Running Back Outlooks: LeGarrette Blount and David Johnson

The matchup game is always a chore when planning a weekly fantasy football lineup. The running back position is the biggest pain because of how inconsistent the production has been this season. You need to channel Miss Cleo to properly forecast what scenarios will lead to a big performance from a RB2 or RB3 when slotting someone into the lineup. There are two specific running backs this week that seemingly have a mid-range matchup but are really in great situations.

Coming off their first loss of the season to the Denver Broncos, the New England Patriots will host the struggling Philadelphia Eagles defense. Philadelphia has allowed ninety points combined over the last two games. New England’s strength is putting up plenty of points on the scoreboard. That’s quite the combination. Running back LeGarrette Blount was expected to become a viable fantasy stud following the injury to Dion Lewis. The Patriots have not been able to establish a successful running game most weeks and Blount has been average at best for fantasy owners. This week has all the makings for Blount to breakout with a massive performance. Blount gives his best fantasy outings in games that feature a Patriots blowout. When New England has a lead, they will feed him the ball to run out the clock and control the offense. The Patriots usually make a statement following a big loss and the Eagles are an absolute dumpster fire right now. New England should have an easy win and Blount should dominate for plenty of yards and multiple touchdowns.

The other running back that you may be wary of starting is David Johnson of the Arizona Cardinals. With injuries to Chris Johnson and Andre Ellington, he is expected to be the every down back on Sunday against the St. Louis Rams. Arizona head coach Bruce Arians told the media that Johnson should see "up to 25 touches" this week. The Rams have the reputation of being one of the better defenses in the NFL this season but they have fallen apart lately, especially against the run. Over the last four weeks, St. Louis is ranked 28th overall against the rush. The Cardinals have one of the best overall offenses in the league and Johnson should have the chance for a big game. Johnson has shown the ability to get into the end zone with limited touches and now that he’s the starting running back, the opportunity could make him a high end RB2 in Week 13 and going forward.