It’s Week 12, folks! Time to set those fantasy lineups! Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em is the ultimate look at the best and worst matchups in a given week for fantasy football leagues. Each week, I’ll examine the running backs who could exceed or fail to meet expectations based on their weekly opponent … like David Montgomery and Tony Pollard in Week 11!
As we dive into the matchups, remember to check out my fantasy player rankings for your final lineup decisions. I update them daily! And don’t forget to subscribe to the Fantasy Dirt Podcast, where Lindsay Rhodes and I break down all things fantasy football five days a week!
Bye weeks to consider
This week, you’ll need to navigate some tricky bye weeks. The Bengals, Bills, Falcons, Jaguars, Jets, and Saints are all off, which means you’ll want to be strategic about your lineup choices.
Start of the week
David Montgomery at Colts (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Montgomery is the start of the week! Last week, he was the top running back start, scoring two touchdowns and racking up 24.5 points in a win over the Jaguars. This week, he faces a Colts defense that just allowed 31.1 points to Breece Hall. In fact, six running backs have scored 15-plus points against the Colts, including five since Week 5. Montgomery is primed for another big game!
RBs with good matchups
- Saquon Barkley at Rams
- Joe Mixon vs. Titans
- Derrick Henry at Chargers (Mon.)
- Christian McCaffrey at Packers
- De’Von Achane vs. Patriots
- Kenneth Walker vs. Cardinals
- Jahmyr Gibbs at Colts
- David Montgomery at Colts
- Josh Jacobs vs. 49ers
- Kyren Williams vs. Eagles
Start ‘Em
Bucky Irving at Giants (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Irving has been quietly impressive, scoring 15-plus points in four of his last five games. He ranks in the top 10 in Rush EPA (Expected Points Added), and with a matchup against the Giants, he’s a solid start. Their defense has allowed eight running backs to score 14-plus points, including six since Week 5.
Brian Robinson Jr. vs. Cowboys (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Robinson Jr. returned last week with a touchdown, scoring 14.2 points in a loss to the Eagles. This week, he faces a Cowboys defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs. Seven have scored at least 18.9 points against them, including four who hit 30-plus. He’s a must-start!
Tyrone Tracy Jr. vs. Buccaneers (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Tracy Jr. has been a reliable option, scoring 15-plus points in three of his last five games. With a touch share nearing 40 percent in his last three games, he’s a strong start against a Buccaneers defense that has allowed 13-plus fantasy points to 11 different running backs.
Rhamondre Stevenson at Dolphins (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Despite struggling recently with just 21.6 fantasy points in the last two weeks, Stevenson has a favorable matchup against the Dolphins. They’ve allowed 14-plus points to six running backs, including Stevenson himself, who scored 19.2 points against them back in Week 5. With six teams on bye, he’s a viable No. 2 fantasy option.
Sit of the week
Chuba Hubbard vs. Chiefs (1 p.m. ET, CBS): While you might feel pressured to start Hubbard due to the bye weeks, this is a warning to temper your expectations. The Chiefs have allowed only one back, James Cook, to score more than 13.2 points this season. Unless Hubbard finds the end zone, his numbers could be disappointing.
RBs with bad matchups
Tony Pollard at Texans (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Pollard has been a disappointment, scoring just 4.9 points last week against the Vikings. He’s dealing with a foot injury and faces a Texans defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. He’s a shaky flex starter at best.
Aaron Jones at Bears (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Jones has seen his stats decline for three consecutive games, culminating in a mere 5.3 points last week. Although the matchup against the Bears looks decent on paper, you might want to approach with caution. With six teams on bye, he’s a risky RB2/flex option.
D’Andre Swift vs. Vikings (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Swift had a decent outing last week, scoring 16.4 points, but most of that came from a single 39-yard touchdown run. He’s a risky RB2/flex this week against a tough Vikings defense that has limited backs to just three scoring 17-plus points.
Kareem Hunt at Panthers (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Hunt has a favorable matchup against the Panthers, but with Isiah Pacheco expected to return, Hunt’s touches may diminish. If Pacheco plays, Hunt becomes a less attractive option as the Chiefs’ No. 2 running back.
Final thoughts
As you prepare for Week 12, keep these matchups in mind. The right lineup decisions can make all the difference in your fantasy football success. Whether you’re starting stars like Montgomery or sitting players like Hubbard, every choice counts. Good luck, and may your fantasy team thrive this week!
