The Eagles backfield has been a surprising goldmine of fantasy football points this season, with Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, Jordan Howard, and Kenneth Gainwell all providing stellar fantasy performances this year. How is this backfield shaping up for Philadelphia’s Week 15 game with the Washington Football Team?
The Eagles really like running the ball
No team has run the ball more this year than the Eagles. Not one. On the season, Philadelphia has averaged 31.7 rushing attempts per game. They’ve averaged 41.3 carries in their last three contests. Sanders is the clear lead back when healthy, but the Eagles have a handful of other RBs capable of having their number called.
Before their bye week, Sanders had a great game. The third-year RB posted 24 carries for 120 yards and a TD against the New York Jets. He also had 3 receptions for an additional 22 yards.
With Howard and Scott unavailable in that Week 14 game, Gainwell had a great day as well. He rushed 12 times for 54 yards and a TD while catching 5 passes for 33 yards. Both RBs were excellent fantasy plays.
Here’s the kicker — we haven’t seen the Eagles utilize all four running backs in a game this year. When Gainwell was inactive in Week 11 against the Saints, Sanders had 16 carries, Howard had 10, and Scott had 6. How will Philadelphia deploy its backfield when all four backs are available?
When Miles Sanders hasn’t been available, Jordan Howard has seen the bulk of the work
In games where Sanders was on the injured reserve and Scott was available, it was Howard who was the fill-in RB1. If you look back to Philadelphia’s early November games, Howard was getting about 60% of the carries on a per-game basis. In Week 9, for instance, Howard had 17 carries, Scott had 10, and Gainwell had 2.
[the_ad_group id=”61550″]
With Sanders available, it’s safe to write his name in pen to lead the team in carries. After that, it looks like Howard would be the second option, with a light dose of Scott after that. Gainwell might factor into the passing game more than anything.
Miles Sanders fantasy outlook
It’s important to note that Jalen Hurts has been battling an ankle injury and missed the Eagles’ last game. However, he was a full participant in Friday’s practice and looks like he’s on his way to playing.
Also of note, Philadelphia’s game against the Washington Football Team is one of three that has been postponed. It’s currently scheduled to be played on Tuesday at 7 PM ET. The NFL is dealing with quite the COVID mess right now.
Washington is dealing with a slew of COVID cases, which is the reason this game was postponed. Washington currently has 21 players on the COVID-19 list, including 11 starters, most of whom are on defense. They may also be down to their third-string quarterback. Washington’s situation is in disarray, and the Eagles should be able to capitalize.
Sanders is absolutely a start and a potential RB1 this week. If you’re looking for other options to contribute to your fantasy team, Gainwell sticks out with his role in the passing game. Howard could also see double-digit carries, and any of these running backs are capable of being used in red-zone opportunities. Scott, for me, would be the odd man out. Gainwell and Howard both could have numbers worthy of a flex play in an Eagles offense that has plenty of opportunities to go around for their running backs.
