ClutchPoints
Week 18 is fantasy football’s most treacherous terrain. Some teams are chasing playoff seeding, and others are eliminated but still playing their stars. A few are already looking ahead to January. For running backs, workload clarity and motivation matter just as much as matchup. A bell-cow with something to play for is gold. A talented back on a drifting team can sink a lineup.
With that balance in mind, here’s how to approach your Week 18 running back decisions.
If there was any lingering doubt about Bijan Robinson’s ceiling, Monday night erased it. Robinson erupted for 195 rushing yards and a touchdown on 22 carries against the Rams. He added five catches for 34 yards and another score through the air. It was a career night, highlighted by a 93-yard touchdown run. That was the longest rush in franchise history. It showcased the full scope of his dual-threat dominance.
Even with Atlanta out of playoff contention, Robinson still has plenty to play for. He sits just 12 rushing yards shy of surpassing last season’s total. sNew Orleans’ run defense has been vulnerable to explosive plays, too. Robinson’s recent usage as both a runner and receiver makes him a locked-in RB1 for championship week.
Jahmyr Gibbs’ recent box scores may not scream dominance. However, context matters. He rushed 17 times for 41 yards in Week 17 while losing his first fumble of the season. Of course, Detroit’s offensive struggles and game script played a significant role. Even so, Gibbs has yet to endure a multi-game touchdown drought in 2025. That’s a remarkable indicator of consistency.
Sure, the Lions are out of playoff contention. Still, Gibbs is chasing history. Week 18 represents his final opportunity to add to his NFL-record 48 scrimmage touchdowns through three seasons. Chicago’s defense has been inconsistent against versatile backs. Gibbs’ role in both phases keeps his floor intact. He remains a strong RB1/RB2 hybrid with upside.
Jonathan Taylor wasn’t explosive against Jacksonville, but he was effective. He logged 21 carries for 70 yards and a touchdown. He still had a solid fantasy football day against one of the league’s stingiest run defenses. That performance pushed him to 20 total touchdowns on the season. It also extended his streak of 70-plus scrimmage yards to five games.
The Texans present another tough matchup. Indianapolis is already eliminated, which introduces some uncertainty. Still, Taylor’s workload has remained steady even in losses. There’s little indication the Colts plan to shelve him. Volume alone makes Taylor a viable RB2 with touchdown upside.
Chase Brown has quietly become one of the hottest backs in fantasy football. He powered Cincinnati past Arizona with 101 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. He even added 40 receiving yards on three catches. Brown now has multiple touchdowns in three of his last four games. He has topped 100...
