2023 Fantasy Football Week 12: Start Em’ or Sit Em’ Running Backs

Each week we’ll break down one player that should start in your fantasy lineup and one that would be better left on the bench per position. There are just a couple players like Christian McCaffrrey who are matchup proof and should be in your starting lineups every week barring a major circumstance.

Running Backs to Start:

Derrick Henry

Derrick Henry hasn’t been able to be his usual self this year as the Titans have had to play with an injured Tannehill or backup Will Levis this season at quarterback, limiting their ability to drive down the field. This has in turn limited the production of Derrick Henry because he hasn’t had much room to work in the opposing team’s territory. This week, the Titans get the Panthers and should have plenty of opportunities to have the ball in their territory and score as well. Henry should have his best game of the season this week.

Saquon Barkley

Another player who has been a victim of a carousel of quarterbacks limiting their production this season is Saquon Barkley. Barkley has managed to do fine throughout them, but hasn’t been a top back like we’re used to seeing. This week, the Giants play New England and we love Barkley this week. Barkley should have a 100+ game and a touchdown. 

Isiah Pacheco

The Chiefs are on a mission after losing last week to the Eagles. They are going to come out guns blazing and when they use Pacheco, they win. This is going to be a Pacheco game as they plummet the Raiders and we’re starting him in all formats. 

Running Backs to Sit:

AJ Dillon

Every time Aaron Jones goes down, AJ Dillon is such a tempting start, but we’ve heard this story before and been let down more times than we’d like. This time around, we’re not trusting him with the extra workload and fading him. 

James Cook

The Bills get a tough matchup against Philadelphia which they should be playing mostly from behind which will mean more passes and less plays on the ground. This means less opportunities for running back James Cook who has quietly been going off the last month for the Bills. 

Zach Charbonnet

With Kenneth Walker out, Charbonnet is next up to the plate and we think he’ll do well in his replacement role. This week, we think he’ll have a tough first game being the lead back primarily due to the matchup against San Francisco. This will be a good learning game of the type of opponents he’ll need to face and adjusting to them. Just this week, we’re not starting him out the gate due to how good San Francisco’s defense is.