Fantasy Football Rankings: Hayden Winks’ RB Blueprint for Week 4

The Blueprint is my weekly column and basically everything that I use to build out the most accurate rankings I can. There will be this RB column, a WR column on Thursdays and a combination column on the onesie positions. You will find film notes and endless charts. Maybe enough charts to stress test the Yahoo website. I kid.

It’s impossible to get every ranking thoroughly early in the week, so be sure to keep checking in on these columns through Sunday morning. As always, my full rankings at every position are available.

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1. Jahmyr Gibbs (at CAR) – 135.5 proj. total yards

He is on pace to set the fantasy football record for points. This week, the Panthers are missing their top-2 CBs, and they’ve also allowed 174 rushing yards per game over their last four games (second worst). They’ve also allowed the second-most fantasy points to RBs this year, on the best efficiency by far.

2. Bijan Robinson (at NO) – 132.5 proj. total yards

Robinson has played 13 games with Michael Penix Jr. He’s the RB1 overall (22.6 half PPR points) on RB2 overall usage (19.3 expected) in them, dating back to late 2024. The only RBs in his conversation since then have been Jahmyr Gibbs, Jonathon Taylor and Christian McCaffrey. We can swap Kenneth Walker in for CMC, and that’s it among the truly elite RB1s.

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This week’s matchup is neutral. The Saints offense is playing at the league’s fastest rate, but the defense has limited elite games from fantasy RBs. They’ve allowed the 20th-most fantasy points to RBs since 2025 and only Gibbs has scored more than 21.0 half PPR points against them. Robinson had forgettable games against the Saints last year with Kirk Cousins at QB, including his season-low in points in the Week 18 closer. Atlanta being projected for 22.75 points (18th) is a welcome sign, however.

3. Kenneth Walker III (at LV) – 114.5 proj. total yards

We’re done analyzing this. Walker is the RB2 on RB2 usage this season and looks like the best pick possible after Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba were off the board. He’s the RB5 in carries per game and RB6 in receptions per game on an offense that is seventh in points per drive.

The matchup is a fun one with the Raiders also being 3-0. They’re improved with a new DC and new starters around Maxx Crosby, but it’s not to the point that we should knock Walker’s projection. The Chiefs are fifth in team total this week (26.0), and the only snaps Walker loses are when Kansas City is up by more than 10 points. The hope is the Raiders keep it tight throughout (4.5-point spread).

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4. Jonathan Taylor (at WAS) – 114.5 proj. total yards

There’s no reason to panic after games against that Texans defense. Taylor has reached 11+ fantasy points in his previous seven games against non-Houston opponents, many of those games without Daniel Jones in the lineup. With Jones available, Taylor is the RB1 (21.9 half PPR) on RB3 usage (17.2 expected), averaging 101 rushing yards and 1.25 rushing TDs per game. His totals may not reach that level again with Alec Pierce’s injury taking away the explosive threat in the offense, but I wouldn’t read into that too much. Indy is well-coached and Taylor-committed. His RB14 in receptions per game this year is another reason to be excited.

The Commanders are becoming a stout rushing defense. They’re third-best in rushing yards per game allowed (81.5) over their last four contests, and they’ve yet to allow an RB to eclipse 8.5 fantasy points, holding back Saquon Barkley, Javonte Williams and Jadarian Price to bad games so far. Rookie first-round LB Sonny Styles deserves a lot of credit for that, but LB2 Frankie Luvu (questionable) and LB3 Leo Chenal (out) are injured, for what it’s worth. The Colts project for 25.5 points (eighth), so this is still a neutral environment at worst.

5. Christian McCaffrey (vs. DEN) – 109.5 proj. total yards

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The “new normal” has solidified for McCaffrey, and it’s really going to be okay for fantasy (RB7 on RB10 usage through three weeks). McCaffrey has handled every goal-line opportunity, while also being the RB3 in receptions per game (4.3). McCaffrey reportedly dealt with some cramps in Week 1 and has posted 17.2 and 15.4 expected half PPR points, respectively, since then, leading to back-to-back top-five fantasy weeks. He’s losing between-the-20s carries to Kaelon Black to keep him relatively fresh, but those are the least valuable touches in fantasy. When it counts, CMC is getting the ball and is playing with extra horsepower on a per-touch basis to my eyes. More importantly, the 49ers offense looks unstoppable and is missing even more skill players heading into Week 4.

