Go here for this week's Passing Matchups.
Top 5 Rushing Matchups
Chicago at Indianapolis
The Chicago Bears' rushing offense has been a major disappointment through the first two games of the season, with offseason acquisition D'Andre Swift struggling significantly. Swift is averaging just 2.0 yards per carry and has managed only 24 rushing yards per game. However, it's important to consider the challenging schedule the Bears have faced, going up against two of the NFL's premier run-stopping units in Tennessee and Houston. Despite this, the Bears' offensive line, particularly at the tackle positions with Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright, has failed to provide the necessary support, which is problematic since Swift is most effective on off-tackle runs. Compounding the issues, the Bears have also been dealing with instability along the offensive line. In Week 1, they rotated players at the right guard position, but with Ryan Bates now on injured reserve, they have committed to Nate Davis. Despite being one of the team's highest-paid players at $10 million per year, Davis has struggled both on and off the field, frequently missing practices and drawing criticism from local media as a player lacking commitment.
The Indianapolis Colts have been highly vulnerable against the run this season. Both Josh Jacobs and Joe Mixon have exploited this weakness, each topping 150 rushing yards in their respective matchups against the Colts. Opposing teams have heavily committed to the run against Indianapolis, with the Texans and Packers averaging 38 rushing attempts per game. The root of the Colts' problems lies in their beleaguered front seven, which has been hampered by injuries to key players like DeForest Buckner on the defensive line and Samson Ebukam at linebacker. As a result, players like Raekwon Davis, Zaire Franklin, and rookie Jaylin Carlies have been thrust into roles that exceed their current capabilities, leading to frequent breakdowns in run defense. Although Grover Stewart remains a reliable presence at defensive tackle, the Colts need more consistent contributions from the rest of the unit. Notably, safety Nick Cross leads the team in tackles with 29—a concerning sign that too many running plays are breaking through to the secondary.
Las Vegas vs Carolina
The Las Vegas Raiders' rushing offense has struggled significantly through the first two games of the season, averaging just 49 yards per game, the worst mark in the NFL and 19 yards fewer than the next closest team. Last week, despite being competitive against Baltimore, the Raiders largely abandoned the run, attempting just 15 carries as they leaned on Gardner Minshew II's arm in a pass-heavy game plan that ultimately secured their victory. Zamir White appears to have gained favor with the coaching staff, seeing his snap share increase from 38% in Week 1 to 63% in Week 2, while Alexander Mattison's snap share declined from 60% to just 22%. The Raiders' offensive line remains unsettled, particularly at left guard, where Cody Whitehair and Andrus Peat split snaps without either securing the position. There's growing speculation that rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson, a second-round pick who has yet to see the field, could get a look at the position as the team continues to search for answers up front.
The Raiders' matchup against the Carolina Panthers offers a prime opportunity to get the ground game going, as Carolina's run defense has been one of the weakest in the league. Through two games, the Panthers have allowed an average of 167 rushing yards per game, including a 131-yard performance by JK Dobbins last week. This poor run defense is a product of a perfect storm: Carolina's offense has been nearly non-existent, scoring just 6.5 points per game, which has forced the defense onto the field for extended periods and allowed opponents to exploit their run defense. Carolina's struggles have been compounded by a lack of talent on the defensive line and at linebacker. The departure of Frankie Luvu this offseason left a significant void that the team has been unable to fill effectively. Replacement Josey Jewell has been a liability at linebacker, struggling to shed blocks and making it difficult for the defense to stop the run, especially with star defensive tackle Derrick Brown sidelined for the season. If the Panthers' offense can improve, potentially under veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, it might relieve some of the pressure on their defense. However, if their offensive woes continue, expect opposing teams to keep pounding the ball against this defense, with 30 or more rushing attempts per game becoming the norm. For the Raiders, this matchup could be a much-needed opportunity to establish their run game and build some offensive balance moving forward.
San Francisco at LA Rams
With Christian McCaffrey sidelined on Injured Reserve due to an Achilles injury, the San Francisco 49ers will rely heavily on Jordan Mason for the next few games. Mason has already stepped up impressively this season, topping 100 yards in both of the first two games. Against the Vikings, he carried the ball 20 times and followed that up with 28 carries against the Jets, averaging an impressive 5.1 yards per carry. This increased workload has been crucial for the 49ers, especially with McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel Sr. (who has 10 carries this season) unavailable, further consolidating the backfield work to Mason. The 49ers' offensive line has been a key factor in Mason's success, especially in the run game. Trent Williams continues to be a standout as a three-time First-Team All-Pro, and right tackle Colton McKivitz has emerged as a strong run-blocker. While the interior of the line has faced some challenges in pass protection, it has performed above average in run blocking, creating consistent lanes for Mason. Despite having other backs like Isaac Guerendo and Patrick Taylor Jr. on the roster, the 49ers have shown a lack of trust in their depth, with Guerendo playing just four snaps and Taylor yet to see the field this season.
