Fantasy Black Book Lineup & RB RPV Breakdown: NFL Week 9

Just when you think it can’t get any worse, the running back position gets thinner every week. DeMarco Murray is dealing with toe issue, but finally practiced fully yesterday. Spencer Ware has a concussion and is unlikely to play Sunday and who knows who the RB is right now for the Eagles or the Saints after upheaval in the starter’s role. Thank the heavens Theo Riddick and Carlos Hyde are back. At least we have some options.

Here are the top 20 salaried RB’s on FanDuel ranked with RPVPD for Sunday’s Main Contest:

With Charcandrick West, Ty Montgomery and Tim Hightower we must use projected points as their roles have evolved recently past their current points per game average. Even so, Hightower and Montgomery remain “negative” values based upon pricing. West, on the other hand, has very real appeal should Ware be officially ruled out for Sunday. That scenario seems quite likely after he missed Thursday’s practice. Todd Gurley is the highest-salaried trap this weekend and continues to be held back by a below-average Rams offense.

With DeMarco Murray trending in the right direction, he remains the best cash game running back. Theo Riddick is slightly ahead of him on the RPVPD board. Although the matchup versus the Vikings may give some pause, keep in mind that defense has given up a fair amount of yards to RB’s through the air this year. They’re also on a two game losing streak, so Riddick is definitely in play in my mind. Melvin Gordon may lack efficiency at times, but as long as he keeps seeing the end zone, he’s a viable option as well. Ezekiel Elliott may only be a marginal +6% advantage based on his high salary, but his matchup against the Browns is far too tempting. He offer the best floor of any back in Week 9.

There’s some meat in the middle this week as Matt Forte faces a low rated Miami run defense, Jay Ajayi is on a two game streak of epic proportions and Jonathan Stewart has been a TD machine since his return. All three are sound investments and even Devontae Booker, despite his fumbles and shoulder injury, is viable. Frank Gore is probably one to fade however versus the stout Packer’s run defense. Gore has been a rock this year, but the Colts will likely play from behind in Green Bay this week which would also limit Gore’s potential productivity.

BLACK BOOK LINEUP WEEK 9

QB Aaron Rodgers GB $9.1K

He’s facing the second worst pass defense in football on paper and his running game is still suspect as best. That means his average of +40 pass attempts will continue this week.

RB Ezekiel Elliott DAL $9.2K, Charcandrick West KC $5.6K

Elliott faces one of the worst defenses in football that struggles to tackle anyone, while West is the lone standing RB in a run heavy Chiefs attack. Not to mention, Nick Foles is playing QB so the attempts for West may be higher than initially expected.

WR Jordy Nelson GB $8.2K, Dez Bryant DAL $7.8K, Michael Thomas NO $5.8K,

Nelson is a red zone target monster. Bryant has a great matchup versus the Browns and saw a ton of targets (14) in his first week back. Thomas is a steady presence in the Saints’ passing game. His floor is twice value, his ceiling is three times or more.

TE Eric Ebron DET $5.4 K

Ebron caught 7 of 10 targets for 79 yards in his return to action last week. The Vikings are reeling right now, making him a contrary play with a strong floor.

K Will Lutz NO $4.5K

The 49ers’ defense will struggle all day against the Saints offense.

D/ST Packers $4.4K

The Packers front line will get to Andrew Luck for sacks and potential forced interceptions.

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Joe Pisapia (@JoePisapia17) is the eight-time best-selling author of the Fantasy Black Book Series for baseball and football. He hosts The Fantasy Black Book Tues and Thurs 8-10pm est and Sunday Game Day 8-11am on FNTSY Network Radio.