Running Back Matchups to Target in Week 15 - Chase Brown, David Montgomery, Chuba Hubbard

We have to consider some running backs, such as Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, for DFS contests every week because of their guaranteed volume and/or touchdown equity.

However, other backs are much more matchup-dependent, and I want to feature those backs in this piece.

Now, let's take a closer look at some of our favorite running back matchups for Week 15.

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Chase Brown ($7,200 DK, $8,100 FD)

Cincinnati Bengals @ Tennesee Titans

Chase Brown has been simply fantastic in terms of fantasy production since taking over as the main back in Cincinnati. Since Week 9, Brown has played 80% of the snaps and has produced 17+ DK points in every game.

While the Titans are an above-average defense against the run, they rank 29th against running backs as receivers (DVOA). That's where Brown does a lot of his damage - in the passing game.

He's averaging over five catches per game and 30+ yards receiving over his last five games. On top of his receiving floor, he also has some solid touchdown equity as the goal-line back for this offense. His price is finally catching up to his production, but he's still a great play in all formats this week against the Titans.

David Montgomery ($7,000 DK, $7,700 FD)

Detroit Lions vs. Buffalo Bills

Some didn't draft Monty in redraft leagues this year because they didn't think he could produce as many touchdowns this year as a part-time player. Yet here we are in Week 15 and he already has 12 touchdowns, just one shy of his career best that he set last season during his first year in Detroit.

The Lions rushing attack has been even more formidable this season, which is wild because they were incredibly good and efficient last year. The offensive line for Detroit is opening up huge holes for both Monty and Jahmyr Gibbs as the Lions rank third (behind only Baltimore and Philly) in yards before contact (1.56) by their backs.

David Montgomery has a rushing Success Rate of 58.1% 😤

That ranks 6th out of 1,092 RBs with 100+ carries in a season since 2000 🤯 https://t.co/3CDfjPGF56 pic.twitter.com/9go1YqJNuT

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) December 11, 2024

There's no buzz around either Detroit back this week, which I find incredibly odd for a few reasons. For one, this game against the Bills has the highest total of the week and one of the highest totals that we have seen in any game this season at 54.5. The Lions' offense is dynamic on any surface, but they are nearly unstoppable at home in the dome.

And we just watched this Bills defense get run over by Kyren Williams last week. While Buffalo is still ranked 8th against the run, they're slipping down the rankings and have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.

You should play some Gibbs, too, but I like Monty the most because he's cheaper, and he's more likely to find the end zone as the goal line and short yardage back. If he scores twice, he could even finish as the top back on the slate.

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Chuba Hubbard ($6,500 DK, $7,500 FD)

Carolina Panthers vs. Dallas Cowboys

Hubbard has easily been the MVP of the Panthers this season and one of the few bright spots for this struggling Carolina team. He's earned every penny of the big extension he just signed, as he's been very effective as both a runner and a receiver in this offense.

Chuba cracked 20 DK points last week against the Eagles in one of the tougher matchups he's had this season. That was his fifth game of the year with 20+ DK points and eighth game with 15 or more.

Hubbard is running behind one of the better offensive lines in football. Carolina's group up front has been dominant, opening up holes for Hubbard, and the matchup this week against Dallas is certainly one they can win. The Cowboys rank 29th against the run (DVOA) and have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing backs.

Hubbard also has 35 receptions this season and eight touchdowns. When we get a running back, who is getting so many high-value touches (receptions + red zone carries) in a matchup like this, it's really hard to fade, which helps to explain why he is projected to be one of the most highly-rostered players on Sunday.

There's no competition for touches here either, as Jonathon Brooks went down last week with a season-ending injury. In what projects to be a close game, expect the Panthers to ride their best player with another 20+ touches.

Rico Dowdle ($6,100 DK, $7,100 FD)

Dallas Cowboys @ Carolina Panthers

How can we not love Dowdle in this spot? The Panthers have been the best matchup for opposing backs nearly all season, and Dowdle is fresh off his best outing of the year in terms of yardage as he ran for 131 yards against the Bengals.

That makes two straight 100+ yard performances for Dowdle, who has seized total control of the Cowboys RB touches with 22, 25, and 19 over the last three weeks.

If you are starting Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle at RB, you're set to dominate in round 1 of the playoffs. 2 bellcow backs with top 5 matchups. Get your 🍿ready pic.twitter.com/rgLMKJR60a

— Jesse Moeller (@JMoeller05) December 12, 2024

Again, the matchup is simply incredible. The Panthers are dead last in rushing defense (DVOA) while allowing the most fantasy points to opposing backs. The matchup up front is the fourth-best of the week per PFF as well, with all signs pointing towards Dallas being able to run the ball successfully.

Thanks for reading, and good luck with your DFS contests!

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