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NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 12 – Running Backs

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Reader-only discount! Use code EBIRD15 at checkout to save 15%.

The running back position isn’t nearly as deep for the main Sunday slate in Week 12 with the Rams and Chiefs on byes and all of the Thanksgiving games added to the usual Sunday and Monday primetime contests. There are still some great options to target, though, so let’s highlight a few that stand out. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

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NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 12 - Running Backs

Melvin Gordon III vs. Arizona Cardinals
Stadium – StubHub Center
FanDuel = $8,900
DraftKings = $8,600

Entering Week 11 as winners of five straight, the Chargers suffered a disappointing loss at the hands of the Broncos. Gordon wasn’t exactly efficient, but his 18 carries helped him finish with 69 rushing yards. However, he was heavily involved in the passing attack, catching all six of his targets for an additional 87 yards. Even though he failed to reach the end zone for the first time since Week 1, Gordon finished with at least 120 total yards for the fifth straight game.

Gordon’s struggles on the ground were a bit surprising, especially with how poorly the Broncos have defended against the run. He’ll get a chance to redeem himself Sunday against a Cardinals defense that has allowed the fourth-most rushing yards per game (141.5) to go along with 13 touchdowns on the ground. Gordon is certainly expensive, but don’t hesitate to pay up for him in cash contests based on his floor.

James Conner vs. Denver Broncos
Stadium – Broncos Stadium at Mile High
FanDuel = $7,900
DraftKings = $7,800

Conner struggled to get things going on the ground early against the Jaguars on Sunday and then the Steelers were forced to throw a lot late down 16-0. They stormed back for the win, but Conner only had nine carries for 25 yards. He also hauled in six of nine targets, but only for 24 yards. This game also marked the first time since Week 4 that Conner failed to record a touchdown.

The Jaguars haven’t been as tough on opposing running backs as they have quarterbacks, but they still have a good defense, overall. Conner has an excellent opportunity to get things back on track against the Broncos, who are allowing the sixth-most rushing yards per game (127.9). The Steelers might also be able to jump out to a big lead against this far inferior opponent, which could lead to a game flow that favors Conner in the second half.

David Johnson vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Stadium – StubHub Center
FanDuel = $7,900
DraftKings = $7,300

It took a change at offensive coordinator, but Johnson is back to being an extremely productive running back again. He only caught one of three targets for 17 yards in Week 11 against the Raiders, but he also set season highs in rushing attempts (25) and rushing yards (137). After receiving at least 20 carries just one time across the first eight weeks, he’s topped that mark in both of his last two contests.

The Cardinals still aren’t scoring a ton of points, which does limit Johnson’s upside, to an extent. It’s clear, though, that they plan for him to be heavily involved moving forward. The Chargers have only given up six rushing touchdowns this season, but they have allowed 4.6 yards-per-carry. Gordon and Conner have the potential for better overall lines since they play for better offenses that put them in more positions to score touchdowns, but Johnson’s role still makes him a safe option in DFS.

GPP TOURNAMENT OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 12 - Running Backs

Nick Chubb vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Stadium – Paul Brown Stadium
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $6,300

Early indications are that the Browns made the right choice trading Carlos Hyde to the Jaguars to open up more playing time for Chubb. Since that trade, Chubb has received at least 18 carries and recorded at least 65 rushing yards in four straight games. He exploded for 176 rushing yards and a touchdown in Week 10 against the Falcons and already has four total touchdowns since taking on an expanded role.

Chubb comes into this game out of a bye week, so he should be fresh for what is an excellent matchup against the Bengals. The Bengals have arguably the worst rushing defense in the league, allowing 153.6 yards per contest and 13 scores on the ground. Chubb’s price is climbing, but he still presents an excellent opportunity for production in this contest. If you play season-long fantasy, as well, note that this is one of two remaining games against the Bengals for Chubb.

Marlon Mack vs. Miami Dolphins
Stadium – Lucas Oil Stadium
FanDuel = $7,000
DraftKings = $5,500

Mack rebounded from a quiet performance in Week 10 against the Jaguars to rush for 61 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries versus the Titans in Week 11. The Colts struggled to run the ball with Mack out earlier this season, but he’s come on to solidify their rushing attack by averaging 78.5 yards per game. Not only is he chewing up yards on the ground, but he also has five total touchdowns across his last four games.

