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Directional rushing update for Week 18

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During the NFL season, we’re going to break down how different offenses are utilizing their running backs. As the year goes on, patterns begin to emerge that will allow us to anticipate and exploit mismatches between a defense and an offense we’re targeting in fantasy football. 

 

 

Bird’s Eye View

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Rushing – Left

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There’s some separation with our top quartet here. Antonio Gibson, Joe Mixon, Nick Chubb and Jonathan Taylor are in a tier of their own in usage on rushes out to the left. Austin Ekeler and Josh Jacobs face off in a clash Sunday night where the winner heads to the playoffs. There’s also a scenario where if they tie, both go to the playoffs, but that doesn’t sound as good and involves the Jaguars beating the Colts. 

Rushing – Middle

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Jonathan Taylor and Najee Harris are about 60 rushes clear of the next highest rushers up the middle. Derrick Henry is in the middle of this list and looks like he’ll be ready to return for the playoffs. It’s welcome news for Tennessee fans. It’s even better news because the Titans could clinch the No. 1 seed this weekend, giving Henry an extra week to get back up to speed. 

Rushing – Right 

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Joe Mixon continues to widen his gap here. Alvin Kamara is also in the top six. The Saints are another team fighting for their playoff lives. They need a win and a San Francisco loss in order to sneak in the playoffs. Elijah Mitchell is another name that shows up in this list and could be a name to watch (pending health) over the next month. 

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