Week 15 Running Back Preview: Woody Marks Flirts with RB1 Value
Top Fantasy RBs for Week 15
Here are the top Week 15 running backs, with usage and matchup details that drive their positioning in the Week 15 RB rankings.
TIP
Find out who to start in fantasy football with our 'Who Do I Start?' tool.
1. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
RB1 on
We'll note that Tennessee's run defense has been much better since getting DT Jeffery Simmons back in Week 11, limiting RBs to 3.3 yards per carry. McCaffrey has been living on volume and TDs much more than rushing efficiency, though. And he'll have plenty of upside in those departments on Sunday with his 49ers 12.5-point favorites with a 28.5-point implied total.
2. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
RB2 on
Gibbs went 12-43-3 on the ground while catching all 7 targets for 77 yards throughout the year. His versatility has allowed Gibbs to be PPR RB1 overall in two of the past three weeks. The team still uses David Montgomery, but Gibbs has played nearly 68% of snaps over the past five weeks. He remains a must-start in any format with his TD and big play ability, along with his receiving.
3. De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins
RB3 on
Achane departed Week 14 with a rib injury, but HC Mike McDaniel said his removal was precautionary. Playing on Monday night, the third-year back will have extra time to rest up ahead of the Pittsburgh matchup. Achane remains an elite RB1.
4. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
RB4 on
Played Thursday night.
5. Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens
RB5 on
Henry had 26 touches for 102 yards last week against the Steelers, and the Ravens could certainly lean on the run again in this game to keep the ball away from the Bengals’ offense. He sputtered in the red zone and couldn’t score a TD against the Steelers, and that has been disappointing. The volume should get him through, as he has had 20+ touches in seven of the last eight games. The Bengals' defense allows the most total yards per game to RBs at 173, so it could be a smash spot for Derrick Henry.
6. James Cook, Buffalo Bills
RB6 on
Cook enters Week 15 as the RB6 in total PPR points. He’s hit 20 PPR points in three of his past four. As usual, he’s a no-doubt RB. Just note: Cook draws a stingy New England run defense that’s allowed only 66.1 rushing yards and .23 rushing TDs per game.
7. Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
RB7 on
Barkley's second 100-yard game of the season came at a particularly good time, with this week presenting another upside rushing matchup. The Raiders have been fourth-most friendly to RB scoring this season by our adjusted fantasy points allowed.
8. Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
RB8 on
Brown found the end zone twice last week to save his fantasy day after only rushing for 23 yards. Samaje Perine continues to steal snaps from Brown, but the efficiency of the offense with Joe Burrow helps keep Brown afloat. He had 113 yards two weeks ago against the Ravens, who gave up two TDs to the Steelers RBs last week. Brown should be started this week.
9. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
RB9 on
This is a crappy way to open the fantasy playoffs for a guy who has put forth a tremendous season. But all you can really do is start Taylor and cross your fingers (or pray to whichever god -- or Jonas brother -- you prefer).
10. Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys
RB12 on
Williams hasn't had any huge games lately, but he's finished as a top-20 PPR RB in three straight. Sunday night brings a tough matchup against Minnesota's seventh-ranked RB defense. But Williams' Cowboys are 5.5-point favorites with a big 26.75-point implied total. He's a safe volume bet with plenty of TD upside.
11. Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars
RB10 on
Etienne went 20-74-2 on the ground last week against the Colts, handling 84% of the backfield touches. With Bhayshul Tuten losing another fumble early in the game, he appeared headed to the doghouse. Etienne has been a top-12 PPR finisher in 5 of the last 6 games. The Jets present a good match-up, allowing five top-12 PPR RB finishers in the last four games. It is the perfect spot for Etienne, even though he has had under 2 catches in three of the last four games. The ground work and snaps are strong enough that Etienne is a must-start.
12. Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers
RB11 on
It's a tough matchup for Jacobs. Denver allows the second-fewest fantasy points to RBs. Jacobs has also missed a pair of practices with a knee injury and is considered day-to-day. If he plays, Jacobs' volume keeps him as a low-end RB1. We'll update his availability when news breaks. If you are counting on Jacobs this week, check to see if Emanuel Wilson is available on the waiver wire.
13. Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
RB13 on
Played on Thursday.
14. RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos
Since J.K. Dobbins was injured in Week 10, R.J. Harvey has been an excellent fantasy option as Denver's lead RB. In his last three games, Harvey has taken 59% of Denver's RB carries, commanded a 12% target share, and scored 3 total TDs. Over that three-game span, Harvey has averaged 15.1 PPR points. That ranks 17th among all RBs. This week brings a negative matchup against a Packers' defense that has yielded the 10th-fewest fantasy points to RBs.Still, Harvey's usage as the main ball-carrier with plus pass-catching skills and a short-yardage role keeps him firmly in mid-range RB2 territory.
15. Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders
RB18 on
Last week broke a string of three games with 8 targets and 6+ catches for Jeanty. He had also seen 5+ targets in five straight. That aspect is vital to a guy who has also averaged just 3.5 yards per carry or less in seven straight contests. The past three have all found him at 3.0 or less. Jeanty remains playable as a PPR RB2, but you might well have better options for half-PPR or non-PPR. The Raiders carry this week's lowest score projection at a paltry 13.5 points, which dings Jeanty's outlook further.
16. Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams
RB14 on
Williams went 13-84-1 on the ground last week and 2-13-0 through the air. He split pretty evenly with Blake Corum, who had 13 total touches for 131 yards and 2 TDs. Both performed well for fantasy purposes, with the Rams having a big lead over the Cardinals. In a likely tighter match-up with the Lions, the Rams should lean more on Kyren, who has handled double-digit rushes in every game this season and averages one TD per game over the last six. The success of the Rams offense makes him a must-start, even if Corum could steal some touches.
17. Woody Marks, Houston Texans
Marks missed practice on Wednesday before returning on Thursday. He's expected to handle a full load against Arizona, especially with Nick Chubb (ribs) iffy to play this week. An RB1 performance is in play for Marks given Arizona’s struggles on defense. They slot 27th in rush defense DVOA.
18. Rico Dowdle, Carolina Panthers
RB17 on
The Panthers may elect to employ more of a split backfield after Chuba Hubbard's strong showing in Week 13, but Rico Dowdle is the favorite to lead the team in touches. Dowdle still earned 20 touches in Week 13, out-carrying Hubbard 18-17. In Week 10, Dowdle scored 15.3 PPR points against the Saints, while Hubbard had 4 touches for 15 yards. Both backs may be involved in the Week 15 rematch, but Dowdle holds the edge in playing time and fantasy ceiling.
19. Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings
RB22 on
Jones edged RB Jordan Mason just 14 to 11 in carries last week. Next up is an improved Cowboys defense that's held RBs to 4.1 yards per carry over their last four games. Don't expect a big rushing day here, but Jones could deliver in the passing game with the Vikings 5.5-point underdogs. Dallas has allowed the third-most receptions and second-most receiving yards to RBs.
20. Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers
RB20 on
Hubbard's strong showing against the Rams in Week 13 puts him back on the RB2/Flex radar. We expect Rico Dowdle to get the first crack, but the Panthers could employ a 50/50 split or take a hot-hand approach. In Week 15, Hubbard ran 15 routes to Dowdle's six, so he may be more involved as a receiver. Carolina will try to limit Bryce Young's mistakes by leaning heavily on both RBs. Hubbard has enough upside to be employed as an RB2/Flex option in Week 15 lineups.
21. TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots
RB19 on
Henderson's finished RB22 and RB25 over the past two games, both played alongside Rhamondre Stevenson. The rookie remains the lead rusher in this two-man backfield, and a positive matchup vs. Buffalo only solidifies his case as an RB2.
22. Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks
RB21 on
If Walker's collecting just 13 carries in a 26-0 win over Minnesota and 10 in a 37-9 victory over Atlanta, then there's no way we can actually project good workloads. He has, at least, averaged 4.5 yards per rush a 2.2 receptions per game over his past five. So there's upside if an RB3 type makes sense for your situation. The Indy matchup has proved fairly neutral to RB scoring.
23. Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns
RB23 on
Judkins struggled against the Titans, averaging just 1.9 yards per carry. He supplemented his output with a 58-yard catch and run, but otherwise struggled against a vulnerable run defense. The Bears have been slightly more competent, but are giving up 4.9 yards per carry to RBs. Judkins' volume keeps him in play as a low-end RB2.
24. Devin Neal, New Orleans Saints
Volume has been key for Neal's emergence. Since stepping in for an injured Alvin Kamara in Week 11, Neal has averaged 16.3 touches, 71.3 scrimmage yards, and 12.1 PPR points per game. He's been the overall RB20 in the last three weeks. In Week 15, Neal should continue to rack up touches and fantasy points against a Carolina defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to RBs in the last five weeks.
25. Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers
RB26 on
We're betting Hampton will gain playing time and work share beyond what he got in his first game back since Week 5. There remains some risk, however, that Kimani Vidal continues to lead the rookie in pass-game exposure -- especially after Hampton struggled in protection against the Eagles. A tattered Chargers O-line could use the extra help.