Mack hasn’t received a ton of carries the last two weeks, but he was on the field for at least 60 percent of the Colts offensive snaps in both contests. He’s clearly their lead back, which sets him up nicely for Sunday in a matchup against a Dolphins team that has allowed the third-most rushing yards per game (142). They’ve also struggled to put points on the board, so Mack might get a few extra carries in the second half if the Colts can jump out to an early lead.

Matt Breida vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Stadium – Raymond James Stadium
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $5,700

Breida was excellent against the Giants in Week 10, rushing 17 times for 101 yards and a touchdown. He also hauled in three of four targets for 31 yards and an additional score. It was just his second game of the season with at least 100 rushing yards and his four targets tied his previous season-high that he set back in Week 2. With Raheem Mostert (forearm) out for the rest of the season, Breida was also on the field for 60 percent of the 49ers offensive snaps, which was his second-highest percentage so far.

If anyone could have used a bye week, it’s Breida. He’s dealt with various injuries all season, but he should be well rested for what is a stellar matchup to target. The Bucs defense has been bad in just about every facet of the game, including being tied for the most rushing touchdowns allowed (14). They’ve also allowed 511 yards and four touchdowns through the air to opposing running backs. At this cheap price, it’s hard to pass up on Breida in tournament play.

Gus Edwards vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – M&T Bank Stadium
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,400

The Ravens were forced to make a quarterback change last week with Joe Flacco (hip) unable to take the field. Lamar Jackson received his first career start against the Bengals, and while he didn’t do much through the air, he had 27 carries for 117 yards. The Ravens also changed things up a running back, giving Edwards carries as the game went on due to the struggles of Alex Collins. After rushing the ball just 15 times all season, Edwards exploded for 115 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries.

The threat of Jackson running the ball certainly makes things tough on opposing defenses. He and Edwards seemed to play off of each other well, so if Jackson does start again Sunday, Edwards could once again receive more carries Collins. There is certainly plenty of risk here since Edwards is largely an unproven commodity, but he’s priced so cheap on both sites that he won’t need to match his total from last week in order to still provide value.

PLAYERS TO AVOID

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 12 - Running Backs

Alex Collins vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – M&T Bank Stadium
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $4,500

Collins was able to score an early touchdown against the Bengals but struggled again with only 18 yards on seven carries. That marked the fourth time in the last five games that he had 3.9 yards-per-carry or fewer, which was one of the reasons while the Ravens gave Edwards a chance to prove himself. With the uncertainty surrounding who will be their lead back moving forward, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to take a chance on Collins this week, especially at his price on FanDuel.

LeSean McCoy vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Stadium – New Era Field
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $4,200

It’s been a rough season for the Bills, but at least they were able to enjoy their bye week after drubbing the Jets 41-10. McCoy had his best performance of the year in that contest, turning 26 carries into 113 yards and two touchdowns. Don’t get too excited, though, because he had a total of 24 rushing yards across his previous three games. Even though he clearly still has something left in the tank, the Bills terrible overall offense leaves him with very little upside.

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 8 – Running Backs

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Reader-only discount! Use code EBIRD15 at checkout to save 15%.

Even though four teams will be on a bye for Week 8, there are still plenty of great running backs available in DFS. Let’s dig into the position to see where you can gain the edge for your entry. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

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NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 8 - Running Backs

Todd Gurley vs. Green Bay Packers
Stadium – Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
FanDuel = $11,000
DraftKings = $9,800

Gurley is as automatic as they come. His performance in Week 7 was a prime example of just how high his floor is. He didn’t rack up a ton of yards on the ground with 15 carries for 63 yards. His receiving yards weren’t stellar, either, catching four of five targets for 23 yards. However, he had two rushing touchdowns and one receiving score. With the Rams loaded on offense, Gurley has already been able to cash in with 14 total touchdowns.

The Rams destroyed the 49ers 39-10 last week, so it didn’t really make much sense to run Gurley into the ground during a blowout. This game figures to be more competitive against a Packers team that has far more firepower on offense. The Packers defense hasn’t been very good at stopping the run, leaving them tied for the 10th-highest yards-per-carry allowed (4.5) in the league. Gurley is crazy expensive, but he’s someone to build your lineup around in cash contests.

Kareem Hunt vs. Denver Broncos
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $8,100
DraftKings = $7,100

Things were looking scary for Hunt over the first three games this season, rushing a total of 52 times for 168 yards, which equated to 3.2 yards-per-carry. He wasn’t really involved in the passing attack, either, with one reception and three total targets during that stretch. The good news is that his struggles were shortlived. After destroying the Bengals for 141 total yards and three touchdowns in Week 7, Hunt now has 595 total yards and six touchdowns across his last four contests.

