Daniel Wehr 
This report will provide NFL DFS running back options for the Week Three 13-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) ($8900 FD|$8700 DK)
Whatever is going on with Cam Newton this season has clearly resulted in an uptick in usage for Christian McCaffrey. CMC has a 100% snap share, averages 17 carries per game, seven targets per game, and has two touchdowns already this season. Tampa was able to catch the Panthers on a short week (Thursday Night Football) and nullify CMC’s effectiveness in the offense. I’m going to say this is an outlier because four days prior CMC carried the ball 19 times for 128 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 10 receptions for 81 yards. You go ahead and do all that work and let me know how you feel on Thursday night. The Panthers will face the Arizona Cardinals who are allowing 149 rushing yards per game (29th) and 307 passing yards per game (27th).
NFL DFS Running Back: Saquon Barkley (NYG) ($9200 FD|$9100 DK)
Here we are in Week Three and Saquon Barkley is on the slate so we’re going to talk about him! I see a lot of people on the Tampa Bay defense going into Sunday so far and I’m not sure the Giants are the team you want to pick on with the best running back in the league toting the football. Barkley is a Top Five back when it comes to snap share (88%), targets (6.5 per game), rushing yards per game (114), and yards per carry (6.8). I believe Daniel Jones will manage the game better than most would think and the Giants will most certainly continue to lean on their star RB with limited weapons across the offense. The Giants have one of the best offensive lines in football so Tampa is in for quite a task on Sunday.
NFL DFS Running Back: Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) ($8900 FD|$8800 DK)
I will start out by saying yes, I do love the matchup here against the Dolphins. The Dolphins rank dead last against the run through two weeks (195 YPG) and rank 28th against the pass (316 YPG). We have to make a decision every week to attack or fade against Miami because they are so bad and are going to attract a lot of ownership. My main concern is the Cowboys run the score up quickly and choose to preserve their starters for another day. You should know that going into this. Yes, Elliott is a premier RB play on Sunday, and yes there is also possibility he doesn’t pay off his hefty price tag just because of the blowout potential (Sony Michel). I will be looking to the two players listed above who should have more prevalence in their respective offenses.
Mid Tier
NFL DFS Running Back: Marlon Mack (IND) ($7000 FD|$5800 DK)
Marlon Mack has been getting a ton of work through two games this season. He is averaging 23 carries per game on one of the most fast paced offenses in the league. Atlanta isn’t so great on run defense and I actually think they are worse than advertised having only played two games. Dalvin Cook was able to make minced meat of their defense, rushing 21 times for 111 yards and a pair of TD’s. I think Mack is fairly comparable to Cook and should continue to be run as their every down workhorse back. Do keep an eye on his status (calf injury),
NFL DFS Running Back: Chris Carson (SEA) ($7000 FD|$5900 DK)
I think Chris Carson is a guy that may go overlooked this week. His numbers are not gaudy by any means but the Saints have allowed almost 150 rushing yards per game through two games this season against teams who aren’t exactly loaded with running back talent. With no Drew Brees in the mix, the Saints could be in for a very long day if they have issues with turnovers. Also factor in the home advantage for the Seahawks, I can easily see them getting ahead early and controlling all four quarters of the game.
NFL DFS Running Back: Mar Ingram (BAL) ($7000 FD|$5700 DK)
It is slim pickings for mid-tier running backs this week and Mark Ingram will round out those plays. I have to question his workload if the Ravens are not able to establish an effective rushing attack against the Chiefs. If Ingram is not able to dominate early as he did the Miami game, the Ravens will turn to any means necessary and that means it’s the Lamar Jackson show. Ingram saw a similar fate last Sunday against the Cardinals, where he carried 13 times for 47 yards, paving the way for Lamar to utilize his incredible speed and agility and amass 120 yards over 16 carries. Keep Ingram in mind but tread lightly.
Low Tier
NFL DFS Running Back: Frank Gore (BUF) ($5700 FD|$4400 DK)
Devin Singletary worked out pretty well for me last week but he is questionable going into Sunday against the Bengals. This play is based purely on workload so we will need to monitor Singletary’s status. If he does end up limited on Sunday, Gore would be the one to benefit against an awful Cincinnati defense that allows 170 rushing yards per game. If Singletary has no limitations going into Sunday, he is also to be considered.
NFL DFS Running Back: Devonta Freeman (ATL) ($6200 FD|$4900 DK)
Devonta Freeman is only averaging 2.2 YPC through two games this year. He will need to get going if he does not want to see some of his workload go to Ito Smith. The Falcons will need to have an effective run game this week if they stand a chance. The Colts have a very young and talented secondary. If Atlanta is not able to keep the defense on their toes we could see a very low score total from what is considered to be a high powered offense.
Punts: I recommend you not spend any lower than Frank Gore on both sites.
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