It’s Week 13, folks! Time to set those fantasy lineups! Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em is your go-to guide for the best and worst matchups in fantasy football this week. Each week, I dive into the running backs who could either exceed or fall short of expectations based on their opponents. Just look at Bucky Irving and D’Andre Swift in Week 12 for examples of how crucial these decisions can be!
For your final lineup decisions, don’t forget to check out my fantasy player rankings. I update them daily to keep you informed! Plus, be sure to subscribe to the Fantasy Dirt Podcast, where Lindsay Rhodes and I break down everything fantasy football five days a week!
Start of the Week
Let’s kick things off with our standout player this week: Bucky Irving at Panthers (4:05 p.m. ET, Fox). Irving, who was highlighted as a must-start last week, delivered a phenomenal performance with 27.1 points against the Giants. This week, he faces a favorable matchup against the Panthers, whose defense has allowed running backs to score 14-plus points in 10 games, including six instances of over 20 points. This makes both Irving and Rachaad White solid starts in this NFC South clash.
RBs With Good Matchups
Now, let’s look at some other running backs who are primed for success this week:
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Chuba Hubbard vs. Buccaneers (4:05 p.m. ET, Fox): Hubbard overcame a tough matchup last week, scoring 15 points against the Chiefs. He’s now scored at least 15 points in three consecutive games. This week’s matchup against the Buccaneers is promising, as backs have averaged 4.7 yards per rush against them this season, with nine players scoring at least 13.8 points.
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Chase Brown vs. Steelers (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Brown has been on fire lately, scoring 19-plus points in three straight games with a 50% touch share. He’s a must-start against the Steelers, who have allowed eight running backs to score more than 16.1 points this season, including five who surpassed 17 points since Week 5.
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Tyrone Tracy Jr. at Cowboys (Thurs. 4:30 p.m. ET, Fox): Despite the Giants’ struggles last week, Tracy Jr. remains a viable option. The Cowboys have allowed running backs to average 4.5 yards per rush and have given up 18-plus points to seven different backs, including three who scored over 30 points.
- Rhamondre Stevenson vs. Colts (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Stevenson had a rough outing last week, scoring just 3.3 points against the Dolphins. However, he has another favorable matchup against the Colts, who have allowed six total touchdowns and the fourth-most points per game to running backs over the last four weeks. He’s worth a flex start.
RBs With Bad Matchups
Now, let’s shift gears and discuss some running backs you might want to avoid this week:
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Najee Harris at Bengals (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Harris has seen his production dip since Jaylen Warren’s return, failing to score more than 13.3 points in his last three games. This week, he faces a Bengals defense that has limited running backs, allowing only one to exceed 14.1 points since Week 7. Proceed with caution.
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James Conner at Vikings (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Coming off a disappointing 9.9-point performance against the Seahawks, Conner faces a tough matchup in Minnesota. Over the last four weeks, the Vikings have allowed the fewest yards per rush (2.7) and fantasy points per game to running backs. It might be wise to leave him on the bench.
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D’Andre Swift at Lions (Thurs. 12:30 p.m. ET, CBS): Swift has struggled recently, failing to score double digits in two of his last three games. With the Lions allowing the second-fewest points per game to running backs, it’s best to be cautious with Swift this week.
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Travis Etienne Jr. vs. Texans (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Etienne Jr. has been a letdown in fantasy, scoring single digits in five of his nine games. With Tank Bigsby expected to return and a challenging matchup against the Texans, who have allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to running backs, trusting Etienne Jr. could be risky.
- Nick Chubb at Broncos (Mon. 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN): Chubb is coming off his best game of the season, scoring two touchdowns and 19 points against the Steelers. However, he’s averaging just over three yards per rush, and the Broncos’ defense has allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to running backs.
Complete Week 13 Running Back Rankings
With all these insights, it’s essential to stay informed about your lineup decisions. Remember, fantasy football is all about making the right calls at the right time. As we dive deeper into Week 13, keep an eye on the matchups, player performances, and any last-minute injury updates that could impact your roster.
So, as you finalize your fantasy lineups, ask yourself: Are you ready to make the moves that could lead you to victory? With the right starts and sits, you can navigate this week’s challenges and set yourself up for success!
