If James Cook didn't have Josh Allen as his quarterback... he'd
be Jonathan Taylor. The only difference between the two is touchdowns
(15-8 in favor of JT). Thanks, Josh. The Bengals have allowed
the most fantasy points to running backs in the league, by a significant
margin over the second-worst (NY Giants). Cook might actually
get some receiving work in too, as the Bengals have allowed the
second-most receiving yards and the most touchdowns to opposing
backs (62-561-6).
The Bills have allowed the most rushing touchdowns to opposing
backs (15) and the third-most fantasy points (25.5). The return
of Samaje Perine last Thursday didn't hurt Brown much as he produced
18.3 fantasy points, including seven catches in the passing game.
After a slow start, Brown is averaging 19.3 FPts/G over his last
five games. The threat of Joe Burrow's right arm should open up
the running game even more.
The Bears rushing attack totally demolished the Eagles on Black
Friday. They produced not one, but two running backs with at least
125 yards. And Head Coach Jim Harbaugh loves to run the ball and
dominate time of possession. He'll like that idea even more
with starting quarterback Justin Herbert nursing a broken left
hand. If Herbert can't go and the well-traveled Trey Lance
ends up being the quarterback, Harbaugh might try using the old
single wing offenses from the 1940s. That's run, run and
then run some more. Vidal should get quite a workload on Monday
night.
Williams was a dominant force early this season, particularly
with star wideout CeeDee Lamb sidelined. The running back averaged
21.1 FPts/G for the first five games. He's been a bit more
pedestrian since then averaging 13.4 FPts/G. It's been the
passing game behind Dak Prescott, Lamb and George Pickens leading
the way. Williams, who had eight touchdown runs in the first eight
games, has gone four games without one. His opponent, the Lions,
are No.1 against opposing RBs, while they are 29th to opposing
wideouts and 32nd to opposing QBs. Where would you attack Detroit?
All that preseason hype about Ashton Jeanty has long disappeared.
Through 12 games he's cracked 75 rushing yards just one
time. He's averaging an ugly 3.5 ypc and only some decent
usage through the air has saved those who thought he was the next
Barry Sanders. His opponent, Denver, ranks third against opposing
backs. Jeanty did get into the end zone in their first meeting,
but gained just 60 yards on the ground.
Bam Knight was the running back to have from the Cardinals backfield
last Sunday as he produced a solid 18.8 fantasy points on just
14 touches. But that was against Tampa Bay and the Rams are a
much tougher defense. They rank fourth, allowing just 18.4 FPts/G,
including just two rushing touchdowns all season.