NFL Fantasy 2024 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Running backs for Week 16

Shout-out to my guy, James Conner. Underappreciated every year, he just keeps coming through for those who believe. Conner was my guy at running back throughout draft season, and then I implored managers to trade for him once the actual season kicked off. All because I envisioned him blossoming from a great RB2 into a potential league winner due to his late-season schedule. After going off for 30.8 fantasy points and the overall RB1 finish last week, he faces the Panthers, who have allowed over 375 more rushing yards to running backs than any other team. Carolina has given up the most rushing touchdowns and fantasy PPG to RBs, as well. Conner is a must-start option.

Full disclosure: I was all set to write about Sincere McCormick here, but then our king got hurt on Monday Night Football. On the plus side, this just gives me another opportunity to spotlight Irving, who has been too good to get away from in fantasy. Not including the game two weeks ago, when he left early due to injury, he has averaged 17.8 fantasy PPG since Week 6. Now he draws the Cowboys, who have been better against the run as of late, but game script should be on Irving's side. The rookie back not only sees a lot of volume, but he is frequently used near the goal line. He brings RB1 upside this week.

Last week was disappointing for Hubbard, but it was largely because he was quickly game scripted out. That is always a risk with Carolina, but the Panthers had been playing better ball up until that point. This week could offer a more competitive contest, and it's a good matchup for Hubbard, to boot. The Cardinals have yielded explosive runs to RBs at the third-highest rate on the season and since Week 11. They also have given up the eighth-most receiving yards to backs. In total, they have allowed the seventh-most fantasy PPG to the position. Hubbard is a strong bounce-back candidate this week.

A frustrating player for fantasy managers last week. Pollard played just 45 percent of the snaps but carried the ball 17 times. The excruciating part was watching Titans RB2 Tyjae Spears rack up catches and score two touchdowns as Pollard managed an ankle injury. That said, Pollard still scored a touchdown and dominated the rushing workload after not practicing all week, so let's not completely lose perspective here. On Sunday, Tennessee visits Indianapolis, which has allowed the fourth-most rushing yards to backs this season. The Colts have given up explosive runs at the fifth-highest rate this season. All in all, they allow the sixth-most fantasy PPG to RBs. Pollard got them for 93 rushing yards and a touchdown in their first matchup. He remains in play.

I loved Pacheco in the preseason, but that is not the player we are currently getting. It's awesome to have this hard-charging rusher on the field again, but he's clearly still working his way back from September's fractured fibula. Since returning, he has averaged 6.6 fantasy PPG. He is splitting work -- pretty much right down the middle -- with Kareem Hunt. Actually, they each played less than 40 percent of the snaps last week, as Samaje Perine also was in the mix. It's a mess for fantasy purposes. On Saturday, the Chiefs host the Texans, who have allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards to running backs since Week 11. They have surrendered just one rushing TD to RBs in that span (and six all year). Houston doesn't give up a whole lot of explosive runs and yields the fourth-fewest fantasy PPG to RBs. It's OK to get away from this version of Pacheco.

I had Harris as a "sit" last week, but even I did not expect just 21 total yards and 3.1 fantasy points. Harris has become more of a floor play since Jaylen Warren's healthy return, averaging 11.9 fantasy PPG since Pittsburgh's Week 9 bye. He's been a bit matchup dependent, as well -- and this is a tough matchup, as the Ravens have given up the second-fewest rushing yards to running backs. They have allowed a league-low 3.4 yards per carry to RBs while surrendering explosive runs at a league-low rate of five percent. Harris scored 13.3 fantasy points against Baltimore in Week 11. The risk outweighs the reward in this rematch.

I want absolutely no part of Denver's backfield. Last week, the Broncos had a great matchup on paper against the Colts ... and yet, all Denver backs scored fewer than seven fantasy points. Williams was held to single digits for a third straight game. He has fewer than five fantasy points in three of his last five. The Chargers have allowed the most rushing yards to RBs since Week 11, so you might feel like you can stream Williams. It's a trap! I mean, maybe he comes through, or maybe he gives you four fantasy points. Do you really want to risk a trip to championship week on it?

It's time to put "The Gus Bus" in the garage permanently. Despite the injury to J.K. Dobbins, the production hasn't changed at all for Edwards. He has scored single-digit fantasy points in all six games since returning from his own trip to injured reserve. He has a touchdown in two of those games and still could not get to 10 fantasy points. He is rarely used in the passing game and no longer has the burst to pick up chunk plays. Plus, the Broncos have allowed the third-fewest rushing yards and zero rushing touchdowns to RBs since Week 11. There is no upside here. Stream elsewhere.