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.
- Saquon Barkley
- Brian Robinson
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
Saquon Barkley ($8,000 DraftKings, $9,200 FanDuel): New York Giants (-5.5) vs. Indianapolis Colts (39 total)
Saquon Barkley had a mediocre stretch between Weeks 11-14 and then rattled off 23 and 27.3 DraftKings points in back-to-back weeks. He carried the ball 32 times for 171 yards and two touchdowns and hauled in 13 of 18 targets for 82 yards over the past two weeks.
His workload remains one of the strongest in the league, as he’s carried the ball 15+ times in 10 games on the year and 20+ times in six games. The Giants want to feed him the ball, and as long as games stay close, that’s the plan.
His usage in the passing game is also steady, as he has three or more targets in 12 games. He also has the upside to produce big receiving games, as he has six or more targets in five games.
The Colts have allowed the seventh-most DraftKings points per game to opposing RBs, including 14 rushing touchdowns. Barkley ranks second in Projected Plus/Minus, as well as Points/Salary on the week.
He’s the top back in our Cash Game and Tournament Model.
Brian Robinson ($5,200 DraftKings, $6,900 FanDuel): Washington Commanders (-2) vs. Cleveland Browns (40.5 total)
Antonio Gibson has been ruled out for this week’s matchup with Cleveland, so we should see a heavy dose of Brian Robinson. Even with Gibson in the lineup this year, Robinson has still handled a healthy workload. He has 17+ carries in six of eleven games on the year.
Robinson is barely used in the passing game, which is a little bit of an issue. He’s seen just eleven targets on the year, catching nine balls for 60 yards. His lack of receiving output makes him reliant on efficiency and touchdowns.
He hasn’t been the most efficient runner this year, averaging 3.9 yards per carry. He also has only found the end zone twice all year, as he’s tied to a Commanders’ team that is averaging merely 19.0 points per game.
Robinson gets a beatable matchup this week, as the Browns have allowed 5.24 yards per carry to opposing backs on the year, which is the third most in the league. He’s by far the top back in Projected Plus/Minus and Points/Salary on the weekend.
He’s the top running back in both Sean Koerner’s and Chris Raybon’s Pro Models.
Other Notable NFL DFS Running Back Picks
Christian McCaffrey ($9,000 DraftKings, $9,500 FanDuel): San Francisco 49ers (-9.5) at Las Vegas Raiders (42.5 total)
Christian McCaffrey wasn’t very efficient in a difficult matchup last week, carrying the ball 15 times for 46 yards and catching two balls for 12 yards. He was able to cash into the end zone late to post a middling 13.8 DraftKings-point performance. Hopefully, we can get him back around the 30-point range that he’s been in from Weeks 13-15.
The Raiders have allowed the second-most receiving fantasy points, which bodes well for McCaffrey. His receiving numbers have fluctuated with San Francisco, but he’s had six games of six or more targets in just nine total games as a 49er. San Francisco is trying to catch Minnesota for the second seed in the NFC, so keeping their foot on the gas pedal to try to win is essential.
Dalvin Cook ($7,000 DraftKings, $8,30 FanDuel): Minnesota Vikings (+3) at Green Bay Packers (48 total)
Dalvin Cook had a subpar performance last week, carrying the ball 14 times for 64 yards and catching three of four targets for 13 yards. We’ve seen this from Cook all year, as he doesn’t have much of a pass-catching ceiling. He needs to find the end zone, and he needs to be efficient or rip off big runs.
Cook should have the opportunity for both this week in Green Bay. The Packers have allowed 4.84 yards per carry to opposing running backs and the eighth-most rushing fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. Cook parlayed 23 touches into 108 yards when these teams matched up in Week 1.
Tyler Allgeier ($5,300 DraftKings, $6,700 FanDuel): Atlanta Falcons (-5.5) vs. Arizona Cardinals (41.5 total)
Tyler Allgeier has started to massively out-snap and out-touch Cordarrelle Patterson, which is a great sign going forward. With Atlanta not having much to play for, it makes sense for them to see what they have in Allgeier. He carried the ball 17 times for 139 yards and a touchdown in Week 15 and 18 times for 74 yards last week. He also caught four balls for 43 yards last week, showing some potential passing game upside going forward.
Allgeier has been efficient in tough matchups as an underdog, and he now gets to come home against a porous Arizona defense. They’ve allowed 4.69 yards per carry to running backs on the year and are towards the end of a lost season with David Blough under center.
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