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.
- Dalvin Cook
- Jeff Wilson Jr.
We’ll discuss why these are popping in our models, as well as take a look at some other running backs.
Top Model NFL DFS Running Back Picks
Dalvin Cook ($7,300 DraftKings, $7,300 FanDuel): Minnesota Vikings (-7.5) vs. Chicago Bears (44 total)
Dalvin Cook battled through a shoulder injury and handled 22 touches en route to 86 total yards against the Saints in London. He appeared on only 62.5% of the offensive snaps but handled 84.6% of the backfield touches. He wasn’t very efficient with his touches, but the usage is promising going forward.
Cook has been a volume hog to start the year, with 17+ touches in three of four games, while only handling 10 in a blowout loss to the Eagles. As a favorite of over a touchdown, we’re not expecting an extreme negative game script for Cook. As long as he stays healthy, Cook is a prime candidate for 20+ touches.
He matches up with the Bears who have been trampled by opposing backs to start the year. They’ve given up 4.8 yards per carry, and over 500 rushing yards on the year. They’ve given up 80+ yards to three different backs and have surrendered 21.2, and 35 DraftKings points to Saquon Barkley and Aaron Jones respectively.
Dalvin Cook leads our Tournament Model this week and is also a solid cash game play as well.
Jeff Wilson Jr. ($5,500 DraftKings, $6,500 FanDuel): San Francisco 49ers (-6.5) at Carolina Panthers (39.5 total)
Jeff Wilson continues to be the feature back for the 49ers with Eli Mitchell out due to injury. Wilson has handled 88.2% and 90% of backfield touches over the past two weeks. He had a tough matchup against the Rams last week but was able to run for 74 yards, and a touchdown on 18 carries en route to 13.4 DraftKings points.
Wilson hasn’t done much in the passing game, as he has seven total targets through four games. His upside is totally reliant on his rush work, but he gets an easier matchup this week as opposed to weeks past. Carolina is allowing 4.58 yards per carry to opposing backs, with two rushing touchdowns given up to backs on the season.
Wilson has handled 20, 15, and 18 touches in the past three weeks. He ranks at the top in both Points/Salary, and Projected Plus/Minus on the week. At such a cheap price tag, Wilson won’t need much in order to pay off his price tag.
He leads our Cash Game Model this week, as well as Chris Raybon and Sean Koerner’s Pro Models
Other Notable NFL DFS Running Back Picks
Derrick Henry ($8,200 DraftKings, $8,900 FanDuel):Tennessee Titans (-1.5) at Washington Commanders (42.5 total)
After a slow start, the big dog started rolling en route to 25.3 and 26.7 DraftKings points in the past two weeks. The big change has been his pass game usage, as he’s seen 11 targets over the past two games and has scored 17.1 DraftKings points through the air.
Henry ran efficiently last week against one of the top run defenses in the league in Indianapolis. He ran for 114 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries, good for 5.2 yards per carry. He also had an 18-yard touchdown taken off the board due to a holding call, which would’ve led to a 30+ point performance out of the King.
His passing game usage is encouraging, with a 23.1% and 23.8% target share the past two weeks. However, he’s only run 24 pass routes in the two games. They’re clearly designing passing plays for Henry, which has been a huge change to wake up their offense. Washington has been solid against opposing backs, surrendering only 4.21 yards per carry on the year.
Henry is a prime “bet on talent” candidate, and with his usage, we’re in on Henry.
James Robinson ($6,300 DraftKings, $8,000 FanDuel): Jacksonville Jaguars (-7) vs. Houston Texans (43.5 total)
Robinson had run pretty pure on touchdown luck prior to last week, as he scored four touchdowns over his first three games. He mustered merely 29 yards on eight carries, appearing on just 46.8% of snaps and seeing 44.4% of the backfield touches. Like most of the Jaguars’ offense, they’d like to forget about last week.
His touchdown luck may stay hot in this matchup, as Houston has given up the second-most fantasy points on the ground to opposing backs. Robinson has handled 100% of the inside-the-five touches and is likely to get more opportunities this week.
With a healthy team total in a positive game script, Robinson is a strong play.
Breece Hall ($5,400 DraftKings, $6,600 FanDuel): New York Jets (+3) vs. Miami Dolphins (46 total)
Breece Hall has continued his takeover of the Jets backfield, as he played a season-high 65.7% of the snaps and handled 63.5% of the backfield touches. Hall had 17 carries and saw six targets while running for his first touchdown of the year. If the backfield split keeps trending in Hall’s favor, we’re going to see a price bump.
The matchup with Miami isn’t an easy one, as they’ve given up merely 3.23 yards per carry to opposing backs on the year. However, with Wilson at the helm, perhaps this whole Jets offense sees a bump. We’re banking on Hall’s volume and explosiveness this week.
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