Key Highlights
- Christian McCaffrey remains a must-start option for Week 13.
- Trevor Henderson is recommended as a strong start against the Giants due to their weak run defense.
- Travis Etienne, despite being limited in volume, could deliver significant fantasy points against Tennessee.
- RJ Harvey shows potential for a breakout performance in Week 13 against Washington.
Fantasy Football Week 13: Running Back Matchups and Projections
As we approach the midpoint of the NFL season, fantasy managers are faced with some crucial lineup decisions. The key is to leverage the strengths of each running back while carefully considering their matchups against opposing defenses. Here’s a deep dive into the top running backs for Week 13.
Trevor Henderson: A Lead Back in New England
With Rhamondre Stevenson back on the field, Trevon Henderson’s role as the lead back has taken a slight dip. However, his performance against the New York Giants remains promising. In his last game, Henderson played 65 percent of the Patriots’ snaps and had 18 carries, 19 routes, and four targets, leading the backfield in these metrics. His goal-line work was limited to other RBs, but he looks like a strong option against an NFL team that has struggled most with run defense since Week 8.
Travis Etienne: Volume and Opportunity
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ running back continues to receive the bulk of the carries. Despite facing Tennessee Titans who have allowed relatively few fantasy points to RBs, Etienne’s volume should not be underestimated. With five of the team’s eight goal-line looks and 65 percent of the targets, he is a must-start against a defense that has conceded the eighth-most PPG to running backs this season.
RJ Harvey: A Breakout Performance in Sight?
In his first game without J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey showed promise but not necessarily in yardage. Playing 61 percent of the snaps against the Kansas City Chiefs, he saw 11 out of 17 RB carries and led the team in routes and targets. Facing a Washington Commanders defense that has allowed the fifth-most PPG to running backs this season, Harvey could be poised for a breakout performance.
Omarion Hampton: A Rookie with Potential
The Los Angeles Chargers’ rookie Omarion Hampton’s return is imminent after his 21-day practice window. If he plays against the Las Vegas Raiders, get him back in your lineup. With at least 79 percent of snaps in three of his four full games and a ton of goal-line work, Hampton’s volume could make him a valuable fantasy asset, especially considering the Raiders have allowed the fourth-most rushing touchdowns to running backs this season.
Other Start Options
Breece Hall (New York Jets vs. Atlanta Falcons), Quinshon Judkins (Cleveland Browns vs. San Francisco 49ers), and Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell (Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Buffalo Bills) are also viable options.
Which Ones to Sit?
Avoid starting D’Andre Swift against the Philadelphia Eagles, as his matchup with a top-notch run defense is too risky. Similarly, Aaron Jones faces a challenging matchup in Seattle, where he will struggle to find success due to the Seahawks’ strong rush defense metrics.
David Montgomery’s season has been inconsistent, but facing Green Bay could be an opportunity for him if he’s more involved in the offense. However, his recent usage and poor performance suggest a sit this week.
Tyrone Tracy Jr.: A Cautionary Start
With Cam Skattebo out, Tyrone Tracy Jr. has taken over. While his volume is promising, his matchup against the New England Patriots is too tough to recommend starting him. The Patriots have dominated running back production this season and could continue that trend.
Conclusion
Balancing Volume and Matchup
Fantasy managers need to balance the volume of running backs with their matchups. While some players like Christian McCaffrey and Omarion Hampton are guaranteed high-volume plays, others like Trevor Henderson and Travis Etienne offer potential based on favorable matchups. Always consider the strength of opposing defenses before making your decisions.
