2024 Fantasy Football Week 12: Start or Sit Running Backs: The Debut of Jonathan Brooks

Each week we’ll break down running backs that should start in your fantasy lineup and running backs that would be better left on your bench. There are just a few players like Saquon Barkley or Derrick Henry who are matchup proof and should be in your starting lineups every week barring a major circumstance.

Running Backs to Start in Week 12:

Rachaad White & Bucky Irving

Both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers running backs are starting worthy this week. Regardless of whether Mike Evans plays or not, this Bucs offense is going to be reeling against a 2-8 Giants defense committing to the tank. Both running backs are going to see high production days, both through the ground & air.

Kareem Hunt

The Chiefs are going to steamroll the Panthers which means goal line touches for back Kareem Hunt. We’re expecting all Chiefs players to be upgraded this week.

Running Backs to Sit in Week 12:

JK Dobbins

The Chargers might be able to pull off the win against the Ravens, but it’s going to be due to the poor pass defense on the Ravens. Unfortunately for JK Dobbins owners, the Ravens have an elite rush defense and it’s going to make it hard for Dobbins to push the ball up the field. 

Jonathan Brooks

The Panthers rookie back is making his NFL debut this week and is going to be the #2 back in the Panthers backfield behind Chuba Hubbard. Hubbard has earned the starting job, so we expect the Panthers to ease Brooks into a complementary role for the remainder of the season. He is not fantasy relevant for the remainder of the season unless he has an explosive play or two. 

D’Andre Swift

The Bears have been on a rollercoaster journey this season, specifically their offense which we can’t seem to read. Caleb Williams has had a lot of learning curves that he’s needed to go through and it’s brought the entire offense down with him. One of those players hurt is D’Andre Swift who is on the losing side of Williams’ play for another week against the 8-2 Vikings.