26. D'Andre Swift, Chicago Bears
RB24 on
Swift has only scored 1 TD in his last five games, but has remained a strong fantasy producer in a Chicago offense that has become run-first. In those five games, Swift has taken 48% of Chicago's backfield carries and leads the group with a 10% target share. He's been the overall RB19 even with the lack of TDs. The Browns have allowed the 12th-fewest fantasy points to RBs, but Swift looks like a good bet to see his usual 15-18-touch role, which keeps him in RB2/Flex territory.
27. Breece Hall, New York Jets
RB27 on
Hall is coming off his worst game of the season. He failed to catch a pass and only earned 1 target in a game that was mostly played by QB Brady Cook. Tyrod Taylor and Justin Fields are injured, setting up Cook to make his first NFL start. Hall's lack of involvement in the passing game with Cook under center is a major concern. The Jaguars will likely stuff the line and force Cook to try to beat them downfield. It all sets up poorly for Hall, who is reduced to a Flex option with limited upside in Week 15.
28. Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers
RB28 on
Warren draws a Miami defense that's a surprising seventh in rush defense DVOA. The good news? He's hit 11 touches in each game this season. And he's hit 11 PPR points in five of his past six. As a small home favorite, Warren remains a solid RB2/Flex.
29. Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers
RB29 on
Gainwell hasn't supplied much value on the ground. But he's delivered sneaky-good numbers as a pass catcher, entering Week 15 with 50 catches for 286 yards and 2 scores. He's hit 6 targets in three of his past four and will remain a Flex option vs. Miami.
30. Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants
RB30 on
Tracy was a full-go in Wednesday's practice, so the hip injury that knocked him out of New York's last game shouldn't be a concern this weekend. Tracy split touches down the middle (11 to 11) with Devin Singletary before leaving that last game -- but he'd out-touched Singletary 61 to 42 over the previous three outings. That makes Tracy at least a slightly better fantasy bet this week. And the matchup is excellent against a Commanders defense that ranks 29th in adjusted fantasy points allowed to RBs over the last five weeks.
31. Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs
RB31 on
Hunt's 30-carry line against the Colts in Week 12 remains an outlier, the only time he has exceeded 14 attempts in a game this season and the only game in which he has reached 60 rushing yards. Hunt has maintained his playing time lead over Isiah Pacheco but saw his carry lead shrink to three last week (12-9). Hunt also has just two games with more than 1 catch all year.
32. Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots
RB32 on
In two games back from injury, Stevenson has been out-touched by TreVeyon Henderson 35-22. Still, he sticks in Flex range for an excellent matchup vs. Buffalo. The Bills sit 30th in rush defense DVOA and have allowed a league-high 16 rushing scores to RBs.
33. Devin Singletary, New York Giants
RB34 on
Singletary split touches down the middle (11 to 11) with Tyrone Tracy before Tracy left the last game with a hip injury. Tracy out-touched Singletary 61 to 42 over the previous three outings, making him at least a slightly better fantasy bet. But there should be enough to go around for both guys in a Giants offense that's turned run-heavy under interim HC Mike Kafka. The matchup is also excellent against a Commanders defense that ranks 29th in adjusted fantasy points allowed to RBs over the last five weeks.
34. Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans
RB36 on
Pollard's RB2 PPR finish last week came out of nowhere. He hadn't finished better than RB29 since Week 7, and he still has only four top-24 finishes all season. Pollard has at least controlled 64% of Titans carries over the last four games. That makes him a viable RB3 or Flex play. Just don't overrate him after the big Week 14.
35. Chris Rodriguez, Washington Commanders
RB35 on
We'll keep an eye on the groin issue that landed Rodriguez on the injury report this week. Assuming it's not an issue by Sunday, he'll find an excellent matchup against a Giants squad that ranks dead last in our Run Defense Power Rankings and 31st in adjusted fantasy points allowed to RBs. Just don't overrate Rodriguez. He's still splitting carries, handling just 40% of Washington's rush attempts over the last three games. And he's near-zero in the passing game, with two total targets across those three outings.
36. Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears
RB33 on
While D'Andre Swift has only scored in one of his last five outings, Kyle Monangai has found the end zone in four of his last five. He's also entered into a near 50/50 committee with Swift. Monangai has commanded 44% of Chicago's backfield carries since Week 10 and posted overall RB15 numbers. He doesn't offer much pass-catching upside, but in a game that projects to be more run-oriented, Monanagi remains an RB3/Flex option in the opening round of the fantasy playoffs.