The matchup isn’t ideal, but the Broncos defense is better at stopping WR play than RB play with DT John Franklin-Meyers gone and EDGE2 Jonathon Cooper sidelined for alleged domestic abuse. Their LBs are their weak spot, and Kyle Shanahan will look at what Sean McVay did with Kyren Williams last week as a receiver to concoct a CMC-heavy plan here. Kenneth Walker and Bhayshul Tuten also broke infinite tackles against them in the first games. The 49ers are ninth in projected points, and this feels like the most they’ve needed to rely on their star running back heading into a game this season.

6. Derrick Henry (vs. TEN) – 105.5 proj. total yards

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Henry is now the RB5 (18.0 half PPR per game) on RB14 usage (13.8 expected) in 35 games with Lamar Jackson since 2024. In games the Ravens win, Henry climbs a tier above those marks. Just this year, the King is the RB3 on RB4 usage with new OC Declan Doyle passing the first-time play-caller eye test to me. There don’t appear to be any real signs of decline from Henry, though it’s concerning that they’re on their third-string center option and LT Ronnie Stanley has been in and out of the lineup with a toe injury. It’s a bad offensive line with a great QB, RB, WR1 and scheme.

This week’s matchup with the Titans is a great one, even if DT Jeffery Simmons will be a terror to block with backups. The Ravens project for 27.5 points (first) as 11.5-point favorites. Baltimore is the favorite to lead the league in carries this week.

7. James Cook (vs. NE) – 98.5 proj. total yards

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Cook is the same player in 2026 as he was in 2025. His receptions per game sits at 1.3 (RB33) despite offseason storylines saying he’ll be more involved there. Who cares, though. Cook is the RB7 in carries per game (19.3) and RB3 in rushing (115.3 YPG) on a predictably great offense. Even with Josh Allen stealing goal-line TDs, there’s enough here for Cook to be a layup-line fantasy RB1. He’s the RB10 on RB9 usage to start the season, and everything about this feels sustainable as a mid-to-low-end RB1.

The matchup with the Patriots is a difficult one with their two star DTs. Last year’s Patriots allowed the fewest fantasy points to RBs, though last week’s Jaguars’ RBs accumulated the third-most points. The Patriots offense being in such a bad spot is going to invite far more rush attempts against this defense than last year. Buffalo is second in projected points at 27.5, and Cook’s last outing against New England resulted in three TDs and over 100 yards.

8. Jeremiyah Love (at NYG) – 81.5 proj. total yards

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Get ready for the Love breakout. The Cardinals took two weeks to get him up to speed off that ankle injury, but they couldn’t resist the talent difference between Love and grinder Tyler Allgeier. Love had a career-high 20.9 expected half PPR points (RB4 overall) on 26 touches in catch-up mode against the 49ers. He also handled the long inside-the-5-yard-line opportunity, a play-action first-read target for a TD in the flat.

Love’s explosiveness and comfort in the pass game will result in a fantasy RB1 season this year. He’s a bit jumpy as a rusher right now, but that should calm down as the season progresses. The Cardinals are competent on offense, and Love’s talent will take advantage.

The matchup looks great, too. The Giants offense looks anemic with Jameis Winston thus far, and while first-round LB Arvell Reese is an improvement at off-ball, they are still down quality DTs and now won’t have star DE Brian Burns. Arizona is slight favorites (-2.5) with a 23.5-point team total, making them a slightly above-average projected offense (14th). Let’s go!

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9. Chuba Hubbard (vs. DET) – 89.5 proj. total yards

Including the NFL Playoffs last year, Hubbard has a 4-game streak of 12.6+ expected and actual fantasy points. He’s finished as a top-12 fantasy RB in all three games this season with Jonathon Brooks (groin) missing time, and he’s been quite effective on a down-to-down basis. The Panthers lost a ton of valuable starters in last week’s loss to the Browns, so the range of outcomes has narrowed a bit, but Hubbard simply can’t leave the game without 15-25 opportunities given the state of their skill group depth right now. He’s the RB9 on RB15 usage to date, which is eerily similar to his 2024 finish of RB12 on RB7 usage. Keep starting with confidence.