The Chiefs have arguably the most explosive offense in the league, which is going to leave Hunt with plenty of opportunities to find the end zone. His nine total touchdowns this year puts him only three scores away from passing hit total from all of last season. This has the makings of another monster performance for Hunt since the Broncos have allowed the second-most rushing yards per game (148.1) to go along with eight rushing touchdowns allowed.

James Conner vs. Cleveland Browns
Stadium – Heinz Field
FanDuel = $8,000
DraftKings = $7,500

Conner comes into this game with fresh legs after the Steelers had a bye in Week 7. He was hot heading into the bye, rushing for 221 yards and four touchdowns across his previous two games. He also chipped in eight receptions for 93 yards. There were some rumors about Le’Veon Bell possibly reporting to the team during their bye week, but as of Wednesday, there was still no sign of his return. That should leave Conner as their starting running back for at least one more week.

This will mark Conner’s second start of the year against the Browns. He demolished them in Week 1, rushing 31 times for 135 yards and two touchdowns while also catching five of six targets for an additional 57 yards. While those numbers might be hard to duplicate, the Browns have allowed the fifth-most rushing yards per game (134.7) and the second-most rushing touchdowns (10). Don’t hesitate to add Conner to your entry.

GPP TOURNAMENT OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 8 - Running Backs

Kerryon Johnson vs. Seattle Seahawks
Stadium – Ford Field
FanDuel = $6,900
DraftKings = $5,300

Johnson’s usage has been frustrating. In three of the first four games, he received nine or fewer carries. The only time he had more was in Week 3 when he cashed in 16 rushing attempts for 101 yards.  The Lions have finally started to lean on him a little more over their last two games, resulting in Johnson finishing with at least 12 carries and 70 yards in both contests. It will be hard for them to justify lessening his workload Sunday considering he posted 158 yards on 19 carries last week against the Dolphins.

Another downside when it comes to Johnson is that he’s not very involved in the passing game, receiving more than three targets in only one game so far. He also has to deal with LeGarrette Blount stealing some of the goalline work. The Seahawks defense has been very good against the pass, but they’ve allowed the ninth-most rushing yards per game (120.7). Johnson is certainly not a safe option, but this matchup leaves him with upside.

Marlon Mack vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $6,700
DraftKings = $5,400

The Colts sure missed Mack at the beginning of this season. Injuries have limited him to just three games, but he’s healthy now and running away with the starting job in their backfield. He’s coming off of his best performance in what was a blowout win over the Bills in Week 7 when he had 126 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.

The Colts racing out to a big lead helped Mack in terms of the game flow last week. There is a chance this game could play out in a similar fashion with the Raiders losing two key parts of their offense in Amari Cooper and Marshawn Lynch. Nyheim Hines limits Mack’s involvement in the passing game, but with the Raiders allowing the sixth-most rushing yards per game (131.8), Mack is worth considering for your entry.

Phillip Lindsay vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $5,200

The Broncos offense hasn’t been good, but that didn’t stop them from hanging 45 points on the Cardinals last week. Lindsay didn’t blow the roof off in that game, but he had a strong performance by turning 14 carries into 90 yards and a touchdown. Although he has to split carries with Royce Freeman, Lindsay has still provided value in large part because he is averaging 5.8 yards-per-carry. Freeman, on the other hand, is averaging 4.4 yards-per-carry.

Freeman injured his ankle last week and his status is still up in the air for Sunday. If he is unable to play, Lindsay is likely to see a significant increase in volume. That could lead to a stellar stat line with the Chiefs allowing the third-most yards-per-carry (5.2). In their first meeting this season, Lindsay had 12 carries for 69 yards and a touchdown.

Raheem Mostert vs. Arizona Cardinals
Stadium – State Farm Stadium
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $3,800

The 49ers backfield looked so promising heading into this season after they signed Jerick McKinnon. However, he tore his ACL before playing in a regular season game, leaving Matt Breida and Alfred Morris to lead the position. Breida has played well, but he’s been battling injuries of late. Morris has been largely ineffective with just 3.6 yards-per-carry, which has opened up an opportunity for Mostert. He’s made the most of his chance, so far, with 146 yards on 19 carries across their last two games.

Breida re-aggravated his ankle injury in Week 7, resulting in him leaving the game early with just five carries. His status is still uncertain for Week 8, but it might be prudent for the 49ers to rest him since this is an injury he’s dealt with before. If Breida doesn’t play, Mostert could receive the bulk of the carries. At this cheap price, he’d make for an excellent play against a Cardinals team that has allowed the most rushing yards per game (148.3) and the most rushing touchdowns (12).

