If you have a Washington running back, this is the week to start him. Washington is at Detroit, and that's a team that's had a lot of problems against opposing running backs. Not only stopping the run, but in terms of scoring, period.
Detroit ranks 30th in run defense, allowing 148 yards per game. Thev've allowed 13 rushing touchdowns, tied for most in the league.
And they've also allowed 5 touchdown receptions by running backs. That's most in the league, as well.
Antonio Gibson is the starter and should get the most rushing attempts, but J.D. McKissic should be the primary back in obvious passing situations. Detroit's defensive performance this season makes it look likely there will be a rushing touchdown, and there might well be a scoring reception by one of these players, as well.
In the table, the RecTD column shows touchdown receptions by running backs against the Lions this year.
| RUNNING GAMES VERSUS DETROIT | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Team | RuYds | RuTD | RecTD |
| Chicago | 149 | 0 | 0 |
| Green Bay | 259 | 2 | 1 |
| Arizona | 109 | 1 | 0 |
| New Orleans | 164 | 3 | 0 |
| Jacksonville | 44 | 1 | 1 |
| Atlanta | 66 | 2 | 0 |
| Indianapolis | 119 | 2 | 2 |
| Minnesota | 275 | 2 | 1 |
| Avg/Total | 148 | 13 | 5 |
--Andy Richardson