NFL Fantasy 2024 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Running backs for Week 14

Fumble this, Blake Corum that ... Williams still played 67 percent of the snaps last Sunday in New Orleans, receiving 15 carries (nearly double Corum's total) and the lone RB target. He ended up with more than 100 yards, a touchdown and 18.3 fantasy points. Williams has 12 touchdowns this season, having finished just one game with single-digit fantasy points. He has topped 15 fantasy points seven times. The recent down stretch was disappointing, and it left some fantasy managers wondering what to do, but Kyren remains a must-start option. Especially this week against the Bills, who have allowed the most catches, fourth-most receiving yards, second-most receiving touchdowns, 5.2 yards per carry to RBs since Week 9 (second-most) and the third-most fantasy PPG to RBs. They've also given up the highest rate of explosive runs to RBs since Week 9 and on the year. Don't get cute.

Last week was disappointing for Pollard, fantasy-wise, but it was more on his team than him. He still played over 70 percent of the snaps and turned 12 touches into 68 yards. This is a great spot for the Titans running back to get back in fantasy managers' good graces. The Jaguars have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to RBs. That includes the fourth-most rushing yards and eighth-most touchdowns. The Jags are also third in receiving yards allowed to the position this season. Not to mention, this could be a day where game script is in Pollard's favor. Oh, and this week is just the warmup, too, as he gets to run back this fantastic matchup in fantasy championship week (Week 17).

I doubt anyone was higher on Pacheco in the preseason than me. I had him ranked as my RB4 and still firmly believe he would've produced as a top-four back if not for the fibula fracture in Week 2. He returned last week and played 33 percent of the snaps, with seven carries and one target generating 49 total yards. He was much more effective than Kareem Hunt (nine touches, 15 yards). I think last week was Pacheco's ramp-up game; with extra rest, we should see his workload increase a decent amount. Plus, the Chargers have allowed the eighth-most rushing yards to running backs since Week 9. The Bolts have yielded explosive runs (10-plus yards) to RBs at the fifth-highest rate.

Tracy has shown to be a safe-floor option who brings a high ceiling. Since Week 5, he has averaged 14.1 fantasy PPG with just two games under nine fantasy points -- the same number of times he has topped 22. He sees consistent usage on the ground and in the passing game and has played more than 70 percent of the snaps in three of his last four games. This week, he faces the Saints, who have allowed the seventh-most fantasy PPG to RBs. That includes allowing explosive runs at the seventh-highest rate and yielding a league-high average to backs of 5.2 yards per carry. Volume and big-play ability win the day here. Tracy is a strong start with a whopping six teams on bye.

Even with six teams on bye this week, I do not recommend trusting Etienne. How the mighty have fallen. Since returning from injury, the Jaguars RB has been held to single-digit fantasy points in all four of his games. He has averaged just 6.4 fantasy PPG. He has not run for 50 yards or reached 20 receiving yards in a single game during that span, failing to reach the end zone even once. Plus, Trevor Lawrence is now in concussion protocol, which is obviously a big hit to Jacksonville's overall offensive production. The Titans are a middle-of-the-pack matchup for RBs, but until we see signs of life from Etienne and the Jags, it is time to park him on the bench. At this point, I would cut him before I'd start him.

With J.K. Dobbins hitting injured reserve last week, the "Gus Bus" had an opportunity to be the star of the show. Unfortunately, Edwards' ensuing showing just makes me want to park the bus on the bench. He played 52 percent of the snaps but only saw six carries and one target, totaling 33 yards. He lacks the explosiveness that Dobbins provides, so he either needs a ton of volume to prop him up or touchdowns. I would not bank on either this week against the Chiefs, who have allowed the fewest fantasy PPG, fewest rushing yards, third-fewest receiving yards and just six touchdowns to the position all season. Kansas City yields explosive runs at the lowest rate, as well. Avoid Edwards this week.

On Monday night, Jerome Ford out-snapped Chubb, 55-29, while they split carries and pass-game involvement. Chubb once again struggled with efficiency and needed a touchdown to salvage his fantasy day. He is purely a TD-dependent flex option right now. I would avoid the veteran back, as the Steelers are a tough matchup. They have allowed the fifth-fewest rushing yards to RBs this season. They also give up explosive runs at a below-average rate. I know Chubb got the Steelers for 19 fantasy points in Week 12, but 12 of those came from two goal-line touchdowns. That's just not production you can bank on. Even with six teams on bye, I would get away from Chubb.

Today, I look at Kareem Hunt like he's Henry Hill at the end of Goodfellas. He was leading the charge for the reigning Super Bowl champs and helping plenty of fantasy managers along the way. Everything was there for the taking. And now, it's all over. Hunt played more snaps than Isiah Pacheco last week, but he managed just 15 yards on nine touches. Efficiency has not been his strong suit, as he is averaging just 3.7 yards per carry and, outside of one contest, has not seen much pass-game usage. You have to believe we see more and more Pacheco. Without volume, Hunt cannot be trusted. He just becomes a top handcuff -- the kind of player you want on your roster, but not in your starting lineup.