It’s been a season of shaky running back performances, so finding the best daily fantasy option has been a chore for many weeks.
With the final week of the regular season upon us, here’s our best DFS options at the running back position.
DFS Boom
Devonta Freeman vs. New Orleans
No one is more expensive in DFS than Freeman among running backs. But there’s no surer bet than Freeman on Sunday.
The Saints are atrocious against the run and Atlanta is featuring Freeman as much as it has done all season. Freeman has the third most and fifth most carries of the season in the last two weeks and we can’t see the Falcons going away from that gameplan any time soon.
Before Atlanta figured out it should run the ball more, it lost six consecutive games. Now, the Falcons are on a two-game winning streak and Freeman has a lot to do with it. He has 101 and 90 total yards respectively in the last two weeks with a touchdown in each contest. He should fare even better this week against the Saints.
New Orleans owns the second-worst rushing defense in the NFL, allowing 132.3 yards per game. New Orleans allows five yards per carry, the highest amount in the NFL.
We expect the Saints to be overmatched again up front and believe Atlanta will continue to focus on the run.
DFS Sleeper
Darren McFadden vs. Washington
As far as consistent running backs come lately, look no further than McFadden. According to the Yahoo Daily Fantasy site, McFadden sits as the 12th-most expensive running back.
That’s a quality value for a running back going against a team with nothing to play for. The Redskins will have a tough time getting motivated for this contest and they likely will rest their starters for the majority of the game. And even with their starters, the Redskins haven’t been great against the run.
Washington allows the seventh-most rushing yards per game in the NFL at 124.1. That won’t improve with backups.
And McFadden has been the lone bright spot on the Cowboys’ offense lately.
He’s gone for 111, 100 and 99 yards rushing respectively in the last three games. His touchdown output has been non-existent, but we’re not as concerned with that number. He’ll get a solid amount of carries and has shown in the last three weeks to be the featured back in an offense that is starting to find its groove running the ball.
If McFadden can find the endzone, he will be a solid pickup in DFS.
DFS Bust
Doug Martin vs. Carolina
There have been some holes in Carolina’s defense recently, so that may be the reason for Martin’s high price tag.
Martin is the seventh-most expensive on the Yahoo DFS site, despite a difficult matchup with the Panthers. Carolina has surrendered double-digit point totals to running backs in the last two weeks, so we’re assuming they will find their way back this week to gear up for the playoffs.
And Martin had been consistent and seemed poised to have a big day last week against Chicago. However, he fell on his face, losing two fumbles and going for only 49 yards.
The Panthers still own the fifth-best rushing defense in the NFL despite the recent struggles. Carolina only allows 89.2 yards per game and 3.9 yards per carry.
Martin had a good first outing against the Panthers this season, but this Carolina unit should be motivated and the game flow likely won’t be advantageous for Martin owners.
