suit up on Thanksgiving against the Bills. This opens the door for Ingram to take full advantage of the opportunity as the lead back. Last week against the Eagles he had 16 rushes for 88 yards and six receptions on eight targets for 25 yards. While he scored fewer points than the week prior against the Titans, he was just as involved against the Eagles. This week Ingram faces the Bills, who were eviscerated last week by Jonathan Taylor who scored five total touchdowns in that matchup. While it is unlikely that Ingram will put up a crazy score like Taylor, players should get all of the juice out of Ingram before Kamara returns.
Must Start: A.J. Dillon — Packers vs. Rams
Soon enough Aaron Jones will return as the workhorse running back of the Packers, but soon enough does not appear to be this week against the Rams. Without Jones, Dillon is in the perfect spot to have fantasy success. One could even argue that Dillon is in a better scenario to succeed than Jones ever was because there is no one behind Dillon to take away opportunities. Last week against the Vikings Dillon rushed 11 times for 53 yards and caught six of six targets for 44 yards. This week he faces the Rams, who have struggled mightily over the last few games. Until Jones returns, Dillon has potential to be a top-12 back.
Must Start: Devonta Freeman — Ravens vs. Browns
Last week Latavius Murray returned from injury for the Ravens. This caused many fantasy football managers to worry about how this will affect Freeman, resulting in him being benched in a lot of leagues. However, he had 16 rushes for 49 yards and a touchdown and caught six passes for 31 yards. Going forward it is safe to assume that Freeman is the running back to have in Baltimore. He has proved to be the lead back over the last five games. Going against a middle-of-the-pack run defense in the Browns should spark more confidence in Freeman.
Must Sit: Zack Moss — Bills at Saints
Moss started off the season as the lead back on the Bills, but this backfield has gotten very cloudy. Last week against the Colts Moss saw just three carries for 5 yards and one target. He was out-touched by both Devin Singletary and Matt Breida. In the last two games, Moss has been outscored by both Singletary and Breida in half PPR. With all of this confusion, none of the running backs should be started from the Bills offense, though at this point it is important to key in on Moss considering the other two are outscoring him.
Must Sit: J.D. McKissic — Washington vs. Seahawks
The situation for McKissic in Washington continues to look bleaker as the season goes on. Some weeks he will see as many as 10 targets, and other weeks he will see only one. McKissic and Antonio Gibson have been a combo of confusion all season long. It is nearly impossible to project their workloads weekly, as there is no consistency in it.
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