I asked fantasy managers on the PFF Discord and Bluesky which players they are least sure about this week, and I compiled that list and ranked them against one another. If you have multiple players mentioned, you should start with the player ranked highest. At the bottom of each position, you’ll find players to start in place of the featured players and those to sit in favor of them.
If a player isn’t mentioned, that means they are very close to those with blurbs, and factors such as injuries on the opposing defenses or weather could influence the rankings. Situations involving injuries are also generally avoided because things typically don’t become clearer until closer to kickoff. As always, check the weekly PFF fantasy rankings for the most up-to-date information to help you make all start-sit decisions.
RUNNING BACKS
1. Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns
Judkins had a strong start to his season but has slowed down as the season has progressed. Part of Judkins’ problems has been the Browns‘ schedule. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry in his first game against the Baltimore Ravens, which is the only time in his eight starts that he faced a team in the bottom 12 of PFF run-defense grade. He’s had one of the most challenging schedules for running backs to date.
Luckily, that is about to change. Five of the Browns’ remaining seven opponents during the fantasy season are against teams in the bottom 12 in PFF run-defense grade, and the other two are right at league average. That begins this week in Judkins’ second matchup against Baltimore. Each of their next four opponents is a team that would not be in the playoffs if the playoffs started today, so the Browns ideally won’t be abandoning the run in those matchups.
Judkins has averaged 13.4 PPR points per game despite averaging only 4.0 yards per carry this season, generally making him a low-end RB2. Four of the last five running backs to face Baltimore have averaged over 4.0 yards per carry, with Aaron Jones (5.2) and De’Von Achane (4.8) being the most recent. The matchup for Judkins, relative to his recent opponents, is enough to elevate him to a mid-range RB2.
2. Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sean Tucker ran nine times for 53 yards compared to White’s 10 carries for 38 yards in Week 10.
Bucky Irving didn’t practice all last week and missed his fifth straight game due to foot and shoulder injuries. This has left Tampa Bay with White and Tucker as its primary two running backs. White had dominated carries in the previous four games at 54-22, although the two were nearly identical in yards per carry at White’s 3.3 compared to Tucker’s 3.4.
The Buccaneers started to change their strategy in Week 8. White had one more carry than Tucker, but Tucker had more yards, accomplishing this despite being limited in practice on Friday due to a groin injury. It was the second straight game where Tucker had one fewer carry but notably more yards. White remained the better fantasy option this week in PPR and half-PPR leagues thanks to his five receptions for 16 yards.
