Top 10 Running Back Studs - Best Fantasy Football RB Performances Including Zach Charbonnet, Isaac Guerendo, Rachaad White, And More

December 9, 2024

Alex gives a rundown of the top ten running back performances of Week 14. Which of these rushers helped you make the playoffs?

With just one game to go before we usher in the fantasy playoffs, you're sitting in one of three places:

1. You've already clinched a playoff spot -- perhaps a first-round bye -- and tomorrow night is a formality.
2. You're hinged on what is, for all intents and purposes, a meeting packed to the brim with critical fantasy assets between the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys that could tip the scales in one way or the other. To you, I say good luck and Godspeed. Or...
3. Unfortunately, you've been eliminated from contention, and tomorrow night is still a formality. Good luck next year!

Wherever you fall on that spectrum, let's get one thing straight -- football is something we can all bond over and get behind. Fortunately, Week 14 was chock-full of action and produced some interesting performances. For one thing, the Los Angeles Rams handed the Buffalo Bills their first loss since Week 5. It was an incredible game, and LA hung on despite Josh Allen doing Josh Allen things -- accounting for six (!!) touchdowns (three rushing). In other news, is the Dolphins' offense back? Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa ripped off his third straight appearance with 300-plus yards and multiple touchdowns. Additionally, star wideouts Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle combined for 19 catches and 214 yards on an absurd 26 targets. Tua has looked right for a bit now, and seeing the WRs get involved was a welcome sight.

With another six-team bye, you'll note some intriguing names in the feature this week. A few of those were due to injuries, but it's always nice to see an RB perform well. Including the major contributors getting a week off, like Derrick Henry, Jonathan Taylor, and Joe Mixon -- the aforementioned Bengals and Cowboys meeting on Monday Night Football will exclude Rico Dowdle and Chase Brown from this list. Hopefully, one of the backs listed here helped push you into the playoffs. Let's dive in.

Top 10 Running Backs of the Week (Including SNF)

Here are the top-10 running backs from Week 14 of the 2024 NFL season in PPR scoring:

1. Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks

With Kenneth Walker III (ankle, calf) ruled out for Seattle's Week 14 outing against their division-rival Arizona Cardinals, Zach Charbonnet was thrust into the starting role. He did not disappoint. The second-year back handled 22 carries, racking up 134 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 30-18 win -- bringing in all seven of his targets for an additional 59 yards receiving.

Teammate Kenny McIntosh was efficient with his rushes (7/38), but Charbonnet was on another level this afternoon, gashing Arizona for gains of seven, ten, 17, 22, and 51 yards -- the last of which crossing the goal line on an impressive run. The 23-year-old displayed his fantastic vision on Sunday and was particularly impressive turning the corner. Seattle pulled their guards a lot in Week 14, and Arizona seemingly had no answer for it.

Charbonnet to the HOUSE. pic.twitter.com/DChxJBhvKb

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) December 8, 2024

In addition to his spectacular work on the ground, Charbonnet was heavily involved in the team's pass attack, which was nice to see. In the victory, he set career highs in essentially every statistical category.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Walker could be back for Week 15's matchup against the visiting Green Bay Packers as he did not suffer a setback this week. If he's out again, Charbonnet projects to shoulder the load for Seattle once more. If Walker plays, you'd have to think Charbonnet has played himself into a more significant workload. Stay tuned for this one.

2. Isaac Guerendo, San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers have been down bad this season due to an onslaught of injuries affecting both sides of the ball. However, they looked back on track in Week 14's 38-13 win over a Chicago Bears team that has been stout on the defensive end. With running backs Christian McCaffrey (knee) and  Jordan Mason (ankle) both on injured reserve, rookie running back Isaac Guerendo (foot) was the lead back. Though, he didn't escape unscathed.

Guerendo finished his day with an efficient 78 yards and two touchdowns on his 15 carries (5.2 YPC) and was good in the passing game, too -- corralling both of his targets for another 50 yards. The 24-year-old was a weapon out of the backfield, showing off his speed on a nice catch-and-run on his first reception of the day. His second was a sweet snag in which he appeared to lose the ball in the sun but located it while falling and nearly scored a touchdown -- setting up his own one-yard plunge a play later.

The rookie would have had a stronger stat line if he wasn't knocked from the contest early in the fourth quarter with what has now been reported as a potential foot sprain. With Guerendo due for an MRI on Monday, we should know more about his status soon for the 49ers' looming divisional clash against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 15. With a Thursday night game on tap, his injury is concerning. Patrick Taylor Jr. projects as the next man up for San Francisco.

3. Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In yet another case of a back filling in for his injured teammate, Rachaad White did well with his elevated role in Tampa Bay's 28-13 victory over the Raiders. Backfield mate Bucky Irving (hip, back) was injured coming into the contest and re-aggravated his back issue early in the second quarter. With Irving not returning, White led Tampa Bay's backfield -- out-touching Sean Tucker 19-to-3.

White was solid on Sunday, churning out 90 yards and a touchdown on his 17 carries. He was less active in the passing game (2/19) but saw three targets to Tucker's two. The 25-year-old is a good athlete, and though he appeared to be superseded over the last few weeks by Irving, he's a capable producer when called upon.

Whether or not the rookie Irving will be back in action next Sunday remains to be seen and if he can't suit up, White would be an interesting RB2 play on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers. This will be a situation fantasy managers want to monitor over the next several days.

4. Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers

The Packers fought hard against the Lions in a thrilling Thursday night matchup but ultimately fell short as Detroit won it on a Jake Bates field goal in the waning seconds of regulation. Green Bay again leaned on their running game, featuring Josh Jacobs against a staunch Lions rush defense. It wasn't the most efficient outing (3.67 YPC), but with three touchdowns -- it doesn't have to be.

Jacobs toted the rock 18 times, amassing 66 yards and all three of his TDs. He did not command a target in the passing game. The 26-year-old's scores were from one, four, and six yards out, and it's the second time in his last four games he's scored thrice. He's up to 11 rushing scores on the year -- one off of his career-high that he's produced twice.

Not 1.
Not 2.
But TD No. 3 for Josh Jacobs!

Pro Bowl vote 🗳️: https://t.co/JsfUV5geTn pic.twitter.com/fa2thKuoZm

— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 6, 2024

The Alabama product will get a meeting against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15. Seattle has been solid against the pass this season but vulnerable to opponent's rushing attacks. Jacobs should again have a chance to produce substantial numbers and is a locked-in RB1.

5. Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams

In perhaps the most exciting game of Week 14, the Rams held on 44-42 against a rolling Buffalo Bills squad. Buffalo was down 38-21 with 22 seconds left in the third quarter but came storming back with 21 points scored in the final frame. However, they couldn't convert the comeback. While the quarterbacks were the day's story, Kyren Williams did enough to garner another highlight in this feature.

The former fifth-round pick had one of his least efficient outings of 2024, accruing 87 yards on his 29 carries -- punching in touchdowns from seven and three yards out. Williams also reeled in both of his targets for ten yards.

His involvement in the passing game has been scaled way back recently, with WRs Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp commanding their fair share, making his fantasy floor more volatile. Still, he's got a nose for the end zone like no other -- tallying 27 TDs in his last 24 appearances.

LA gets a quick turnaround in Week 15 with a road tilt against their division-rival San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night. San Francisco hasn't been as scary of a unit as they've been in the past -- having allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to RBs leading up to Week 14 (25.8). Fire up the third-year back as a solid RB1 for the TNF clash.

6. James Conner, Arizona Cardinals

With James Conner's appearance on this list, all four franchises of the NFC West have a featured running back in Week 14. The veteran did solid work with his touches despite his team falling 30-18 to the Seattle Seahawks. Arizona's offense has been a bit dysfunctional in recent weeks, but the 29-year-old has been their lynchpin all season.

Conner carried the ball 18 times on Sunday, grinding out 90 yards for a strong 5.0 YPC. His touchdown came through the air, as he added 32 yards, corralling all four of his targets. He was stymied on several of his attempts but picked up chunk gains of nine, ten, 11, 13, 16, and 23 yards. His receiving touchdown came on a nifty play design where quarterback Kyler Murray faked the handoff, then underhand tossed it to him on some weird screen/shovel combo.

JC is really like that 👑 pic.twitter.com/jUSJV91PNH

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 8, 2024

With four games to go, the Pittsburgh product needs just 268 yards on the ground to set a new career-high and stands an excellent chance to do so if he can stay healthy.

Arizona has a meeting with the New England Patriots on tap for Week 15. The Pats have allowed the eighth-most rushing yards in the NFL through 13 weeks and give up 23.9 fantasy points per game to running backs (thirteenth-highest).

7. Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers

The Panthers have been a pleasant surprise over the last few weeks due to second-year quarterback Bryce Young's improved play. While the box score won't show it, Young made some more nice throws today, and Carolina's defense was all over Eagles signal-caller Jalen Hurts all afternoon.

However, Philly's D would prove to be too much, taking the win 22-16. Still, even in a tough matchup, Chuba Hubbard continued his career year -- finishing as a top-ten option at his position for the sixth time in 13 outings.

