Fantasy Football Start 'Em Sit 'Em 2022 NFL Week 16: Running back rankings

One can make a strong case that running back is the most important NFL position in Fantasy Football. The scores of running backs each week can often be the difference between winning and losing. They are also some of the most polarizing players in Fantasy Football, as many of them can boom or bust in any given week. This makes it extremely important to pay close attention to their weekly matchups.

This concept becomes even more critical than usual for managers in Week 16 of the 2022 Fantasy Football season. This is because the fantasy playoffs are well underway in almost every league. This means every lineup decision becomes even more crucial, including choosing the most favorable running backs. This can be the difference between advancing to the next round or being eliminated.

NFL Week 16 Fantasy Football Running backs: Start 'Em

Devin Singletary - Buffalo Bills vs. Chicago Bears

Devin Singletary has been excellent during the 2022 Fantasy Football season when playing in relatively favorable matchups. He finished inside the top 25 running backs in half of his 14 games this year. He is in an ideal spot for a big performance in Week 16. The Chicago Bears allow the sixth-most fantasy points per game to running backs.

Najee Harris - Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Las vegas Raiders

While Najee Harris has failed to live up to his top-five projected ranking before the start of the 2022 Fantasy Football season, he has remained quietly consistent. He finished among the top 30 running backs in PPR points in 12 of his 14 games this year.

He has also finished inside the top 20 running backs in each of the last two weeks against the Baltimore Ravens and Carolina Panthers, despite facing off against two solid defenses. He has a much more favorable situation in Week 16. The Las Vegas Raiders rank in the bottom five in fantasy points allowed per game to running backs.

Jerick McKinnon - Kansas City Chiefs vs. Seattle Seahawks

Jerick McKinnon has been the best overall running back in Fantasy Football over the last two weeks. He finished as RB1 in PPR points in each of his previous two games against the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans. He has also been targeted an impressive 17 times by Patrick Mahomes during this hot streak. McKinnon is a must-start until he cools off.

NFL Week 16 Fantasy Football Running Backs: Sit 'Em

Cordarrelle Patterson - Atlanta Falcons vs. Baltimore Ravens

Atlanta Falcons RB Cordarrelle Patterson

Cordarrelle Patterson opened the 2022 Fantasy Football season with three top-eight finishes in his first five games. He has failed to finish inside the top 20 running backs in any other game this year. It's unlikely he will turn things back around in Week 16 against the Baltimore Ravens. Their rushing defense has been excellent since acquiring Roquan Smith, including ranking among the top five in fantasy points allowed per game to running backs.

Brian Robinson Jr. - Washington Commanders vs. San Francisco 49ers

Washington Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr.

Brian Robinson Jr. has been a solid contributor while splitting carries with Antonio Gibson in the Washington Commanders' backfield. He finished inside the top 20 running backs four times in his last five games. Week 16 presents a massive challenge against the San Francisco 49ers. They are one of the best defenses in the NFL in just about every category. This includes allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to running backs.

David Montgomery - Chicago Bears vs. Buffalo Bills

David Montgomery has proven to be a reliable running back in Fantasy Football. He ranks among the top 25 in total fantasy points scored this year, including a top 20 finish in each of the last four weeks. He is still difficult to trust in Week 16 against the Buffalo Bills. They are one of the NFL's top defenses, including ranking in the top ten against fantasy running backs.