Elijah Mitchell

Week 12 vs. Minnesota Vikings

Elijah Mitchell missed the game last week with a finger injury and his status going into Week 12 against the Vikings is questionable. If he starts, he’s an RB2 with the workload he’s gotten whenever active. But have a backup plan – Jeff Wilson – in place, just in case he’s a late scratch. Watch that injury report carefully.

Week 10 vs. Los Angeles Rams

Elijah Mitchell entered the game against the Cardinals last Sunday nicked up, but he played anyway and saw his typically 60-plus percent of the snaps. He was limited to just eight carries and 36 yards on the ground, but added five receptions and 43 yards in a lopsided defeat. The 49ers were forced to throw the ball 40 times. Mitchell has been productive when healthy, so as long as he doesn’t sustain a setback, he should be considered a viable fantasy option moving forward, even with the return of Jeff “The Vulture” Wilson.

This week, Mitchell faces a Rams defense that ranks 16th in aFPA to opposing running backs. With his workload, fantasy managers should consider him a solid RB2 option every week while he’s healthy. That measures up to his ranking this week, as we have him just inside our top 20. Start him.

Week 8 at Chicago Bears

Elijah Mitchell is clearly the starter when healthy. He rushed 18 times for 107 yards and a touchdown last week against the Colts and now has two 100-plus yard days in just four games played. While it’s always concerning to see the number of interesting running backs on the San Francisco depth chart, it’s time to face the fact that Mitchell is this team’s preferred option in the backfield, and treat him accordingly.

This week, he’ll face a Bears defense that ranks fifth in aFPA to opposing running backs. With a high floor based on workload, Mitchell should be considered a solid RB2 option in most leagues. Start him.