PLAYERS TO AVOID

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 8 - Running Backs

Alex Collins vs. Carolina Panthers
Stadium – Bank of America Stadium
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $4,600

Collins looked primed for a big campaign this year after grabbing hold of the Ravens starting running back job last year. He didn’t take over as the regular starter until Week 6 last season, but he finished with an average of 4.6 yards-per-carry. While efficiency was his strong suit, the opposite has been the case for him this year with just 3.6 yards-per-carry. Javorius Allen is their preferred option when they get close to the end zone, which significantly limits Collins’ upside. This is not a great matchup with the Panthers allowing the ninth-fewest rushing yards per game (95) so it might be best to avoid Collins.

Isaiah Crowell vs. Chicago Bears
Stadium – Soldier Field
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $3,700

Crowell has had two big games this season. His first was in Week 1 when he turned 10 carries into 102 yards and two touchdowns. The other was a 15-carry, 219-yard, one touchdown performance in Week 5 against the Broncos. However, he has a total of 138 rushing yards over his other five games. The Bears have allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards per game (87.5) and have still not given up a score on the ground, making Crowell way too risky of an option in Week 8.

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 5 – Running Backs

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Reader-only discount! Use code EBIRD15 at checkout to save 15%.

One of the top-tier DFS options at running back was lost last week as Leonard Fournette reaggravated his hamstring injury. While he will be on the sidelines for Week 5, Joe Mixon and Devonta Freeman could be making a return to their respective squads. Let’s dig into the running back position to see where you can gain the edge in DFS. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

CASH CONTEST OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 5 - Running Backs

Todd Gurley vs. Seattle Seahawks
Stadium – CenturyLink Field
FanDuel = $9,100
DraftKings = $9,400

Gurley is as consistent as it comes at the running back position. He has at least 100 total yards in three of four games this season and has recorded at least one touchdown in all four. The Rams have also given him at least 17 rushing attempts in every game and he’s seen at least six targets in three of them. With a talented wide receiver trio to support the emerging Jared Goff at quarterback, defenses can’t key in on Gurley anymore.

Sunday brings an excellent matchup for Gurley as the Seahawks have allowed the sixth-most rushing yards per game (122.5) and the eighth-most yards-per-carry (4.6). They also suffered a tough blow last week when star safety Earl Thomas was lost for the season due to a broken leg. This game could get out of hand in a hurry for the Seahawks as their offense has struggled, as well, which could lead to a steady dose of Gurley in the second half. Don’t hesitate to pay up to get him into your entry.

Melvin Gordon vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – StubHub Center
FanDuel = $8,700
DraftKings = $8,600

Gordon hasn’t received more than 15 rushing attempts in a game this season, but he’s been able to accumulate 276 rushing yards because of his career-high 6.1 yards-per-carry. The Chargers have also made him a primary option in the passing game with his 34 targets ranking second on the team behind Keenan Allen (36). Last year, Gordon finished with 58 receptions on 83 targets for 476 yards and four touchdowns. He already has 24 catches for 199 yards and three touchdowns across four games.

Austin Eckler has emerged as a quality second running back, but Gordon has still played at least 72 percent of the team’s offensive snaps in three of their four games. The only game he didn’t was their blowout win over the Bills where he left early with an injury. He won’t get a much easier matchup than he will in Week 5 against the Raiders, who have allowed the third-most rushing yards per game (139.3) and the second-most yards-per-carry (5.6).

Christian McCaffrey vs. New York Giants
Stadium – Bank of America Stadium
FanDuel = $8,100
DraftKings = $8,000

The Panthers come into this game well rested after being one of the first teams to have a bye week this season. McCaffrey had the most impressive rushing performance of his career in Week 3, carrying the ball 28 times for 184 yards. Before that contest, he hadn’t received more than 15 rushing attempts in a game during his career and had never even topped 70 rushing yards. Known more for his pass-catching abilities, McCaffrey already has 26 targets through just three games.

Things won’t exactly be easy for him on the ground Sunday against the Giants, who have one of the best run stoppers in the league in Damon Harrison. However, they were torched by Alvin Kamara on Sunday for 134 yards on 19 carries. Even if McCaffrey doesn’t have as many yards on the ground, he has a high floor in DFS based on his involvement in the passing game.

