• ShareCopied to clipboard

Start/Sit: Running Backs (Week 18)

December 30, 2025

START

Jaylen Warren vs Ravens

A home matchup for the division awaits the Steelers who just suffered a disappointing defeat to the Browns. The good news for fantasy managers is that Pittsburgh will be doing everything they can to win this one, including riding the hot run game. Warren didn’t have the best output in their last matchup, but he turned three receptions into a trip to the endzone which made the start worth it.

TreVeyon Henderson vs Dolphins

The Patriots can secure the 1 seed in the AFC with a win over Miami and if the Broncos somehow lose to Trey Lance and the Chargers. Henderson didn’t put up the huge numbers last week but considering he was returning from a concussion, we’ll take the outcome. Miami is far from a competitive team and points should be available to rushing attack of New England. Stevenson has been playing incredible the last few weeks but on far less opportunity than Henderson. TreVeyon is their guy and we should see quite a bit of him come game day.

RJ Harvey vs Chargers

Denver gets their opportunity to secure the 1 seed with a win over Los Angeles. The Chargers gave up over 100 yards to the Texans and I’d put Harvey as a much better talent (no disrespect) than Woody Marks and Jawhar Jordan. RJ has found the endzone six times in the last five weeks and is essentially a lock despite a tough Chargers defense up next.

SIT

Josh Jacobs at Vikings

It’s obvious that Jacobs is far more hurt than the Packers have let on. To their credit, there were reports that Jacobs was on crutches early last week when he didn’t practice and still tried to go. Though he was able to practice in limited fashion this week, the dud result was the same. It seemed like a smash spot where Green Bay would lean on the run with Jordan Love not playing. Instead, the opposite played out and they leaned on Malik Willis. It’s a combo of Jacobs being much more injured than we know, and the Packers leaning on the pass game. With the playoffs already clinched, there is no reason for them to give him much run this week.

Aaron Jones vs Packers

It’s hard to tell anyone to bench a starter on a week where most solid options will be sitting or playing in limited fashion. If you’re rolling with him in the flex, I can totally see the need to do so. I’m just offering a caution that the 31 year old back has struggled despite receiving a majority of the workload the last few weeks. In theory, he should be good for 10 points. The Packers just got absolutely humiliated by Derrick Henry and I’d imagine there will be a bit of a focus to eliminate that Vikings rushing attack given the lack of respect for the passing game.

Kenneth Walker at 49ers

Walker continues to live in the shadow of Zach Charbonnet who had a 100 yard, 2 touchdown performance. They received a similar workload but Walker was the one that struggled to find production. The last time the Seahawks matched up against San Fran (week 1), he turned 10 carries into only 20 yards. Granted, this is a different 49ers defense they’re seeing now, but they’re still playing dang good football. If you’re still in it, don’t trust him again please. 

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.