It’s Week 10, folks! Time to set those fantasy lineups! Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em is your go-to guide for navigating the best and worst matchups in fantasy football leagues. Each week, I’ll break down the running backs who could either exceed or fall short of expectations based on their opponents. Last week, we saw the ups and downs with players like Kareem Hunt and Bucky Irving. Now, let’s dive into this week’s matchups that could make or break your fantasy team!
For your final lineup decisions, don’t forget to check out my fantasy player rankings, which I update daily! And if you want an even deeper dive into the world of fantasy football, make sure to subscribe to the Fantasy Dirt Podcast, where Lindsay Rhodes and I break down all things fantasy five days a week!
All Positions: QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | K & DSTs
Byes: Browns, Packers, Raiders, Seahawks
Let’s kick off with the running backs you should start this week!
RBs With Good Matchups
- Saquon Barkley at Cowboys
- Kyren Williams vs. Dolphins (Mon.)
- Derrick Henry vs. Bengals (Thurs.)
- Bijan Robinson at Saints
- Alvin Kamara vs. Falcons
- Joe Mixon vs. Lions
- De’Von Achane at Rams (Mon.)
- Jonathan Taylor vs. Bills
- Breece Hall at Cardinals
- Christian McCaffrey at Buccaneers
Complete Week 10 running back rankings
Start of the Week
Aaron Jones at Jaguars (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Despite not putting up stellar fantasy totals in the last two weeks—just 23.7 points and an average of 3.1 yards per carry—Jones should still be in your lineup against the Jaguars. Their defense has been vulnerable, allowing eight running backs to score over 15 fantasy points this season. In fact, six of those backs exceeded 18 points, and four even topped 21!
Start ‘Em
D’Andre Swift vs. Patriots (1 p.m. ET, Fox): After a disappointing outing last week, Swift is primed for a bounce-back performance against a Patriots defense that has struggled against running backs. Since Week 4, four backs have scored 18-plus fantasy points against them, with three of those exceeding 23 points.
J.K. Dobbins vs. Titans (4:05 p.m. ET, Fox): Dobbins surprised many last week with a stellar performance, racking up 85 yards and two touchdowns. This week, he faces a Titans defense that has allowed 20-plus points to running backs in their last two games, making him a solid option.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. vs. Panthers (Germany, 9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network): Despite a lackluster performance last week, Tracy Jr. has shown potential in previous games. With the Panthers allowing eight backs to score over 17 points, he could be in for a big day.
Rhamondre Stevenson at Bears (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Stevenson has been on fire lately, scoring four touchdowns and accumulating 45.9 points in the last two weeks. The Bears have been generous to running backs, allowing six to score at least 14.9 points this season, making Stevenson a must-start.
RBs With Bad Matchups
Now, let’s talk about the running backs you might want to sit this week.
Sit of the Week
Tony Pollard at Chargers (4:05 p.m. ET, Fox): With four teams on a bye, it’s tough to sit Pollard, but this matchup is concerning. The Chargers have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs, with only two runners scoring more than 16.2 points against them.
Sit ‘Em
Travis Etienne Jr. vs. Vikings (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Etienne Jr. has struggled recently, scoring single digits in three of his last four games. With the Vikings allowing the seventh-fewest points to running backs, it’s best to bench him this week.
Jordan Mason at Buccaneers (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Mason’s production has plummeted, and with Christian McCaffrey likely returning, his role is expected to shrink significantly.
Javonte Williams at Chiefs (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Williams has been inconsistent, scoring fewer than 11 points in three of the last four weeks. The Chiefs have been tough on running backs, with no runner scoring more than 13.2 points against them this season.
Bucky Irving vs. 49ers (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Although Irving has been solid lately, the matchup against the 49ers is daunting. Their defense has allowed the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game, making it a tough day for Irving.
As you finalize your lineups, remember these insights to maximize your chances of victory this week! Whether you’re starting or sitting these players, make sure you’re making informed decisions to lead your fantasy team to glory!
