DFS NFL RB Coach: Week 9

Here is the Week 8 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

DeMarco Murray – The Titans are 2^nd in run blocking and 3^rd in rushing yards per game.  Murray did leave early in a blowout last week with a toe injury so it is something to monitor.  Derrick Henry would make a fine substitute if Murray can’t go.  San Diego run defense has been better as the season has gone on but has allowed 11 TD’s to RB’s but is 7^th in yards per carry allowed.  Their defense is sitting at 15^th in run defense per PFF but 7^th in overall defensive DVOA per football outsiders.  It is tough for any defense to slow down this Titans running game which makes Murray a solid option this week.

Ezekiel Elliott – The Cowboys lead the league in rushing with 164.9 yards per game and Elliot is the leading rusher in the NFL.  He would have another 150+ yard game last week if not having a long run called back on a questionable holding call.  Dallas also is 3^rd in run blocking going up against the 24^th ranked run defense per PFF.   Cleveland gives up the 2^nd most rushing yards per game and they are ranked 24^th in run defense.  This sets up as a big game for Zeke who will be heavy owned based on so many factors going his way.

Le'Veon Bell – The price tag is too expensive on FanDuel for my liking as he takes on the 1^st ranked run defense per PFF and 6^th ranked in DVOA.  Bell’s value is in full point PPR formats.  He has racked 24 catches in his 4 starts.  Ben Roethlisberger looks to return this week so I expect the Steelers to use an aerial assault vs Baltimore.  Pittsburgh is 17^th in run blocking which is respectable so you can still expect 15 carries on the ground but Bell’s points will be accumulated in the passing game. 

Mid-Level Options

Carlos Hyde -  He is battling shoulder injury so will need to keep an eye on his status.  Hyde has scored 6 TD’s in 6 games this season.  He is volume running back who usually lightly owned.  The 49ers don’t do a good job in run blocking at 26^th per PFF.  The good news is that the Saints are 21^st in run defense and 29^th in DVOA.  Any RB that can get 20+ touches vs New Orleans will be in play.  San Francisco plays at the fastest pace in football as well so Hyde is a nice GPP play.

Devonta Freeman – Atlanta is 9^th in run blocking and will take the 30^th ranked run defense per PFF.  Freeman will be the main ball carrier once again with Tevin Coleman sidelined.  He can do damage on the ground and via the air as he scored in each way last weekend.  The Falcons have scored 11 TD’s between their main RB’s.  The Falcons have been solid in both home and road games this season which has not always been the case.

Spencer Ware/Charcandrick West –  It doesn’t seem to matter who the running back is in Kansas City as they are always productive.  Ware suffered a concussion last week so we should wait and see if he can pass the concussion protocol.   The Chiefs are not a good run blocking team as they sit 25^th per PFF.  They will take on a defense that is middle of the road night now.  The real appeal to the KC running game is that they are used in the passing game as well and the game script sets up great.  Jacksonville has been a mess so no reason to expect the Chiefs to be playing from behind which should lead to a healthy amount of carries.

Jay Ajayi – The Dolphins have found their running game in part to getting their offensive line healthy.  The rankings are don’t look good in this match-up where Miami is 26^th in run blocking taking on the 6^th best run defense per PPF.  The Jets defense sits at 27^th in DVOA so it is a weak unit overall.  Those numbers for both teams have been moving in different directions over the last few weeks where Miami has improved and the Jets have started to fall.  Ajayi has racked up 418 rushing yards in his last two games so the running game for Miami is full of confidence.

Devontae Booker – The Broncos rank 4^th in run blocking and will take on the 20^th ranked run defense per PFF.  Oakland sits as the 20^th ranked defense per DVOA which has been an improvement from where they started.  The running game is important to Denver to stay competitive with their poor quarterback play.  The issue becomes a game flow problem if they fall behind early.  I prefer Booker in GPP’s. 

Low Cost Options

Darren Sproles – He saw most the touches and majority of snaps last week for Philadelphia with 20.  I have never been a fan of Sproles but if he is going to see that many touches I can’t ignore him at this price.  The Eagles are 10^th in run blocking and take on the 14^th ranked run defense.  The Giants are solid defense but are better to attack on the ground.  Sproles averages 3 catches per game so if they fall behind he will still be involved in the passing game.

Theo Riddick – There is no other running game option for the Lions right now.  Riddick won’t run the ball effectively as that is not a good skill of his.  The value is in the passing game where he has at least 4 catches in every game this season.  He has scored 5 TD’s in his six games this season.  Riddick offensive involvement will be there no matter the game flow which adds an extra appeal at a cheap price.