Week 10 of the NFL season is upon us, and fantasy football managers are scrambling to set their lineups. Running back is always a crucial position, and making the right start/sit decisions can be the difference between a win and a loss. These week 10 RB rankings will help you navigate those tough choices and optimize your lineup for success.
Top Tier Running Backs: The Must-Starts
Running back performance this week will heavily influence many fantasy matchups. As always, the top-tier running backs are generally must-starts, barring injury or unforeseen circumstances. These are the players you drafted high and rely on week in and week out.
- Christian McCaffrey (SF): McCaffrey has been an absolute fantasy monster since joining the 49ers. His volume in both the running and passing game makes him matchup-proof. Start him with confidence.
- Austin Ekeler (LAC): Ekeler remains one of the most reliable running backs in fantasy football due to his dual-threat ability. The Chargers' offense runs through him, and he's a weekly RB1.
- Travis Etienne Jr. (JAX): Etienne has emerged as the clear lead back in Jacksonville and has been producing consistently. His explosiveness and volume make him a strong start every week.
- Bijan Robinson (ATL): Despite some inconsistent usage earlier in the season, Robinson's talent is undeniable. He's the clear lead back in Atlanta and should be in your lineup every week.
- Tony Pollard (DAL): Pollard is the engine that makes the Dallas Cowboys offense great. His big-play ability makes him a threat to score every time he touches the ball.
These top-tier running backs offer a high floor and a massive ceiling, making them automatic starters in nearly all formats. Monitor injury reports and any potential game-time decisions, but otherwise, lock them into your lineups and enjoy the production. — Browns Game Recap And Analysis
Mid-Tier Running Backs: Start or Sit Decisions
Navigating the mid-tier running backs is where fantasy managers earn their keep. These players have the potential to deliver RB1 numbers, but their production can be inconsistent due to matchups, game script, or competition for touches. Here's a breakdown of some key mid-tier running backs and how to approach them in Week 10: — 50 Feet In Yards: A Simple Conversion Guide
- Joe Mixon (CIN): Mixon's volume is generally solid, but his efficiency can be inconsistent. He's a decent start in PPR formats due to his receiving work, but his value takes a hit in standard leagues. Matchup is key here.
- Aaron Jones (GB): Jones has been hampered by injuries this season, but when healthy, he's a dynamic playmaker. Keep an eye on his injury status and start him if he's good to go.
- Derrick Henry (TEN): Henry's performance has been up and down this season, but he still possesses the upside to win you a week. Consider him a boom-or-bust RB2, but be aware of the risk.
- Josh Jacobs (LV): Jacobs has been a workhorse for the Raiders, but the team's offensive struggles have limited his upside. He's a volume-based RB2 with limited touchdown potential.
- Jonathan Taylor (IND): Taylor's role in the Colts' offense has been growing, but he's still splitting carries with Zack Moss. He's a risky start with upside, but his workload needs to continue to increase before he can be considered a reliable option.
- D'Andre Swift (PHI): Swift's explosiveness makes him a threat to break a big play any time he touches the ball.
- James Conner (ARI): Conner is a reliable volume-based runner with a nose for the end zone.
When deciding on these mid-tier running backs, it's crucial to consider the matchup, potential game script, and any injury concerns. Research the opposing defense's run-stopping ability and look for situations where the running back is likely to see a high volume of touches. Also, pay attention to any news regarding injuries or changes in the backfield that could impact a player's value.
Risky Plays and Waiver Wire Options
Identifying risky plays and waiver wire options can be the key to success in deeper leagues or when dealing with injuries and bye weeks. These players may not be every-week starters, but they can provide valuable production in the right circumstances.
- Gus Edwards (BAL): Edwards has emerged as the lead back in Baltimore due to injuries to J.K. Dobbins. He's a decent flex option in deeper leagues, but his upside is limited.
- AJ Dillon (GB): Dillon is a touchdown-dependent option who lacks consistency. He's a risky start unless Jones is out.
- Rachaad White (TB): White has been getting the majority of the carries in Tampa Bay, but he hasn't been particularly efficient. He's a desperation flex play in deeper leagues.
- Khalil Herbert (CHI): Herbert is currently injured, but when healthy, he has shown flashes of potential. Stash him on your bench in case he returns to a significant role.
- Zack Moss (IND): Moss has been productive when given the opportunity, but his role will likely diminish once Taylor is fully healthy. He's a handcuff with some standalone value.
- Devin Singletary (HOU): Singletary should see an increase in carries, making him a valuable asset in deeper leagues.
- Chuba Hubbard (CAR): Hubbard is a solid PPR option due to his pass-catching ability.
When considering risky plays and waiver wire options, manage your expectations and understand that these players come with a significant amount of risk. Look for situations where a player has a favorable matchup, is expected to see a high volume of touches, or has the potential to score a touchdown. These players are best used as spot starts or flex options when you're in a pinch. — Cardinal Lifespan: How Long Do Cardinals Live?
Running Backs to Sit in Week 10
Knowing which running backs to sit is just as important as knowing who to start. These players may be facing tough matchups, dealing with injuries, or simply not getting enough opportunities to warrant a spot in your starting lineup.
