RBs to start in Week 15
Colts’ Jonathan Taylor (vs. Texans): Over the past two weeks, not many RBs have been better than Jonathan Taylor in fantasy football. Actually, there are zero RBs that have scored more fantasy points in the past two weeks than Taylor. The rookie rusher out of Wisconsin has scored 53 fantasy points in the past two weeks and he should have another chance to dominate in Week 15 versus the Texans. Houston’s defense has given up a league-worst 5.3 yards per attempt and a league-worst 1,790 rushing yards to RBs this season.
Ravens’ J.K. Dobbins (vs. Jaguars): J.K. Dobbins has been getting the bulk of the carries for the Baltimore Ravens in recent weeks. The Ohio State product is the only RB to command 10+ carries in his past three games. If Dobbins gets double-digit touches again in Week 15, he could have his best performance against the dismal defense of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars have allowed 4.6 yards per attempt (tied for fifth-most in the NFL) and 28.68 fantasy points per game to RBs, which is also the fifth-most in the NFL.
Rams’ Cam Akers (vs. Jets): Similar to Dobbins, Cam Akers is seemingly seizing the reins of the backfield for the Rams. Akers has scored a touchdown in two out of his last three games, also scoring a season-best 21.4 fantasy points in Week 14. There’s a solid chance that Akers continues his success in Week 15 against the hapless Jets, who actually have the No. 8 ranked run defense in terms of DVOA. However, Los Angeles will probably lean on Akers and the rushing attack to defeat New York as quickly as possible.
Other RBs to consider in Week 15: Eagles’ Miles Sanders (vs. Cardinals), Lions’ D’Andre Swift (vs. Titans), Jeff Wilson Jr. (if Raheem Mostert is inactive vs. Cowboys), J.D. McKissic (if Antonio Gibson is inactive vs. Seahawks)
RBs to sit in Week 15
Bengals’ Giovani Bernard/Joe Mixon (vs. Steelers): It remains to be seen if Joe Mixon will suit up for the Cincinnati Bengals again this season. Mixon has been sidelined since Week 6, allowing Giovani Bernard to have an expanded role in the offense. Regardless of whether it is Mixon or Bernard starting in Week 15, they both are worth benching against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh’s defense has limited RBs to a league-best 17.16 fantasy points per week and they have the third-ranked run defense in terms of DVOA. Plus, without Joe Burrow, neither of them have much of a ceiling as pass-catching options.
Chiefs’ Clyde Edwards-Helaire (vs. Saints): Trying to figure out the backfield of the Kansas City Chiefs in recent weeks has been like trying to figure out a Rubik’s cube blindfolded. Clyde Edwards-Helaire saw zero snaps in Week 13 despite being active, allowing Le’Veon Bell to start. Then, in Week 14, Edwards-Helaire did out-touch Bell 21 to four, but neither of them are worth starting in Week 15. The Chiefs face the New Orleans Saints, who own the No. 1 ranked run defense in terms of DVOA.
