Fantasy managers face key decisions at running back for Week 9, with Jonathan Taylor's status atop the list. Taylor is expected to play a full snap count for the Indianapolis Colts against the Dallas Cowboys at home, despite trade speculation ahead of Tuesday's deadline. The Cowboys rank sixth in most fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, and Tyler Allgeier recently posted 36.1 PPR points against them. Nine running backs have scored at least 11.7 PPR points versus Dallas this season. Taylor played a season-low 62% of snaps in a Week 8 blowout loss at Jacksonville, scoring just 6.7 PPR points, but had tallied at least 19 PPR points in three of his previous four games. The Colts want to win — they traded their first-round pick to the Jets — so Taylor should be heavily involved. If not for trade rumors, he would be a top-five option; as it stands, he ranks outside the top 10 but remains a strong start if active.
RBs to Start
Rhamondre Stevenson (Patriots) faces a Green Bay defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs. Stevenson has scored at least 12 PPR points in four of his last five games with 14-plus touches in four of those. A running back has posted 13-plus PPR points in each of Green Bay's last four games. Stevenson projects as a top-15 back even if TreVeyon Henderson returns from illness.
Ashton Jeanty (Raiders) saw his snap share drop to 40% in Week 8, but his passing-game role remains vital against a San Francisco defense that allows the most receptions to running backs. Eight backs have scored at least 5.0 PPR points through receiving alone versus the 49ers. Jeanty has averaged 14.6 PPR points over his last four games despite limited rushing and remains a No. 2 fantasy back.
Quinshon Judkins (Browns) draws a New Orleans defense that leads the league in fantasy points allowed to running backs. Ten backs have scored at least 11.4 PPR points against the Saints, including three backfield duos in single games. Judkins has topped 21.6 PPR points twice in his last four outings and is a No. 2 option in all formats. Teammate Dylan Sampson, with nine catches for 94 yards over his last two games, is a PPR flex consideration.
Woody Marks (Texans) has averaged 10.6 PPR points in three games since David Montgomery's groin injury, with at least 17 touches each time. The Chargers have allowed a running back to score at least 10.3 PPR points in every game this season, and six backs in their last five games have hit 12.9 PPR points. Marks is a No. 2 back if Montgomery sits, and a flex if he plays.
Ollie Gordon II (Dolphins) struggled in Week 8 but had scored at least 14.5 PPR points in four straight games prior. Detroit's defense could be without linebackers Jack Campbell, Jimmy Rolder, D.J. Wonnum and safety Brian Branch. Four running backs have posted 14.8-plus PPR points against the Lions this year. Gordon is a No. 2 back in all leagues.
Sleepers (Start/Sit)
Rachaad White (Commanders) has scored 11.1-plus PPR points in four of his last five games. Washington lost Jeremy McNichols for the season, securing White's workload. The Rams allow the ninth-fewest fantasy points to running backs, but four backs in their last four games have hit 11.2 PPR points. White is a low-end No. 2 back.
Blake Corum (Rams) has scored at least 13.3 PPR points in four straight games with a touchdown in each. Washington just lost defensive tackles Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw to season-ending injuries. Corum and Kyren Williams have each topped 10.2 PPR points in the same game four times this season, including three of the last four.
Zach Charbonnet (Seahawks) made his season debut in Week 8 after tearing his ACL last year. He struggled but has a strong history against Arizona, averaging 21.7 PPR points in his last three games versus the Cardinals. The Cardinals have allowed three backs to score 14-plus PPR points in their last four games. Charbonnet is a flex with upside; teammate Jadarian Price is also a flex option.
Sits
Tyler Allgeier (Cardinals) exploded for 36.1 PPR points at Dallas in Week 8, but benefited from injuries to Jeremiyah Love and Zonovan Knight. Seattle's defense is tougher, and Knight may return. Allgeier is a flex at best.
Mike Washington Jr. (Raiders) led the backfield with 60% of snaps and 25 carries in Week 8, but faces a 49ers defense that has allowed only two rushing touchdowns and added DeForest Buckner. The Raiders' likely negative game script favors Jeanty in the passing game. Washington is a flex at best.
Omarion Hampton (Chargers) has scored 7.9 PPR points or less in four of his last five games, sharing work with Kimani Vidal and Keaton Mitchell. Houston has allowed only two backs to exceed 68 rushing yards, though they've given up eight total touchdowns to the position. Hampton hasn't scored in three games, and the Chargers have gone 27 straight drives without a touchdown.
Alvin Kamara (Saints) has been productive with Travis Etienne out, but Cleveland allows the fewest receptions to running backs (28). Kamara has just 23 carries for 74 yards over four games without Etienne and will share touches with Kendre Miller. He is only a PPR flex if Etienne returns.
Bust Alert
Breece Hall (Jets) returns from a five-game quad injury. Braelon Allen has excelled in his absence, scoring 12.4-plus PPR points in four straight games with three 100-yard rushing efforts. Hall may start, but Allen will retain a significant role, especially near the goal line. Both are flex options at best against a Kansas City defense that ranks 12th in fewest fantasy points allowed to running backs.
