Updated Fantasy Football RB Rankings Week 16: Who to start, best sleepers at running back

If you were leaning on one of fantasy's stud running backs in the playoffs last week, you were likely disappointed. Saquon Barkley, De'Von Achane, Breece Hall, Joe Mixon, and Derrick Henry all finished with fewer than 15 PPR points last week.

On the other side of the coin, some mid- and late-round gems carried fantasy teams into the next round of the playoffs. Guys like Chase Brown, James Conner, and Rico Dowdle have been firing on all cylinders down the stretch and are poised to carry teams to championships.

Thankfully, fantasy football is a week-to-week game. If you had one of the aforementioned "disappointments" and managed to advance, you have a new lease on life. Set yourself up for success in Week 16 with the Sporting News' running back rankings.

WEEK 16 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS
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Fantasy RB Rankings Week 16: Who to start, sit at running back

Rankings based on PPR scoring. These rankings were updated on Dec. 21 and will be updated throughout the week, so check back often. 

Who are the best fantasy RBs for Week 16?

Saquon Barkley is well on his way to having one of the best fantasy seasons (and seasons in general) for a running back. Even with the Tush Push capping his ceiling, Barkley seems to get there every week with a long touchdown. If you're sitting in the fantasy playoffs with Barkley on your roster, you should be thrilled.

After a rocky start to the year, Bijan Robinson has been fed the rock over the last two months and has been thriving. With an enormous workload, Robinson shouldn't have an issue putting together an RB1 performance against the Giants. The New York defense ranks towards the bottom of the barrel in most rushing efficiency metrics, and they offer a top-10 matchup for opposing running back in terms of fantasy points allowed. Robinson should have a big day in this one.

The workload given to Kyren Williams remains unparalleled. He's now seen 30-plus opportunities (carries and targets) in three games this season, the most of any running back. Sean McVay is clearly comfortable with Williams playing 80 percent of snaps each week, and that won't change as the Rams make their playoff push. This usage makes Williams one of fantasy's top backs.

Who are the best fantasy RB waiver pickups for Week 16?

Over the last few weeks, it appeared that Tony Pollard was shutting Tyjae Spears out of the Tennessee offense. The script flipped in Week 15, with Spears playing 55 percent of snaps while seeing seven targets, which was 2nd-most on the team. He also saw multiple goal line carries, a very encouraging sign for his fantasy value. An in-game injury to Pollard (which he returned from) certainly skewed the snap counts to some degree, but it's clear that Spears will still hold a meaningful role in this offense.

Nick Chubb broke his foot on Sunday, opening the door for Jerome Ford to act as Cleveland's lead back for the rest of the year. Ford thrived after Chubb went down, finishing with 18.4 PPR points on 104 yards from scrimmage, highlighted by a 62-yard touchdown scamper. Considering Ford has pass-catching abilities, he could easily be a bell cow back for the rest of the year. Ford is a priority pickup this week.

MORE: Complete Week 16 Waiver Wire and FAAB recommendations

Who are the best fantasy RB sleepers for Week 16?

After being banished to the Shadow Realm by Dennis Allen, Kendre Miller has emerged and could very well be the Saints' RB1 in Week 16 against the Packers. Alvin Kamara suffered a groin injury last week, and the Saints will likely exercise caution with the veteran back in a lost season. If Kamara sits this one out, Miller becomes a volume-based fringe RB2 option.

One of our waiver pickups, Jerome Ford, is an interesting sleeper option this week. Ford will get the nod this week against the Cincinnati Bengals, one of the premier fantasy matchups for running backs. The Cincinnati defense has been horrendous against the run, coming into this one with the No. 20 rushing defense overall while ranking 28th in EPA per rush. Even if the Browns can’t get anything going through the air, Ford should hold a healthy route share and has the pass-catching chops to produce through the air. Given the matchup and Ford’s well-rounded skill set, he should be viewed as a solid starting option for RB-needy teams.

What are the biggest RB injuries for Week 16?

After recovering from a brutal knee injury last season, Nick Chubb will have to overcome another lower-body injury. Chubb suffered a broken foot last week and left the stadium on crutches. It seems that Chubb's 2024 season is over.

Alvin Kamara made a sensational one-handed catch last week but was relatively quiet afterward due to a groin injury. Kamara was never officially ruled out but did not return to action. As of now, there's no update as to whether this could keep him sidelined in the future.

Kenneth Walker has been dealing with a calf injury for the last few weeks. Zach Charbonnet has played admirably in his absence, but the Seattle offense will certainly benefit from Walker's return. Practice reports from this week should give fans an idea of his Week 16 availability.

Isaac Guerendo was dealing with a foot sprain last week but ultimately was able to suit up. This week, though, he's dealingwith a hamstring injury and is unlikely to play against the Dolphins. Patrick Taylor is the next man up, and could have some success. Jordan Mason and Guerendo have both been fantasy assets in relief of Christian McCaffrey this season. Will Taylor follow suit?