The playoffs are when you’ll face the most important lineup decisions of your season, and one of the most difficult positions to plan is running back. Here are five running backs who aren’t necessarily locked in as starters in fantasy leagues, but who you should consider playing since they have some favorable matchups in the coming weeks. These five are set up to exceed expectations in the coming weeks making them worth a look.
1. Rashad Jennings-Oakland Raiders
The running back situation in Oakland completely turned around in the last few days as it become clear that Darren McFadden’s injury is worse than it originally appeared and the star running back won’t be available for at least this weekend. At the same time McFadden’s outlook was worsening, Jennings has been back on the field and participating in practice even though he suffered a concussion last week.
Jennings looks like he’ll remain the Raiders top back for at least the forseeable future, and he’s almost matchup-proof because he is so involved in the passing game as well as the primary runner for Oakland. He doesn’t have great matchups the next two weeks against the Jets and Chiefs, but he finishes with the Chargers and Broncos who are much better RB matchups. Jennings is a solid #2 running back for your fantasy team and he should hold that value for as long as he has the backfield to himself without McFadden.