DFS NFL RB Coach: Week 16

Here is the Week 15 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 continued his 100+ total yards streak on just 16 touches last week.  This is likely going to be his toughest match-up of the season.  Arizona is 8^th in YPC as a team, 10^th in run block rating per PFF and 4^th in rushing TD’s.  He is slightly discounted this week because of the match-up.  Johnson is game flow proof so worth a look in GPP’s. 

Le'Veon Bell, just like Johnson, has a tough match-up this week.  He was shut down last game out vs Baltimore where he totaled just 70 total yards.  Pittsburgh is 6^th in run blocking per PFF and we saw Baltimore give up some rushing yards on the ground last week vs. Philadelphia.  The Steelers offense is also much better at home which should lead to a better game for Bell than the last time vs the Ravens. 

LeSean McCoy leads a Buffalo rushing attack that is 1^st in YAC, 1^st YPG, 1^st in Rushing TD’s and 9^th in run blocking per PFF.  Miami is also 30^th in rushing YPC allowed and 30^th in YPG allowed.  It would be nice if he got those 1 yard TD’s but as he showed last week he will score on just about anything outside of the 3-yard line. 

Ezekiel Elliott stills leads in the NFL in rushing yards by a considerable margin.  He one of the best match-ups of any of the premiere running backs.  Dallas has the 3^rd best run block rating per PFF, 3^rd in overall offense rating per PFF, 2^nd rushing YPG, 2^nd YPAC and 2^nd in rushing TD’s.   Detroit is 28^th in the run defense and 29^th in overall defensive ratings per PFF. 

Mid-Level Options

DeMarco Murray will take on Jacksonville this week.  The Titans are 1st in run blocking per PFF, 5^th overall offensive rating, 3rd YPC, 3^rd in YPG and 6^th in rushing TD’s scored.  The Jaguars just fired their coach and Tennessee is battling for their playoff lives.  We are seeing more Derrick Henry lately at the goal line which is a bit concerning so would limit my use of Murray to GPP’s.

Jordan Howard is still not getting the touches he should be. The struggling Redskins come to town who are 24^th in overall defense per PFF, 22^nd in run defense rating per PFF, 28^th in YPG allowed, 28^th in YPC allowed and 27^th in rushing TD’s allowed.    The Bears are 9^th in YPC so a game that should have a better game flow could allow a big game for Howard.

Todd Gurley is hard to recommend based on how bad he has been this season but he gets the 49ers this week.  San Francisco is 31^st overall defense rating per PFF, 32^nd In run defense rating per PFF, 32^nd in YPG allowed, 32^nd in YPC allowed and 32^nd in rushing TD’s allowed.  Gurley did get priced up for the match-up just about every running back has produced vs. the 49ers.

Latavius Murray takes on the Colts this week.  Oakland is 4^th in run blocking per PFF, 6^th in overall offense per PFF, 6^th in YPG and 6^th in rushing TD’s.  The Colts are 32^nd in overall defensive rating per PFF, 31^st in run defense rating per PFF and 27^th in YPC allowed.  Murray has been averaging just under 20 touches per game over the last 6 games after sharing more of the load early in the season.

Ty Montgomery experiment will continue for another at least another week.  I don’t see being able to take a pounding every week but the Packers lack any options that they trust at the position.  Montgomery had 162 rushing yards last week but still think he has more value in PPR formats.  Green Bay is 6^th in YPC this season so they do have success when they run the ball.  I would expect both 50-60 yards in receiving and rushing this week.

Low Cost Options

Kenneth Farrow did not have a good game last week including a lost fumble.  He gets a great match-up vs Cleveland.  The Browns are 30^th in overall defense rating per PFF, 31^st in YPG allowed, 31^st in YPC allowed and 27^th rushing TD’s allowed.  He had 17 touches last week compared to just 7 for Hillman so he appears to still be the lead RB and even got the next touch after his 2^nd half fumble.

Justin Forsett will be the starting RB the last two weeks of the season for the Broncos.  Kansas City does struggle vs the run where they are 24^th in run defense rating per PFF, 28^th in YPG allowed, 24^th in YPC allowed and 20^th in rushing TD’s allowed.  Forsett is extremely cheap near minimum price and while he is new to the team he is very familiar with Kubiak’s offense.