NFL Fantasy 2025 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Running backs for Week 17

I will fully admit it: In no way, shape or form did I ever imagine Ashton Jeanty posting his most yards, two touchdowns and second-most fantasy points in a game this season against Houston's defense. My bad for telling you to sit him. But if you survived, you are rewarded with a game against the Giants. New York is arguably the best matchup for RBs at this point. This season, the G-Men have allowed the most yards before contact per carry, as well as the most yards per carry and the highest explosive run rate. They have given up the third-most fantasy PPG to RBs. If you got this far with Jeanty, he just might reward you with a championship after all.

Last week's flashy performance got a lot of attention, but Gainwell has been balling out in fantasy for a while now. He has averaged 19 fantasy PPG in his last six outings. He scored four TDs in that span, which helps, but the main reason for his ascension is the pass-game usage. He is averaging 6.3 targets per game in that stretch, with seven in each of the last three. He has been the Steelers' most effective pass catcher, and his usage could increase following DK Metcalf's suspension. Plus, the Browns have allowed the fifth-most rushing yards and most TDs to RBs since Week 12. They have also struggled against receiving backs. Gainwell is a strong RB2 play with RB1 upside. 

Last week, TreVeyon Henderson unfortunately suffered a concussion in the first half. As New England's lead back for much of the game, Stevenson finished with 78 yards and one touchdown on 11 opportunities (carries + targets). If Henderson is out in Week 17 -- and I expect the Patriots to be especially cautious in this game with the playoffs nearing -- Stevenson is a great start against the Jets. New York has allowed the second-most fantasy PPG to RBs over the last month. The Jets have not been the same against the run since they traded Quinnen Williams. Plus, teams have been putting up a lot of points against them, which equals both touchdowns and favorable game scripts. Gang Green has allowed the second-most rushing TDs to RBs since Week 12. If Henderson is sidelined, Stevenson projects as a strong RB2 with RB1 upside in championship week.

It hasn't exactly played out as many of us initially envisioned, but RJ Harvey is living up to that league-winner billing that was placed on him in the summer. Since the Broncos' Week 12 bye, Harvey has averaged 19 fantasy points per game, with 21-plus in three of four. He has scored five touchdowns in those four games and is fresh off a career day as a receiver. I have said it before, but we have not seen a back serve as Sean Payton's lead runner while also handling the bulk of passing downs and goal-line work since prime Alvin Kamara. Harvey may not have that level of upside yet, but he has certainly transformed into an RB1 since J.K. Dobbins went down. The Chiefs have been a tough matchup for RBs on paper, but this should be a game with a very positive script for Harvey.

Things have gotten really bad for Hall as of late. The Jets have still been using him at a high rate, but as the only player defenses have to worry about, he has not enjoyed much success. With Brady Cook at quarterback over the last three weeks, Hall has averaged 6.1 fantasy PPG. He has averaged two targets per game in this span and has not scored a single touchdown. Going against New England, New York will likely once again be playing from behind -- and last week, Isaiah Davis saw more targets than Hall. Plus, the Patriots have been extremely tough to run on and they limit big plays, which is tough for the explosive Hall's prospects. In total, New England has allowed the third-fewest fantasy PPG to RBs this season. If you ignore the name, Hall is an easy sit this week. 

For a while, Rico Dowdle was a really fun story, but he has reverted back into his old self more often as of late. He has not reached 13 fantasy points in any of his last four games. He hasn't run for 60 yards since Week 9. The explosive runs have vanished. Plus, while he is the lead back, Chuba Hubbard looms and has been more involved as of late. The former RB1 could steal valuable passing-game opportunities. On top of that, the Seahawks are such a tough matchup. They have allowed the third-fewest rushing yards and second-fewest rushing touchdowns. With a fantasy title on the line, I would get away from Dowdle.

The Chargers were a favorable RB matchup for much of the season but have been tougher as of late. In fact, they have allowed the fewest rushing yards, second-fewest receiving yards and just one total TD to RBs since Week 12. Marks has been more of a floor play this season, which worries me in what could be a defensive-battle type of game. We saw Jawhar Jordan used over Chubb last week, and I worry he remains involved even if Marks does indeed return to action. Yes, Marks has been banged up, missing last week's game, which adds some more risk. There is not enough upside to take that risk in the fantasy championship if it can be avoided.

There was some excitement around New Orleans' remaining backs as streaming options last week. The issue is that everyone forgot about Taysom Hill, who ended up leading the Saints in carries and rushing yards -- while also throwing a touchdown pass and finishing third in receiving yards for New Orleans. Hill's presence, especially since he can be used near the goal line, makes it far too difficult to trust one of these reserve backs. On top of that, the Titans have allowed the third-fewest rushing yards and the fewest yards before contact to RBs since Week 12.