The “ZERO RB” strategy seems to have worked in season long leagues for PPR players. However, in .5 PPR scoring on FanDuel, the running back position requires a discerning attention to detail. Injuries have again been the story of 2016, which have led to many new starting backs who have lesser salaires. But are they really the discounts we perceive them to be? Using Relative Position Value Per Dollar (RPVPD), we’ll target which running backs offer the best ratio of productivity/cost and answer that question.
Here are the top 20 salaried RB’s on FanDuel ranked with RPVPD for Sunday’s Main Contest:
FPPG | Raw RPV | Salary | Pts per $ | RPV Per Dollar | |
21.8 | 0.522 | 8400 | $385 | 0.280 | |
16.4 | 0.145 | 6800 | $415 | 0.225 | |
18.5 | 0.292 | 7700 | $416 | 0.222 | |
20.3 | 0.418 | 8600 | $424 | 0.208 | |
17.7 | 0.236 | 7800 | $441 | 0.176 | |
14.1 | -0.015 | 6500 | $461 | 0.138 | |
15.1 | 0.054 | 7100 | $470 | 0.121 | |
16.1 | 0.124 | 7900 | $491 | 0.083 | |
12.5 | -0.127 | 6200 | $496 | 0.073 | |
14.8 | 0.034 | 7500 | $507 | 0.053 | |
14.5 | 0.013 | 7400 | $510 | 0.046 | |
15.3 | 0.068 | 7900 | $516 | 0.035 | |
12 | -0.162 | 6400 | $533 | 0.003 | |
13.3 | -0.071 | 7200 | $541 | -0.012 | |
11.6 | -0.190 | 6900 | $595 | -0.112 | |
12.4 | -0.134 | 7800 | $629 | -0.176 | |
11.3 | -0.211 | 7300 | $646 | -0.208 | |
9.7 | -0.323 | 6300 | $649 | -0.214 | |
10.9 | -0.239 | 7600 | $697 | -0.303 | |
8.1 | -0.434 | 7100 | $877 | -0.638 |
The Titans offense revolves around DeMarco Murray, and he’ll face Miami’s 29th ranked rush defense this Sunday. In terms of consistency, Murray has scored 20+ point in 3 of the first 4 games this year and 18 in the other. He’s a terrific foundation builder. Besides the game versus the Dolphins where the Browns were playing from behind, running back Isaiah Crowell has been very steady. Duke Johnson’s key fumble last week will keep Crowell’s touches at a solid rate again this Sunday against the Patriots. The trouble here is the potential for game script again to not going his way. Despite Le’Veon Bell’s high price, he’s historically one of the most cost effective daily players in terms of return on investment. He also carries GPP breakaway potential. The Jets will have no answer for him or the rest of the Steelers’ offense this weekend.
Melvin Gordon is cost efficient, but he’s also a bit touchdown dependent. For $100 more, LeSean McCoy offers a better floor. Gordon still has potential though, based on the matchup against Oakland’s 31st ranked rush defense. Newly minted Ravens’ starter Terrance West will have his opportunity against Washington’s 30th ranked run D to prove he’s ready for prime time. But, he’s still more of a secondary lineup play until he proves this fact. Ryan Mathews’ ankle injury and new found competition for touches from Wendell Smallwood and company, make him a dreadful daily choice. Eddie Lacy and Todd Gurley are big names, but are nowhere near cost effective. Avoid them, even as contrary plays.
BLACK BOOK LINEUP WEEK 5
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QB Brian Hoyer CHI $6.6K
I know, it’s Brian Hoyer. However, he’s facing a horrendous Colts defense and his salary is so low, it would be nearly impossible for him not to return 2x value at minimum.
RB Le’Veon Bell PIT $8.6K, Terrance West BAL $6.4K
Bell looked sharp in his return and is poised to give the Jets defense fits this Sunday. With Justin Forsett gone, Terrance West will be the workhorse and the Redskins are one of the worst run defenses in football this season.
WR Antonio Brown PIT $9.6K, Jordy Nelson GB $8.4K, Steve Smith Sr. BAL $6.3K
Antonio Brown is always the right choice and with Darrelle Revis ailing, the Jets are in for a long day. Jordy Nelson looked like his old self last week. After a bye he should be fresh as a daisy at home once again versus the Giants. Back to back 11 target weeks are enough to make me excited about Steve Smith Sr. The Redskins have given up 285 yards on average through the air despite all of the Josh Norman offseason buzz.
TE Zack Miller CHI $5.4K
I have to pay $400 more for Miller this week, but that’s ok. The Colts are an embarrassment and Miller has TD upside again for a third straight week.
K Mason Crosby GB $4.5K
Green Bay at home against a struggling Giants team…yes, please!
D/ST Eagles $4.6K
The Eagles secondary is one of the most underrated in the league. The Lions have no running game to make up that deficit.
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Joe Pisapia (@JoePisapia17) is the eight-time best-selling author of the Fantasy Black Book Series for baseball and football. He hosts Fantasy Sports Tonight on Sirius/XM Fantasy Sports Radio and The Fantasy Black Book/Sunday GameDay on FNTSY Network Radio.
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