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.
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Top NFL DFS Running Back Picks in the FantasyLabs Models
On DraftKings, there are three running backs near the top of the individual Sean Koerner, Chris Raybon, Cash Game, and Tournament Player Models.
- Kenneth Walker
- Isiah Pacheco
- Rachaad White
We’ll discuss why these three are popping in our models, as well as take a look at some other running backs.
Top Model NFL DFS Running Back Picks
Kenneth Walker ($7,000 DraftKings, $8,800 FanDuel): Seattle Seahawks (-7.5) vs. Arizona Cardinals (44.5 total)
Kenneth Walker has found the end zone at will as of late, with six touchdowns over his last four games. He’s averaged 20.2 DraftKings points per game over that stretch.
The volume has been solid, with 19, 21, 17, and 22 opportunities over that stretch. It’s shy of the top backs in the league, but it’s still a strong workload nonetheless. The passing game usage comes and goes, but he’s seen multiple targets in four of five games.
The matchup is strong, as Arizona has allowed the seventh-highest yards per carry to opposing backs and third-most DraftKings points. Kyren Williams barely touched the ball in the first half, and we still saw him run wild. He parlayed 20 carries into 158 yards and a touchdown.
Walker looks like a strong play in all formats this weekend. He’s the top back in our Tournament and Cash Game Models.
Isiah Pacheco ($6,100 DraftKings, $7,400 FanDuel): Kansas City Chiefs (-5.5) vs. Los Angeles Chargers (48 total)
If Isiah Pacheco is going to continue seeing the receiving volume he saw last week, his price could keep rising in the coming weeks. We’ve been accustomed to around 15 carries and maybe one to three targets for Pacheco.
However, he saw six targets in primetime against Denver, catching six balls for 36 yards. I’d like to see it again before I get too excited, but it’s promising to see that there is potential for spike weeks in receiving work.
This matchup isn’t as mouthwatering as it would appear, as Los Angeles hasn’t been a complete dumpster fire against opposing backs. They’ve allowed a middling 3.86 yards per carry and rank in the bottom 10 in DraftKings points allowed to opposing backs. Pacheco is also a rather cheap way to get exposure to one of the top game environments on the weekend.
He’s the top back in Chris Raybon’s Pro Model.
Rachaad White ($5,100 DraftKings, $6,100 FanDuel): Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5) vs. Atlanta Falcons (37 total)
Rachaad White carries a cheap price tag this week, but his usage is trending in the wrong direction. He handled just over 50% of the backfield touches last week, parlaying 11 opportunities into 38 scrimmage yards.
The matchup doesn’t inspire much confidence, with Atlanta allowing backs to gain just 3.78 yards per carry and the second-fewest DraftKings points per game.
His receiving profile is still strong, and his price is very cheap to where we don’t need an extensive workload. The recent trends are a little worrisome, but if he returns to the workloads he’d seen in weeks past, this price is too cheap.
White is tied atop the position in Points/Salary, and is the top back in Sean Koerner’s Pro Model.
Other Notable NFL DFS Running Back Picks
Austin Ekeler ($8,600 DraftKings, $9,400 FanDuel): Los Angeles Chargers (+5.5) at Kansas City Chiefs (48 total)
Austin Ekeler reprised a strong workload in his first game back from injury, carrying the ball 14 times and catching four of six targets for 35 yards. This Chiefs defense is a tough nut to crack, as they’ve allowed the seventh-fewest yards per game to opposing backfields.
They’ve faced some weak running games as of late, but they did limit Travis Etienne to under 50 yards. Ekeler’s usage is rivaled by few, so I’ll definitely have some interest in tournaments. He’s averaging over 100 scrimmage yards with five touchdowns in his nine matchups against Kansas City.
Josh Jacobs ($7,400 DraftKings, $8,000 FanDuel): Las Vegas Raiders (-2.5) at Chicago Bears (37.5 total)
Josh Jacobs continues to see one of the best workloads at the running back position. He took 25 carries for 77 yards last week and caught two of five targets for 16 yards. In the past four games, he’s seen 22, 28, 25, and 30 opportunities.
Jimmy Garoppolo is set to miss this contest, and it’s unclear whether Brian Hoyer or Aidan O’Connell will get the start. When O’Connell started in Garoppolo’s absence in Week 4, Jacobs saw 11 targets. If he were to get the start again, that would bode well for Jacobs’ outlook.
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My Favorite NFL DFS Runningback Leverage Pick(s)
Aaron Jones ($6,800 DraftKings, $7,700 FanDuel): Green Bay Packers (-1.5) at Denver Broncos (45 total)
Aaron Jones‘ hamstring injury is certainly worth monitoring, but he looks like one of the best tournament options if he’s good to go. He tweaked his hamstring on the Saturday prior to Monday’s game against Las Vegas, which kept him sidelined.
We’ve only really seen him healthy for Week 1, and he left that matchup with the original injury. He turned 13 opportunities into 127 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns. We’ve seen massive upside from him before, and if he is truly healthy, the offense will certainly run through him.
This Denver defense is pitiful, as they’ve allowed the most DraftKings points to opposing running backs. They’ve allowed a monstrous 5.86 yards per carry, which is the highest in the league. They did somewhat contain Isiah Pacheco last week, but he still had 98 yards, and Kansas City running backs saw 10 total catches.
If Jones is appearing healthy, this is a smash spot.
