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Derrick Henry’s run of three straight 175 yard rushing games will come to an end, but when? The Chiefs already gave up 188 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries to him in Week 10. After that game, Kansas City’s numbers against running backs on the ground got better to finish the season, but they didn’t become a shutdown unit and didn’t face anyone like King Henry.
Damien Williams went crazy last week with three touchdowns as the Chiefs went on a scoring spree. The Titans can be beaten by running backs, especially ones with Patrick Mahomes as their quarterback. Williams had 109 total yards and five receptions against Tennessee in Week 10 while Mahomes threw for 446 yards and three touchdowns in a loss.
After those two backs, it gets trickier, as Aaron Jones and the Packers as a whole were held under 200 total yards the last time they met in Week 12. Jamaal Williams actually out-touched Jones, as he was used more in catch-up mode. Last week, Jones had 22 touches to Williams’ 2. Williams could see a boost as a receiver if the Packers are down big like last time, but Jones is also part of the passing game and shouldn’t have any trouble getting the majority of the touches, but in a tough matchup.
The split last week between Tevin Coleman and Raheem Mostert was a kick in the gut to fantasy players, as Mostert took a backseat after driving the running back car for the previous five games. Against the Vikings, Coleman ran the ball 22 times for 105 yards and two goal-line touchdowns and Raheem Mostert ran it 12 times for 58 yards and no touchdowns, with neither getting a target. We can’t be certain that Coleman will again be the lead back against the Packers, but their matchup with the Vikings is all we really have to go on and we must assume Coleman will get the nod again.
After Coleman, Mostert still has enough juice to be worth playing in a decent matchup with the Packers. And then Williams, who could see a bump if the Packers trail but who also lost some work to Tyler Ervin last week. Matt Breida’s ability makes him a possible punt play while Dion Lewis could see a small boost if the Chiefs get out to a huge lead. After that, we’re left with backs who don’t touch the ball with any regularity.
Half PPR Running Back Rankings, Championship Round
Rank | Player | Team | Opp |
---|---|---|---|
Rank | Player | Team | Opp |
1 | Derrick Henry | TEN | @ KC |
2 | Damien Williams | KC | vs TEN |
3 | Aaron Jones | GB | @ SF |
4 | Tevin Coleman | SF | vs GB |
5 | Raheem Mostert | SF | vs GB |
6 | Jamaal Williams | GB | @ SF |
7 | Matt Breida | SF | vs GB |
8 | Dion Lewis | TEN | @ KC |
9 | Tyler Ervin | GB | @ SF |
10 | Darwin Thompson | KC | vs TEN |
11 | Kyle Juszczyk | SF | vs GB |
12 | LeSean McCoy | KC | vs TEN |