Week 14 RB Fantasy Rankings PPR: Derrick Henry Will Keep On Rolling

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Dalvin Cook left the game and did not return against Seattle. While he looks to have dodged a major injury, he will be questionable against the Lions. Stay tuned for updates within the rankings, as that is the biggest story to watch. The Chiefs backfield is a bit of a mess right now, but Darwin Thompson might be the guy over the next few weeks. Jordan Howard also remains questionable, dealing with a shoulder injury. If you are looking for some permanent adds for Week 14 and moving forward, check out the waiver wire breakdowns. These are the top ranked running backs, with season long stats, and their projections for Week 14.

Week 14 Running Back Rankings + Stats & Projections

Week 14 Studs

Christian McCaffrey checks in at number one, going up against a middle of the road run defense in Atlanta. The Panthers as a whole struggled against the Redskins, which was a surprise to see. McCaffrey is of course average the most fantasy points per game at the position, and has 310 touches that is well above the field. Dalvin Cook is likely going to tick down in the rankings with the shoulder issue, and we will need to monitor is status. Alexander Mattison could jump into Week 14 as a steal in DFS as well as season long for those who stashed him this long. If you are in a shallower league go out and grab him now. Oakland ranks 21st against the run, and Derrick Henry just continues to churn out big games. I love him again this week, and this is a big one against Oakland as it has playoff implications. Nick Chubb is in a big spot against Cincinnati, who have allowed 4.8 yards per carry, 13 rushing touchdowns, and 157.8 rushing yards per game.

With Melvin Gordon seeing a heavy dose of touches this week, he is in an excellent spot against Jacksonville, who continue to get beat on the ground. They are allowing 5.1 yards per carry, 17 rushing touchdowns, and 136.6 rushing yards per game. Both him and Austin Ekeler can have standalone value given how they are used. Mark Ingram is in a sneaky good spot this week going up against Buffalo, who have allowed 4.5 rushing yards per attempt. They also rank 22nd in DVOA against the run. While it is a tough game on the road, you are still starting the Ravens studs.

Running Back Injury Outlook

Cook is the big one, and I will echo thoughts on Mattison. He is a full blown RB1 if Cook sits out this week. He has averaged 4.8 yards per carry this season, and will be against an easy Lions defense. They have allowed 118 rushing yards per game this season and 4.4 yards per carry. Detroit is also allowing the third most fantasy points per game to running backs.

Darrell Williams went down with what looks to be a season ending injury, and given they signed Spencer Ware again, it is not promising to the injury report. Damien and Darrell Williams are both names that could clear of the backfield a bit. LeSean McCoy didn’t get a ton of work, but did find the end zone on what was a lackluster day. Thompson took over late in the fourth quarter, and basically had a drive to himself. I would still expect a split workload moving forward.

With Jordan Howard still dealing with what has been a lengthy shoulder injury, Miles Sanders saw his highest amount of touches on the season. He had 22 against Miami, and that was a jump from 13 and 15 the weeks prior. The easy schedule ahead for Sanders is going to give him a real bump in the fantasy playoffs for those that have him.

Miami placed Kalen Ballage on the injured reserve, leaving Myles Gaskin and Patrick Laird as the two options to pick things up moving forward. This is not an enticing backup duo, and I am not racing out to get them. The Dolphins continue to find themselves in more positive game script compared to where they can give the backs some steady work.

Fantasy Football Strategy Podcast Week 14 (Free)

Tough Week 14 Fantasy Matchups

The Colts committee of running backs is mainly a stay away this week against the Buccaneers, who have allowed 3.4 yards per cary this season, and just 76 rushing yards per game. With Jordan Wilkins being introduced more last week, this is just a disaster situation for fantasy. I will avoid Wilkins and Williams, but in PPR formats, Hines is still a deep flyer if needed. The Cardinals are coming off of a dreadful game, and the running back situation has not been pleasing. Kenyan Drake really took over touches, but will have a touch matchup against the Steelers, who have allowed below 4.0 yards per carry, and just five rushing touchdowns this season.

Philadelphia for the most part has been a tough matchup for opposing backs, allowing the 7th fewest fantasy points per game. Saquon Barkley will take them on Monday night, and his production this season has been limited. I mentioned the Chiefs backfield, unfortunately the first matchup will be against the Patriots. I still like Thompson and McCoy though, even if the Patriots are allowing the second fewest fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. Those Miami backs are also not in a good spot this week, as the Jets are allowing 2.9 rushing yards per game. Not pretty numbers from an already below average offensive line and rushing attack.