Running back has been a highly variable position this year, so analyzing matchups becomes all the more important for fantasy football. Below we will break down the NFL fantasy football rankings and go over the Week 13 fantasy football start ’em/sit ’em running backs.
Week 13 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em: Running Backs
Must Start: Alexander Mattison — Vikings at Lions
With Dalvin Cook sidelined for at least the next two weeks, Mattison will take over as the lead back. Without Cook in Week 5 against the Lions, Mattison had 25 carries for 113 yards and seven receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown. This week he faces the Lions again, who rank 29th in run DVOA, so Mattison has top-five potential this week.
Must Start: Myles Gaskin — Dolphins vs. Giants
Gaskin has back-to-back excellent performances, scoring a touchdown in two straight games. Last week against the Panthers he had 16 carries for 49 yards and two touchdowns. Even with Phillip Lindsay joining the team, Gaskin dominated the snap counts 37-15. Given how strong the Dolphins have looked over their four-game win streak, it would not be a surprise if they dominate the Giants this week and are able to run the ball throughout the game.
Must Start: Cordarrelle Patterson — Falcons vs. Buccaneers
Last week the Buccaneers defense did a good job of keeping Jonathan Taylor from taking over. While he still scored a touchdown, he failed to eclipse 100 yards, which has not happened since Week 8. With that said, some may be nervous to start Patterson, as the matchup is not ideal and Matt Ryan has been in a slump for the last three games. Even with all of those negatives, Patterson was a bright spot. Despite Ryan struggling, Patterson carried 16 times for 108 yards and two touchdowns.
Must Sit: Miles Sanders — Eagles at Jets
Sanders has been a fantasy failure all season, eclipsing 10 half-PPR points just once. Last week he was out-snapped by Boston Scott, with just 22 snaps to Scott’s 34 and nine carries for 64 yards. Sanders cannot get it done week in and week out and is not worth starting anymore. Regardless of how much the team runs the ball, he is never involved enough.
Must Sit: David Johnson — Texans vs. Colts
Last week Rex Burkhead untapped David Johnson 35-22. Johnson had 10 carries for 39 yards, and on the season he is averaging just 3.1 yards per carry. There are no signs pointing towards anything positive for Johnson, so leave him on the bench.
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