It’s down to the wire this week. For those of you who still have fantasy leagues going, the games don’t get much bigger than this, and playing one of these three running backs will lead to success.
1. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles
The best fantasy back going up against the second-worst defense for running backs? I’ll take that. McCoy has scored 26 or more fantasy points three times in his last six games, most recently gouging the Chicago Bears for 133 yards and two touchdowns. His Week 17 opponent, the Dallas Cowboys, have allowed over 22 points per game to opposing running backs. This matchup is pure fantasy gold.
Projected Statistics: 20 carries, 120 rushing yards, one touchdown, four receptions, 35 yards
2. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears
At this point in the season, the best fantasy players are the ones who have the most to play for, and no one has more to play for this week than Forte and the Bears, who are fighting for a playoff spot against the Green Bay Packers. The last time Forte faced the Packers, he ripped off 125 rushing yards and a touchdown, along with 54 receiving yards. As if Forte wasn’t a must-start to begin with, he’s primed for a big day against Green Bay.
Projected Statistics: 17 yards, 110 yards, one touchdown, four receptions, 30 yards
3. Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers
Sticking in what is essentially a playoff matchup, Lacy will continue his campaign for Rookie of the Year against the worst rushing defense in the NFL. Opposing running backs against Chicago have combined for over 2,100 rushing yards this year along with 18 rushing touchdowns. LeSean McCoy scored 27 points last week against the Bears, and even Cleveland Browns running backs combined for 16 fantasy points against them in Week 15. Imagine what will happen when Lacy gets a shot at this defense.
Projected Statistics: 23 carries, 130 yards, one touchdown
4. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks
With the San Francisco 49ers victory Monday night, the Seahawks still have to win to lock up a first-round bye in the playoffs. That means a heavy dose of Lynch, who is facing a formidable St. Louis Rams defense. However, he’s gone for double-digit fantasy points in all but five games this season. The Arizona Cardinals held him in check last week, but the Rams have allowed 15 rushing touchdowns to running backs this year, so Lynch will get back in the end zone this week.
Projected Statistics: 22 carries, 95 yards, one touchdown
5. DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys
In another “playoff” game this week, Murray and the Cowboys will be fighting for a postseason berth against the Eagles. Since Dallas’s Week 11 bye, Murray has yet to fall below 12 fantasy points in a game, including three games of 20-plus points. And with Tony Romo out for this game, the Cowboys will likely be relying heavily on Murray to carry their offense. The Eagles have been good, but not great, against running backs, allowing a little over 15 fantasy points per game to ball carriers. Murray will continue his dominance in the second half of the NFL season, even if Dallas doesn’t prevail.
Projected Statistics: 23 carries, 80 yards, one touchdown