Week 13 Start ’Em, Sit ’Em: Running Backs

Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em is the ultimate look at the best and worst matchups based on a PPR scoring system in fantasy football. This column will not cover the elite players in the NFL like Patrick Mahomes, Christian McCaffrey or Justin Jefferson. Instead, I'll look at the players you have questions about who could exceed or fail to meet expectations at each position. For all of your final fantasy lineup decisions, be sure to check out my weekly player rankings which will be updated daily throughout the 2023 NFL season.

Fabs’ Top 10 Running Backs

1. Christian McCaffrey at Eagles
2. Bijan Robinson at Jets
3. Travis Etienne vs. Bengals (Mon.)
4. Austin Ekeler at Patriots
5. Alvin Kamara vs. Lions
6. Rachaad White vs. Panthers
7. Tony Pollard vs. Seahawks (Thur.)
8. Jahmyr Gibbs at Saints
9. Derrick Henry vs. Colts
10. Kyren Williams vs. Browns

Week 13 Start ’Em, Sit ’Em: QUARTERBACKS | RUNNING BACKS | WIDE RECEIVERS | TIGHT ENDS | KICKERS & TEAM DEFENSES

Byes: Bears, Bills, Giants, Raiders, Ravens, Vikings

Week 13 Start ’Em: Running Backs

Start of the Week

Rachaad White vs. Panthers (4:05 p.m. ET, CBS): White has been on absolute fire in the stat sheets, scoring at least 15 PPR points in five of his last six games. That trend should continue against the Panthers, who have allowed 17-plus points to running backs nine times this season. What’s more, at least one opposing back has put up 17-plus PPR points against them in each of their last four contests.

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Start ’Em

Isiah Pacheco at Packers (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): Pacheco, listed as a start ’em last week, went off for two touchdowns and a season-high 25.9 fantasy points in Las Vegas. I’d roll with the angry runner this week, too, as Pacheco goes up against a Packers defense that’s been generous to runners. In fact, this unit has allowed 15-plus points to backs seven times this season. Pacheco is a nice No. 2 back.

Rhamondre Stevenson vs. Chargers (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Stevenson is hitting his fantasy stride, scoring 21-plus points in two of his last three games. He’s also put some distance between himself and Ezekiel Elliott lately in terms of snaps. I like Stevenson’s success to continue against the Chargers, who have allowed 16 or more points to seven running backs. Look for Stevenson to shine once again.

Najee Harris vs. Cardinals (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Harris has put his early-season struggles behind him, as the veteran has posted 15-plus points in four of his last six games. In that time, he’s found the end zone four times. Both Harris and Jaylen Warren are solid options this week, as they’ll face a Cardinals defense that has allowed an average of more than 31 points per game to runners since Week 9.

Javonte Williams at Texans (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Williams has seen his numbers shrink in the last two weeks, scoring a combined 17.4 points. The good news is that his snaps and touches went back up in last week’s win over the Browns, and a plus matchup against the Texans is next on the slate. Their defense has allowed double digits to running backs 11 times this season, including seven with 12-plus points.

More Starts

Raheem Mostert at Commanders (1 p.m. ET, Fox)
Breece Hall vs. Falcons (1 p.m. ET, Fox)
Devin Singletary vs. Broncos (1 p.m. ET, CBS)

DFS Bargains (DraftKings)

Rhamondre Stevenson vs. Chargers ($6,000)
Najee Harris vs. Cardinals ($5,200)
Zack Moss at Titans ($4,600)

Week 13 Sit ’Em: Running Backs

Sit of the Week

James Conner at Steelers (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Conner’s fantasy stock has gone in the tank since he returned from injury, as he’s failed to score double digits since Week 3. He’s also lost his featured role, as the Cardinals mixed in Michael Carter last week, leading to Conner playing just 29 snaps. So, while I love the revenge game narrative, I’d be wary of Conner against a formidable Steelers defense.

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Sit ’Em

Zach Charbonnet at Cowboys (Thur. 8:20 p.m. ET, Prime Video): Charbonnet will be tough to sit this week, as he’ll see plenty of volume with Kenneth Walker banged up. However, I’d temper expectations against the Cowboys. Their run defense has been tough on backs, allowing just six touchdowns and 17.1 points per game to the position this season. Charbonnet is a shaky flex this week.

Jerome Ford at Rams (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): Ford hasn’t been putting up huge totals in recent weeks, but his floor has been around 12 points. That makes it tough to sit him with six teams off, but I’d temper expectations against the Rams. Their defense has quietly been tough on runners, allowing just five total touchdowns to the position. Ford will be a flex option, but I wouldn’t expect a major stat line.

Chuba Hubbard at Buccaneers (4:05 p.m. ET, CBS): Hubbard took back the top role in the Panthers attack last week, rushing the ball 14 times (19 touches) and scoring 20.2 points. I’d still be wary of starting him this week, however, as the veteran has a bad matchup in Tampa Bay. Their defense has surrendered the sixth-fewest fantasy points to backs, so Hubbard will be a shaky flex at best.

A.J. Dillon vs. Chiefs (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): Dillon will be tough to sit, as he will see a good workload with Aaron Jones injured. The problem is the matchup, as the Chiefs have allowed just three backs to beat them for more than 14.5 points this season. Dillon also hasn’t been all that effective even when playing a featured role, so it’s tough to trust the quad monster as more than a very risky flex starter.

More Sits

Brian Robinson Jr. vs. Dolphins (1 p.m. ET, Fox)
Kareem Hunt at Rams (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox)
Miles Sanders at Buccaneers (4:05 p.m. ET, CBS)

DFS Fades (DraftKings)

D’Andre Swift at 49ers ($6,600)
Brian Robinson vs. Dolphins ($6,100)
James Conner at Steelers ($5,800)