NFL Fantasy 2025 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Running backs for Week 13

The rookie didn't have a huge fantasy day last week but there were major positives. With Rhamondre Stevenson back on the field, Henderson played 65 percent of the Patriots' snaps and had 18 carries, 19 routes and four targets, all of which led the backfield. In fact, the seven non-Henderson RB carries went for a total of five yards. The one negative on the day was the goal-line work went to other RBs, who were repeatedly stuffed by the Bengals. Twice Henderson was tackled at the 1 yard line. He looks like New England's best goal-line option; he just needs the opportunities. The fact that he has taken over as the lead back has him in play against the Giants, who have allowed the second-most fantasy PPG to RBs. They have given up the most rushing yards to RBs -- and the most rush TDs to RBs since Week 8 -- and explosive runs at the highest rate this season. Lastly, Henderson has a great schedule down the stretch. He could be a league-winner.

Etienne continues to receive the bulk of the volume in Jacksonville's backfield. He has played 59 percent of the snaps this season and received 66 percent of the RB carries and 65 percent of the RB targets. He also has five of the team's eight RB goal-line looks. That's volume you can trust, and it could turn into huge fantasy output against the Titans, who have allowed the eighth-most PPG to RBs this season -- ultimately because they are giving up the sixth-most rush yards, second-most TDs and explosive runs at an above average rate. Etienne is a must-start.

Harvey's first game without J.K. Dobbins was promising but not because of his yardage production. Against the Chiefs, he played 61 percent of the snaps, saw 11 of 17 RB carries (65 percent) and led the Broncos' backfield in routes and targets. It was ideal outside of Jaleel McLaughlin getting the touchdown. Chalk up the low output to facing one of the top run defenses. Harvey could be in line for a special stretch run that begins against the Commanders, who have allowed the fifth-most PPG to RBs this season. Since Week 8, Washington's defense is giving up 5.3 yards per carry and explosive runs to RBs at the third-highest rate. I envision Harvey recording his breakout performance Sunday.

Hampton's 21-day practice window is open, so there's hope he could play Sunday against the Raiders. If the rookie returns, get him back in your fantasy lineup. He played at least 79 percent of the snaps in three of his four full games played this season, had a lot of the goal-line work and a ton of opportunities, including at least five targets in his last three healthy games. He averaged over 25 fantasy PPG in his last two healthy contests. That is the volume of a workhorse RB1. The Raiders aren't a slam dunk matchup, but they have allowed the fourth-most rushing TDs to RBs in 2025. Ultimately, Hampton's volume and talent win out if he's a go.

As Swift manager, I don't love this. But Kyle Monangai has been more involved of late. Last week, it reached a peak as the rookie played more snaps than Swift (56 percent to Swift's 43), more carries (12 to eight) and ran more routes (16 to 13). Monangai also scored the goal-line touchdown, leaving Swift with a measly 1.9 fantasy points. It doesn't seem like Monangai is going away, so that could mean the Bears take a hot-hand approach -- a nightmare for fantasy managers. All I know is Swift isn't worth the risk this week against the Eagles, who have allowed the sixth-fewest rush yards to RBs since Week 8. They sit below the league average in yards per carry allowed before and after contact and explosive runs in that span. Go with another option if you have one.

The Vikings offense appears to be holding everyone back. Jones has averaged just 10.5 fantasy PPG since his return -- as he needed a touchdown to eclipse 12 fantasy points in Week 10. That makes him a floor play. Plus the Vikings travel this week to face the Seahawks, who have allowed the second-fewest rush yards to RBs and just four rushing TDs. They’ve allowed a league-low 3.4 yards per carry and are bottom two in yards before contact per carry and explosive run rate. They are bottom five in yards after contact. Any way you shape it, it is a matchup to avoid. The one area for upside is if Jones racks up targets, but that's no way for fantasy managers to live in a week with no byes. The reward is not worth the risk.

Jahmyr Gibbs is dominating opposing defenses, but it's been a different season entirely for Montgomery. The veteran has played fewer than 40 percent of the snaps in three of his last four games. While Dan Campbell has said he wants to get Montgomery more involved, he has just 11 carries in the last two games combined. Since Week 6, Montgomery is averaging just 7.8 fantasy PPG, with single digits in four of six games. His high in that span is 11, and he's been held to fewer than seven points in each of his last two contests. The usage isn't there, making both his floor and ceiling to low to trust in a matchup with Green Bay, which limited him to 43 yards and 8.3 fantasy points in Week 1. On the season, the Packers have surrendered just six TDs to RBs and allowed explosive runs at the fourth-lowest rate. With your fantasy playoffs potentially on the line, you can get away.

When Cam Skattebo went down, the Giants initially split up their backfield opportunities. Last week, we saw Tracy take over -- which is great for his outlook long-term. But I still want to see if he continues to receive the bulk of the work over the next few games, because even with Tracy taking over in Week 12, Devin Singletary had 14 carries and some goal-line work. More than that, it's smart to avoid the matchup against the Patriots. They rank in the bottom four in rush yards, TDs, yards per carry and explosive run rate allowed to RBs this season. They have also allowed the fewest fantasy points to the position as well. Tracy is trending up, but I would still avoid him this week.