DFS DRAWING BOARD - NFL Week 15 - Running Backs
Welcome back to another edition of the DFS Drawing Board. Week 15 has turned out to be a little challenging most due to the fact the slate is a bit smaller with Saturday games already played. In any case, I've narrowed down my favorite RBs for this weekends action. Check them out below.
Each week we take a step back to review the upcoming weeks matchups and crunch the numbers to develop a series of position specific articles related to top daily fantasy sports plays. Whether you are playing on FanDuel, DrafKings, or even configuring your season long NFL lineups, these articles should serve as a reference tool and helpful guide to choosing the best players. I've shortened these articles to give you only the necessities and bottom-line reasoning as to my top choices. This is a no bullshi*t article and by that I mean the players and plays I suggest are those that I will be using in my personal lineups. Nothing is excluded. We intend to win. The goal is to make great lineups, win money, have a great time, and share our success stories. If you are new to my blog or daily fantasy sports in general, I encourage you to check out my DFS Introduction post which provides some general context on what DFS is and how to play. Spoiler alert, if you like playing fantasy sports and winning money, DFS is the platform for you. Also, if you haven’t already, feel free to follow my referral links and sign up for Fanduel and Draftkings. Each provides its own set of bonuses for new users.
With that being said, here are my top plays at the running back position for Week 15. Enjoy, upvote, and comment on your weekly outlook. Note, pricing now reflects what is posted on FanDuel.
RUNNING BACKS
David Johnson - Arizona Cardinals
$7,400 / at ATL / ARI + 10
The Atlanta Falcons have given up tons of points to pass catching back for a couple years now. This is no secret and this has continued into 2018. David Johnson on the other had has been known as one of the most dynamic RBs in the league both as a runner and pass catching back out of the backfield. Unfortunately for Johnson owners, he is having a pretty awful year, mainly due to Cardinals change in coordinators, offensive line injuries, and just offensive ineffectiveness. But, he has popped off a few weeks this year and has been getting his opportunities, especially in the passing game. I think this week presents itself as another one of those weeks that he can capitalize. The Falcons are one of the most favorable matchup for RBs this season, giving up nearly 27 FD points per game to the position. But looking closely you'll see that they give up over 7 receptions to RBs per game out of the backfield and average nearly 9 targets per game. This fits perfectly into David Johnson skillset and with a spread of 10 points, the Cardinals should be required to pass a lot in Atlanta. I'm big on DJ this weekend at a fair price of $7,400.
Leonard Fournette - Jacksonville Jaguars
$8,200 / vs. WAS / JAX - 7.5
Fournette has been a beast since returning from injury. The Jaguars have had numerous offensive struggles but the one constant piece has been Fournette getting a heavy workload. Over his last 4 weeks, he has averaged 24 total touches per game. In fact, as long as the Jaguars can hang around and not fall behind big early, Fournette's touches jump substantially. This week should fair much better than last with the Jaguars playing at home and favored by 7.5 points. That should lead to a heavy workload on the ground for Fournette against a fairly week Washington run defense. Washington's defense was fairly solid earlier this year but with the injury to Alex Smith (and then Colt McCoy) and a stagnant offense, the defense has started to crumble. Over the last 4 weeks, Washington has surrendered nearly 26 FD points to opposing RBs and well over 150 rushing yards per game. As a large home favorite vs. a weak trending run defense at home and a commitment to the run when possible, Fournette becomes a great play this weekend.
Jaylen Samuels - Pittsburgh Steelers
$5,500 / vs. NE / PIT + 1
James Conner has effectively been ruled out for Week 15 with a Doubtful tag and last week Jaylen Samuels emerged as the lead back for Pittsburgh. As expected, he did lose a goal line TD to Ridley but for everything else, Samuels was the man. I suspect this game turns into one in which Big Ben just throws the ball a ton (hence my top pick for QB) and Samuels has clearly separated himself as the best pass catching back in the Steelers backfield. New England has always done a terrific job shutting down a teams best offensive receiver (Brown) which should lead to more opportunity for Samuels. His price has risen but he remains a great play in a explosive offense at $5,500. Stack him up with Big Ben or play him solo, either makes sense here.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Christian McCaffrey - Panthers - $9,100
- On absolute fire over the last couple of weeks and has another great matchup this weekend vs. the Saints. Carolina is barely alive for playoffs so I suspect they keep feeding their best playmaker.
Doug Martin - Raiders - $6,300
- The price isn't too great but Martin has quietly had a great couple of weeks, especially on FD where TDs matter most. The Raiders continue to feature him as lead back and Cinci hasn't been able to stop much of anything this year.
That wraps up Week 15 at the RB position. As always, good luck out there and lets win some money!
Sourced: AZCentral.com / 97.1 FM The Ticket - Radio / BetChicago