In this piece, I highlight running backs who stand out in our large suite of analytical fantasy tools, most specifically, our FantasyLabs Player Models. While the models are built for DFS contests, this is an all-purpose fantasy article with actionable information for all formats.
As news breaks throughout the week and we adjust our projections (powered by Sean Koerner), player ratings in our Player Models will change. For updates, visit the models directly.
And don’t forget about the tools that FantasyLabs has to offer, like our Lineup Optimizer to effortlessly create up to 150 lineups, or use our Lineup Builder if you like to hand-build your lineups.
Top NFL DFS Running Back Picks in the FantasyLabs Models
On DraftKings, there are two running backs who rank near the top of the individual Sean Koerner, Chris Raybon, Cash Game, and Tournament Player Models.
- Jeff Wilson Jr.
- Latavius Murray
We’ll discuss why these two are popping in our models, as well as take a look at some other running backs.
Top Model NFL DFS Running Back Picks
Jeff Wilson Jr. ($5,900 DraftKings, $7,700 FanDuel): Miami Dolphins (-14) vs. Houston Texans (47 total)
Even prior to Raheem Mostert’s injury, Jeff Wilson was taking over the reins in this Miami backfield. He out-snapped Mostert 42-to-19, handling 19 touches for 143 yards and a touchdown. He’s seen some nice pass-game usage that he didn’t really see in San Francisco, as he’s seen eight targets over his first two games in Miami.
With Raheem Mostert trending towards not playing, we could be in for the Jeff Wilson show on Sunday. Wilson is an explosive back who has been limited by a lack of volume at times. That may not be the case on Sunday, as Miami’s backfield is rather thin outside of Mostert and Wilson.
He gets a matchup against one of the worst run defenses in the league in Houston. The Texans are allowing 5.08 yards per carry and a 54.8% success rate to opposing backs, both ranking 29th in the league. They’re facing 29.1 running back carries per game which is the highest in the league, and they’ve allowed 14 touchdowns to backs, which is tied for the second-highest number in the league.
Wilson leads Chris Raybon’s Pro Model, as well as our Cash Game and Tournament Models this weekend.
He leads the position in Projected Plus/Minus, as well as Points/Salary.
Latavius Murray ($5,000 DraftKings, $6,200 FanDuel): Denver Broncos (-1.5) at Carolina Panthers (36 total)
With Melvin Gordon now released and Chase Edmonds on injured reserve with an ankle injury, Latavius Murray is now the lead back in Denver’s backfield. Marlon Mack will be elevated from the practice squad, but it appears that Murray will handle all of the touches that he can this weekend.
Murray hasn’t been the most explosive back, averaging 3.3 yards per carry in his time in Denver. He has found the end zone three times in five games, and he’ll continue to take any goal-line carries that Denver has. He totaled 72 yards on 21 touches last week, and although the efficiency was poor, he’ll likely see similar volume this week against Carolina.
Carolina is a beatable matchup, as they’re giving up 4.71 yards per carry and a 59.5% success rate on running back carries. We saw them give up a massive game to Joe Mixon just a few weeks ago. Murray is cheap, and he’s going to see about 20 touches in a plus matchup. It’s hard not to get excited about that.
He leads Sean Koerner’s Pro Model while ranking third among backs in Projected Plus/Minus and Points/Salary.
Other Notable NFL DFS Running Back Picks
Austin Ekeler ($8,500 DraftKings, $8,800 FanDuel): Los Angeles Chargers (-2.5) at Arizona Cardinals (48.5 total)
Ekeler was not nearly as involved as he usually is as a receiver last week, only seeing two targets. He had one of his most efficient games as a rusher, though, carrying the ball 19 times for 83 yards. It could be that the return of Keenan Allen greatly limits Ekeelr’s receiving role, or maybe it was just a one-game dip. Regardless, Ekeler will likely see 20 touches on one of the league’s best offenses.
The Cardinals defense is ripe for Ekeler to feast on, as their linebackers struggle in coverage, and they give up a solid 4.62 yards per carry. Ekeler is a great option this week.
Kenneth Walker III ($6,900 DraftKings, $8,400 FanDuel): Seattle Seahawks (-4) vs. Las Vegas Raiders (47.5 total)
Kenneth Walker may have been inefficient on the ground against Tampa Bay prior to the bye, but he made a big leap for a multitude of reasons. We’ve been worried about him as a pass-catcher, but he was used in the negative game script. He caught six of eight targets for 55 yards. He handled 100% of the backfield touches and has now taken 110 of 128 backfield touches since becoming the starter.
The Raiders are giving up the sixth most total yards per game to opposing backs, which makes this a spot to attack for Walker. Walker is able to rip off big plays, and he should see enough touches in order to rip off a few big ones against Las Vegas as a home favorite.
James Conner ($6,600 DraftKings, $7,000 FanDuel): Arizona Cardinals (+2.5) vs. Los Angeles Chargers (48.5 total)
James Conner isn’t one of the most explosive backs in the league, but he has a workload that is rivaled by few. Since Eno Benjamin’s release, Conner has handled 40-of-46 backfield touches. He always is a shoo-in for a handful of targets as well, and that number could be inflated with Rondale Moore and Greg Dortch likely to miss this week.
He gets a pristine matchup this week, as the Chargers are allowing a league-high 5.75 yards per carry to opposing backs. They’re also allowing a massive 2.0 yards before contact on carries. Conner isn’t a very efficient runner, but he gets a matchup that may give him the chance to be efficient. If Conner can find some efficiency with his volume, he may be in for a big day,
Rachaad White ($5,100 DraftKings, $6,400 FanDuel): Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3.5) at Cleveland Browns (42.5 total)
Prior to the bye, Rachaad White may have shifted up the hierarchy in the Tampa Bay backfield. He played 48 snaps compared to just 22 for Leonard Fournette. Lenny still handled the goal-line work, but White handled 22 touches to just 15 for Fournette. White is intriguing with Fournette in, but with Fournette out, White looks like a great option.
Cleveland is allowing 2.18 yards prior to contact, which is the second-highest rate in the league. They’re allowing 5.26 yards per carry and the third-highest success rate for opposing running back carries at 53.9%. They’ve allowed a league-high 16 touchdowns to RBs as well. All of this mixed together is why White shapes up as one of the top values at the running back position.