On the other side, the Rams' defense is struggling significantly, exacerbated by injuries. They currently have five defensive players on Injured Reserve, and with their offense also dealing with key absences, opposing teams can more easily focus on exploiting their defensive weaknesses. Through two games, the Rams have allowed an average of 155 rushing yards per game, including 91 yards to David Montgomery in Week 1 and 122 yards to James Conner last week. The Rams' defense, which was previously anchored by Aaron Donald, is now showing major vulnerabilities following his retirement. The linebacker unit, featuring Christian Rozeboom and Troy Reeder, has been unable to consistently shed blocks or effectively stop the run. Compounding the issue, safety Johnny Johnson III is on IR, forcing the Rams to move cornerback Quentin Lake to safety alongside Kamren Curl, who is their only reliable run defender. While Lake leads the team in tackles, this statistic reflects teams targeting the Rams' run defense weaknesses rather than effective play.
New Orleans vs Philadelphia
Alvin Kamara is coming off one of his best performances, rushing for 115 yards and three touchdowns against Dallas, marking his seventh career game with three touchdowns. This success can be attributed to the changes implemented by new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who has shifted the focus away from Taysom Hill's red zone usage, a staple during Pete Carmichael's tenure. Through two games, Hill hasn't had any red zone carries or targets, while Kamara has been heavily involved with ten opportunities compared to Jamaal Williams' five. Hill's availability this week is in question as he has not practiced following a chest injury in Week 2, which could further solidify Kamara's role near the goal line. The Saints' offensive line has been dominant, playing a crucial role in Kamara's resurgence. Guards Lucas Patrick, Eric McCoy, and Cesar Ruiz have all excelled as run blockers, surprising many with their performance levels. Patrick, in particular, has exceeded expectations, considering his journeyman status and initial role as a depth player. If Kubiak continues to get this kind of production from his offensive line, he could be a hot candidate for head coaching positions next season.
On the defensive side, the Eagles are experiencing growing pains with a youthful defensive line after losing veterans Haason Reddick and Fletcher Cox in the offseason. While the unit is packed with talent, including Jalen Carter, Josh Sweat, Bryce Huff, and Jordan Davis, it has yet to deliver on its potential. Philadelphia's run defense struggled in the first two games, giving up 150 rushing yards to the Falcons in Week 2 and 130 yards to the Packers in Week 1. Jalen Carter, a standout as a rookie, has had a slow start to the season and was benched briefly last week for a team infraction. The Eagles' linebacker corps is also in transition, with Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean replacing Nicholas Morrow and Zach Cunningham. Dean, moving from a backup role to every-down duties, has struggled with the adjustment, while Baun, signed to a one-year deal after a rocky stint with the Saints, has shown inconsistency despite leading the team in tackles with 24. The Eagles need more production from both their defensive line and linebackers to improve their run defense, which has been underwhelming despite the high-end talent on the roster.
Cleveland vs NY Giants
Cleveland's backfield situation is evolving as the team seems to be leaning more toward D'Onta Foreman despite Jerome Ford's higher efficiency. In their 18-13 win last week, Foreman led the backfield with 14 carries compared to Ford's seven. However, Ford was the more productive runner, finishing with 64 yards, including a 36-yard burst, while Foreman provided a more straightforward, no-nonsense running style. This shift suggests that Cleveland might prefer Foreman's reliability to minimize negative plays, especially given concerns about their offensive line, which has struggled with injuries. The Browns' offensive line has been a patchwork unit so far this season, with both starting tackles, Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills, missing games due to knee injuries. However, there is some optimism as Conklin fully participated in Wednesday's practice, and Wills was a limited participant. If either is unavailable, Cleveland's line depth could be severely tested, particularly with backup tackle Dawand Jones, also dealing with a knee injury. With backup running back Pierre Strong Jr sidelined by a hamstring injury, the workload will likely be split between Foreman and Ford. Cleveland will rely on this duo to keep the running game afloat until Nick Chubb's potential return later in the season.
The New York Giants' run defense has struggled through the first two weeks, allowing 94 rushing yards to Aaron Jones and 133 yards to Brian Robinson Jr. The Giants are still searching for an identity on defense, especially after benching linebacker Micah McFadden in Week 1 in favor of rookie Darius Muasau. McFadden bounced back last week with 13 tackles, although many of those tackles occurred downfield, highlighting issues with the defensive line's inability to control the line of scrimmage. The Giants' defense is built around pass rushers Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, but their impact has been minimal against the run. This has forced the team to rely on less consistent run defenders like Rakeem Nunez-Roches and undrafted rookie Elijah Chatman, who have struggled to contain opposing rushing attacks. Unless the defensive line can tighten up, the Giants could continue to be vulnerable to the run, giving Cleveland's backfield an opportunity to thrive this week.
