RADIO
Derrick Henry - Baltimore Ravens (at New York Giants)
King Henry ranks eighth in touches per game this season (19.5), but following a Week 14 bye, he should be leaned on against a struggling New York Giants run defense. Henry did a lot of his damage in December when he was with the Titans, and he’s set for a big day against the 29th-ranked run defense this Sunday in Metlife Stadium.
Joe Mixon - Houston Texans (vs. Miami Dolphins)
Joe Mixon leads the NFL with 23.2 touches per game, and he’s another veteran ball carrier coming off a bye. The longtime Bengal has been leaned on heavily given the struggles of the Houston passing attack led by C.J. Stroud, and nothing should change in Week 15. Houston needs to start heating up as the playoffs approach.
Saquon Barkley - Philadelphia Eagles (vs. Pittsburgh Steelers)
Saquon Barkley has been the definition of a workhorse back over the last few weeks, and he’s now up to an average of 22.7 touches per game. The former No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft is chasing a 2,000-yard rushing season, and the organization will help him get there with a healthy workload.
Alvin Kamara - New Orleans Saints (vs. Washington Commanders
With backup Kendre Miller back in action, Alvin Kamara’s carry total might come down at the end of the year. However, his role in the passing game keeps him as a high-touch player every week. The veteran ranks third in touches per game this year, and he’ll need to make a big impact with Derek Carr potentially slated to miss the rest of the season.
Kyren Williams - Los Angeles Rams (at San Francisco 49ers)
Many questioned whether Kyren Williams would be a workhorse this season after Los Angeles selected Michigan running back Blake Corum in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. However, the former Notre Dame ball carrier has kept his high-volume role and is likely a lock to see 20 opportunities in a highly-important NFC West battle on Thursday night.
Bijan Robinson - Atlanta Falcons (at Las Vegas Raiders)
Quarterback Kirk Cousins is struggling mightily, and as a result, the Falcons have tried to lean on Bijan Robinson to win games. Robinson was not used as a workhorse early in the season, but he’s now one of the most frequently utilized backs in the NFL. Atlanta is in a must-win game against the Raiders on Monday night.
Josh Jacobs - Green Bay Packers (at Seattle Seahawks)
Josh Jacobs is heating up as the weather turns cold in the last part of the season, and he’s in another big matchup on Sunday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks. This game could be significant for playoff seeding, so expect the former Raiders to approach his season average of roughly 21 touches.
Tony Pollard - Tennessee Titans (vs. Cincinnati Bengals)
Tony Pollard is on pace for over 1,200 rushing yards in his first season with Tennessee. This would set a new career high for the Memphis native. The Bengals’ defense is arguably the worst unit in the league and has given up 130.3 rushing yards per game so far. Here’s to another big game for the former Cowboy.
Jonathan Taylor - Indianapolis Colts (at Denver Broncos)
Despite quarterback Anthony Richardson taking some rushing attempts away from Jonathan Taylor, he is averaging 20 touches per game (seventh-most). The former 1,800-yard rusher is not having the season he’d hoped for, but the Colts are still in the playoff race, and he could turn it on late in the year. At worst, he should turn in another 1,000-yard campaign.
Najee Harris - Pittsburgh Steelers (at Philadelphia Eagles)
Najee Harris is on pace to put up 1,000 rushing yards for the fourth time in as many pro seasons despite averaging just 3.9 yards per carry. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is committed to running the ball, and the 240-pounder fits the bill as a hard-nose runner who can take over late in the season. He’s averaging just shy of 20 touches per game in 2024.
Chuba Hubbard - Carolina Panthers (vs. Cowboys)
It looked like Chuba Hubbard would be stripped of his workhorse status when rookie Jonathon Brooks made his debut. However, Brooks re-tore his ACL that he tore in his final season at Texas, so Hubbard sets up to be a high-volume back for the remainder of the season. Dallas has allowed the third-most rushing yards per game (141.9), so watch out for another Hubbard boom week.