The Panthers won’t have star LG Damien Lewis (elbow) this week, and their defense is in tough shape with other injuries at the worst time. The Lions should post their typical 27+ points, so Hubbard could be in more negative script this week than he was in earlier games. That’s okay for him. He had four receptions in last week’s loss, and AJ Dillon won’t mix in while trailing. Ultimately, the Panthers project for 24.0 points against the Lions’ vulnerable defense, so it’s hard to not call this matchup a decent one.

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10. Aaron Jones Sr. (vs. MIA) – 93.5 proj. total yards

As the clear-cut starter without Jordan Mason (finger), Jones is the RB15 on RB22 usage over the past two games despite the Vikings ranking dead last in success rate (28%) while scoring just 16.0 points per game. Kyler Murray struggled against an aggressive Bucs defense last week, and Carson Wentz struggled in the rain in Week 2. Things change this week at home against the Dolphins’ extremely raw and inexperienced defense. The Vikings have a 24.5-point team total (12th) as 10.5-point favorites. This is the game script that could send Jones’ RB2 status up multiple tiers. Miami is third-worst against fantasy RBs to open the year.

11. Jaylen Warren (at CLE) – 99.5 proj. total yards

Since Week 2, Warren has played on 106-of-114 snaps (93%) without Rico Dowdle on the field. The Steelers don’t trust his backups, and Warren is totally capable of being a bellcow in a pinch. He looks so much better than Dowdle on tape in all phases, and Dowdle (toe) was in a walking boot on Monday ahead of Thursday Night Football. Warren is a no-doubter RB1/2 if Dowdle misses after he posted 19.1 half PPR points (RB8) on RB14 usage. His turf monster fall prevented him from being the best non-Round one RB of Week 3. I have confidence Warren will play a lot more than Dowdle for the rest of the year, even when he comes back. The talent gap is simply too large to ignore.

The matchup is a fine one. The Browns DL woke up last week, but it’s still an unproven unit without Myles Garrett, and game script should stay favorable for Warren. The Steelers are 2.5-point favorites with the No. 25 team total of 20.5 points.

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12. Kyren Williams (at PHI) – 78.5 proj. total yards

This is the same split as usual. Williams loses snaps to Blake Corum, who is playing well himself, but Williams is predictably efficient on his looks while playing on an elite offense. He’s the RB11 on RB17 usage this season and has beat his expected points in 6 straight games, including the playoffs last year.

Whenever the Rams are trailing (like last week), Williams can absorb receptions, too, providing him with one of the best floors in all of fantasy football. Here are his target totals in losses or OT games since 2025: seven, three, two, five, three, six, one, 10, three (average: 4.4).

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There was a fun cat-and-mouse game last week against the Broncos, when he had seven targets. The Rams had two successful quick outs from the slot to Kyren early, then on the Hufanga pick-six, Kyren ran another slot out that Hufanga switched up coverage responsibilities on, presumably from tape study. Of course, Kyren then ran a fake out later on for an explosive to counter that play. This is an example of how important LB/S coverage is in the modern NFL.

This week, the matchup is a difficult but not impossible one. I’ve seen some weaknesses in Philly’s defense on tape each week. Superstar DT Jalen Carter isn’t himself right now due to injury, they’ve missed DE Jonathan Greenard playing to his potential and the spine of the defense isn’t playing as well. Philly does drain the clock out on offense, however, so it’s not a surprise to see the Rams projected for 23.5 points this week, far lower than their baseline.

13. Ashton Jeanty (vs. KC) – 91.5 proj. total yards

Jeanty is not impressing me on tape, and the numbers are in agreement. He’s the RB40 in rush yards over expected, RB43 in success rate and RB45 in EPA per carry out of 51 qualifiers with 15+ carries. It simply takes him too long to change directions and burst to the next level, which has limited his explosive run rate.

Jeanty is still getting amazing volume for fantasy football — for now. He’s the RB8 on RB3 usage, averaging 21 carries and 4.3 receptions on a 3-0 team. The threat of losing some work to Mike Washington Jr., who had an elite 36-yard score in Week 3, is gaining some momentum. It’s encouraging that the Raiders have been so competent under HC Klint Kubiak that the floor is just a tier or two higher this season than last, when Jeanty was the RB16 on per-game basis.

