Over the last five games no defense has given up more fantasy
points to running backs than Jacksonville and that’s pretty
much all you need to know. Taylor has been an easy RB1 over the
last six games, and if not for a shaky midseason slump, would
be looking at a top-5 finish at the position. With their starting
left tackle out in a must-win game, look for the Colts to feed
their rookie runner as much as he can handle. With so much Week
17 uncertainty, Taylor is an easy “set and forget”
option.
While his best fantasy years are behind him, the combination of
match-up and opportunity is too much to ignore in Week 17. Sporting
a solid 4.7 yards-per-carry average on the season, and on the
verge of his 4th year of double digit touchdowns, Gordon is an
easy RB1 option this week. Vegas is one of the worst run defenses
in the NFL and Denver is a hungry young team looking for some
offseason momentum, while Vegas is a fading disappointment.
Gallman was balling during the Giants four-game winning streak
in early December, but then Daniel Jones got hurt and the offense
fell apart. New York has scored 7, 6 and 13 points during the
losing streak and staggers into the final week of the season with
a chance to make the playoffs. It’s imperative the G-men
establish a running back to slow the Cowboys pass-rush. Jones
lacks his normal mobility, and although they’ve improved
recently, teams have been able to run roughshod over this Cowboy
defense. Week 17 is all about hidden gems, and Gallman could be
a sneaky play.
Sanders is currently sitting as the RB22 in PPR leagues underperforming
his pre-season ADP (RB12) by a wide margin. He has two 100-yard
rushing games on the season and hasn’t found the endzone
as a receiver. He posted a RB11 finish last week against the vulnerable
Cowboys defense but this week is a different story. Washington
has given up the third fewest fantasy points to running backs
and allowed next to nothing (55 rushing yds) to the Eagles’
RBs in their earlier matchup. Avoid Sanders in this primetime
matchup.
Conner found the endzone last week and showed some signs of life
in the passing game (5-45) last week against the Colts. He’s battled
injury in 2020 resulting in ho-hum fantasy performances as the Steelers
have implemented a short-passing game offense. With nothing to play
for, Big Ben already ruled out and nursing a quad injury, this smells
like Conner ends up on the Inactive list Sunday with Benny Snell
and Anthony McFarland Jr. handling the running back duties.
A poor match-up, lack of touchdown scoring, and a split backfield
all conspire against Singletary this week. Add in the fact Miami
needs this game MUCH more than the Bills has me hesitant to mess
with any Buffalo offensive starters.
