RB Matchups

Check out the best running back matchups each week of the NFL season. DFS values below are projected. All other RB stats and team rankings are from this season.

Comparing the Best/Worst Running Back Matchups

Running backs are dynamic playmakers and a key cog of any offense but, as with all positions, opposing defenses can make or break a back's production. When it comes to RBs, a key part of your research should be to check the opposition's ability to slow down the run. You can find all that in the table above, with opposing run defenses ranked from 1 to 30 (#1 ranking means fewest yards/game allowed against the run, #30 means the defense is as porous as swiss cheese). Let's dig into more key factors that could impact your RB's productivity...

Run Defense Rankings

Last season, the top team against the run was the Ravens (1,361 yards allowed, 3.6 yards/carry). They were actually best by quite a bit -- over 200 yards better than the #2 team, the Vikings. Fun side fact, Baltimore was almost worst against the pass so definitely a polarizing defense. Overall, they're still a top 10 defense so you may not want to stack a QB and RB in a DFS content against the Ravens but going with a top RB is usually a smart choice.

On the flip side, the Cowboys, Commanders, Panthers and Saints all tend to be perennially poor against the run (they're highlighted in green in the table above). If your RB is facing any of the teams ranked in the bottom third, lock them into your lineup early in the week and focus on other matchups.

O-line's blocking

Running backs don't run in a vacuum. They need help with running lanes and space to operate in the backfield. Heck, even Eric Dickerson couldn't lead the league in yards without the help of a good line.

Nowadays, a lot of offenses tend to prioritize the pass and use the running game to keep defenses in check. Those type of offenses tend to have better passing O-lines (than running ones) so it's smart to keep an eye the projected game plan for your RB's team (at least for the week in question). Those little things help you make smarter decisions between two RBs vying for one cushy spot on your fantasy team. A single offseason addition to the offensive line can make a big difference, so be sure to check big draft picks or other transactions that may boost your RB's line.

Weather effects on the running game are real

QB's are strongly impacted by heavy rain or snow, that's statistically proven -- running backs, however, are more of a wild card. When the weather is extremely bad (heavy rain/snow), many pass-first offenses are forced to switch to the run game... or else risk a ton of INTs and quick four-and-outs.

It takes an experienced and secure running back to take advantage of those extra carries, though. Some will cough up extra fumbles trying to go for the huge play. Smarter backs make sure they prioritize (slippery) ball security and take chances as they come. Before kickoff, be sure to check our NFL weather report to see how the game plan could change.

Icons and abbreviations explained...

• weather hasn't been collected yet
• weather forecast for first pitch (hover over for details)
• stadium has a fixed roof or is closed due to poor weather
• 0 wind direction and strength in mph (pointing left or right means it's towards one end zone or the other)
• TDF TDForce (abbr TDF) is our weather index that predicts how many more (or less) touchdowns could be seen due to weather (temperature, rain, wind, direction, extra RB carries, etc)

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