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Start/Sit: Running Backs (Week 16)

December 17, 2025

START

Omarion Hampton, Chargers

Hampton has been back from injury for two full weeks now and has slowly handled a bit more of the backfield work each week. While he isn’t lighting up box scores, he’s putting respectable flex numbers and not hurting your lineup. The most important takeaway for me was that Vidal received 3 less carries (15 to 12) but only obtained about half the yardage that Hampton received. Hampton’s running style should match up well in week 16 against Dallas as it should be wheels up.

Kenneth Gainwell, Steelers

Look, it isn’t the sexiest name, but we can’t ignore the production Gainwell has had all season. He started off hot, kind of disappeared in the middle and has come back hot since week 11. Jaylen Warren is battling some injury issues as well as an illness against Miami, and Gainwell took full advantage. Regardless, his role in the passing game alone has me full speed ahead for my flex spot. Especially against a Detroit defense that can’t stop a nosebleed right now. Michael Carter, Cardinals

D’Andre Swift. Bears

The schedule has looked daunting for weeks but all Swift has done is continue to produce big time numbers. Monangai will continue to get work but has not been as effective as Swift has been. Something to watch that could effect the ground game are the injuries to the passing weapons for Chicago. With both Burden and Odunze nursing injuries, it could make things easier for the Packer defense to key in on the few starts that the Bears still have out there. Regardless, Swift has been a player you can trust all season, I’m rolling with him in a must win scenario.

SIT

Breece Hall, Jets

I’m out on the Breece Hall experience this year. We’re fighting for each week now and his numbers have been awful for most of the season. Pair that with the lack of a pass game and the weekly QB changes and there just isn’t much space. He has been limited in practices the last few weeks with the knee so there very well could be something else going on. Isaiah Davis had no problem finding space against Jacksonville and I’d imagine he’ll eat into the workload just a little bit more over the next few weeks.

Ashton Jeanty, Raiders

It’s kind of the same story for Las Vegas running back Ashton Jeanty, except there isn’t anyone producing on this offense. There’s been no respect from opposing defenses for the Raiders passing game as Geno has led the league in interceptions for much of the season. It’ll be him or Kenny Pickett who just got blanked by Philly. The chances are that if you’re still worrying about Jeanty that you’ve been eliminated. But if you aren’t?! Then there’s still time to help yourself out and put him aside!

Quinshon Judkins, Browns

Volume is king but holy crap you’ve still gotta do something, anything, with it. The last two games have been awful. They have some young talent and they’re learning. But you’re not here because you’re a Browns fan, you’re here because you need a win now. I don’t think these guys can deliver it yet. The Bills should make lightwork of Cleveland much like Chicago did and there shouldn’t be much action here to get excited about. Judkins is a super inefficient runner that was relying on 20+ carry weeks. Those aren’t coming anymore.

Keith, Author

Keith runs youth flag football leagues by day, and by night he hosts the podcast and writes articles with the confidence of a man who’s been rushing quarterbacks since dial-up. A longtime flag football DE and lifelong Falcons fan, he’s no stranger to heartbreak and enjoys watching the bears get slaughtered each week. Equal parts coach, critic, and chaos, Keith calls it like he sees it… even if it hurts.