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The matchup is a difficult one against the Chiefs. Last year’s Steve Spagnuolo defense was eighth-best against fantasy RBs, and they added a lot of DL depth this offseason. The results have been strong. Jonathon Taylor volumed his way to a big fantasy box score but did have 3.8 YPC on 24 carries. Denver and Miami RBs were shut down entirely. The Raiders project for 21.5 points (22nd) as home dogs.

14. D’Andre Swift (vs. NYJ) – 92.5 proj. total yards

Case Keenum rules? His command was encouraging enough to nearly treat Swift as the same fantasy asset as he typically is with Caleb Williams, as Keenum is less likely to scramble and more likely to throw to his RBs. Swift left with 18.7 expected half PPR points (RB7) on 20 carries. He played a lot more snaps in the first quarter, rather than splitting drives with Kyle Monangai, too. Swift ended up with the first snap on 7-of-9 drives. It’s unclear why there was a change to the rotation last week, but it’s another feather in his cap.

Swift will have bigger days in the fantasy box score as long as this RB7 overall usage sticks, and there’s no reason to believe that will change under Ben Johnson. Not every defense is the Vikings and Eagles. That’s the case here against the Jets, who are allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to RBs so far. They were gashed by Jahmyr Gibbs all game long last week, for what it’s worth. The Bears are projected for 23.0 points (16th).

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15. Chase Brown (vs. JAX) – 86.5 proj. total yards

The opening schedule was rude to Brown, as he’s faced the pass-funnel Bucs, stout Texans and DL-loaded Steelers to start the season. Brown isn’t as explosive as others in the fantasy RB1 mix, so getting positive matchups is required more here. The good news is Brown’s role really hasn’t changed. He’s the RB11 in expected half PPR points, on RB10 receptions per game (3.3) and RB13 carries per game (16.3). There’s nobody pushing him for real work in the backfield, and the Bengals offense has managed despite the opponents. There will be better days ahead for Brown. He’s one of the most obvious buy-low candidates right now. He’d still be a Round 2 selection if drafts were held today.

This week’s matchup is another difficult one, however, as the Jaguars have stars on the DL. They were the third-best defense against fantasy RBs last season, and they’ve allowed just 58 rush yards per game to RBs this season (fourth-best). The Bengals are still fourth in projected points (27.0), so Brown is still very live for 15+ touches and a score. This game has the highest total of the week at 51.5.

16. Cam Skattebo (vs. ARI) – 87.5 proj. total yards

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In rainy conditions with Jameis Winston, the Giants leaned on the run game to a wild degree (29% neutral pass rate, 32nd). Skattebo was the featured player of the offense (17.7 expected half PPR points, RB8), but Najee Harris was mixing in as a change-of-pace runner. Skattebo had the lone goal-line carry and just looks much better than Harris, who slipped on his left Achilles side and couldn’t burst through a couple of wide-open holes on tape. There’s enough room for others to mix in, and it’s better for Skattebo’s fantasy appeal if it’s Harris instead of healthy-scratched Devin Singletary. Skattebo caught 3-of-4 targets without him, running a route on 67% of dropbacks. He’s been the RB23 and RB8 in usage over the last two weeks as a low-end fantasy RB2 on a struggling offense.

The matchup is one to attack. The Cardinals have allowed the seventh-most rushing yards per game (128), with a lot of those coming against Emanuel Wilson. New York is projected for 21.0 points (24th), and Skattebo is going to be its go-to option in the red zone with Jameis Winston not trusted by this new staff.

17. Javonte Williams (at HOU) – 78.5 proj. total yards

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Williams is the RB12 on RB8 usage this year after finishing as the RB13 on RB6 usage last year. Nothing has changed. The Cowboys offense is well-coached and stacked, so even if Williams is leaving some plays on the field, it largely doesn’t matter. Dallas is still trying out RB2s behind him, and things could gel once star LG Tyler Smith eventually returns. In the meantime, Williams is a fringe RB1/2 in normal matchups.

This matchup just happens to be one of the worst. The Texans are the best fantasy RB defense through three weeks, averaging just 87 rushing YPG to opposing RB rooms. That’s particularly good with the context that they’ve faced Jonathan Taylor, James Cook and Chase Brown. None of them scored a touchdown. The only saving grace remains that the Cowboys still project for 23.0 points (17th), and the Texans’ injuries at LB are making them far more vulnerable over the middle than they usually are.