Bottom 5 Rushing Matchups
Minnesota vs Houston
After Aaron Jones' impressive Week 1 performance, the Vikings appear committed to maintaining a committee backfield between Jones and Ty Chandler. Despite a rough start with just 17 yards on 8 carries in Week 1, Chandler rebounded in Week 2, amassing 82 yards on 10 carries, highlighted by a 25-yard run. This balance in the backfield indicates that the Vikings plan to utilize both backs depending on the matchup and flow of the game, rather than relying solely on one feature back. The Vikings' offensive line has been exceptional through the first two weeks, particularly against San Francisco's formidable defense. Tackles Brian O'Neill and Christian Darrisaw have been outstanding, forming one of the most underrated tackle duos in the league. Guard Blake Brendel has also been a key contributor, excelling more in run blocking than pass protection. While O'Neill did not practice on Wednesday due to an elbow injury, he has been managing this issue all season, and it would be surprising if he missed this week's game.
Houston's run defense, however, poses a significant challenge. The Texans have been one of the best run-stopping units in the NFL since the arrival of head coach DeMeco Ryans. Under Ryans, the Texans have completely transformed, allowing just 3.1 yards per carry to opposing running backs since last season. In Week 2, they dominated the Bears' rushing attack, holding D'Andre Swift to 18 yards on 14 carries. Unlike other elite defenses, Houston does not boast any All-Pro caliber stars but thrives on strong coaching and disciplined execution. Linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To'o'To'o are sure tacklers who consistently prevent big plays, while safeties Jimmie Ward and Jalen Pitre excel at stopping the run. This cohesive, well-coached unit makes Houston one of the toughest matchups for any rushing offense, and it will be crucial for the Vikings' offensive line and backfield committee to be at their best to find success against this stout defense.
Dallas vs Baltimore
The Dallas Cowboys' running game has struggled through the first two weeks of the season, failing to find consistency with either Rico Dowdle or Ezekiel Elliott. Neither back has managed to top 40 yards in a game, highlighting the ineffectiveness of the current committee approach. Elliott has played 60 snaps, while Dowdle has been on the field for 58, and both backs have seen at least 40% of the snaps in each game. This rotation has yet to yield any significant results, leaving Dallas searching for answers on the ground. A significant factor contributing to the Cowboys' rushing woes is the inexperience on their offensive line. The team is trying to integrate two rookies—first-round pick Tyler Guyton at left tackle and third-round rookie Cooper Beebe at center. Both have struggled early on, and their growing pains have been evident in the run-blocking department. Additionally, veteran guard Zack Martin, an 11-year pro and a future Hall of Famer, is starting to show signs of decline, further complicating matters for the Dallas rushing attack.
On the other side of the field, Baltimore's run defense has been nothing short of outstanding through two games. The Ravens have effectively shut down opposing running backs, holding Zamir White to just 24 yards on 9 carries and limiting Isiah Pacheco to 45 yards on 15 attempts. This defensive unit is one of the most talented in the NFL, led by back-to-back First-Team All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith and 2023 First-Team All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton. Smith is a tackling machine, having finished in the top five in total tackles each of the last two seasons, and he plays a critical role in preventing big plays against the run. Hamilton, another elite run-stopper, works effectively alongside Smith to create a formidable barrier against opposing rushers. Their combined presence makes it exceedingly difficult for any running back to break free for substantial gains. As Dallas heads into this matchup, their struggling running game faces a daunting challenge against one of the league's premier run defenses, making it a tough week for the Cowboys to try and establish any ground success.
Arizona vs Detroit
Kyler Murray appears to have regained his pre-ACL injury form, looking much more confident and dynamic than he did last season. Murray's mobility and playmaking ability have made him a defensive nightmare for opponents, creating more opportunities for the entire Cardinals' rushing attack. This was evident in James Conner's recent performance, where he rushed for 122 yards on 21 carries against the Los Angeles Rams. Conner has found a career resurgence in Arizona, averaging 4.7 yards per carry over the last three seasons, thanks in part to Murray's presence, which keeps defenses on their toes. Murray's improvement as a rusher has been a game-changer for the Cardinals. After struggling with his mobility last season, he is now averaging 58 rushing yards per game, a significant increase from the 30.5 yards per game he averaged last year. His ability to extend plays and pick up yards on the ground has not only boosted his own game but has also been instrumental in opening up running lanes for Conner and the rest of the offense.