GPP TOURNAMENT OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 5 - Running Backs

James Conner vs. Atlanta Falcons
Stadium – Heinz Field
FanDuel = $7,800
DraftKings = $7,500

Things couldn’t have gone any better for Conner in Week 1 as he replaced Le’Veon Bell, rushing 31 times for 135 yards and two touchdowns. He also chipped in five receptions on six targets for 57 yards. While it looked like the Steelers wouldn’t skip a beat with him leading their backfield, Conner has only totaled 97 yards on 32 carries in three games since. On the bright side, he did record 13 catches on 18 targets for 107 yards during that stretch.

With the news that Bell plans to return to the Steelers before their Week 8 game, Conner’s days as a starter are numbered. He has a favorable opportunity to get back on track Sunday against the Falcons, who have allowed the eighth-most rushing yards per game (119) and have been torched for 42 receptions and 310 receiving yards by opposing running backs. Even if the Steelers have to throw a lot to keep up with the Falcons’ explosive offense, Conner has a high ceiling this week.

T.J. Yeldon vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $5,600

With Fournette going down once again, Yeldon should step in as the lead back for the Jaguars. He played well after Fournette departed early last week, finishing with 100 total yards and two total touchdowns. Over the previous two games that Fournette missed, Yeldon had 102 rushing yards and 59 receiving yards. The Jaguars have used him a lot in the passing game, throwing at least five passes his way in three of four games.

It’s well known that the Chiefs secondary has been porous this season, but they’ve also allowed the fifth-most rushing yards per game (123.3) and the most receiving yards to opossing running backs (385) by a hefty margin. Corey Grant will get some work, too, but not enough to deal a significant blow to Yeldon’s upside. At this price, he’s hard to pass up in tournament play even if he is expected to be highly-owned.

Matt Breida vs. Arizona Cardinals
Stadium – Levi’s Stadium
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $5,700

This has quickly turned into a lost season for the 49ers with Jimmy Garoppolo and Jerick McKinnon both suffering torn ACL’s. The injury to McKinnon has opened up added opportunities for Breida, who began the year in a timeshare with Alfred Morris. While Morris is still a threat for carries, he’s only averaging 3.8 yards-per-carry and is not a viable option in the passing game. Even though Breida is battling a shoulder injury, he’s been much more explosive by averaging 7.6 yards-per-carry.

Breida is also a better threat to catch passes, receiving 12 targets through four games compared to five for Morris. Breida’s shoulder is still bothering him, but if he can play Week 5, he could be in line for a monster performance. The Cardinals have not only allowed the second-most rushing yards per game (142.3), but they’ve also allowed the most rushing touchdowns (seven).

Aaron Jones vs. Detroit Lions
Stadium – Ford Field
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $4,300

After missing the first two weeks due to a suspension, the Packers only gave Jones six carries in Week 3. He took advantage of his opportunity with 42 rushing yards, showing he is the most explosive player out of their running back trio that also consists of Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery. They gave him 11 carries against the Bills on Sunday, which he turned into 65 yards and a touchdown.

Montgomery, a former wide receiver, is clearly the best pass-catching option in the Packers backfield, but they would be wise to give Jones more carries. Williams has only averaged 3.4 yards-per-carry after averaging 3.6 yards-per-carry on 153 attempts last year. The real question is, how long with head coach Mike McCarthy continue to stubbornly stick with Williams? If we had a clearer picture, Jones certainly wouldn’t be priced this cheap against a Lions defense that has allowed the most rushing yards per game (157.8). I still think he’s talented enough to provide value even if he doesn’t get the bulk of the carries considering this matchup.

PLAYERS TO AVOID

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 5 - Running Backs

Jay Ajayi vs. Minnesota Vikings
Stadium – Lincoln Financial Field
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,100

Ajayi returned after sitting out Week 3 due to a back injury, carrying the ball 15 times for 70 yards against the Titans on Sunday. The Eagles have a lot of options at running back, which has limited Ajayi to playing no more than 53% of their offensive snaps in any of the three games that he played. The Vikings defense hasn’t been nearly as tough this year, but they have limited teams to 104 rushing yards per contest. The Eagles running back situation just isn’t set up for Ajayi to provide significant value.

Dalvin Cook vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Stadium – Century Link Field
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,300

Speaking of running backs who have dealt with injury, Cook missed Week 3 with a hamstring issue and was limited by the injury in his return Sunday against the Rams, finishing with 20 yards on 10 carries. He’s listed as questionable for Week 5, but even if he does play, he may once again see a limited workload. Considering the Eagles have allowed the fewest rushing yards per game (63.8), Cook is too risky.