18. Saquon Barkley (vs. LAR) – 90.5 proj. total yards

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The Eagles’ RB runs really worked early on against a porous Bears’ run defense, and Barkley looks fantastic on tape to me. There is the burst, spin moves and quick decision-making that made him an elite fantasy asset before. Unfortunately, the Eagles couldn’t carry that over in short yardage last week, so Barkley failed on his two goal-line opportunities. That’s the difference between being a fantasy RB1 or not, as he’ll always lose some goal-line TDs to Jalen Hurts. Barkley is hard to trust as a top-10 fantasy RB right now because the receiving role just isn’t there. He’s the RB42 in receptions per game (1.0). Barkley was the RB20 and RB26 in expected half PPR points in his two healthy games this year. Ugghhhh.

The matchup leans difficult, too. The Rams don’t have Myles Garrett right now, but Aaron Donald is rounding into form and the rest of the DL can’t be slept on. They’ve allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to RBs this year, holding CMC to 88 scoreless years and all other RBs to under 8.0 half PPR points. The Eagles are also only projected for 20.25 points, which is 26th, sandwiched between the Steelers and Jets.

19. Bhayshul Tuten (at CIN) – 66.5 proj. total yards

Tuten is the RB13 on RB26 usage this season. He’s made the most out of his opportunities on the ground with obvious tackle-breaking athleticism. Coach Liam Coen is impressed with his development, and Coen has the goods as a play-caller. Tuten is getting some of the goal-line reps but won’t get all of them with Chris Rodriguez Jr. splitting the short-yardage work. Tuten is also only the RB30 in receptions per game (1.7) with LeQuint Allen and others more trusted in pure passing situations. I’m not sure either of those issues will change this year, but Tuten’s explosiveness in a bankable offense is enough for firm RB2 trust.

The Jaguars project for 24.5 points (11th) as 2.5-point road dogs against the Bengals. Cincy held the Texans to nothing on the ground, but they were exposed by Bucky Irving (16.8 half PPR points) and Jaylen Warren (176 total yards) last week after getting double teams on DT Dexter Lawrence and forcing their poor LBs to make plays. I think some have overrated the Bengals defense. It’s better than in 2025 but still has vulnerabilities up the spine.

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20. David Montgomery (vs. DAL) – 59.5 proj. total yards

Montgomery is playing every other drive, starting each half. It’s led to a roughly 60/40 split between him and Woody Marks, who is beating him in all advanced metrics and in my personal eye test. Montgomery lost the goal-line carry to Marks last week, not for any situational reason. It’s just the way the cookie crumbles in Houston. Whichever RB is on the field the previous play is likeliest to get the goal-line carry. So far, Montgomery is the RB16 on RB21 usage, fully carried by the fluky Week 1 performance where this terrible Texans OL actually generated some space against the Bills on a few runs. In general, though, Montgomery is 2.8 YPC with -0.34 EPA per carry. This is far beyond his control.

The matchup is a great one, however. The Cowboys are struggling in the back end and are relying on a lot of rookie snaps up the spine right now. The Cowboys have allowed the second-most rushing yards per game (180), with big nights from Derrick Henry, Cam Skattebo, Devin Singletary and Rachaad White. Houston projects for 25.5 points (sixth).

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21. Braelon Allen (at CHI) – 69.5 proj. total yards

Allen has played 84 of 88 snaps without Breece Hall (quad) on the field this season, and RB3 Isaiah Davis has been available in every game, yet hasn’t played an offensive snap yet. Allen won’t be targeted like Hall was, but he will gobble up just about everything the Jets have available. That’s led to 20.1 expected half PPR points to the Jets’ RB room through three weeks.

I’d guess Allen will be a subpar player on that usage and that Davis will get involved moving forward, but even if he gets 80% of that usage (16.0 xFPs) and isn’t great on them (career -12% over expected), Allen can be a very solid fantasy RB2 while Hall is out. For reference, Hall was the RB13 in expected points while Allen has mixed in.

