The fantasy gods apparently saved all of the RB turmoil for the final quarter of the fantasy season. Plenty of backs went down or got rotated out last week. Here are the spots you need to monitor as the fantasy playoffs begin.

Alexander Mattison, RB MIN - It’s as if all of the fantasy managers with Mattison stashed willed Dalvin Cook to get injured. Minnesota was playing catch up by that point. Mattison still turned in an efficient 73 total yards on 8 combined touches during his 27 snaps. I’m resolved to use Mattison even with Cook active. He’s that good and has an excellent chance to receive a solid workload in a game the Vikes should win handily. 

Darwin Thompson, RB KC - I, for one, am sick of writing up this backfield. I’m guessing you’re sick of spinning the wheel o’ Chiefs backs. Darwin Thompson is the next space it’s landed on after Darrel Williams ’ hammy popped. Maybe we finally get Darwin week. He was serviceable with 11-44-1 on 24 snaps in a blowout. The thing that interests me for this week is the possibility for passing work against a tough Patriots front. That’s assuming Damien Williams doesn’t return and pour water on the whole thing.

Rashaad Penny , RB SEA - Chris Carson getting injured mid-game made it easier for this to be a near split with Penny handling 35 snaps to Carson’s 39. The rotation was heading that way without it, however. Penny is healthy and clearly a playmaker. The team is going to get both of these backs about 15 carries in a vacuum. That could go up or down depending on game flow.

Raheem Mostert , RB SF - Kyle Shanahan can’t be accused of giving players too much leash. Tevin Coleman hasn’t been getting the job done and Mostert has benefited to the tune of 74% of the snaps in a close game in Baltimore. That emanates major trust from his coach. It’s not a rotation you’re thrilled to gamble on but if Matt Breida misses another game Mostert is absolutely playable.

Patrick Laird, RB MIA - The Dolphins Laird and savior delivered them to another win last week. He was pressed into service after Kalen Ballage ’s season came to an end via injury. The team seems to have the most confidence in Laird out of all their young options (60% of the snaps). I’d expect a 60-40 split between him and Myles Gaskins going forward with better production in PPR.

Kenyan Drake , RB ARI - I really need Kliff Kingsbury to explain why David Johnson is even active. He’s clearly nowhere near full health. Is it really worth having him out there? In fairness, the Drake train derailed against the Rams last week with 13-31. He couldn’t even get much passing work with 2-20. The Rams sat on every short route and Arizona had no answer. One thing is clear, though: the bye week did nothing for DJ and Drake will get 75-80% of the snaps.

Devin Singletary , RB BUF - Now that Frank Gore passed Barry Sanders on the rushing list this backfield is Singletary’s. Gore will still get about 10 carries on 20 snaps. The rest will go to the electric rookie. That may not be an immense amount given the remaining games vs BAL, at PIT, at NE. Still, this Bills team continues to find ways to win.

Peyton Barber , RB TB - It was indeed Peyton Barber tilt week. Ronald Jones was benched due to a missed assignment in pass protection. The Bucs could afford to do that in a game they had in the bag almost immediately. I’d still expect RoJo to be the preferred grinder in close games.

Duke Johnson , RB HOU - You may not expect it, but Johnson’s snaps have been rather consistent all year between 30-40 plays. The touches have been the less predictable variable. He’s one of the most efficient backs when he can get the work. With Carlos Hyde possibly slowing down we could see Duke getting a slight bump in usage.

Jaylen Samuels , RB PIT - The RB snaps yoyo in Pittsburgh continues. Samuels switched places in line with Benny Snell this week, out-snapping him 34-23. They did use some Wildcat again so it could be part of the week’s gameplan. Snell was still the better rusher and Samuels the better receiver. That split should continue in James Conner ’s absence.