- Damien Harris (BUF): Harris has been largely ineffective this season and is not worth starting, even in deep leagues.
- Kenneth Gainwell (PHI): Gainwell's role in the Eagles' offense is too inconsistent to trust him in your starting lineup.
- Samaje Perine (DEN): Perine is a decent pass-catching back, but his upside is limited due to the Broncos' struggling offense.
- Jerick McKinnon (KC): McKinnon is a boom-or-bust option who is too reliant on touchdowns to be considered a reliable starter.
- Elijah Mitchell (SF): With McCaffrey dominating the touches in San Francisco, Mitchell has little to no fantasy value.
Avoiding these running backs to sit will help you minimize risk and maximize your chances of success in Week 10. Focus on starting players with favorable matchups, consistent volume, and a proven track record of production.
Injury Updates and News to Monitor
Staying up-to-date on injury updates and news is crucial for making informed decisions about your running back lineup. Injuries can change a player's availability or effectiveness, while news about changes in the backfield can impact a player's value.
- Aaron Jones (GB): Monitor Jones' injury status closely. If he's healthy, he's a solid start. If he's out, Dillon becomes a viable flex option.
- Jonathan Taylor (IND): Watch for any updates on Taylor's workload and how he's splitting carries with Moss. His value is tied to his usage.
- Khalil Herbert (CHI): Keep an eye on Herbert's recovery progress. If he returns to a significant role, he could be a valuable addition to your roster.
By paying attention to injury updates and news, you can stay ahead of the curve and make informed decisions about your running back lineup. Use reliable sources such as ESPN, NFL.com, and Rotoworld to get the latest information.
Week 10 RB Rankings: The Final List
To summarize, here's a quick rundown of running back rankings for Week 10. Please note that these rankings are based on a standard PPR format and are subject to change based on the latest news and information:
- Christian McCaffrey (SF)
- Austin Ekeler (LAC)
- Travis Etienne Jr. (JAX)
- Bijan Robinson (ATL)
- Tony Pollard (DAL)
- Joe Mixon (CIN)
- Aaron Jones (GB)
- Derrick Henry (TEN)
- Josh Jacobs (LV)
- Jonathan Taylor (IND)
- D'Andre Swift (PHI)
- James Conner (ARI)
- Gus Edwards (BAL)
- AJ Dillon (GB)
- Rachaad White (TB)
Use these week 10 RB rankings as a guide when setting your lineups, but always consider individual matchups, injury situations, and your own risk tolerance.
Conclusion
Making the right start/sit decisions at the running back position can be the difference between a win and a loss in fantasy football. By carefully considering matchups, injury updates, and potential game scripts, you can optimize your lineup for success in Week 10. Good luck!
FAQ About Week 10 Running Back Decisions
How much do running back rankings typically vary week to week?
Running back rankings can fluctuate significantly from week to week due to factors like injuries, matchups, and changes in team strategy. A player who performs well one week might struggle the next if they face a tough run defense or if their team falls behind early, reducing their opportunities.
What factors should influence my running back start/sit decisions?
Key factors influencing RB decisions include the player’s recent performance, the strength of the opposing defense, the expected game script (will the team be running to protect a lead?), and any injury concerns. PPR formats also increase the value of RBs who catch passes.
If my running back has a tough matchup, should I automatically bench them?
A tough matchup for a running back doesn't automatically mean you should bench them, but it warrants careful consideration. Look at the player's overall role in the offense and whether they contribute in the passing game. If they are a key part of the offense, they may still provide value despite a difficult matchup.
How do I value a running back in PPR versus standard scoring formats?
PPR formats greatly enhance the value of running backs who are involved in the passing game, as they receive a full point per reception. In standard formats, the value is primarily tied to rushing yards and touchdowns, so prioritize backs who are the primary ball carriers and goal-line threats.
Can bye weeks significantly impact my running back choices?
Bye weeks absolutely impact running back choices, forcing you to look at your bench or the waiver wire for replacements. It's crucial to plan ahead and identify potential fill-ins before your starters have a bye, ensuring you're not caught off guard.
When is it wise to play a running back from the waiver wire?
Playing a waiver wire running back is wise when your starters are injured or on bye, or when a player has emerged as the lead back due to injuries on their team. Look for players who are expected to receive a significant workload and have a favorable matchup.
How should injuries to key players affect my running back lineup decisions?
Injuries to key players dramatically affect RB decisions. If a starting RB is out, his backup often becomes a valuable play, especially if they are expected to inherit the majority of the workload. Always monitor injury reports and adjust your lineup accordingly.
What role do weather conditions play in determining running back performance?
Weather conditions significantly affect running back performance, particularly in cold or wet weather. Teams tend to run the ball more in inclement weather to minimize turnovers, which can increase the value of running backs, especially those who are the primary ball carriers.
External Links:
- ESPN Fantasy Football: https://www.espn.com/fantasy/football/
- NFL.com Fantasy Football: https://fantasy.nfl.com/
- Rotoworld Football: https://www.nbcsports.com/edge/football
- FantasyPros: https://www.fantasypros.com/
- Pro Football Focus (PFF): https://www.pff.com/