37. Zonovan Knight, Arizona Cardinals
RB37 on
The Cardinals left Trey Benson (knee) on IR, meaning he’ll miss the remainder of the season. That’ll keep Knight in the fantasy mix this week against Houston. He projects to lead this backfield in carries while splitting receiving work with Michael Carter. The real issue? A matchup with an elite Houston defense, one that finds Arizona implied for only 16.5 points.
38. Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans
RB40 on
Spears has totaled just 17 carries in four games since his bye week. He's averaged 5.0 targets and 4.3 catches per game over that span, but that's only enough to make him a low-upside Flex option in PPR leagues.
39. Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks
RB38 on
Charbonnet remains the better TD bet than Kenneth Walker. But his receiving usage has fallen behind Walker in recent weeks. That keeps both mired close together in RB3 territory. Each carries situational upside, at least, against a Colts team that enters tied for the week's biggest underdog (13.5).
40. David Montgomery, Detroit Lions
RB39 on
Montgomery went 6-60-1 on the ground last week against the Cowboys and added a 13-yard catch on his only target. He has single-digit carries in each of the last four games and has taken a backseat to Jahmyr Gibbs. He does have a TD in each of the last two games, which is keeping him afloat. The Rams also are difficult to run through, allowing only 3.8 yards per carry to opposing RBs (4th in the NFL) and only 2 RB rushing scores on the year. This is a suitable spot to bench Montgomery if possible.
41. Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers
RB41 on
Vidal doubled Omarion Hampton's playing time in the rookie's return from an eight-week ankle injury. We're betting the Chargers shift at least a bit more of that toward their first-round pick this week, but Vidal has a chance to maintain the lead in passing situations. Hampton proved especially rough in protection against the Eagles, and L.A. might need the help behind a struggling O-line. Vidal obviously wouldn't score fantasy points for his blocking, but staying on the field more would only help his touch count.
42. Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
RB43 on
Played on Thursday.
43. Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs
RB44 on
Pacheco's work share climbed last week, but his playing time stayed basically identical. The two games back from injury have produced his two smallest snap shares of the season: 30% and 33%. He's OK as a hailmary play in a positive rushing matchup, but that usage level isn't enough to make you believe in him.
44. Michael Carter, Arizona Cardinals
RB47 on
Carter remains a deep-league PPR option with Trey Benson (knee) done for the year. The Cardinals are 9.5-point road underdogs at Houston, while Carter’s handled the majority of the backfield routes in four straight. That’s produced catch totals of 5, 3, 5, and 2.
45. Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams
RB42 on
Corum had 13 total touches last week for 131 yards and 2 TDs. He split fairly evenly with Kyren Williams, who went 15-97-1 in total touches himself. A blowout win against the Cardinals helped Corum get more work, but he is being rotated in. The Lions have been much worse against the pass than the run, which could limit Corum’s touches in this one. It’s probably a bad spot to chase a big week unless you are desperate for a flex position.
46. Jordan Mason, Minnesota Vikings
Mason has been running well for a while now, averaging 6.0 yards per carry over his last five games. He remains behind RB Aaron Jones on the depth chart, though, and gets an improved Cowboys defense on Sunday night that's held RBs to 4.1 yards per carry over their last four games. Game script could also hurt Mason in this one, with his Vikings 5.5-point underdogs.
47. Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons
RB48 on
Played on Thursday.
48. Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars
RB46 on
Tuten fumbled in the first half against the Colts and was promptly benched for the rest of the game. He should get another chance this week, but he certainly has ceded the majority of touches to Travis Etienne moving forward. The Jets' poor rush defense could create an opportunity for a long run for Tuten. The Jets have allowed 4.6 yards per carry over the last four games, and teams have been run-heavy against them. Tuten should be benched, but don’t be surprised if he gets more work than in recent weeks.
49. Brian Robinson Jr., San Francisco 49ers
RB49 on
Robinson has tallied seven or eight carries in four straight games. Sunday's matchup is sneaky tough, though. The Titans have limited opposing RBs to just 3.3 yards per carry since getting DT Jeffery Simmons back four weeks ago.
50. Samaje Perine, Cincinnati Bengals
RB53 on
Since Week 10, Perine has played 40% of Cincinnati's snaps and taken 42% of the backfield carries behind Chase Brown, but he's averaged a modest 5.1 PPR points per game. This week's matchup looks good. The Ravens have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing RBs. View Perine as a low-end Flex option in deeper PPR leagues.
