If I told you David Montgomery was the No.1 running back over
the past three weeks you probably wouldn’t believe me, but it’s
a fact. His 26.2 FPts/G leads runner up Derrick Henry by four
points per game. This late-season push has him ranked 15th for
the season and he has a favorable matchup against the Texans,
who rank 31st in fantasy points allowed to opposing RBs (32.2
FPts/G). They have allowed a double-digit running back in every
game this season and two double-digit backs in the last four games.
After Frank Gore left Week 13 with a concussion, Ty Johnson produced
117 yards from scrimmage on 24 touches. The Jets have little reason
to rush Gore back, so as long as the veteran is inactive, Johnson
could be a very good play against a bottom-10 Seahawks’ run defense.
Seattle allows 25.2 FPts/G to opposing running backs and without
Gore that total would be divided between Johnson and Josh Adams,
who saw just eight touches Sunday.
The Bengals’ backfield has been horrible without Joe Mixon, so
starting Giovani Bernard is a longshot, but might be worth it,
considering how bad the Dallas run defense has been. The Cowboys
have allowed 28.6 FPts/G, third most in the league, just allowed
200 yards to Ravens backs (294 including Lamar Jackson) and are
working on a short work week having played Tuesday. Bernard hasn’t
cracked 10 points since Week 8, but he might be a viable “Hail
Mary.”
You would think a running back averaging 5.3 ypc would get plenty
of work, but Doug Pederson’s habit is to start out a game running
the ball and forgetting the run game by halftime. He’s also been
sharing time with Boston Scott and Corey Clement and has seen
just 16 rushing attempts the past two games. Meanwhile, the Saints
are No.1 against opposing running backs (16.1 FPts/G) and even
stronger since the start of November (11.0 FPts/G). And rookie
quarterback Jalen Hurts will be making his first-ever start. Fade
this offense.
The Steelers’ run defense is stingy, ranking second to the Saints
for the season (17.9 FPts/G). They have allowed a 20-point running
back just once all season. It’s been a disappointing season for
Singletary, who still leads the team in rushing attempts, but
is sharing time with rookie Zack Moss. Ignore Singletary’s 35
touches over the past two games and avoid the Steelers defense.
Singletary hasn’t scored since Week 4.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire dressed, but didn’t play, in Week
13 due to illness (non-Covid-19 related), but should return for
this one. It’s not a great matchup against a Miami run defense
that has gotten stronger as the season has progressed. They are
allowing 22.0 FPts/G for the season, but just 16 points since
the beginning of November. CEH has just one 20-point game over
the last five games and two all season. Le’Veon Bell gets
just enough usage to annoy CEH fantasy owners.
