NFL Fantasy 2024 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Running backs for Week 6

Jacobs came through with his best fantasy game as a Packer last week, scoring 16.4 fantasy points. Ideally, he would see more usage in the pass attack, but even so, his per-game carry mark (18) makes him hard to get away from in fantasy -- especially in a week like this one against the Cardinals. Arizona has allowed the eighth-most fantasy PPG and the second-most rushing yards to opposing running backs. Jacobs should be able to have another good ground game. 

Do not let the Titans' Week 5 bye make you forget that Pollard has played 64 percent of Tennessee's offensive snaps while averaging 19 opportunities (15 carries, four targets) per game. He has scored over 15 fantasy points in three of his four games this season. And this week's matchup is especially favorable. The Colts have allowed the fourth-most rushing yards, the fifth-most receiving yards and the ninth-most FPPG to opposing backs. 

There is no way you can get away from Swift right now -- and not just because he's dropped 20-plus fantasy points in back-to-back weeks. It's also because of the volume that he's seeing. In Week 4, Swift led the Bears in carries, rushing yards, targets, catches and receiving yards. In Week 5, he had 22 opportunities. Plus, the Jaguars have allowed the fourth-most FPPG to opposing RBs. They especially struggle in the passing game, ranking in the top three in catches, yards and receiving touchdowns allowed to RBs. Keep riding the hot hand. 

For the third week in a row, Harris is listed as a start in this article! His past two outings have been Najee Specials -- in other words, floor games. But in this one, he could show some upside. The Raiders have allowed 5.2 yards per carry to opposing RBs this season, and a back has scored 15-plus fantasy points against them in every game so far. It's not like they have faced the stiffest competition at the position, with Derrick Henry being the only elite standout in a group that also featured J.K. Dobbins, Chuba Hubbard, Jerome Ford and Javonte Williams. If Harris reaches that 15-point threshold, it will count as his best fantasy game of 2024. 

Brown has had at least 15 opportunities in each of the last two games, and he made the most of that increase, averaging just under 20 FPPG in that span. His 16.4 fantasy points last week registered as the most by an RB against the Ravens; he also became the first back this season to gain 10-plus yards on a run against them (doing it twice). Zack Moss is banged up, so Brown should continue to get chances, especially given how well he has played. Plus, the Giants have allowed explosive runs (those of 10-plus yards) to running backs at the third-highest rate in the NFL (15 percent). Brown brings a lot of upside this week.  

This one is spicy, since Robinson is a top-10 RB in fantasy points on the season. But this matchup is extremely tough. Of the teams that have played five games, the Ravens have allowed the fewest rushing yards to opposing RBs, coughing up 2.9 yards per carry and just two explosive runs so far. They've allowed just three rushing TDs, and that is relevant to Robinson, given that 39 percent of Robinson's fantasy points this season have come off touchdowns. On top of all that, Robinson is dealing with a knee issue and was limited to just seven carries last week. The Ravens struggle more against backs who are featured on passing downs, so there is a shot Austin Ekeler outproduces Robinson this week. 

Over the last four weeks, White has logged 36 carries while Bucky Irving has had 35. Irving actually has more yards (185 to 156) and the lone rushing touchdown between the two, and he is averaging a full yard more per carry. In that four-game span, White has just 13 targets, 11 catches and 52 receiving yards. He has scored less than 11 fantasy points in all four games and is averaging just eight fantasy PPG in that span. The lack of production and declining volume are enough to convince me to get away from White this week. 

Singletary missed Week 5 due to a groin injury, but he did get a limited practice in before that, so presumably there is a chance he returns this week. Either way, I would plan on having him out of your lineup. Cincinnati has allowed the third-most rushing yards per game but has allowed the second-fewest receiving yards per game to backs. They allow explosive runs at a rate lower than league average. Plus, groin injuries always seem risky, because it feels like they can linger and flare up. Then there's Tyrone Tracy Jr., who could take work from Singletary, given how well he ran last week. I would play it safe. 

As with waterfalls, you should never go chasing fantasy points. Especially when the RB luring you in is coming off their best fantasy game of the season and is about to face the Lions. Dowdle has really taken over that Cowboys backfield. He scored nearly 20 fantasy points last week on 22 opportunities in a rain-soaked game against the Steelers. But Detroit has allowed the fewest rushing and receiving yards to RBs -- the Lions are such a tough matchup. There will be weeks to start Dowdle if he keeps trending this way; this is not one of them. 

It appears that whichever RB is set for backup duty in Las Vegas is going to have the more productive fantasy day. Typically, White starts and Mattison takes away all the valuable touches. But last week, Mattison started and was outproduced by Ameer Abdullah. It's just a frustrating situation. The Raiders backs bring a low floor; this is particularly true of White, since he loses passing-down and goal-line touches. I would not want to trust White or Mattison against a very tough Steelers defense, especially if Abdullah lingers as a threat to take work. Avoid.