Which defense allows the most fantasy points to running backs?

Based on the 2026 season, the Carolina Panthers allow the most fantasy points to running backs (about 5.4 PPR points per game), making them the softest matchup to target.

Is it a good matchup to start a running back against the Vikings?

The Minnesota Vikings are one of the toughest matchups in the league, a spot to fade streamers and fringe running backs. They allow the 2nd-fewest fantasy points to running backs in the NFL, surrendering roughly 2.2 PPR points per game to the position.

How many fantasy points do the Minnesota Vikings allow to running backs per game?

The Minnesota Vikings defense allowed about 2.2 PPR fantasy points per game to running backs across the 2026 season (17 games).

Defense vs Position › Minnesota Vikings vs RB

Minnesota Vikings Defense vs RB

Fantasy points allowed by the Minnesota Vikings to running backs, with the matchup rank and whether it is a spot to start or sit.

The Minnesota Vikings allow the 2nd-fewest fantasy points to running backs in the NFL, giving up about 2.2 PPR fantasy points per game to the position based on the 2026 season, which makes them a tough matchup to start a running back against.

2.2

PPR pts / game allowed to RBs

31st

most generous defense to RBs (of 32)

2nd

fewest fantasy points allowed (toughest = 1st)

A tough matchup

to start a running back against

What the Minnesota Vikings defense allowed to running backs, per game, over the 2026 season (17 games). These per-game averages prove the matchup: higher numbers mean an easier defense to score on.
Stat allowed to RBs	Per game
Fantasy points (PPR)	2.2
Rush yds	11.8
Rush TD	0
Receptions	0.6
NFL rank (1 = allows most)	31st of 32

Last updated October 3, 2026 · Data source: 2026 NFL season game logs (Sleeper), PPR scoring.

Where the Vikings rank vs running backs

Across the 2026 season the Carolina Panthers gave up the most fantasy points to running backs (the softest matchup to target), while the Houston Texans allowed the fewest (the toughest). The Minnesota Vikings land at 31st of 32, so treat this as one of the toughest matchups in the league, a spot to fade streamers and fringe running backs.

How to use this matchup

Start your studs regardless

Elite running backs stay in your lineup even in a tough matchup. This page matters most for borderline flex and streaming calls.

Fade fringe options

A stingy defense is a reason to bench a fringe running back for a better matchup on your bench.

Check the full schedule

One week is noise. Use the strength of schedule tool to see every defense ranked at each position.

Get advice for your roster

Sync your league in My Team or run a start/sit check to see who to play this week.

Vikings defense vs other positions

Minnesota Vikings vs QB Minnesota Vikings vs WR Minnesota Vikings vs TE

Starting a running back? Check the player

Jahmyr Gibbs Bijan Robinson Jonathan Taylor Derrick Henry James Cook III Ashton Jeanty