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.
- Rhamondre Stevenson
- Eno Benjamin
We’ll discuss why these are popping in our models, as well as take a look at some other running backs.
Editor’s note: Cam Akers was ruled out just before this piece was published. Be sure to check out our Player Models for an update on the Rams’ running back situation.
Top Model NFL DFS Running Back Picks
Rhamondre Stevenson ($6,000 DraftKings, $7,500 FanDuel): New England Patriots (+2.5) at Cleveland Browns (43.5 total)
A bevy of running backs have either gotten hurt (Ty Montgomery, Damien Harris) or retired (James White) to set up Rhamondre Stevenson as a potential workhorse for the time being. After Harris left last week’s matchup after six snaps, Stevenson racked up 175 total yards on 27 touches. When Harris missed last year’s matchup with the Browns, Stevenson had 114 yards and two touchdowns on 24 touches.
Two things stand out when looking at this matchup: the Patriots want to run the ball, and the Browns can not stop the run. New England has run the ball at least 22 times in each game this season, topping 28 in four of five. With Bailey Zappe at quarterback, they’ve run the ball 33 and 35 times.
Looking at the Browns defense, they’ve given up a massive 5.94 yards per carry, and 19.7 fantasy points per game on the ground to opposing backs. Both numbers rank as the second-worst in the league. The Browns gave up 173 yards, and a touchdown on 16 carries to Austin Ekeler last week and another 49 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries by Joshua Kelley. In Week 4, the Falcons running backs touched up Cleveland for a combined 199 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries.
Stevenson is second among all running backs in Projected Plus/Minus and Points/Salary, while being the top back in the Cash Game Model, and Sean Koerner’s Pro Model.
Eno Benjamin ($4,600 DraftKings, $6,300 FanDuel): Arizona Cardinals (-2.5) at Seattle Seahawks (50.5 total)
Eno Benjamin’s outlook is dependent on the injury situation in Arizona’s backfield. James Conner missed Thursday’s practice with a rib injury, Darrel Williams is listed as doubtful, and Jonathan Ward has been placed on injured reserve. This leaves Eno Benjamin and rookie sixth-round pick Keontay Ingram, who hasn’t played a snap this year, as the options in Arizona’s backfield.
After stepping into the lead-role mid-game last week due to injuries, Benjamin parlayed 11 touches in 53 yards and a touchdown. Benjamin has pass-catching ability also, with four targets in four of five games this year. This boosts Benjamin’s floor, especially with how inefficient Arizona has been running the ball as a whole.
Benjamin may be able to find some efficiency this weekend, as this Seattle defense couldn’t slow down the first 10 people to read this article and me as an offense. Seattle is allowing 4.95 yards per carry and has allowed the second-most DraftKings points to opposing running backs on the year.
Benjamin leads all backs in Projected Plus/Minus and Points/Salary, and is the top back in the Tournament Model, and Chris Raybon’s Pro Model.
Other Notable NFL DFS Running Back Picks
Christian McCaffrey ($8,300 DraftKings, $8,700 FanDuel): Carolina Panthers (+10) at Los Angeles Rams (41.5 total)
Despite what feels like a down year, Christian McCaffrey has averaged 20.2 DraftKings points per game, including 23.4 and 25.8 in Carolina’s last two games. P.J. Walker is set to start for Carolina, who peppered McCaffrey when they played together last year. In Walker’s one start last year, McCaffrey rushed 15 times for 95 yards and caught ten balls for 66 yards. Walker will likely pepper McCaffrey and let his playmaker go to work.
The matchup isn’t anything to get excited about, as the Rams are sixth in the league in total yards allowed per game to opposing backs. However, McCaffrey has turned nothing into something many times, and his usage can trump a difficult matchup.
Breece Hall ($5,800 DraftKings, $7,100 FanDuel): New York Jets (+7.5) at Green Bay Packers (45.5 total)
The Breece Hall takeover is among us, as he produced 197 total yards on 20 touches last week, punching in his third touchdown of the year. Hall could’ve had an even better performance, as he was tackled on the one-yard line twice, giving way to Michael Carter to punch in the touchdowns. Hall did have a hyper-efficient performance as a receiver, reaching 100 yards through the air on merely two catches.
The matchup is pretty exciting, despite being an underdog of over a touchdown. The Packers are allowing 5.11 yards per carry to opposing backs on the year. The Packers have already given up 60+ rushing yards to five different running backs on the year, and Hall is a strong bet to make it a sixth.
Kenneth Walker III ($5,400 DraftKings, $6,500 FanDuel): Seattle Seahawks (+2.5) vs. Arizona Cardinals (50.5 total)
With Rashaad Penny now out for the season, Kenneth Walker now becomes the lead man in this backfield. After Penny left the game last week, Walker racked up 88 yards on eight carries, including an explosive 69-yard touchdown run. Penny likely won’t handle passing-down work, but he is a capable pass-catcher. He saw even combined targets in weeks 2-4.
The matchup is fairly beatable, as Arizona has let up a middling 4.44 yards per carry to opposing backs. They have given up the tenth least DraftKings points to opposing backs, but that is mostly due to facing the least amount of rushing attempts from opposing running backs in the league. This Arizona defense is exploitable, and Walker has the explosiveness to rip off some chunk runs.
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