RB Rankings – Week 15

RB Rankings – Week 15

Shane Vereen continues to light up the box score for the New England Patriots turning in a 12 catch, 153 yard receiving effort to go with nine yards rushing and a rushing touchdown. Vereen was targeted 17 times in the passing game and will be a focal point of the Pats offense going forward now that Rob Gronkowski has been ruled out for the rest of the season. Vereen comes in as our 13th ranked running back this week as the Pats square off against the Dolphins who have surrendered the eighth most fantasy points to opposing running backs and have also been getting torched by receiving running backs most notably giving up seven receptions and 114 yards to Darren Sproles. Start Vereen in all formats this week.

Ryan Mathews is a strong start this week versus the Denver Broncos despite his timeshare. Mathews is averaging 108 yards from scrimmage over the past four weeks and should get it done against a Broncos defense surrendering the ninth most fantasy point to opposing running backs. Mathews managed 4.2 yards per carry and found the end zone versus the Broncos in week ten and he should be able to at least match that effort this Thursday.

Trent Richardson showed some life last week as he managed to pile up 88 yards from scrimmage against the Bengals but he is still not a recommended play despite playing a Texans defense giving up the 12th most fantasy points to opposing running backs. The emergence of Rogers and Brazill may indeed open things up in the running game but during semi-finals week we suggest taking a wait-and-see approach with the 1st round fantasy bust. Sit Richardson this week at all costs.

With Jonathan Stewart ruled out for week fifteen some fantasy owners may want to start DeAngelo Williams due to his increased workload. Don’t. Williams faces a Jets defense that has allowed the fourth fewest points to the running back position this week and is not someone you would want to trust in your fantasy playoffs to begin with. Sit Williams in all but the deepest of leagues.