NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 6 – Running Backs

The running back landscape for Week 6 in DFS is going to be very different. If you’re playing in the main Sunday afternoon slate, Christian McCaffrey, Aaron Jones, Marlon Mack and James White are just a few of the names who won’t be at your disposal either because their team is on a bye or they are playing in a prime time game. Keeping that in mind, here are some of the best options who are still on the board, as well as a couple of players to avoid. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NFL Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

CASH TARGETS

Ezekiel Elliott, DAL at NYJ
FanDuel = $8,500
DraftKings = $8,500

While Elliott has had two monster games on the ground this season, he’s also rushed for 62 yards or fewer three times already. His saving grace has been his ability to find the end zone, accumulating four rushing touchdowns through five games. While he only had 12 carries last week against the Packers, that was mainly because the Cowboys were down big early and had to throw more. The game script should work in his favor against the hapless Jets, leaving him with a very high floor.

Alvin Kamara, NO at JAC
FanDuel = $7,900
DraftKings = $8,000

At this point, Kamara’s season has been somewhat disappointing. He only has two total touchdowns, both of which came in Week 3 against the Seahawks. He’s also had two games with three or fewer receptions. With that being said, he has posted at least 100 total yards three times and is one of the key pieces of the Saints’ offense, especially with Drew Brees (thumb) out. The Jaguars have allowed the eighth-most rushing yards per game in the league, so look for Kamara to provide a juicy stat line.

Mark Ingram II, BAL vs. CIN
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $6,600

Ingram couldn’t get much going against the Steelers last week, totaling only 44 rushing yards despite receiving 19 carries. He also had just two receptions for five yards, which would have left him with a dreadful stat line had he not recorded a rushing touchdown. The score was his sixth of the season, matching his total from all of 2018 with the Saints. He’s the unquestioned top running back for the Ravens and will face a Bengals’ defense that has allowed the second-most rushing yards per game, making him one of the top cash game targets.

GPP TARGETS

Devonta Freeman, ATL at ARI
FanDuel = $6,600
DraftKings = $5,800

Talk about a disastrous start on the ground for Freeman. He’s rushed for 30 yards or fewer in four of five games and is still looking for his first touchdown. His only saving grace has been his involvement in the passing game, which has enabled him to record 22 catches on 26 targets for 173 yards and a touchdown. If there was ever a week for him to have a breakout performance, this is it considering the Cardinals have allowed the sixth-most rushing yards per game. Since he won’t destroy your budget on either site, Freeman is worth a look in tournament play.

Kenyan Drake, MIA vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $4,400

Yes, I’m recommending someone on the Dolphins. It feels dirty, but a matchup against the Redskins can make even the worst of offenses worth considering. The Redskins have been especially bad at stopping the run, allowing the fifth-most rushing yards per game. While the Dolphins are reportedly interested in trading Drake, he’s their featured back for the time being, leave him in a favorable spot to outproduce his price point.

Adrian Peterson, WAS at MIA
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,500

The Redskins are off to a terrible start, which hasn’t left many rushing attempts for Peterson. Even when he has carried the ball, he hasn’t been effective with only 108 yards on 40 carries. If there is a bit of silver lining, it’s that the team intends to run the ball more under new head coach Bill Callahan. With Derrius Guice (knee) still out, that likely means more work from Peterson. The Dolphins have allowed the must rushing yards per game and seven rushing touchdowns, so if there was ever a week to take a chance on Peterson, this is it.

PLAYERS TO AVOID

LeSean McCoy, KC vs. HOU
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $5,600

McCoy laid an egg in Week 5, catching two passes for 23 yards and failing to receive a single carry. He only took 14 offensive snaps, in part because of his issues with pass protection. The injury to Damien Williams opened up playing time for Darrel Williams and now all three running backs are vying for playing time with everyone healthy. Freeman has a much larger role with his team and is only $200 more on both sites, making it difficult to make a case for putting McCoy into your entry.

Jordan Howard, PHI at MIN
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $4,900

If you play in season-long fantasy, there is a lot to like about Howard moving forward. He has five touchdowns across his last three games and should continue to receive plenty of red zone opportunities considering the Eagles’ potent offense. Coach Doug Pederson has also indicated that he wants to get Howard more carries in the weeks ahead. With that being said, this is not the week to use him in DFS. The Vikings have allowed the ninth-fewest rushing yards per game and only one rushing touchdown all season.

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat, and was a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.