NE @ PIT (-6) 30
PIT: Allowing the 8th-fewest fantasy points to running backs over the last four weeks. Despite the tough matchup, Ezekiel Elliott is squarely in play against the Steelers given that he’s likely to inherit Rhamondre Stevenson’s workhorse role. He saw 22 opportunities last week and the Patriots passing offense is hot ass right now, so he’s got the opportunity to be peppered this week with targets. He’s a floor play low-RB2.
NE: Allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs over the last four weeks. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren royally fumbled the best matchup in fantasy football last week and now take on a Patriots defense that’s held their own despite New England's offensive struggles. Warren is still the preferred start but both will be fringe RB2s on the week given the tough matchup, short turnaround, and 30-point total in this one.
CAR @ NO (-5.5) 37.5
CAR: Allowing the 2nd-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks on the season. This stat is no fluke even with the Panthers having the worst record in football - they’ve kept Dak Prescott and C.J. Stroud in check over the past six weeks. Regardless of whether it’s Carr or Winston under center for New Orleans, neither are likely to find a whole lot of fantasy success against a sneaky-stingy Panthers defense.
CAR: Allowing the 3rd-most fantasy points to RBs this season. Alvin Kamara will likely continue to be a big part of what the Saints want to do in the passing game, and the matchup is just about as good as it gets. Kamara has 4 or more catches and has finished as a fantasy RB1 in all but two of his nine starts this season, and this one should be no different. He’s a high RB1 in Week 14.
NO: Allowing the 7th-most fantasy points to RBs over the last four weeks. Chuba Hubbard has been the clear lead back since Miles Sanders went down with injury earlier this season, and he’s scored three touchdowns in the past two weeks. As long as the Saints don’t run away with this one, Hubbard will be squarely in the mid-low RB2 conversation this week.
HOU (-5.5) @ NYJ 33 WEATHER
NYJ: Allowing the 5th-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season; 7th-fewest over past four games. Rain and wind could be a problem at MetLife and make life abnormally difficult for Stroud and the Texans passing game. You have to leave Stroud in your lineup at this point given the way he’s been playing, but definitely temper expectations. Normally the matchup wouldn’t be too much of an issue, but the Jets defense in the rain does not smell like fantasy points to me.
NYJ: Allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to RBs over the past four games; 7th-most season long. Considering the weather as mentioned before, this could be a big game for Singletary and Pierce. If the wind and rain are as bad as they’re saying they’re going to be, both RBs could be in line for 15+ touches.
HOU: Allowing the 6th-fewest fantasy points to RBs over the past four weeks. The Jets might have no choice but to run the ball profusely in this one given their situation at quarterback and the anticipated weather. Breece Hall has been quiet these past few weeks but not unstartable, and will likely get his volume again. He’s a solid RB2 against the Falcons.
PHI @ DAL (-3) 53
PHI: Allowing the most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season and over the past four weeks. Prescott continues to be served excellent matchups on a silver platter - he’s thrown for three touchdowns in each of his past two games against Philadelphia at home and enters on a streak of six straight games of 2+ passing touchdowns. Prescott finished as the QB2 back in Week 9 against the Eagles, and he’s got a shot as the overall QB1 on the week again.
PHI: Allowing the 2nd-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. The Eagles are vulnerable on the back end and the Cowboys would be wise to let Dak Prescott take the reins in this game. Pollard has scored in three straight contests and could very well do so again with the way Dallas’ offense is playing; they’re averaging 44.5 points per game at home over their past four with 40+ points in each of those games. He’s worth a look as a low-RB1 this week even in the tough matchup.
DAL: Allowing the 3rd-fewest fantasy points to RBs this season; 4th-fewest over past four weeks. The Eagles weren’t able to get anything going against Dallas a few weeks ago in Philly, and we’re still waiting to hear about D’Andre Swift’s status. He’ll be a mid-low RB2 at best if he plays, and Gainwell would be a mid-RB3 if he got the start and Swift couldn’t go.