Last week we vaulted A.J. Dillon into the top-10 running backs because of Aaron Jones‘ injury. The running back landscape is so dire that we don’t need an injury to the starter to start a few more backup running backs.

I guess it’s not really fair to call Javonte Williams a ‘backup’ running back, but he does get fewer opportunities than Melvin Gordon virtually every week. In past weeks that’s kept me as the low guy on Williams, as a high-end flex at best. But a great matchup against a bad Chargers defense and the narrative of the rookie coming off his bye week has me ranking Williams as high as No. 22, ahead of anyone you may have picked up off the waiver wire.

Tony Pollard ranks even higher, thanks to a bevy of injuries for the Cowboys. We know they won’t have Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb is still in doubt. Ezekiel Elliott was also banged up last week, but expected to play. This looks like a game where the Cowboys could ram the ball down the Raiders throat just like Joe Mixon and Bengals just did. In that scenario, there’s plenty of touches for Pollard and Elliott to both produce as starters.

Let’s get to the rest of the Week 12 RB Preview:

Week 12 RB Preview

The following players are not being projected to play Week 12 at this time. Here’s what it means:

• 5.5 — Yards per carry for Tony Pollard this season, nearly a yard better than Ezekiel Elliott.
• 57% — Snap share for Javonte Williams in his last game, a season-high.
• 219 — Derrick Henry still leads the NFL with 219 carries.
• 20 — Mark Ingram has averaged 20 touches per game the past two games that Alvin Kamara has missed.
• 63% — Dontrell Hilliard led Titans running backs with a 63% snap share last week.

2021 NFL jerseys now available

The new NFL season is here! Win or lose, you can shop jerseys, shirts, hats, and much more to support your favorite team. Shop here and show your colors.

We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.