RADIO
Joe Mixon - Houston Texans (at Kansas City Chiefs)
Joe Mixon has not been as productive or efficient lately compared to his early-season success, but he’s still operating as a true workhorse in Houston and is averaging 22.6 touches per game. The Texans will need Mixon to be effective to take down the two-time defending Super Bowl Champions that boast the third-best run defense in the NFL (91.9 YPG allowed).
Saquon Barkley - Philadelphia Eagles (at Washington Commanders)
Saquon Barkley has visited the medical tent a few times over the last few weeks, but he seems to have avoided major injury. As long as the former No. 2 overall pick stays healthy and active, he’ll continue to carry the load for the surging Philadelphia Eagles. Barkley is averaging 22.6 touches per game, and the Commanders are a bottom-10 run defense. Here’s to another big week for the NFL’s rushing leader.
Kyren Williams - Los Angeles Rams (at New York Jets)
Kyren Williams began the 2024 campaign hot before cooling off for a few weeks. However, he’s been back to his excellent self lately and ranks third in the NFL in touches per contest (22.1). The New York Jets have fallen apart on defense, so here’s another workhorse with a great opportunity for a big game in Week 16.
Josh Jacobs - Green Bay Packers (vs. New Orleans Saints)
Josh Jacobs is starting to thrive as the Packers’ workhorse. The former first-round pick by the Raiders has nine touchdowns in his last five games and is in another smash spot on Monday Night Football. New Orleans gives up an average of 134.4 rushing yards per game, and bruising backs like Jacobs become bigger X-factors when the calendar turns December. Look for a big finish to the season.
Bijan Robinson - Atlanta Falcons (vs. New York Giants)
If there ever was a time for Bijan Robinson to approach 30 touches, it would be in Week 16 against the New York Giants. Rookie Michael Penix Jr. will make his first start at quarterback, and the Giants have given up a whopping 143.7 rushing yards per game. Expect Atlanta to lean on its best offensive skill player in a plus matchup. Robinson is up to 20.8 touches per game this season.
Jonathan Taylor - Indianapolis Colts (vs. Tennessee Titans)
After an embarrassing fumble at the goal line last week, the Colts could lessen Jonathan Taylor’s workload against the Tennessee Titans. However, that’s not likely to be the case since Anthony Richardson struggles to complete over 50% of his passes. The Titans won’t score a ton of points on offense, so the Colts are unlikely to face a negative game script. A J.T. bounceback week should be in store.
Derrick Henry - Baltimore Ravens (vs. Pittsburgh Steelers)
Derrick Henry has been held under 85 rushing yards in four of his last five games. He looked to be on pace for another 2000-yard rushing season early in the year before cooling off, but December has traditionally been the month of his best production. The longtime Tennessee Titan is averaging 19.1 touches per game, but he could eclipse 20 opportunities in a physical AFC North matchup on Saturday.
Chuba Hubbard - Carolina Panthers (vs. Arizona Cardinals)
When rookie Jonathon Brooks re-tore his ACL in Week 14, it left no doubt that Chuba Hubbard would operate as a workhorse for the rest of the season. Carolina reverted to its offensive struggles in Week 14, so expect the Panthers to lean on Hubbard down the stretch. He’s just a touch under 20 touches per game this year.
Najee Harris - Pittsburgh Steelers (at Baltimore Ravens)
Najee Harris will face fellow former Alabama running back Derrick Henry on Saturday, and both oversized ball carriers should play a major factor in the pivotal AFC North matchup. Russell Wilson has come back down to earth in recent weeks, so Harris finding success against the fierce Baltimore front seven will be the key to victory. It’s time for Harris to live up to his first-round draft capital and help the Steelers secure the division crown.
James Conner - Arizona Cardinals (vs. Carolina Panthers)
Backup running backs Emari Demercado (back) and Trey Benson (ankle) are banged up. Demercado is out for the year, while Benson could miss Week 16. This development set Conner up for a potential 25-touch game against the league’s worst rushing defense. The Panthers have been shredded on the ground, allowing an average of 173 rushing yards per game. Conner could seriously have a career day in this spot.
