The injury report for NFL running backs heading into Week 18 reveals significant updates that could impact fantasy football lineups. Saquon Barkley is set to sit out as the Philadelphia Eagles prioritize his health for the playoffs, while Bucky Irving has been cleared to play following shoulder and shin issues, positioning him as a strong RB1 option against the Saints.

Josh Jacobs is also expected to play, albeit with limited workload expectations, which may affect his fantasy value. Kyren Williams will not participate as the Rams rest him for playoff contention, leaving Blake Corum to lead the backfield.

Other notable updates include Alvin Kamara being doubtful due to a groin injury, while Aaron Jones is cleared to play and will likely have a substantial role. Tony Pollard's status is questionable due to an ankle injury, and Jaylen Warren is cleared to play and could see significant action against the Bengals.

Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens have secured a well-deserved break after an impressive performance against the Houston Texans, winning 31-2. This victory capped off a challenging stretch of three games in just 11 days, during which the Ravens showcased their potential as serious Super Bowl contenders. With a win next week, they could clinch the AFC North title and Jackson's chances for a third MVP award are looking promising.

Coach John Harbaugh expressed his pride in the team's ability to dominate this grueling schedule, emphasizing their determination and hard work. Jackson's impressive passer rating of 121.6 puts him in striking distance of the NFL record, while Derrick Henry continues to excel with significant rushing yards. Despite some struggles from kicker Justin Tucker, who managed a crucial 52-yard field goal, the Ravens displayed a strong rushing game, significantly outpacing Houston.

After a rocky start to the season, the Ravens have turned things around, demonstrating that it's not about how you begin but how you finish. They are now poised for a critical matchup against the Cleveland Browns, aiming to solidify their position in the playoffs. The defense, which had faced challenges earlier in the season, stepped up to hold Houston scoreless offensively, proving their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.

However, the Ravens face some challenges, particularly in their running back depth and special teams, as injuries and performance issues have emerged. Despite this, the team remains focused on their upcoming games and the chance to secure a division title.

Lamar Jackson made history by breaking the NFL career rushing record for quarterbacks during the Baltimore Ravens' dominant 31-2 win over the Houston Texans. Jackson's remarkable performance included a 48-yard touchdown run, reaching a top speed of 21.25 mph, and he finished with 168 passing yards and two touchdowns.

This victory not only solidified Jackson's MVP candidacy but also helped the Ravens secure their playoff spot as they aim for the AFC North title.

As Week 17 of the fantasy football season approaches, managers are faced with crucial decisions regarding waiver wire running backs to target. This article categorizes 17 running backs into three tiers, offering insights on their recent performances and potential roles in upcoming matchups.

Highlighted in Tier 1 are Kendre Miller from the New Orleans Saints and Tyjae Spears of the Tennessee Titans, both of whom have seen increased workloads and could be pivotal for championship aspirations. The analysis extends to other players, including Trey Benson, Michael Carter, and Kareem Hunt, emphasizing their potential impact in fantasy lineups.

Additional tiers feature players like Tyler Allgeier from the Atlanta Falcons and Blake Corum of the Los Angeles Rams, who could serve as valuable assets depending on injury situations. The article also discusses dark horse candidates such as Ray Davis from the Buffalo Bills and Roschon Johnson of the Chicago Bears, who might emerge as key contributors in the final week.

In Week 15, James Conner shone for the Arizona Cardinals, rushing for 110 yards and two touchdowns in their victory over the New England Patriots. Meanwhile, Bijan Robinson stood out for the Atlanta Falcons despite their lackluster performance against the Raiders, rushing for 125 yards.

In Baltimore, Derrick Henry led the Ravens in rushing, while rookie Rasheen Ali made his debut. The Buffalo Bills saw James Cook excel against the Lions, and Chuba Hubbard took the lead for the Panthers following an injury to Jonathon Brooks.

In Chicago, D'Andre Swift led the Bears' backfield, while Chase Brown continued to impress for the Cincinnati Bengals. The Cleveland Browns faced a setback with Nick Chubb's injury, thrusting Jerome Ford into the spotlight. Rico Dowdle had a career day for the Dallas Cowboys, and the Denver Broncos struggled with their backfield.

As the season progresses, players like Jahmyr Gibbs and Josh Jacobs are emerging as key fantasy assets, while injuries are reshaping the landscape for teams like the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants.