Depending on how you chose to complete your lineup, either two or three running backs are needed each week. The days of just one running back controlling the backfield are waning but not lost. Securing these running backs will generally prove to be more costly but it is necessary. When working with a salary cap, this can be a real problem. It is also why when a low-priced running back appears to have the role in hand, they generally end up being a highly popular selection. But are they worth it?
That is a question to be answered on a case by case basis in the analysis that follows. The goal here is to look at game flow to ensure that touches will be at a maximum, it is a favorable situation against the opposing defence, and most of all that there is talent and expected fantasy success.
For those who have yet to subscribe, what are you waiting for? Until then you will get one free pick to whet your appetite. Derrick Henry ($8,000 DK, $9,500 FD) stands out for me this week at the top of the salary list. Henry is the primary weapon for the Titans week in and week out, and with the Titans facing a Bengals defence this week that has given up the fifth-most rushing yards this season, and has also given up the 4th highest yards per carry to running backs, this makes Henry an easy choice
Subscribers can now expect to get six more picks as we take a closer look at some more running backs at varying price points who deserve our attention this week along with a few from whom we should keep our distance. And not all will break the bank either which will leave plenty of room for help at other positions. So, keep on going and take a look at what we have to offer.
Let’s kick things off with Melvin Gordon ($5,600 DK, $6,700 FD). The Chargers got torched last week by the running game of the Jaguars, and I expect the Broncos to look to do the same. Gordon is a capable three-down back, and with Phillip Lindsay potentially missing this week’s game due to a concussion. The Chargers are in the bottom third of the league in rush defence and give up an average of 4.5 yards per carry. Gordon is well placed to have a great week and see lots of touches.
It’s hard to not love the floor of Alvin Kamara ($8,200 DK, $9,000 FD). That floor comes at a price, but any time you can get a running back who is fifth in the league in receiving, and top 20 in rushing yards, you have as safe of a player as you are going to find. The nice thing about Kamara is he also carries a high ceiling because of how many times he touches the ball in-game. You will have to find values in other parts of your roster to be able to use him due to his high price, but if you can, he is going to pay off more often than he won’t.
Kareen Hunt ($6,900 DK, $8,200 FD) was able to take advantage of having the backfield to himself last week against the Bengals, and with Nick Chubb out again this week, a similar opportunity will be provided to him again this week against the Raiders. Hunt, much like the previously mentioned Kamara, is a threat on the ground and through the air, which makes him a nice cash-game play, who has the upside to get you a lot of points. The Browns have proven they can run the ball(second in yards, fourth in yards per carry), so looking to get part of their ground game makes a lot of sense.
If you’re looking to hit on a hail mary this week at running back Frank Gore ($5,600 DK, $5,000 FD) might be your guy. The Jets are facing a Chiefs team that is bottom five against the rush. Gore’s value will be dependant on the Jets not getting blown out, and in all fairness that is a big if. But if the Jets can keep the game close enough for Gore to get 20 carries, he could be a performer that gives you a nice return while holding a low ownership percentage.
The inverse of using Gore is taking a shot on Le’Veon Bell ($4,600 DK, $6,000 FD) this week. If the Cheifs do get a big lead, it’s very possible the game script will see Bell getting a lot of work. In his first week with the Chiefs, last week, Bell had six carries for 39 yards. While those numbers on their own aren’t overly impressive, the yards per carry number(6.5) really stands out. Bell getting a shot to have a big game against his former team, could also be a motivating factor for him.
Jonathan Taylor ($6,600 DK, $7,300 FD) is another reasonably priced option this week. Taylor will face a bottom third rushing defence in the Detroit Lions this week. Taylor has proven himself to be a steady part of both the Colts rushing and passing game, averaging 18 touches per game over the last few weeks. The Lions have allowed 4.5 yards per carry, and the 4th highest amount of rushing touchdowns at this stage in the season, so it is reasonable to expect there to be valuable opportunities to be there for Taylor have a big game in Detroit on Sunday.
