Rushing Matchups: Week 16

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Top 5 Rushing Matchups

Atlanta at Arizona

Bijan Robinson had a mid-season slump, but has rebounded nicely since Week 10. Robinson has run for 70 yards or more in every game since Week 10, while consistently being involved as a receiver with 30 yards or more in four of his last five games. The strength of the Falcons continues to be along the offensive line. Led by right guard Chris Lindstrom, one of the league’s best run-blockers, this unit is designed to be a run-first offense. Center Ryan Neuzil has done a nice job as well, having a breakout season this year. Last week, we saw Tyler Allgeier have just two carries, as his volatility remains unpredictable on a week-to-week basis, but this is a team that primarily wants to run the ball with Robinson.

There are some big questions for Arizona as it looks to close out the 2025 season. The biggest question is motivation, as this is a team that has now allowed another 40-point game last week, losing 40-20. They’ve now allowed 40+ points in four of their last six games and have lost each of them, with four of them being by three scores or more. It’s clear that, on the defensive side of the ball, the team has quit. This is a front seven that just has not been able to provide any run-stopping ability this season. 2024 first-round pick Darius Robinson is likely someone that the Cardinals need to move on from this offseason, while defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, at 32 years old, appears to be checked out, as he’s having by far the worst season in his career. At linebacker and safety, it does not get much better, as the team is heavily reliant on 2025 fourth-round pick Cody Simon, who has shown potential, but has been thrust into a role he likely is not ready for due to the injury to Mack Wilson Sr. earlier this season.

Philadelphia at Washington

Saquon Barkley is starting to ramp up as the season progresses into the playoffs. Over the last two games, Barkley has had 122 yards against the Chargers and 78 yards against the Raiders. Overall, it has been a disappointing season for the Eagles running back, as he’s averaging a career-low 3.9 yards per carry, which is significantly lower than the 5.8 yards per carry he had last season with the Eagles. A big issue for the Eagles has been that the offensive line has not been healthy. The team lost Lane Johnson at right tackle, and Fred Johnson at right tackle has been a significant falloff. Now, they might be without Fred Johnson as he is dealing with an ankle injury this week. Barkley and the Eagles have shown significant upside in favorable matchups, as he posted a 150-yard game against the Giants earlier this season. This is a unit that, with a win, can clinch a playoff spot and allow this team to get healthy as they prepare for the playoffs.

While Washington won last week, it was against the Giants, and their run defense was not the reason they won. Tyrone Tracy Jr. was solid, with 70 yards on 15 carries while scoring two touchdowns, one on the ground and one through the air. This is a defense that has largely improved simply because of the schedule, as in their last three games, they’ve faced the Giants, Vikings, and Broncos, who have struggled to run the ball this season. When facing quality running backs in Weeks 11 and 12, we saw what Jahmyr Gibbs (142 rushing yards 3 touchdowns), and De’Von Achane/Ollie Gordon II (165 yards and a touchdown) did to this team. This team was built to rush the passer, and the defensive line is woefully inept at stopping the run. Both Jer’Zhan Newton and Javon Kinlaw have struggled, while 320-pound Daron Payne has started to show his age, as he’s been far less effective this season than in prior years. Linebacker Bobby Wagner can only do so much for this team; while still solid, he’s showing signs of age at 35. Facing the Eagles is a daunting task this week.

Minnesota at NY Giants

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