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The matchup is a comforting one. The Bears defense is missing starters and was already going to be a weak unit up front. Chuba Hubbard hit them for 22.2 half PPR points in Week 1, then Aaron Jones Sr. hit 103 rushing yards in Week 2 and even the Eagles were able to run the ball against them on Monday Night Football. The Jets are projected for 19.5 points (27th), but they’ve been under-projected by the markets with Geno Smith playing decent ball behind a solid OL.

22. Jacory Croskey-Merritt (vs. IND) – 62.5 proj. total yards

It pains me to report Bill had a 48-yard TD called back by an irrelevant illegal formation last week. He busted in the box score, but that was an impressive run and his 12.5 expected half PPR points (RB25) were the second-highest of his career. Rachaad White (shoulder) left at halftime and didn’t miss any time, but the Commanders signed Austin Ekeler the morning after. There will be easier matchups than PHI, DAL and SEA on his schedule, so JCM’s a FLEX buy-low as the RB31 on RB29 usage this year. It’s promising to see the floor of a Marcus Mariota offense while Jayden Daniels heals.

The matchup is one to target. The Colts’ LB play has been amongst the worst in the NFL, and physical EDGE Laiatu Latu (questionable) left last week with a chest contusion. Indianapolis has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to RBs on the fourth-most rushing yards per game (141), with both Derrick Henry and Kenneth Walker reaching 150+ total yards. Washington projects for 22.0 points in London as slight dogs.

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23. Bucky Irving (vs. GB) – 77.5 proj. total yards

Irving only had one touch in the fourth quarter last week after dominating touches early. After having a drop in the flats, Irving’s final snap was a tough pass-protection rep that resulted in him allowing a sack while laying on his back himself. A combination of the Vikings’ chaos defense and his shoulder injury history probably played into that surge in Kenneth Gainwell’s playing time. Sean Tucker still only played one snap.

As the lead back of a struggling offense, Irving has mustered up an RB19 on RB16 usage start to the year, but things look far worse moving forward with an UDFA rookie QB. Irving isn’t a huge explosive play threat right now with mediocre long speed, but the 4.3 receptions per game (RB5) are enough to keep some FLEX faith unless they start using Gainwell in that role, too. Tampa Bay only has an 18.0-point team total for Jalon Daniels’ debut. Expectations should be altered.

24. Alvin Kamara (vs. ATL) – 59.5 proj. total yards

There were 46 snaps without Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) last week. Snaps were Kamara (22), Kendre Miller (14) and CJ Donaldson (11). The latter is handling pass protection and third-down duties but doesn’t get the ball. Kamara and Miller will compete for early-down touches moving forward. Last week, Kamara handled 9 of 14 carries without Etienne, but it’s unclear who would handle goal-line opportunities, as that also could be segmented by role, too. Miller is much bigger yet less trusted than Kamara. Long story short, this is a 3-back committee and the entire RB room is averaging 22.2 expected half PPR points total.

The Falcons have been surprisingly stiff against fantasy RBs so far, even though they are missing multiple starters on the DL. To be fair, those missing players weren’t good at stopping the run. Atlanta has allowed just 47.7 rushing yards per game (the best), but they did only face the Panthers, Packers and Steelers so far. This matchup is probably closer to neutral than anything else. The Saints’ fast-paced offense has a 25.0-point team total (ninth).

25. J.K. Dobbins (at SF) – 67.5 proj. total yards

With Jonah Coleman (ankle) on IR, the Broncos stuck with Dobbins on early downs; RJ Harvey rotated in as a manufactured pass catcher and rushing complement. Dobbins had 17 carries and a reception, leading to 12.9 expected half PPR points (RB20). He hasn’t hit the edge for a big play yet, nor has he scored despite being on the field for all of the goal-line touches. That should positively regress as a buy-low FLEX option. He’s only the RB53 on RB32 usage this season, while sitting on a brutal 24% rushing success rate. I have not been impressed with Denver’s run blocking, particularly at C and TE. Another annoying feature of Denver’s offense is the (effective) Bo Nix Tush Push plays in short-yardage.

26. Quinshon Judkins (vs. PIT) – 72.5 proj. total yards

Judkins is actually getting easy to rank. His usage is predictable, sitting at RB17 in carries and RB15 in receptions per game. That’s led to him being the RB22 in usage because his goal-line role is limited compared to other RB2 types. His poor efficiency is also predictable, as the Browns’ new OL is not going to reach a ceiling in its first season together. Judkins is fine individually but is a step below where he was last season before his ankle dislocation. In general, I’m willing to copy/paste this RB29 on RB22 usage trend every week.

