For most of this season, I've tried to manage expectations for running backs coming off of extended absences. I just don't feel comfortable with the potential for re-injury and concerns their workload might be managed. That's why you don't see D'Andre Swift in my top-20 running backs despite Dan Campbell saying he will play this week. Swift is a high-upside No. 2 running back but I wouldn't be surprised if he shares with both Jamaal Williams and Craig Reynolds.
For Dalvin Cook and Austin Ekeler it hasn't been an extended absence, just one week, but it was due to COVID and we have seen some players struggle in their first week back, most notably Tyreek Hill last week. We also saw Nick Chubb run all over the Lions in his first game back, so it's no sure thing.
That uncertainty is enough to keep Ekeler and Cook outside of my top-five, where they normally reside. You're probably still starting them, but I would prefer Chase Edmonds (unless James Conner returns), David Montgomery, and Ronald Jones amongst others.
Ultimately these decisions come down to a risk calculation in your head and your other options on the bench. There are very few backs with more upside than Cook, Ekeler, and Swift. But there may be a lot of backs with a higher floor.
Let's get to the rest of the Week 17 RB Preview:
Week 17 RB Preview
Who's Out
The following players are not being projected to play Week 17 at this time. Here's what it means:
At least one of the Eagles running backs should have a big day in Week 17
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Darrel Williams is a must-add if available and Derrick Gore could be a good flex.
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Dare Ogunbowale is a flex at best.
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Numbers to know
- 130 -- The Eagles have run for at least 130 yards in every game since Week 6.
- 92% -- Chase Edmonds played 92% of the snaps in Week 16. He's my RB1 if Conner is out again.
- 22 -- Ronald Jones saw 22 touches in his first full game without Leonard Fournette.
- 17.8 -- Darrel Williams averaged 17.8 PPR FPPG in five games without Clyde Edwards-Helaire this year.
- 25 -- Saquon Barkley had 26 targets in Mike Glennon's four starts. He saw one in Jake Fromm's first start.
- 36 -- Cordarrelle Patterson has 36 yards from scrimmage in his last two games combined.
- 0 -- Melvin Gordon produced zero yards on eight touches in Week 16.
Matchups that matter
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Waiver Wire Targets
Howard needs to get cleared from his stinger, assuming he does, he's our favorite Eagles' back.
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Scott is a high-end flex with Howard and a must-start running back without.
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Burkhead is a high-end flex assuming David Johnson doesn't return. But this is a much worse matchup than he had last week.
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This is an uninspiring selection, but he's a volume-based flex who will probably be better in PPR.
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Gainwell has very little floor and could be useless if Howard is active. He also has more upside than Burkhead or Ogunbowale if Howard is out.
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Gore has the two longest plays by a Chiefs running back this season. Think of him like a boom/bust flex with big-play upside.
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DFS Plays
As long as Conner is out, Edmonds is the clear top running back play this week.
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Scott is just a good play, not contrarian at all, if Howard is out. But if Howard suits up, Scott is one of my favorite zags.
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