ClutchPoints
Fantasy football championships are rarely won by playing it safe. Week 17 is where season-long analysis meets gut instinct. Managers must decide whether to trust proven volume, ride hot streaks, or avoid name-brand traps that no longer deliver. Running back remains the most decisive position in fantasy football. This is especially true in playoff weeks when game scripts tighten and workloads become more predictable.
Below is a breakdown of which backs you should confidently start and which ones you should think twice about heading into Week 17 of the season.
James Cook continues to look like the engine of Buffalo’s offense at exactly the right time. In Week 16, Cook shredded Cleveland for 117 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 16 carries. He also added another 17 yards through the air. It marked his second straight 100-yard rushing performance and the fourth time in his last five games he’s reached that mark.
What’s most encouraging for fantasy football managers is how Buffalo is deploying Cook. He’s not just a complementary back. He’s the focal point. His explosive 44-yard touchdown run early against the Browns showcased his home-run ability. Meanwhile, his short-yardage score later in the half confirmed the Bills’ trust near the goal line. Even against a strong Eagles defensive front, Cook’s workload and big-play upside make him a locked-in RB1 for Week 17.
Jahmyr Gibbs’ rushing line from Week 16 looks ugly at first glance. He had only seven carries for two yards. However, the fantasy football story is far more encouraging. Detroit leaned entirely into the passing game. Gibbs was the primary beneficiary. He hauled in 10 receptions on 13 targets for 66 yards and a touchdown. That actually saved his fantasy day with elite receiving volume.
Gibbs has now recorded double-digit catches three times this season. That reinforces his value in any format that rewards receptions. Even when Detroit abandons the run, Gibbs remains heavily involved. That receiving role gives him one of the safest floors among running backs this week. On a condensed holiday slate, Gibbs is clearly among the top backs to build around.
Chase Brown delivered one of the most dominant single-quarter performances of the season in Week 16. He scored three touchdowns, all in the third quarter, against Miami. He finished with 66 rushing yards, 43 receiving yards, and three total scores on just 16 touches. That reminded fantasy football managers how lethal he can be when Cincinnati leans into him.
Brown’s role as both a runner and receiver gives him matchup-proof appeal. Arizona presents another soft landing spot. Sure, his touchdown rate has fluctuated this season. However, the usage trend and matchup combine to make him a strong RB2 with RB1 upside in championship week.
Few backs are hotter right now than RJ Harvey. He’s scored at least 21.2 PPR points in three of...
