NFL Running Back Playoff Rankings: Week 14 Fantasy Football

RotoBaller brings you our Week 14 fantasy football running back rankings by authors Zach Wilkens (@LopsidedTrades) and Ryan Rufe (@RyanRufe), along with running back rankings analysis by Zach Wilkens.

For even more Week 14 rankings and analysis, be sure to check out our positional rankings for all other positions.

Week 14 Running Back Rankings Analysis

Le’Veon Bell is the hottest running back in the game right now, having gone over 200 total yards in each of his last two games. This might sound crazy, but he has basically played like a better version of Matt Forte this season. Unfortunately, he hasn’t had as many touchdowns as his owners would like. The Bengals should be a nice help there, as they’ve allowed 12 rushing touchdowns, tied for the third-highest mark in the league.

I still like Justin Forsett a lot, despite the tough matchup against the Dolphins. He’s gone over 100 rushing yards in each of the past three games, and 100 total yards in four straight. Additionally, the Dolphins have looked pretty weak defensively over the past two weeks. I didn’t think much of it when the Broncos were able to run well. The Jets, though? When they hardly ever even threw the ball? Something isn’t clicking there, and Forsett should be able to benefit.

On the other side of the ball in Miami will be Lamar Miller, and the Ravens are a very tough matchup. Or at least they were until DE Haloti Ngata was suspended. I think this will impact the contest, as Ngata was PFF’s 10th-best run-stopping DE. It’s a huge loss, and changes this from an awful matchup to slightly below average in my mind.

It looks like Rashad Jennings will be missing or strictly limited. He continues to miss practice, so I have Andre Williams ranked as if he will be the lead back again. I’m not a big fan of his, but it’s a nice matchup. The Titans are awful against the run, which makes me think Williams can be a nice RB2. If Jennings plays he is pretty much a must-start.

I’m afraid it looks like Frank Gore is finally showing his age, and if Carlos Hyde takes over next year, this might be his last great matchup (as a 49er, anyway). Even here, I can’t put him higher than RB21, but there is definitely room for a big day.

Another running back who was left for dead but has value this week is Jonathan Stewart. He went over 100 total yards for the first time since 2011 last week, in a decently tough matchup against the Vikings. The Saints should prove a much easier task. The worry here that keeps him from being higher is whether the Panthers can stay close enough to give J-Stew plenty of touches. If he does, he will be a surprisingly nice play.

Dan ‘Boom’ Herron is another guy I want to like, but I have trouble doing so, especially knowing that he is in a full split with Trent Richardson. The Colts supposedly have no plans to change the split, which makes Herron a decent (but not great) play. If he can’t get over 12 touches, it’s hard to feel great about him, even though he came through last week.

If you’re looking for a deep sleeper, you have Stepfan Taylor and Marion Grice of the Cardinals. It looks very likely that Andre Ellington will be out. Grice got most of the touches last week, but Taylor got the touchdown. I wouldn’t expect much from either, but if I had to pick one, I’d go with Taylor, who is more likely to score.

Good luck in Week 14 RotoBallers!

Week 14 Running Back Fantasy Football Rankings