DFS NFL RB Coach: Week 13

Here is the Week 13 Running Backs Coach with my recommendations first and some relevant data you should be keeping an eye on when doing your research and making lineup decisions.

High End Options

David Johnson continues to be a lock for at least 100 total yards per week which he has achieved in every game this year.  Carson Palmer continues to suck but Johnson hasn’t been fazed.  He gets the Redskins who are 31^st YPC allowed, 25^th YPG allowed, 32^nd in TD’s allowed and 26^th in run defense rating per PFF.  Johnson also has scored 13 TD’s this season.

Le'Veon Bell has not scored as many TD’s as Johnson but has been almost has effective.  He has racked up 57 catches in just 8 games this season and gone for 266 rushing yards over the last two games.  The Giants run defense has been decent but just likely means more receptions for Bell.  Of his 57 catches, he has 33 in his 4 home games.

Ezekiel Elliott has run for at least 90 yards in each of his last 9 games and has scored 7 TD’s in his last 4 games.  Minnesota’s defense has shown some cracks and is 20^th in YPC allowed and 14^th YPG allowed.  The Cowboys can run on any defense as shown by Elliot who leads the run league in rushing yards and is the 2^nd rated run blocking unit.  I would prefer some others in cash but Elliot is worth a GPP look.

LeSean McCoy is the 4^th highest priced RB on both on FanDuel and Draftkings.  He is in similar situation as Johnson in that the opposing defense is weak in many areas.  Oakland is 30^th in YPC allowed, 26^th in YPG allowed, 24^th TD’s allowed, 21^st in run defense rating per PFF and 26^th in DVOA.  McCoy is averaging 117.3 total yards per game in the 8 games he has stayed healthy with 7 TD’s.

Melvin Gordon had a disappointing performance last week with just 89 total yards on 21 touches.  He is averaging close to 25 touches with 11 TD’s in 11 games.  He gets a nice match-up vs. Tampa Bay who is 24^th in YPC allowed, 22^nd in YPG allowed, 16^th TD’s allowed and 31^st in run defense rating per PFF.  I like others more for cash games but a worth a strong look in GPP’s.  I have hard time completely trusting Gordon with his weak run blocking.

Mid-Level Options

Carlos Hyde sits at the low-priced end of the mid-level options.  He gets a Bears team that has been riddled with injuries.  It is hard to judge them based on current numbers as they continue to lose players to injuries and their offense has plenty of issues moving the ball.  Hyde plays in the fastest pace offense has been averaging 4.7 YPC over his last 2 games.  He is also getting more involved in the passing game with 8 catches in the last two games with a TD.

Jordan Howard gets his crack at the 49ers run defense that has held up ok the last two games but still are 32th in YPC allowed, 32th in YPG allowed, 30^th in TD’s allowed, 29^th in run defense rating per PFF and 29^th in DVOA.  Howard is averaging 104 rushing yards per game in his last 4 games.

Spencer Ware gets his crack at the Falcons defense that refuses to cover RB’s out of the backfield.  Atlanta has given up a whopping 91 catches to RB’s.  The Falcons are 18^th in YPC Allowed, 10^th in YPG allowed, 16^th in rushing TD’s allowed, 25^th in run defense rating per PFF and 24^th in DVOA.  Ware does have a strong 4.7 YPC average so it is clear the Chiefs needs to get him the ball more.

Theo Riddick will face off against the Saints in what could be the highest scoring game of the week.  He has more value in PPR formats where has racked up 13 catches the last two weeks.  If the New Orleans offense is clicking, the game flow will be perfect for Riddick.  The Saints have given up 16 total TD’s to RB’s.  I am not sure I completely trust him in cash games as he can be a bit too game flow dependent. 

Low Cost Options

Wendell Smallwood didn’t get much going on Monday night but if the Eagles can get a lead he could have a big game.  The Bengals are 25^th in YPC allowed, 28^th in YPG allowed, 11^th in TD’s allowed and 24^th in run defense rating per PFF.  There is now way possible to use him in cash games but he could have a big game and will be low owned in GPP’s.

Jeremy Hill had a very difficult match-up and struggling to run the ball.  He did grab 6 passes for 61 yards which he could come close to again with Gio Bernard done for the season. Philadelphia run defense sits at 26^th in YPC allowed, 18^th in YPG allowed and 23^rd in run defense per PFF.  Hill is dirt cheap on FD and very affordable on DK.

Kenneth Dixon is starting to take over the job in Baltimore.  He is getting more snaps and touches than Terrence West.  Dixon had 17 touches in his last game and that trend should continue.  Miami is 28^th in YPC allowed and 30^th in YPG allowed.  The way to attack the Dolphins is on the ground so Dixon should get his chance.