Running backs are always a little more difficult to choose, especially when you have stud running backs going against difficult matchups. However you'll always start your top draft picks. Included in this list are some solid players with good matchups, and a few Flexy running backs with great matchups. Here are the running backs to target for Week 10.
Orleans Darkwa New York Giants (@ SF)
Orleans Darkwa managed 71 yards on 16 carries in a Week 9 blowout by the LA Rams. Darkwa was perhaps the one bright light in this game for the Giants' offense. He also caught 2 passes for 8 yards. Darkwa has emerged as the lead running back on that team, and has another chance to produce against the league's worst run defense: the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers have allowed almost 100 yards (one game was 97 yards) in 6 out of 9 games so far. Darkwa should get a good amount of carries and plenty of running room in this one.
Lamar Miller Houston Texans (@ LA Rams)
The loss of Deshaun Watson was a huge hit to the entire Texans' offense, (even the run game) allowing teams to stack the box a bit more to force Tom Savage to throw. Lamar Miller had a decent game on the ground in Week 9, rushing 10 times for 57 yards. He caught 3 passes for 34 yards as well. The Texans travel to Los Angeles to take on the Rams, who currently rank 31st in points allowed to running backs. The Rams have allowed 100+ yard games in 5 out of 8 games, and also have allowed at least 1 touchdown in 5 out of 8 games. The Texans will probably try and limit Tom Savage's throws, so as long as this game is close Miller should see a lot of opportunity.
Matt Forte, Bilal Powell, and Elijah McGuire New York Jets (@ TB)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in complete disarray. Winston is out, Evans is suspended, and they probably lost their pro bowl DE William Gholston to a scary neck injury. All of this points to a Buccaneers beat-down by the Jets, who could go up early and just run the clock out. In Week 9, Matt Forte ran 14 times for 77 yards and 2 TDs (4 for 19 through the air). Bilal Powell ran 9 times for 74 yards. Elijah McGuire ran 13 times for 30 yards (1 for 9 through the air). And all that was against a stingy Buffalo defense. The Buccaneers come into Week 10 ranked 30th in points allowed to RBs, so this running back threesome should run all over Tampa Bay. McGuire may be a long shot to start unless you are in deep leagues, but Forte and Powell should be started in most leagues.
Jordan Howard Chicago Bears (vs GB)
The Bears are coming off of their Bye week and get a nice matchup against the stagnant Green Bay Packers, who can hardly move the ball on offense without Aaron Rodgers. Jordan Howard has been solid this year, and gets a home matchup with the 25th ranked defense in points allowed to opposing running backs. The Packers have allowed 97+ yards rushing in 6 out of 8 games, and usually gives up at least 1 rushing touchdown. A rested Howard, at home, vs a terrible offense and porous defense should make fantasy owner's mouths water.
Leonard Fournette Jacksonville Jaguars (vs LAC)
Hopefully Leonard Fournette learned his lesson last week and will make it to team photos next year. Fournette has been a sensation this year, rushing for 596 yards and 6 touchdowns in only 6 games. He also has at least 1 catch in every game. In Week 10, Fournette gets the Los Angeles Chargers, who currently rank 25th in points allowed to running backs. The Chargers have been solid in pass defense, so look for the Jaguars to run early and often. Fournette, who is probably nice and rested after serving his suspension, should destroy the Chargers run defense.
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