The Cardinals face a difficult challenge this week against the Detroit Lions, a team specifically built to stop the run. The Lions utilize a base defense more frequently than most NFL teams, often fielding three linebackers—Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, and Derrick Barnes—on the field at the same time. This setup allows them to be stout against opposing rushing attacks. Detroit's defensive line is one of the best in the NFL, anchored by standout pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson and two dominant interior defenders in D.J. Reader and Alim McNeill, who are known for their ability to clog up running lanes and make life difficult for opposing offenses. Safety Brian Branch adds another layer of run defense, frequently playing in the box as an additional linebacker to stifle running plays. The Lions' success against the run is clear through their first two games of the season. They have not allowed a running back to rush for more than 50 yards, are giving up just 2.8 yards per carry, and are allowing the fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs. Last week, they completely shut down Tampa Bay's rushing attack, further solidifying their reputation as one of the toughest run defenses in the league.
Philadelphia at New Orleans
Saquon Barkley has been outstanding through the first two games of the season, averaging 102 rushing yards per game and surpassing 90 yards in each contest. Running behind the Philadelphia Eagles' robust offensive line, Barkley appears more comfortable and effective than during his time with the New York Giants, where he often faced stacked boxes and negative plays. The Eagles have made a strong commitment to the run game, giving Barkley significant volume with an average of 23 carries per game. While Barkley's Week 1 performance was highlighted by 109 yards, his Week 2 showing—95 yards on 22 carries without a run longer than 11 yards—might be a more reliable predictor of his future success. This consistency suggests that Barkley is avoiding the boom-or-bust performances that characterized his previous seasons, making him a more dependable option week-to-week. Despite the retirement of longtime center Jason Kelce, the Eagles' offensive line remains one of the league's best. The team boasts one of the top tackle duos in Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, while Mekhi Becton has transitioned well to guard after playing primarily as a tackle with the Jets. This formidable line has allowed Barkley to find running lanes and avoid the frequent losses that plagued him in New York.
Barkley and the Eagles' run game face a significant test against the New Orleans Saints, whose run defense has been dominant through the first two weeks. The Saints have allowed just 50 rushing yards per game, and no opposing running back has managed to top 30 yards against them. That said, the Saints' early success has come against two of the NFL's weakest rushing offenses, the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers, making this matchup against Philadelphia a much more challenging test. The strength of the Saints' run defense lies in their talented linebacking corps, led by Demario Davis and Pete Werner, who are both excellent run defenders. The performance of this unit is heavily reliant on the play of the defensive line, particularly 2023 first-round pick Bryan Bresee, who is expected to step up his game this season. Tyrann Mathieu, a veteran safety known for his run-stopping prowess, rounds out the defense, providing additional support against the run.
NY Giants at Cleveland
The New York Giants have struggled offensively through the first two weeks of the 2024 season, averaging just 13.5 points per game. The lone bright spot has been running back Devin Singletary, who has been a consistent performer, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. In Week 2, Singletary carried the ball 16 times for 95 yards and a touchdown against Washington, showcasing his ability to be a focal point of the Giants' offense. With Saquon Barkley no longer on the team, Singletary's health and productivity are crucial for the Giants, especially given their lack of depth at the running back position. Behind him, they have rookie Tyron Tracy and 2023 fifth-round pick Eric Gray, who have combined for just five carries this season, highlighting the thin backfield. The Giants' offensive line issues compound the problem. According to Footballguys expert Matt Bitonti, the Giants' line ranks 25th overall and 31st in run blocking, with most of their overall rank bolstered by the standout pass blocking of left tackle Andrew Thomas. This lack of support upfront puts even more pressure on Singletary to create yards on his own and stay healthy.
On the defensive side, Cleveland has proven to be a formidable opponent, particularly against the run. After a less dominant Week 1, the Browns' defense bounced back in Week 2, showing the strength that made them one of the league's better units last season. Through two weeks, they have allowed just 74 rushing yards per game to opposing running backs, including holding Jacksonville's Travis Etienne Jr. to a mere 52 yards on 13 carries. The defensive line, led by Myles Garrett, Za'Darius Smith, and Dalvin Tomlinson, is a major factor, consistently creating disruption and making life easier for the veteran linebacker duo of Jordan Hicks and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, both of whom are capable run-stoppers. However, the Browns do face some challenges in terms of depth, which was exposed last week when they placed four defensive players on Injured Reserve, including starting safety Juan Thornhill. While the front-line talent remains strong, Cleveland's ability to maintain its defensive dominance could be tested if injuries continue to impact key contributors.
