DFS NFL RB Coach: Week 7

Here is the Week 7 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, ARI – He continues to rack up big numbers and has proven to be the best running back in fantasy football.  Johnson is averaging 5.0 yards per carry and a very nice 13.3 yards per reception.  He also has 5 TD’s and 323 total yards in his last two games.  Arizona’s run blocking sits at 6^th in the league while Seattle is 3^rd against the run according to PFF.  Johnson never got much of a chance to face Seattle’s defense last season as he was not the starter in game 1 and game 2 was Week 17 when playoff seedings were locked in.  You get a slight discount based on the numbers he has put up so even with the tough match-up he makes an interesting GPP option.

LeSean McCoy, BUF – He has racked up 470 rushing yards on 6.7 yards per carry over his last 4 games.  McCoy has become the Buffalo offense without Sammy Watkins.   McCoy is also averaging 3.5 receptions per game as well which brings added value.  The Bills sit at 12^th in run blocking and face off against the 22^nd ranked run defense according to PFF.  Miami is giving up 103.2 yard per game on the ground.  His price maybe too much for cash games however even with his recent monster games.

DeMarco Murray, TEN – The Titans continue to lead the way as the best run blocking unit in the league and get to take on the worst run defense in the league according to PFF.  The Colts also have the 2^nd worst DVOA in the league according to Football Outsiders and along with giving up the most fantasy points per game vs RB’s.  Murray is averaging 99 total yards per game on 23 touches to go with 4 total TD’s.  He ranks 4^th in fantasy points per game at his position. Lamar Miller was able to rack up 178 total yards on the Colts defense last week so Murray will likely be the highest owned RB this week with similar expectations.

Mid-Level Options

Devonta Freeman, ATL – The Chargers are giving up 31 points per game on the road and the Falcons have also proven that they are for real with some impressive perfromances on the road.  Atlanta is 5^th in run blocking while San Diego sits at 26^th in rush defense according to PFF so puts them in a great spot.  It would be nice if Freeman could get more touches.  It would make him more appealing as the timeshare limits his upside a bit.  You can never ignore a guy like Freeman who is on a mission to prove that he should remain the starting running back over Tevin Coleman.

Jamaal Charles/Spencer Ware, KC – There was not as many touches last week for Charles as we would have liked but he was able to find the endzone and almost had a second one.  I would expect to see the touches increase a bit more even this week assuming the game is closer.  Ware racked up 163 total yards and a TD last week as well.  I do expect both of them could be productive again this week going against the 28^th ranked defense according to Football Outsiders DVOA.  Charles is slightly cheaper this week so both in play against the terrible Saints defense.  The game flow should be great for the Chiefs as well as the Saints have struggled on offense when they hit the road.

Carlos Hyde, SF – Tampa Bay sits at 30^th in the run defense according to PFF which is good for the high volume run offense of the 49ers.  Hyde is banged up with a shoulder issue so that is something to keep an eye on.  Mike Davis could become a great value play if he is unable to go this week.  Davis took more snaps last week than Rueben Draughns when Hyde left for a few series with an injury or needed some rest.  San Francisco defense has been horrible this season but a bit better at home which keep the game flow favorable for the running game.  Hyde is averaging 20 carries per game and has 4 TD’s in his home games this season.

Doug Martin, TB – He has been out since Week 2 with a hamstring injury and as of this time has not returned to practice.  Martin was expected to be ready but if not then you get Jacquizz Rodgers at a discounted price.  Whoever starts will be in a great spot.  The 49ers have given up an absurd 435 rushing yards over their last 3 games to just the starting RB’s.  San Francisco is giving up 174.3 yards per game rushing overall. 

Low Cost Options

Chris Ivory, JAC – Jacksonville has struggled a bit in run blocking sitting at 20^th in the league but do get the 24^th ranked run defense according to PFF.  Oakland defense also sits at the 29^th ranked DVOA according to Football Outsiders.  Ivory has been sharing reps with Yeldon but I expect more Ivory as he continues to get stronger from his early season injury issues.  He will be the goal line back but not likely to be very involved in the passing game.  I prefer Ivory slightly more on FanDuel based on the scoring system but he is in play on both sites being so cheap.

Don Jackson/Knile Davis, GB -- Both of these players are minimum price for the Thursday game.  I personally prefer Jackson as he knows the offense since he has been on the practice squad all season compared to a guy who just came over in a trade.  Neither player is available on Draftkings but are on FanDuel.  They are strictly GPP’s plays as of now unless we get further clarification from the coaches on who is starting.  I would expect Ty Montgomery to get more of the work in the passing game so PPR value is diminished no matter who earns the start.