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 as the projections 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 300 lineups, or use our Lineup Builder if you like to hand-build your lineups.
Finally, make sure to check out all the projections available for purchase within the FantasyLabs Models. Subscribers now have the option to purchase Derek Carty’s THE BLITZ from our Marketplace. Projections from One Week Season and Establish the Run are available if you’re a subscriber to those specific sites (our optimizer is a separate add-on feature).
You can also combine them to create your own aggregate projections:
Top NFL DFS Running Back Picks in the FantasyLabs Models
On DraftKings, there are two running backs near the top of the individual Sean Koerner, Chris Raybon, Cash Game, and Tournament Player Models.
- Rachaad White
- Devin Singletary
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
Rachaad White ($7,400 DraftKings, $7,700 FanDuel): Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-1.5) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (41.5 total)
Like his quarterback, Rachaad White had his way with the Packers defense, running for 89 yards and catching two balls for 50 yards and a touchdown. It was his second-straight game with a receiving touchdown and his third-straight game over 23 touches.
Green Bay has been a clear target for running backs, while this week gives White a tougher matchup. The Jaguars have allowed the seventh-fewest DraftKings points per game to opposing backs, making this a spot where White is unlikely to find efficiency on the ground.
Jacksonville has allowed the second-most receiving fantasy points to running backs, giving White an avenue to success through the air. White has caught multiple passes in every game this year, with five or more targets in five different games.
White is tied atop the position in Points/ Salary despite the high price tag and is the top back in both our Cash Game and Tournament Model.
Devin Singletary ($5,500 DraftKings, $6,200 FanDuel): Houston Texans (+3) vs. Cleveland Browns (40 total)
Devin Singletary has a monopoly over the touches in the Houston backfield, as he handled 30 of 33 touches last week. He took 26 carries for 121 yards while catching four of five targets for 49 yards.
This will be a tough matchup for the veteran, as Cleveland has allowed the eighth-fewest DraftKings points per game to opposing backs. They have allowed some explosive runs, but I’m not so sure if Singletary has a ton of explosiveness anymore.
Regardless, he has legitimate 30-touch upside and leads the position in Points/Salary while being tied for first in Points/Salary. Singletary is a strong value option in all formats.
He is the top back in both Chris Raybon and Sean Koerner’s Pro Models.
Don’t forget to check out our SImLabs Lineup Generator to create advanced DFS lineup using the power of simulation:
Other Notable NFL DFS Running Back Picks
Breece Hall ($6,100 DraftKings, $7,400 FanDuel): New York Jets (-3) vs. Washington Commanders (37 total)
Breece Hall smashed against Houston in Week 14, catching eight of nine targets for 86 yards and a score. He followed that up with an absolute travesty, turning seven touches into 18 total yards against Miami. Hall also handled less than 50% of the backfield touches, which is worrisome if that trend continues.
However, this looks like a great spot to buy back in. The Commanders have allowed the eighth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing backs and have allowed a top-seven running back scorer in six straight games. With Trevor Siemian under center, the Jets will likely feed Hall.
Ty Chandler ($5,600 DraftKings, $6,900 FanDuel): Minnesota Vikings (+3) vs. Detroit Lions (47 total)
Alexander Mattison is currently listed as questionable for this matchup. Regardless of his status, Ty Chandler is likely to remain the lead back in Minnesota. However, I’ll have far less interest in Chandler if Mattison is playing.
Chandler exploded last week against Cincinnati, taking 23 carries for 132 yards and a score while catching three of four targets for 25 yards. Detroit has allowed the fewest DraftKings points per game to opposing running backs on the year. They’ve allowed the third-fewest yards per carry while also limiting backs in the receiving game.
If Mattison misses, then Chandler’s workload is too strong to ignore. However, if Mattison plays, I’m worried about the matchup on limited volume.
Be sure to check out all the pick’ems Sleeper has to offer with Sleeper Fantasy promo code LABS1 for a $100 deposit match.
My Favorite NFL DFS Runningback Leverage Pick(s)
Aaron Jones ($6,400 DraftKings, $6,700 FanDuel): Green Bay Packers (-4) at Carolina Panthers (37.5 total)
Similar to Chandler, this play is almost exclusively if AJ Dillon is out. I’m more into Aaron Jones with Dillon active than I am Chandler if Mattison plays.
With Dillon out last week, Jones handled 13 carries and saw four targets despite supposedly being on a pitch count. Green Bay’s season is officially on the line, needing to win out for any chance at the postseason.
Carolina has allowed the fourth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing backs, but they’ve been quietly good as of late. They’ve surrendered the fourth-fewest yards per carry since Week 7.
However, Green Bay is favored in this spot, and Jones could be fed heavy volume with the season in the balance. Green Bay also remains banged up at receiver, so they could lean on Jones even more. If Dillon is out, he looks like a strong tournament option at not too high ownership.
