Full Breakdown
Fantasy Football Week 16: Start 'Em and Sit 'Em for Running Backs
12/18/2025, 7:12:31 AM
Key Matchups and Recommendations
As fantasy football playoffs intensify in Week 16, managers face critical decisions regarding their running back lineups. This week features several players with favorable matchups, while others should be avoided due to poor performance or tough opponents.
Must-Start Running Backs
1. Bucky Irving (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Despite a disappointing outing against the Atlanta Falcons, Irving has a strong history against the Carolina Panthers, averaging 25.3 points in two career games against them. The Panthers' defense has allowed the ninth-most points to running backs, making Irving a solid start.
2. TreVeyon Henderson (New England Patriots): Henderson has been on fire, scoring over 30 fantasy points in multiple recent games. Facing a Baltimore Ravens defense that has allowed 15-plus points to opposing running backs multiple times this season, Henderson is a must-start.
3. Aaron Jones Sr. (Minnesota Vikings): With the Giants allowing the second-most PPR points to running backs since Week 8, Jones is poised for a productive game. His involvement in the passing game adds to his value.
4. Woody Marks (Houston Texans): Marks has seen a significant increase in workload and is expected to be a key player against the Las Vegas Raiders, who have struggled against the run.
5. Michael Carter (Arizona Cardinals): With Bam Knight sidelined, Carter is set to lead the Cardinals' backfield against the Atlanta Falcons, who rank poorly against running backs.
Players to Sit
1. Ashton Jeanty (Las Vegas Raiders): Jeanty has struggled recently, scoring only 14 points in his last two games. With a tough matchup against the Houston Texans, he should be benched.
2. Kenneth Walker III (Seattle Seahawks): Walker has been underwhelming, scoring just 6.7 points in his last two games. Facing a strong Los Angeles Rams defense, he is a risky start.
3. RJ Harvey (Denver Broncos): Harvey has not been effective since taking over as the primary back, averaging just 3.4 yards per carry. The matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars is unfavorable.
4. Jacory Croskey-Merritt (Washington Commanders): After a strong performance against the Giants, Croskey-Merritt faces a much tougher matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, making him a risky play.
5. Breece Hall (New York Jets): Hall's production has dipped due to inconsistent quarterback play and a challenging matchup against the New Orleans Saints, who are solid against the run.
Official Statements & Responses
Michael Fabiano, a fantasy football analyst for Sports Illustrated, emphasizes the importance of matchups in the playoffs, stating, "The margins are thin during the playoffs, which means that every edge counts." He advises managers to closely evaluate player performances and matchups to make informed decisions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In fact, he logged 375 scrimmage yards and one touchdown against the Panthers in 2024.” — Michael Fabiano, Fantasy Football Analyst
- “He has now scored 28 or more points in three of his last five games, and I’d stick with him against the Ravens.” — Michael Fabiano, Fantasy Football Analyst
- “They will play the New York Giants, who have surrendered the 2nd most points to an opposing running back since Week 8.” — Michael Fabiano, Fantasy Football Analyst
- “7 combined PPR points in his last two games.” — Michael Fabiano, Fantasy Football Analyst
- “7 combined PPR points in his last two games.” — Michael Fabiano, Fantasy Football Analyst
Conclusion
As fantasy managers prepare for Week 16, understanding player matchups and recent performances is crucial. Starting the right running backs can significantly impact playoff outcomes, while sitting underperforming players may prevent costly mistakes.
