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Fantasy Football Week 16: 5 Sleeper RB’s to Start Week 16 in the Playoffs

By Zachary Thompson

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Dec 15, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Rashad Jennings (27) runs the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Rashad Jennings (27) runs the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Running backs are the bread and butter of fantasy football, but some owners are still looking for sleeper options as the season winds down. Whether your backfield has been thinned by injury or you just need a new look, here are some backs I think will have solid games this week and are worth a look as flex plays or as RB2’s headed into week 16.

Rashad Jennings-Oakland Raiders

Jennings has been beastly during the second half of the season including three 20+ point performances including last week against the always-tough Chiefs defense. He ended up with a pair of rushing TDs and 91 yards on the ground with 12 more yards through the air. Jennings and the Raiders take on the Chargers this week, and Jennings is worth starting as long as he’s the feature-back in the Raiders offense.

Jordan Todman-Jacksonville Jaguars

Dec 15, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Jordan Todman (30) runs with the ball in the fourth quarter of their game against the Buffalo Bills at EverBank Field. The Buffalo Bills beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Jordan Todman (30) runs with the ball in the fourth quarter of their game against the Buffalo Bills at EverBank Field. The Buffalo Bills beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports /

Another lead back that’s floating around on some leagues waiver wires is Todman. Last week, Todman ran for 103 yards against the Texans in place of Maurice Jones-Drew who was inactive with a hamstring issue. MJD is listed as questionable for this week’s game, and if he doesn’t play Todman is a solid RB2. Jacksonville will be hosting the Titans who allow the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs, so whoever gets the start is worth a play in the Jaguars suddenly improving offense.

Chris Ivory-New York Jets

Ivory and the Jets will need to run the ball against Cleveland who have given up 257 rushing yards and two touchdowns to opposing running backs in the last two weeks. The Jets struggle passing the ball, so they’ll give plenty of carries to Ivory who has run for over 60 yards in each of the last three weeks. He doesn’t get very involved in the passing game, but Ivory can still be a useful flex play in non-PPR leagues.

Dennis Johnson-Houston Texans

Dec 1, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Dennis Johnson (28) runs with the ball against the New England Patriots at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Dennis Johnson (28) runs with the ball against the New England Patriots at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Johnson is the last back standing in Houston with Arian Foster and Ben Tate on season-ending IR. He’s never had to carry the load before, but he should find some room on Sunday against the Broncos. Denver’s D has allowed 489 rushing yards and six touchdowns to opposing running backs the last four weeks, and Johnson could get his first NFL score this week. Johnson is extremely high-risk since this will be his first game in this role, but he could also pay off in a favorable matchup.

Toby Gerhart-Minnesota Vikings

Gerhart is worth a look depending on the status of Adrian Peterson as we approach kickoff Sunday. Peterson is questionable, and if he can’t go Gerhart would be the top option as long as he can return from his own injury. Gerhart is expected to play, but if AD returns as well he’ll be relegated to backup duty. If you need a back and can’t get Johnson or Todman, you can grab Gerhart and wait to see who is active as kickoff approaches Sunday.

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