Welcome to the NFL DFS RB Coach, where we identify the best running backs for our lineups on DraftKings, FanDuel and SuperDraft!
This is an early look at the best RB’s available on Sunday’s main slate, provided every Wednesday during the season. It’s important to note this NFL DFS article is posted mid-week, so injuries and other news can change the outlook as we get closer to Sunday.
High-Priced
Dalvin Cook – Vikings vs. Bears (SD 1.0x, DK $9,000, FD $9,400)
He was able to get over 100 rushing yards last week against the best run defense in the league, so the match-up truly does not matter. The Vikings are first in adjusted line yards and sixth in run offense DVOA. Cook did struggle a bit in his previous game vs. the Bears, who are now allowing just 4.0 yards per carry: a middle-of-the-road run defense. The price tag is still expensive, so it is hard to justify using Cook in Cash over Henry. He is best left as a GPP option.
Derrick Henry – Titans vs. Lions (SD 1.0x, DK $9,500, FD $10,200)
It was a monster game last week for Henry, who had 219 rushing yards and 2 TD’s. The match-up is just as good this week. The Titans are third in run offense DVOA, sixth in run blocking per PFF and third in adjusted line yards. The Lions are allowing 4.4 yards per carry, 29th in rushing yards per game, 26th in run defense DVOA and 28th in run defense per PFF. Henry is Cash and GPP playable.
Mid-Priced
Ronald Jones – Buccaneers vs. Falcons (SD 1.35x, DK $6,000, FD $7,200)
It appears Tampa has moved on from Leonard Fournette unless he was inactive for a sudden emergency. Jones does have a finger issue that could keep him out, which is something to monitor. This could open up another chance for Fournette. The Falcons are a decent run defense, 11th in rushing yards per game. The Buccaneers should control this game against a struggling Falcons team. Jones is a GPP only play if active, but Fournette could be both a Cash and GPP play if Jones sits.
Jonathan Taylor – Colts vs. Texans (SD 1.3x, DK $7,200, FD $7,400)
It was a monster game last week against the Raiders with Taylor running for 150 yards. The coaches appear to trust him completely, but we still see more Nyheim Hines than we would like for NFL DFS. The Colts are seventh in run blocking per PFF. The Texans are just going through the motions at this point. Houston is allowing 5.0 yards per carry, 31st in rushing yards per game, 31st in run defense per PFF and 29th in run defense DVOA. Taylor is Cash and GPP play.
D’Andre Swift – Lions vs. Titans (SD 1.4x, DK $6,400, FD $6,700)
It was a rough few weeks for Swift, but he ended Week 14 with 11 touches for 50 yards and a TD. He should be healthier this week, which should lead to a heavier workload. It appears Matthew Stafford is likely to miss this game, which should have the Lions leaning heavier on the run game. The Titans are allowing 4.3 yards per carry, 16th in rushing yards per game, 18th in run defense per PFF and 16th in run defense DVOA. If Swift can get full practices this week, he should be a Cash and GPP play.
Cam Akers – Rams vs. Jets (SD 1.5x, DK $6,600, FD $6,700)
It appears it is time for Akers to shine coming off a big game last week. He saw almost all the touches in Week 14. The Rams are third in run blocking per PFF and fifth in adjusted line yards. The match-up vs. the Jets is not the easiest since they are so easy to pass on, but we know the Rams will score TD’s. Akers should be the guy going forward, so he is Cash and GPP playable.
Miles Sanders – Eagles vs. Cardinals (SD 1.4x, DK $6,900, FD $6,800)
I mentioned on the SiriusXM show that the presence of Jalen Hurts should open up running room, and it did vs. the Saints. Sanders racked up 136 total yards and 2 TD’s. The match-up is definitely easier vs. the Cardinals, who are allowing 4.5 yards per carry, 18th in rushing yards per game, 30th in run defense per PFF, which is far more generous than the Saints. It is hard to trust the coaching staff, so Sanders is best left as a GPP option.
Kenyan Drake – Cardinals vs. Eagles (SD 1.35x, DK $5,500, FD $6,600)
There are not many cheaper options on this slate where Drake sits on DraftKings. He has been more involved lately with teams slowing down the running of Kyler Murray. Drake has TD’s in four straight games with a total of five. Chase Edmunds is still involved, so that is not ideal. The Eagles are 24th in rushing yards allowed per game and 22nd in run defense per PFF. Drake is best left for GPP’s.
Alvin Kamara – Saints vs. Chiefs (SD 1.15x, DK $7,400, FD $7,800)
It would be great if Drew Brees returned, but not sure that happens this week. The good news is the Chiefs come to town, so the Saints need to rely on Kamara even more. He finally caught seven passes last week with New Orleans trailing early, which is likely to happen again this week. Kansas City is also allowing 4.7 yards per carry, 25th in rushing yards per game and 30th in run defense DVOA. Kamara is a Cash and GPP playable.
Low-Priced
No one at this time.
💵Cash Plays & GPP Plays – Henry, Kamara, Akers, Swift (if he practices fully), Taylor, (Fournette – Cash and GPP if Jones is out)
💰GPP Plays – Cook, Drake, Sanders, Jones
Reminder: Ted will be hosting his RB Coaching Session in the NFL DFS chat room at 8pm ET!
