This report will provide NFL DFS running back options for the Week Four 12-game main slate. Running backs will be broken down into three tiers, high, mid, and low. I will also include punt plays.
High Tier
NFL DFS Running Back: Christian McCaffrey (CAR) ($9000 FD|$8800 DK)
Christian McCaffrey will be a great option on a week to week basis all season long. He gets another solid matchup against a Texans defense that is allowing runners to average 5.4 yards per carry. CMC has seen 59 carries for 318 yards, 15 receptions for 132 yards, and 12 red zone touches for three touchdowns through three games this season. He always carries a heavy work load with his versatility and power and nothing should change in Week Four.
NFL DFS Running Back: Dalvin Cook (MIN) ($8300 FD|$8300 DK)
Dalvin Cook is off to a hot start and I couldn’t be happier. He is one of my favorite fantasy assets and now that he is healthy I think we can consider him week in and out with top names like CMC and Saquon Barkley. Cook has a league leading 375 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Minnesota is averaging an excellent 5.6 yards per carry and only second fiddle to the Ravens, averaging 193 rushing yards per game. Cook and the Vikings get a tough matchup this week at Soldier Field and the Bears are a top unit against the run, but something has to give right? The low implied total and close spread in this game has me all over Cook. The Vikings have clearly made a huge change on offensive (Gary Kubiak) and have followed through with their commitment to the run. Start Cook with peace of mind knowing he will be in for another big work load.
NFL DFS Running Back: Austin Ekeler (LAC) ($8100 FD|$8000 DK)
If you had a chance to read my breakdown last week then you know that I wasn’t a fan of the Ezekiel Elliott Play. Even though he had 125 yards rushing, he only had 18.9 FPTS on DK. Considering how much you had to spend for him, it wasn’t the best return. I have come to find myself trying to get away from these ridiculous spreads against the Dolphins but it is wise to cover yourself and I do not warrant a full fade, ever. While I am not pleased with his salary on either site, Austin Ekeler presents excellent PPR upside and has big play capability. Ekeler leads all running backs at 208 receiving yards on 19 receptions and has carried 38 times for 160 yards. The Chargers are averaging 5.2 yards per carry and the Dolphins are allowing 5.6 yards per carry. They also allow over 200 rushing yards per game, the worst in the NFL. I can see Justin Jackson being more utilized if this game is to get away from Miami quickly but I still think Ekeler’s floor is pretty safe here.
Mid Tier
NFL DFS Running Back: Marlon Mack (IND) ($7300 FD|$6100 DK)
Despite coming into Week Three’s matchup against the Falcons with a calf injury, Marlon Mack still managed to rush 16 times for 74 yards and one TD. He is not on the injury report this week and gets a great matchup against the Raiders at home. The Colts have been excellent on the ground with nearly 150 yards rushing per game at a 4.9 yard clip. Mack should able to replicate Dalvin Cook’s 110 yard, one TD outing against the Raiders last week. Big boost to Marlon Mack staying off the injury report.
NFL DFS Running Back: Mark Ingram (BAL) ($7800 FD|$6600 DK)
There is not a ton of appeal in the mid-range RB selection so this one may be a little bit of a reach. I don’t typically like to target AFC North division games, but I think after some of the questionable play calling by the Ravens staff last week will have them rethink their commitment to the run. Ingram has been excellent through his first three weeks, rushing 43 times for 257 yards and 6 receptions for 62 yards. He leads all NFL backs with 5 touchdowns.
Honorable Mention: Kerryon Johnson (DET) ($6500 FD|$5400), David Johnson ($6800 FD|$6800 DK).
Low Tier
NFL DFS Running Back: Wayne Gallman Jr. (NYG) ($5800 FD|$4600 DK)
Wayne Gallman Jr. is filling in for Saquon Barkley and will likely be heavy chalk this week, particularly on DK. The Redskins, as we all know have been atrocious to passing and rushing. They are giving up an average of 142 yards per game on the ground and will have to play in New York after a very rough outing against the Bears. I expect this game to be back and forth and high scoring because of poor defense on both teams so I am fine with the Gallman Jr. chalk if you need someone in this range.
NFL DFS Running Back: Devonta Freeman (ATL) ($6200 FD|$5000 DK)
Well, we finally got a somewhat decent performance last week out of Devonta Freeman. He carried 16 times for 88 yards and had three catches for seven yards. This doesn’t scream “play me” but he is obviously making strides and he will have a big game at some point. The Falcons face the Titans who are giving up 119 yards per game on the ground at a 4.8 yard clip.
NFL DFS Running Back: Justin Jackson (LAC) ($6200 FD|$4100 DK)
I don’t really care for Justin Jackson’s price on FD, but I will consider him on DK. Jackson has 18 carries at a 6.8 yard clip. In the event the Chargers get far ahead early against the lowly Dolphins, Jackson could see an uptick in snaps and could easily pay off his $4100 DK salary.
Punts: Outside of the plays I listed above I really have no interest.
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