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Who should I start for Divisional Round? Fantasy football outlooks for Jahmyr Gibbs, Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley. Our expert fantasy football start 'em, sit 'em picks.
The NFL is loaded with elite running back talent. While the passing game gets all the attention during the regular season, teams that can run the ball win in the playoffs.
Jahmyr Gibbs, Derrick Henry, and Saquon Barkley are three of the top running backs in the NFL and the playoffs, all playing a massive role in their team’s success this year.
However, which superstar running back is the best starting option for fantasy players?
Should I Start Jahmyr Gibbs For Fantasy Football?
Gibbs ended the regular season on fire, totaling four touchdowns and 43.5 half-point PPR fantasy points in Week 18. The second-year pro finished the season as the RB2, averaging 19.8 fantasy points per game.
Furthermore, the explosive running back had 16 rushing touchdowns, a career-high and the most in the NFL. More importantly, Gibbs faces a Washington Commanders run defense on Saturday that surrendered 22.9 fantasy points per game to running backs during the regular season, the 11th-most in the league.
Gibbs GONE! The @Lions extend their lead late in the 4th!
📺: #DETvsSF on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/lrUk3xgW2L— NFL (@NFL) December 31, 2024
Should I Start Derrick Henry For Fantasy Football?
While some had concerns about Henry entering the season, the future Hall of Fame running back had one of the best years of his career. He finished as the RB3, averaging 19.2 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, totaling 16 rushing touchdowns.
More importantly, Henry was unstoppable in the Week 4 win against the Buffalo Bills, totaling 199 rushing yards, a touchdown, and 34.4 fantasy points. Fantasy players shouldn’t be surprised if the superstar has a similar performance on Sunday night.
DERRICK FREAKIN' HENRY!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/xhYv0apEQu
— NFL (@NFL) September 30, 2024
Should I Start Saquon Barkley For Fantasy Football?
Barkley finished the regular season as the RB1, averaging 21.2 half-point PPR fantasy points per game despite missing the final contest to gear up for the playoffs. The superstar can be a weekly winner, totaling 31 or more fantasy points in nearly a third of the regular season games.
Furthermore, Barkley had his best performance of the year in the Week 12 win over the Los Angeles Rams. The former Penn State star had 26 rushing attempts for 255 yards, two touchdowns, and 44.2 fantasy points. He won’t have 40 fantasy points again in the rematch. Yet, Barkley is the best running back option this week for fantasy players.
SAQUON. PERIOD.
📺: #PHIvsLAR on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/OBVX9o6oqV— NFL (@NFL) November 25, 2024
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