The final week of the NFL fantasy season is upon us, with most leagues wrapping up in Week 17, though some extend into Week 18. This Backfield Report focuses on key backfield situations that remain ambiguous as teams prepare for their last games of the season. The Arizona Cardinals face a critical decision regarding James Conner, who struggled with a knee injury and played limited snaps. Michael Carter stepped up as the lead back, presenting an appealing streaming option for fantasy managers in Week 18.
In Atlanta, Bijan Robinson continues to dominate opportunities, while in Buffalo, the usage of James Cook is uncertain as the team balances starters and backups against the New England Patriots. The Carolina Panthers, dealing with injuries, have a less favorable backfield situation, while the Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals see players like D’Andre Swift and Khalil Herbert vying for roles, especially with injuries affecting their respective backfields.
The Cleveland Browns' running game remains inconsistent, and the Dallas Cowboys are leaning on Rico Dowdle as Ezekiel Elliott sees diminished opportunities. The Denver Broncos are in a similar spot with Javonte Williams struggling to find his footing. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs and the Kansas City Chiefs' backfield are worth monitoring as they prepare for their final games, with both teams having players dealing with injuries.
Teams like the Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings are also grappling with injury concerns as they head into Week 18, while the New England Patriots' backfield sees a shift in roles as they prepare for their finale against the Bills. The New Orleans Saints and New York Jets face uncertainty in their backfields, with players like Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Breece Hall taking center stage. As the season concludes, fantasy managers must navigate these complex backfield situations to optimize their lineups for the final week.
