Week 16 Starts

Here are 5 non-obvious RB starters with good matchups for the fantasy football championship… in two minutes or less.

RB: Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) @ NYJ

Rhamondre doesn’t need to be explosive this week, he just needs the workload.

• Took over workhorse duties in Week 16 after TreVeyon Henderson exited, finishing the comeback with a long TD run

• Handled high-leverage touches late, including goal-line work and a two-point conversion

• Faces a Jets defense that’s been vulnerable to RB scoring as the season winds down

If Henderson is limited again, Stevenson’s volume and red-zone role make him a steady championship-week start.

RB: Chase Brown (CIN) vs. ARI

Brown is peaking at exactly the right time.

• Logged three total touchdowns in Week 16 while maintaining his full usage profile

• Has at least six targets or a score in three straight games, giving him multiple paths to points

• Draws an Arizona defense that’s been one of the softest matchups for opposing running backs

Recent form plus matchup locks Brown in as a confident RB start in the title game.

RB: Michael Carter (ARI) @ CIN

Carter isn’t flashy, but the role is real, and that matters in the championship.

• Led the Cardinals backfield in carries again in Week 16, clearly operating as the starter

• Has handled the most snaps over the past two games with limited competition behind him

• Gets a Bengals defense that’s been generous to RB production all season

Volume against this matchup gives Carter a usable floor when championships are on the line.

RB: Tyrone Tracy (NYG) @ LV

Tracy’s workload is quietly becoming one of the safest pieces in New York’s offense.

• Logged 16 carries last week with the Giants fully committing to the run

• Has handled 15+ touches in multiple recent games despite limited passing volume

• Faces a Raiders defense that’s allowed RBs to pile up production when games stay close

If the Giants keep things simple again, Tracy’s volume puts him firmly in play, and the next guy up might benefit even more.

RB: Ashton Jeanty (LV) vs. NYG

Last week was the reminder fantasy managers were waiting for.

• Exploded for 188 total yards and two touchdowns on 25 touches in Week 16

• Showed true bell-cow usage with chunk plays both on the ground and through the air

• Draws a Giants defense that’s struggled to contain running backs in competitive games

Jeanty’s role and momentum make him a no-hesitation start in the fantasy championship.

So that’s the list. RBs who haven’t always been plug-and-play options this season, but who can legitimately help in the championship… as promised, in 2 minutes or less.

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See you tomorrow,

-Joe

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