Fantasy Football: Week 16 Running Back Rankings

MIAMI, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- If you don't own any elite running backs, the easy way to go about your decision for Week 16 will be exploiting some juicy matchups.

Several RB2-level players face weak opponents and should be worthy of starting consideration for your fantasy football squad, even in your league championship.

To help you figure out who to sit or start at the position, take a look at my top 30 running backs for Week 16. You can also view my add/drops for the week and more positional rankings in the links below.

TOP SHELF

Jordan Howard is a top-5 RB1 this week with a matchup against the Washington Redskins. The Redskins are allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to the position. The Chicago Bears young stud is on fire this season and has four touchdowns in his last three games. Howard can also be counted on for getting a ton of work. He has 62 carries in his last three contests and has at least 99 yards from scrimmage in every game since Week 8.

You might have lost faith in Todd Gurley earlier this season, but I would give him another shot against the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers are allowing the most fantasy points, yards, and touchdowns to opposing running backs. Gurley has at least 13 touches in every game this season. The 49ers have allowed eight scores to running backs in its last three games. Last week, the 49ers allowed the Atlanta Falcons to pile up 249 yards and three scores on 40 carries.

SNEAKY PLAYS

Latavius Murray battles the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16. The Colts are allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs. The Oakland Raiders running back has four touchdowns in his last four games. He is a sure-fire RB1 this week.

Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi should return RB1 value against the Buffalo Bills. The Bills are allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing runners. Ajayi has at least 18 touches in every game since Week 5. I expect coach Adam Gase to lean heavily on the player who has been integral to the Dolphins' success, when it comes to this must-win skirmish against an AFC East foe.

LONGSHOTS

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart showed off in a big way in Week 15 by blasting the Washington Redskins for 132 rushing yards. Now he gets a matchup against the Falcons. He is an RB2 in this matchup against a unit tied with the Bills for allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to the position.

San Diego Chargers rookie Kenneth Farrow gets gifted the Cleveland Browns this Christmas. Farrow is also an RB2. The Browns have allowed the second-most fantasy points to running backs. He should see a steady amount of work after amassing 39 touches in his last two games.