First 1,000-yard season for Chuba 👏@awscloud | #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/tDebFiLpCp

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 8, 2024

The Oklahoma State alum piled up 26 rushes, going for 92 yards and a touchdown while recording yet another four-reception game (15 yards on five targets). Hubbard likely racked up such a heavy workload in the loss due to teammate Jonathon Brooks (knee) injuring his knee late in the first quarter on his first touch from scrimmage. It was of the non-contact variety and occurred to the same knee that forced him to miss the season's first ten games.

Panthers head coach Dave Canales reported that Brooks would be further evaluated, so I won't speculate on his diagnosis. However, the injury is undoubtedly concerning. It's an unfortunate turn of events, as he looked dynamic on his nine touches in Week 13. For now, we'll wait for further news.

Hubbard, on the other hand, would again garner a workhorse load in Week 15 if Brooks cannot play. Backfield mate/kick returner Raheem Blackshear (chest) was taken to a local hospital due to a chest injury he suffered during the game, so the former fourth-round pick could be in store for as many touches as he can handle. Carolina will host the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium.

8. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta has lost four straight games after the Vikings doubled them up in Week 14 42-21 -- falling to 6-7 -- but they're still just one game back of the Bucs for the lead in the NFC South. Despite not receiving his usual work through the air, Bijan Robinson could still eclipse the 20-point mark in fantasy -- the seventh time he's done so in his last eight games.

The former Texas Longhorn produced 92 yards on his 22 carries, scoring a touchdown against a formidable Minnesota defense. Though, he caught both of his targets and gained just nine yards. It's certainly one of the better performances the Vikings have let up to a running back. Despite the stiff test, the second-year back went over 100 total scrimmage yards for the ninth time in 13 contests.

Robinson will get a considerably easier outing in Week 15 against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football. He's an every-week elite RB1 option.

9. David Montgomery, Detroit Lions

It was nearly three weeks in a row that both David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs were featured in the top ten performers. However, Gibbs tied Tyrone Tracy Jr. (see below) with 19.3 fantasy points, and the list I use for these rankings put the Giant first. I'm giving Gibbs an honorable mention anyway.

Montgomery was good, too, pacing the duo in scrimmage yardage as the Lions hung on late to defeat the Packers 34-31.

YESSIRSKI!!!@MontgomerDavid 🤝 @Jahmyr_Gibbs1 pic.twitter.com/jIBygP9LPr

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 6, 2024

The sixth-year veteran handled 14 carries, totaling 51 yards and a touchdown -- staying involved in the passing game with 33 yards on 5-of-5 receiving. His touchdown was an outside handoff from three yards out, where he went untouched across the goal line. While Gibbs out-touched the 27-year-old by two, the latter out-gained him 84-to-73. It's not a press-worthy story, but an interesting outcome, as it's been the other way around recently.

Detroit is now 12-1 on the year, reeling off 11 straight wins after a 20-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. How far we've come.

Montgomery and the Lions will get another tough ask in Week 15 against the visiting Buffalo Bills. Buffalo is sure to come out on fire after losing a close one to the Rams on Sunday, so Week 15's matchup should be a good one. Montgomery will be his usual high-end RB2/low-end RB1 self.

10. Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants

Tyrone Tracy Jr. cracked the top ten this week despite not leading the Giants in rushing. Quarterback Drew Lock (5/59) held those honors as the G-Men continued to tailspin. New York actually had a chance to tie this game at 14 and send it into overtime, but Graham Gano had his 35-yard field goal blocked, and the Giants fell 14-11. Ten of New York's 13 drives ended in punts or turnovers.

That's the third instance in recent history when a game-tying or winning field goal has been blocked to seal the win for the leading team (Chiefs vs. Broncos - Week 10/ Green Bay vs. Chicago - Week 11) -- a strange occurrence.

Tracy wasn't particularly effective on his 16 carries, plodding to 45 yards. However, he did score a one-yard touchdown and tallied a whopping ten (!) targets. It only amounted to five receptions and 38 yards, though. Still, that helped boost his numbers, as he's now notched six double-digit fantasy finishes in his last nine games. Additionally, the target total was tied with wide receiver Malik Nabers for the second-most on the team.

It's unknown if that can be expected moving forward. The Giants are currently in flux and just trying to make it work with what they have. Right now, they have a top-two pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The rookie back has a far less exploitable meeting on tap in Week 15 with the Baltimore Ravens.

Thanks for reading, and best of luck in all your matchups in Week 15!

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