Week 9 of the 2024 NFL season was a great week for running backs in fantasy football as six players scored at least 20 points in standard leagues, headlined by Saquon Barkley (29.9) and Derrick Henry (25.3).
In Week 10, four teams are off with a bye: the Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Seattle Seahawks. At least three running backs in that group have been consistent starters for fantasy managers this season.
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That means there are some lineup questions facing many managers this week at running back. Here are five running backs to start and five to sit in Week 10:
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Tracy Jr.’s been inconsistent recently. He had a career day against the Steelers, one of the top run defenses in the league, only to drop off last week against Washington – one of the worst run defenses.
Hopefully, he can take an opportunity in Week 10 to get back on the productive side of things. Carolina leads the league in rushing yards allowed (159.3) and just gave up 253 yards to the Saints’ running backs last week. In a battle of bad teams, Tracy Jr. may be the only winner.
Much like the rest of Chicago’s offense, Swift struggled against the Cardinals last weekend. He had 82 total yards, his fewest since Week 3. But things could get back on track at home this week. New England’s allowed 181 yards per game and seven touchdowns over the last five weeks to opposing running backs. Swift should capitalize to start a three-game home stand.
Jones was a start pick last week and had an okay game against the Colts with 82 total yards on 25 touches. The Vikings leaned more on the passing game in that contest.
This week, Minnesota starts its three-game road trip against a Jaguars defense that’s given up 147 total yards per game and six touchdowns to opposing running backs in the last four weeks. Jones should have easier going against one of the worst defenses in the league.
We said last week that Hubbard’s matchup with the Saints may be his final week as a solid fantasy starter. Well, we’re extending that one more week with his game against New York. The Giants’ run defense has dropped off considerably in the past three weeks with opposing running back groups averaging 204 yards per game. He should be good this week before the next week’s bye and the likely emergence of rookie Jonathan Brooks.
If you’re in a pinch, Davis could be a good play this week. The Bills’ second running back had 90 total yards and a touchdown on just six touches last week. Granted, a 63-yard touchdown reception will boost that, but he could be in for a good follow up performance this week.
The Colts have allowed 146.5 yards per game and two touchdowns to opposing running backs over their last four contests. That means plenty of opportunity for him behind top running back James Cook. He’s a solid FLEX option or starter if you’re perusing the waiver wire this week.
Tampa Bay running back Rachaad White’s touchdown on “Monday Night Football” last week was the first score given up by the Chiefs to an opposing running back since late September. Kansas City is yet to give up 100 yards to a running back this season.
Williams had a solid outing against Baltimore last week with 84 total yards on 14 touches but that’s likely his ceiling again this week on the road against that Chiefs run defense.
Pollard had 154 total yards on a 31 touches, both season-highs. But Los Angeles’ defense is much, much better than the Patriots’ unit against the run. The Chargers held the Browns’ running backs to 50 total yards on 21 touches last week and should have a similarly strong week against the Titans’ personnel in Week 10. If he’s a must-start, don’t expect a repeat performance from him this week.
Dowdle had one of his best performances of the season in Week 9 with 107 total yards and a touchdown on 17 touches against the Falcons. But the Cowboys are going from a bottom-third of the league run defense in Atlanta last week to a top-five unit this week.
Since their bye in Week 5, Philadelphia has held opposing running back groups to just 83 total yards per game and allowed one touchdown. This defense is coming together and, with Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott on IR, Philadelphia can load up to stop the run more than before.
Bigsby led the team in carries last week even with Travis Etienne Jr. back in the lineup. He had 22 yards on eight carries and will likely have another tough time this week. Minnesota held Jonathan Taylor to just 59 total yards last week and may get linebacker Blake Cashman back from injury this week. That could be trouble again for Bigsby and the Jaguars’ running game.
White scored his fourth touchdown of the last three weeks against the Chiefs on “Monday Night Football” but managed just 28 total yards on his other five touches. Tampa Bay leaned more on Bucky Irving (10 touches for 34 yards) in what was a tough out for the running game.
It may be a similar story against a 49ers defense fresh off a bye this week. San Francisco’s held opposing running back groups to just 97 total yards per game in the three games ahead of the bye. They did allow four touchdowns in that span but none were receiving – the way White’s scored three of his four touchdowns this season.
Looking for more fantasy football advice? USA TODAY Sports has you covered:
→ Kickers are people, too: Here are some of the most clutch kickers to have on your fantasy team in Week 10.
→ The wide receiver position has been decimated this season. Protect yourself in Week 10 with start ’em, sit ’em advice for wideouts.
→ Need an edge under center? Here are the best quarterback options to start and to sit in Week 10.
→ Tight ends can be the perfect X-factor for any fantasy team. Here’s who you should start and sit in Week 10.
→ A good defense can shut down your fantasy opponent’s offense. Here are some D/ST options to start and sit for Week 10.
