RB Starts
Dameon Pierce – HOU
Week 12 stats: 5 CAR, 8 YDS, 3 REC, 6 TAR, 8 YDS – 4.6 PPR points
Week 13 matchup: vs CLE
Dameon Pierce has been frustrating for the last two weeks, as the Texans have simply performed too terribly overall to provide the rookie with ample opportunity to see real volume. However, the Browns sport a run defense that is arguably as bad as the Texans. Pierce should be able to bounce back this week. Pierce received six targets last week in an ugly blowout loss to the Dolphins, so the fledgling Texans have at least shown a willingness to try to get their young stud involved when games get messy.
Zonovan Knight – NYJ
Week 12 stats: 14 CAR, 69 YDS, 3 REC, 34 YDS – 13.3 PPR points
Week 13 matchup: @ MIN
Undrafted rookie Zonovan Knight got the start over James Robinson on Sunday, and he looked impressive. Michael Carter is finding a niche as a decent receiving back, but Zonavan Knight could overtake this backfield for the remainder of this season. Head Coach Robert Saleh has praised him, and he received 17 touches in his first NFL game. If you are still scrambling to replace an injured running back, or need a bye week fill-in, Knight could be your under-the-radar fill-in.
Brian Robinson Jr. – WAS
Week 12 stats: 18 CAR, 105 YDS, 2 REC, 3 TAR, 20 YDS, 1 TD – 20.5 PPR points
Week 13 matchup: vs SEA
Susan Walsh AP Photo
Brian Robinson tore up the Falcons last week, and had his solid running game boosted by some work in the receiving game, turning three targets into 20 yards and a touchdown. With a favorable matchup against the Giants’ atrocious run defense, Robinson could be ready to take over this backfield. The fact that he is finally seeing some receiving work is a positive sign.
RB Sits
BYE WEEKS: James Conner, D’Onta Foreman
Cam Akers – LAR
Week 12 stats: 8 CAR, 37 YDS – 3.7 PPR points
Week 13 matchup: vs SEA
If you drafted Cam Akers early in your draft in August, odds are your team has suffered mightily because of it. A fantasy standout during his rookie year, Akers has simply not been the same since making an alarmingly quick recovery from a torn Achilles. His backfield role is slowly dwindling, and Akers is looking like one of the biggest busts of the year.
Jeff Wilson – MIA
Week 12 stats: 13 CAR, 39 YDS, 1 TD – 12.2 PPR points
Week 13 matchup: @ SF
Wilson has been the 1A in this Dolphins backfield since he arrived, but still shares duties with Raheem Mostert from time to time. The Dolphins are a pass-heavy team that curiously loves to run two-receiver personnel packages. They rank 28th in the league in three WR sets, but still rank near the top-10 in pass attempts per game. Ultimately, Wilson will have to see his production rescued by a touchdown against this elite 49ers run defense, given the nature of Mike McDaniel’s offensive approach.
Leonard Fournette — TB
Week 12 stats: N/A (INJ)
Week 13 matchup: vs NO
With rookie Rachaad White taking on a very prominent role in the backfield, including a whopping nine receptions last week in injury fill-in for Fournette, now is not the time to put Fournette back in lineups. The Bucs are high on White, and Fournette got bottled up the last time he played the Saints.
