The Colts started the season without any doubt at the running back position: it was Marlon Mack’s to lose and even putting on middling performances would make it hard to move from him given his true talent level. But he fell injured to a broken hand and he is now out of commission, handing the backfield to the trio of Jonathan Williams, Jordan Wilkins, and Nyheim Hines. Hines has been the no. 2 tailback of the Colts all year long, but his role has been reduced mostly to pass-catching duties. With Marlon Mack out, Indianapolis took to Jonathan Williams and gave him all he can handle and more on the ground the last couple of weeks.
Back in Week 11 when Mack was injured Williams took on his role and rushed the ball 13 times for 116 yards, adding 31 extra yards catching one pass. In just 31 snaps he was able to finish with 15.7 fantasy points. Entering Week 12, though, it wasn’t that clear if it was going to be Williams or Wilkins leading the backfield. Well, after Indianapolis messed with our heads and made some of us trust Wilkins, it was William’s day all the way. Williams doubled his carries from Week 11 by rushing the ball 26 times for 104 yards on the ground and 17 through the air on three catches. He also scored his first touchdown of the season.
Jordan Wilkins, while having more snaps than Williams on the season (91 to 83) seems to be no more than the no. 3 option from the backfield behind both Williams and Hines. Coach Frank Reich said earlier this week that he will probably play Wilkins more and give him more opportunities in Week 13, but you know what happened last week... One offensive snap and no usage at all. With Williams having two monster games and Hines entrenched in the pass-catching role as the no. 2 running back, it is hard to picture Wilkins getting any work at all going forward.
Fantasy football analysis: Indianapolis Colts RBs Jonathan Williams, Jordan Wilkins
The Colts host a below-average defensive unit in Tennessee’s this weekend. The Titans rank 22nd in fantasy points per game allowed to opposing RBs this season. They suffer both on the ground and through the air, as they are on a three-game streak in which they have surrendered 131 yards from scrimmage, including 49 and 62 through the air in their last two games. All in all, the Titans have allowed four rushing touchdowns in their last three games and one receiving to running backs.
Jonathan Williams holds value this weekend if only because Mack has been ruled out of the game already and Williams is the clear go-to rusher, at least until Mack returns. He’s a good RB2 option and a must-play option at the flex spot if you have both of your RB slots covered already. Wilkins is an afterthought until proven otherwise, so you can fade him all the way. With T.Y. Hilton also out, though, Hines should carry some value, so if you don’t have anything to put in your flex slot you could consider starting him there due to his receiving prowess and the lack of options the Colts will have this week on offense.
Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation
Start Jonathan Williams
Sit Jordan Wilkins