Running backs are an odd group for fantasy managers. Sometimes, they exceed all expectations and deliver brilliant performances. However, more often than not, running backs are like first-timers in Vegas—there are a whole lot of options with tremendously low odds. Despite that, there are still those running backs who have a much better chance at winning the hearts of fantasy players.
Here are four running backs who are prepped for a big performance in an action-packed NFL Week 9.
Chase Brown – Cincinnati Bengals
Behind the second-ranked quarterback in fantasy scoring, Chase Brown continues to live in Joe Burrow’s shadow. A running back who was highly touted entering the season, Brown has only scored one rushing touchdown thus far this season. However, one saving grace that keeps Brown off the bench is his receiving ability. With 36 catches for 189 yards, including eight catches for 46 yards against the Titans last week, Brown is clearly evolving in the pass-heavy Bengals offense.
Entering Week 9, Brown is facing an Atlanta defense that has allowed the fourth-highest fantasy points per game to backs, per ESPN. On top of this, the Falcons also give up 118 rushing yards per game, as well as nine rushing touchdowns on the season. Brown may not recover his fantasy season this year, but he has a tremendous opportunity to get both rushing and receiving yards on Sunday.
Jonah Coleman – Denver Broncos
Jonah Coleman took the trade rumors of Jonathan Taylor personally.
The rookie out of Washington played a huge role in Denver’s win against the Kansas City Chiefs. He tallied 11 carries for 41 yards and a touchdown, along with four catches for 63 yards, which propelled Coleman to his first 100+ yard game. In the midst of a competitive running back room, Coleman is proving his worth for the Denver Broncos and fantasy managers alike.
So, why should that matter this week? The Broncos take on the Carolina Panthers, a team’s defense that is ranked 30th in the NFL, giving up a whopping 140.7 rush yards a game. Not only that, opposing teams have rushed for 12 touchdowns against this fragile Carolina defense. Even if Coleman does not play the entirety of the game, expect his numbers to soar against a much easier defense.
Kyren Williams – Los Angeles Rams
Kyren Williams is in a league of his own. With 548 rushing yards, six touchdowns, and 242 receiving yards, Williams enters Week 9 as the ninth-ranked fantasy running back. His continued use in the struggling Rams’ offense shows the type of trust Sean McVay has in him.
Although Blake Corum continues to get respectable reps, Williams is clearly the No. 1 back. With Davante Adams’ ruptured hamstring, the Rams will need to rely on the running game even more, which was evident in their last two wins. After an 18.1-point performance against the Raiders and 12.9 against the Chargers, Williams now faces a tough Commanders defense. However, even if the Commanders perform against the run, Williams will be just as deadly through the air.
Expect another strong fantasy performance from the fourth-year back out of Notre Dame.
Quinshon Judkins – Cleveland Browns
Quinshon Judkins has had a relatively quiet campaign in his second year. Now, as the Browns face an injury to quarterback Deshaun Watson, Judkins must step up to the plate. Against the Steelers, Judkins finished with his second-lowest rushing yards of the season, with only 25. This came after a dominating 23.4 fantasy points against the Titans, which broke the heart of many fantasy players.
Judkins has proven he can amass points against lesser defenses. Now he faces the New Orleans Saints, a team that is ranked 29th in rushing defense. If that doesn’t sound bad enough as it is, they give up the most fantasy points to opposing running backs across the league.
Judkins may not be a fantasy favorite, but he should win the starting job this week.
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