DFS NFL RB Coach: Week 11

Here is the Week 11 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 – It was a lower than expected outcome last week for Johnson.  He takes on a reeling Minnesota Vikings defense.  The Arizona run blocking has slipped a bit as of late dropping to 9^th per PFF.  The Vikings run defense is down to 13^th per PFF in run defense and down to 6^th in DVOA per football outsiders.  The game is listed as a pick’em right now so it should be competitive throughout.  The game flow doesn’t matter as Johnson can be productive not matter the score.  It is not expected to be very high scoring game so compared to other options, Johnson is better suited for GPP’s.

Ezekiel Elliott – He continues to put up monster numbers leading the league in rushing yards by a wide margin.  The Cowboys run blocking sits 2^nd per PFF but takes on the #1 ranked run defense.  The Ravens are also 2^nd in DVOA so while their offense is struggling they continue to play great defense.  Dallas is favored by a TD so there should be plenty of carries to be had with a game flow in the Cowboys favor.  It makes an interesting strength vs. strength match-up.

Le'Veon Bell – The TD drought finally came to an end as expected last week for Bell.  The Steelers made a point to get him his TD’s after not scoring one through the first six games.  Bell has racked up an insane 45 catches in 6 games this season & has 100 carries in those games.  Pittsburgh is 14^th  in run blocking and Cleveland sits 26^th in run defense per PFF.  The Browns are ranked 30^th in DVOA.  The offense has struggled at times on the road this season but shouldn’t be an issue this week.  The only concern is that the game doesn’t stay close enough to get 4 quarters out of Bell however Coach Tomlin is not afraid to pile on the points even with a comfortable lead so that could help.

DeMarco Murray – He had 127 total yards & a TD earlier this year vs. the Colts and should be primed for another solid outing.  The Titans run blocking is 3rd per PFF and they take on the 28^th ranked run defense.  The Colts DVOA sits at a terrible 31^st.  The Titans offense has been on fire as of late and this is highest expected scoring game this weekend.  Murray will not come cheap as the 3^rd most expensive RB on Draftkings and 2^nd most on FanDuel but is in line for a great game.

Mid-Level Options

LeGarrette Blount – We continue to attack the 49ers run defense who did an admirable job last week.  The Patriots sit at 6^th in run blocking per PFF and take on the 28^th ranked run defense that given up the most points to opposing running backs.  San Francisco also sits at 25^th in DVOA which makes things even worse when their offense plays at the fastest pace in the league.  It is scary to think how many points New England could score this week if they want.  I prefer the price on FanDuel but he is priced up a bit on Draftkings which is full point PPR site.  Blount has scored in 8 of 9 games this season but only has 6 catches.

Spencer Ware–  The running backs in Kansas City has been a bit disappointing over the last few weeks.  The run blocking is not great for the Chiefs where they sit at 20^th but they take on the 32^nd ranked run defense per PFF.  Tampa Bay run defense sits at 14^th in overall DVOA which is better than expected.  I am not a fan of his FanDuel price where he sits as the 4^th highest RB but makes a very solid play on Draftkings as the 8^th highest priced RB.

LeSean McCoy – The Bills offense looked good the last time out vs Seattle.  McCoy has gone over 100+ total yards in his last 5 starts where he has been healthy.  He takes on a Bengals defense that somehow gave up 109 total yards to Rashad Jennings last week who has done nothing this season.  Buffalo’s run blocking sits at 15^th this season which is a steady improvement and they face the 22^nd ranked run defense per PFF.  Cincinnati’s overall defense sits at 22^nd in DVOA.  McCoy comes at a fair price across all sites.

Latavius Murray – The time share that happens for the Raiders is the only negative for Murray.  The Raiders have the best run blocking team and take on Houston’s 28^th ranked run defense per PFF.  The way to attack the Texans is on the ground.  Murray has scored in 5 of his 7 games and had 3 score times last time out.  He has been a bit inconsistent but his price tag is very affordable.  Murray has also averaged 19 touches per game over the last three which is far greater than he saw earlier in the season so hopefully that trend continues.

Theo Riddick – He won’t be a guy who will rack up a ton of carries as he does most of his damage via the passing game.  Riddick has 6 TD’s in 7 games this season with 5 of them via the pass.  Jacksonville run defense is 18^th per PFF and 17^th in DVOA.  I wouldn’t trust him in cash games but worth a solid look in GPP’s.

Todd Gurley – It has been a terrible season for Gurley but the touches have been there.  He is averaging over 21 touches per game and his price continues to fall.  Miami is 12^th in run defense per PFF so they have been solid.  Jared Goff will be getting his 1^st NFL start so expect the Rams to lean on the running game to protect their young QB.  This is nothing more than a GPP shot based on touches and price.

Low Cost Options

C.J. Prosise – He had a great game last week in his first full-time action with 153 total yards and 7 catches.  Thomas Rawls may return this week so they may cut into his touches.  The Seahawks could be taking a pass happy approach but the question is will the line hold up.  They are last in run blocking but do get the 24^th ranked run defense as their opposition per PFF.  Based on last week’s performance, I would expect him to be heavily owned this weekend.

James Starks – Green Bay needs to realize that a one-dimensional offense will not work in the NFL.  Starks will be the guy if the Packers decide to play real football.  Green Bay is 17^th in run blocking when they try to run and the Redskins are 23^rd in rush defense per PFF.  If he gets 20+ touches, he would make for an interesting GPP play if we get reports of a balance attack from Green Bay.

Robert Kelley – He has 43 carries in his last two games.  Kelley has averaged 92 yards in those games.  The Redskins surprising rank 4^th in run blocking per PFF.  The Packers are 3^rd in run defense but have ravaged by injuries.  Kelley makes for a low owned GPP option.