RUNNING BACKS
Start: Jonathan Taylor (IND @ JAC): The 48.5 projected total implies points in bunches, and Taylor is overdue to remind everyone why he’s royalty with an 80-yard house call against a Jacksonville front that looks tired. It’s been a rough patch, but opportunity meets talent this week, and I’m betting on the talent.
Start: Bucky Irving (TB v. NO): Tampa Bay is an 8.5-point favorite at home, which means positive game script and plenty of clock-killing carries for a fresh-legged Irving. He’s shaken off the rust, and with the Saints run defense crumbling, he’s a lock for 15+ touches and a trip to the paint.
Sit: Ashton Jeanty (LV v. DEN): I hate it for the talented rookie, but being a 7.5-point underdog means the Raiders will abandon the run by the second quarter. He’s stuck in quicksand with an offense that can’t sustain drives, and Denver’s front seven is going to live in the Vegas backfield.
Sit: Kareem Hunt (KC v. HOU): Just like Mahomes, Hunt falls victim to a gross 41.5 total and a Houston defense that flat-out stuffs the run. You’re looking at a floor game where he splits ugly carries in a low-scoring grinder, and I’m not risking my playoffs on 3.2 yards per carry.
