1 of 5 | Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jalyx Hunt on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Photo by Laurence Kesterson/UPI | License Photo
MIAMI, Dec. 11 (UPI) — Chuba Hubbard and Brian Robinson Jr. are among my four must-start fantasy football running backs for Week 15.
Derrick Henry leads my weekly running back rankings. Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, Joe Mixon and Jahmyr Gibbs are my other Top-5 options. Bijan Robinson, Rico Dowdle, Zach Charbonnet, Chase Brown and Hubbard also should be considered Top-10 plays for Week 15.
Dowdle and Charbonnet join Hubbard and Robinson as my must-start plays. My rankings were compiled based on several factors, including likely workload, strength of opponent, previous matchup history, expected red zone opportunities and predicted game script.
Those with stock in Breece Hall, Kenneth Walker III, Isaac Guerendo and Bucky Irving and other injured running backs should continue to monitor their status leading into their respective kickoffs. My rankings should help with difficult lineup decisions, especially since no teams are on bye in Week 15
My Week 15 wide receiver rankings are available here. All positional rankings will be updated throughout the week, based on injuries and other factors.
Rico Dowdle
Dowdle also was among my must-start options in Week 14, when he rewarded his stock holders with 141 yards from scrimmage. That marked his second-consecutive performance with at least 120 yards from scrimmage.
Look for that streak to continue this week, when Dowdle and the Dallas Cowboys face a Carolina Panthers defense that allowed the most rushing yards (138.6), rushing touchdowns (1.2) and fantasy points per game to running backs through 14 weeks.
The Panthers, who surrendered 124 yards to Saquon Barkley in Week 14, allowed at least 100 rushing yards to a running back in four of their last five games. That stretch included 152- and 155-yard performances from Bucky Irving and Alvin Kamara, respectively.
I don’t expect Dowdle to eclipse 150 rushing yards, but he is a near lock to reach 100 yards from scrimmage. He also has a great chance to find the end zone. He is my No. 7 option and can be plugged in as an RB1.
Zach Charbonnet
Charbonnet led all running backs in fantasy points in Week 14, when he was unleashed for 193 yards from scrimmage and two scores in a Seattle Seahawks win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Seahawks starter Kenneth Walker III missed that contest because of ankle and calf injuries, clearing a path for Charbonnet to dominate the workload, with a career-high 29 touches. That trend could continue if Walker misses another week. Charbonnet stock holders should continue to monitor Walker’s status. If he sits out, Charbonnet is again locked in as an RB1.
The Seahawks are set to face a Green Bay Packers defense that has been decent at limiting rushing yards,