The Steelers have some stars across the DL, providing a pretty severe trenches mismatch this week. Their secondary is pretty beat up with Jalen Ramsey now injured and Joey Porter Jr. ruled out, so it’s possible the Browns move the ball just enough to hold out for FLEX hope. Cleveland has an 18.0-point team total (28th) on a short week at home.

27. TreVeyon Henderson (at BUF) – 52.5 proj. total yards

28. Omarion Hampton (at SEA) – 54.5 proj. total yards

29. Tony Pollard (at BAL) – 63.5 proj. total yards

30. Jadarian Price (vs. LAC) – 52.5 proj. total yards

31. RJ Harvey (at SF) – 43.5 proj. total yards

Harvey’s role really hasn’t changed. Jonah Coleman (ankle) being on IR gives us even more confidence in that. Harvey isn’t trusted as a rusher or in pass protection, but he’s the best athlete of the room by far and will be given plenty of receiving opportunities. He caught six passes last week on seven targets (many of them first reads), leading to a rock-solid 11.3 expected half PPR points (RB25). With JK Dobbins active dating back to last year, Harvey is averaging 8.4 half PPR points (RB40) on 6.8 expected points (RB53) across 12 games, so he’s still just a low-end FLEX play. The more the Dobbins carries go nowhere, the more likely that changes. Harvey is the RB35 on RB38 usage this year.

32. Woody Marks (vs. DAL) – 48.5 proj. total yards

33. Rachaad White (vs. IND)

White left with a shoulder injury going into halftime but was able to finish the game in the usual committee with Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who is easily leading the backfield in carries. White is mixing in some as a receiver and change-of-pace rusher, leading to RB26 fantasy points on RB34 usage. His touchdown grab last week wasn’t a designed play but rather a checkdown against a lost LB from six yards out. Most weeks will be scoreless for White as a bench stash or PPR RB3. He’s the RB18 in receptions per game (3.0).

34. Kyle Monangai (vs. NYJ) – 43.5 proj. total yards

Monangai played less than normal last week for reasons beyond me. He only played the first snap of 2 of 9 drives in Week 3, rather than splitting drives almost evenly with D’Andre Swfit. Monangai can randomly pop off for huge games in this awesome rushing offense, but he is only the RB39 in expected half PPR points to keep expectations in check. His 6.5 expected half PPR points were a five-week low.

35. Rhamondre Stevenson (at BUF) – 54.5 proj. total yards

Stevenson is the RB50 on RB42 usage in the two games with TreVeyon Henderson back in the lineup. That was a total bottoming out from both Stevenson (fumble) and the Patriots at large, but the floor has fully disappeared, especially with RG Mike Onwenu (ankle) out for the season now. The Patriots’ OL is not pushing piles on tape, and Drake Maye has suddenly lost his mind. Henderson is still unlikely to steal goal-line carries from Stevenson given the size difference, but everything is up for grabs in what should be viewed as an even committee.

The Patriots are projected for just 21.0 points (23rd) in Buffalo, which is getting better DL play from its fairly young players now than it had last year. In Week 15 of last year against the Bills, Stevenson had 77 scoreless yards while Henderson erupted for 161 total yards and two scores. I could see the Patriots hoping for those explosives again here, since nothing else is working in New England. Stevenson is a TD-or-bust FLEX option, and not a good one at that.

36. Blake Corum (at PHI) – 45.5 proj. total yards

Corum is only the RB41 on RB47 usage this season, and he hasn’t hit 10+ expected half PPR points since Week 16 of last year, including the NFL Playoffs. He’s a good player who is capable of chunk gains and even a goal-line score, but unless the Rams are a 30-point team every week, Corum can’t be trusted with Kyren Williams starting each half and being targeted often in trailing scripts. He’s far more of an elite insurance than realistic FLEX play.

37. Kaleb Johnson (at TB) – 29.5 proj. total yards

38. Kendre Miller (vs. ATL)

39. Chris Rodriguez Jr. (at CIN) – 17.5 proj. total yards

40. Ollie Gordon II (at MIN)