Week 13 NFL Advanced Analytics Superstars

Running Back: James White

James White, RB, New England Patriots
2 Rushes, 4 Yards
10 Receptions, 115 Yards, 13 Targets, 1 Touchdown
NEP: +13.92

One of this week's most surprising games, the Philadelphia Eagles were able to get out to a big lead over the New England Patriots thanks to three touchdowns combined from their defense and special teams. This flipped New England's game script, forcing them to pass on nearly 70% of their plays, subsequently leading to a big outing from receiving back James White.

White led the Patriots running backs in snaps this week (53.1%), connecting with Tom Brady 10 times on 13 targets for 115 receiving yards and a touchdown. They were all career-highs for the second-year man out of Wisconsin. Six of his 10 receptions went for either first downs or touchdowns, boosting White's NEP on the day by extending drives and putting the Patriots in positive game situations. White didn't get a ton of looks in the running game, but saw a goal line carry from the one-yard line that ended up being stuffed for a four-yard loss by Malcolm Jenkins.

One of White's biggest plays was converting a late 4th-and-12 deep in Eagles territory, by shaking Kiko Alonso on a wheel route and bringing in a nice 24-yard conversion. That play added +4.12 to White's Reception NEP, as he came up big for the Patriots. White finished the day with a +13.92 in one of the best receiving performances we've seen from running backs this season per numberFire's metrics. White finished the day with the second-most fantasy points of the week among running backs with 27.9 PPR fantasy points.

The best of the rest of the running backs this week were led by T.J. Yeldon who was finally able to get his first red zone rushing touchdown on the season. Mike Tolbert finished with a very efficient afternoon despite limited touches, adding +6.35 to his Total NEP. The Jets leaned on Bilal Powell in the passing game, as he picked up 91 receiving yards on 8 catches and a touchdown. Charles Sims and Matt Forte were both able to overcome limited touches in split backfields to have efficient games and round out Week 13's top running back performances.

Best of the Rest: