Fantasy Football Week 13: Aaron Jones, Todd Gurley and other must starts

Here is this week’s edition of top five running backs to start in fantasy football.

So close, yet so far. The Week 12 edition of top five running backs to slot into your fantasy football lineup saw four players finish as top 10 scorers in ESPN PPR standard scoring leagues.

Christian McCaffrey led all names on the list, as well as all running backs in the NFL, with his huge 46.7 fantasy point day. He ran for 125 yards, racked in another 112 in the air and punched in two scores.

Saquon Barkley came in second behind McCaffrey with 33.2 points. Leonard Fournette gathered 25.8 and Ezekiel Elliott followed behind him with 25. 3 of his own.

Melvin Gordon almost made it a perfect 5-5 with 20.6 points. However, let’s dive into this week’s list and try to nab that 5-5 for this time around.

5. Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers

Perhaps one of the most underused and underrated running backs in the NFL is Aaron Jones. He has taken over the Green Bay Packers feature back role and has done well.

Jones has scored a touchdown three weeks in a row. However, he’s only run for 100 yards once during the stretch due to his limited usage.

The second-year back has also been effective as a pass-catching back. He is only owned in 93.5 percent of ESPN leagues, so grab him now.

This week, the Packers host the Arizona Cardinals. They have allowed opposing running backs to have a field day against them all season.

Next: 4. Sony Michel

4. Sony Michel, New England Patriots

Here he is, a running back who may be well on his way to a massive finish to the year. Sony Michel had a very limited season at times, but he looks like he’s about to take off with what seems to fresh legs.

Michel has been great when on the field for the New England Patriots. But, keeping him on the field has been tough.

The rookie is coming off his best game in the NFL. He ran for a career-high 133 yards during the Pats win against the New York Jets. He also found the end zone once.

Week 13 puts Michel at home against the Minnesota Vikings. Expect him to have another big day at the office.

Next: 3. Saquon Barkley

3. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants

The New York Giants are owners of the most dynamic running back in the NFL. Rookie Saquon Barkley has been an absolute machine for Big Blue.

Whether it’s taking the ball out of the backfield, or lining up as wide receiver, Barkley can do it all. He has been the only saving grace for the Giants.

The rookie ran for 101 yards and a touchdown to go with his 41 receiving yards and one score. His typical “Barkley day” resulted in 33.2 points.

Big Blue looks to bounce back from their devastating Week 12 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles by hosting the Chicago Bears. Yes, the Bears defense has been stout, but Barkley is a different beast.

Next: 2. Christian McCaffrey

2. Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers

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What Christian McCaffrey did on Sunday cannot go unnoticed. He had a huge day in a loss for the Carolina Panthers.

McCaffrey, like Barkley, is as good a receiver as he is a running back. He has gone for 20+ points seven times, 30+ three times and 40+ once.

The best part here is that the Panthers need every win they can get. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about McCaffrey taking less reps down the stretch.

The Panthers travel to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week. Not much else needs to be said.

Next: 1. Todd Gurley

1. Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams

Todd Gurley got to rest his legs during the Los Angeles Rams bye week in Week 13. This was much needed, especially after that wild game the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs found themselves in during Week 12.

Gurley had the worst game of the season during that insane win. However, that was more because the game turned into a battle through the air.

Before that, Gurley had been one of the best players in all of fantasy football. The touchdown machine looks to get on pace this week.

The Rams travel to Motown to play the Detroit Lions. Regardless, Gurley will jump right back into form post bye week.