Running Back Matchups to Target in Week 18 - Bijan Robinson, Kenneth Gainwell, Josh Jacobs, Rico Dowdle

It’s Week 18, and with the playoff picture taking shape, NFL DFS contests are brimming with opportunity. Running back is always a key position, and this week we have several enticing matchups at various price points. Whether you’re building around high-priced workhorses or searching for value to balance your lineups, this slate has something for everyone.

FanDuel’s scoring system rewards touchdown-heavy backs, while DraftKings gives extra value to pass-catching RBs. I’ve highlighted four top options, breaking down their matchups, pricing, and potential roles to help you make the best lineup decisions this week.

Let’s sort through the noise and find the RBs to target for Week 18!

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Bijan Robinson - $8,500 DK / $9,200 FD

Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers

The Falcons face the Panthers in a game with a massive 28-point implied team total, and Robinson is primed to feast. Carolina’s run defense ranks dead last in EPA and PFF grade, allowing a league-high 32.0 points to the running back position.

Robinson has been a bell cow, averaging 17.3 rushing attempts and 4.1 targets per game. His role in the red zone and the passing game gives him some elite upside.

Atlanta Falcons Bijan Robinson is the only RB in the NFL in the top 5 in rushing yards and top 5 in receiving yards by a Rb pic.twitter.com/P5UouGAc4J

— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) January 1, 2025

Robinson is an elite option for cash games thanks to his consistent workload and dream matchup against Carolina’s porous run defense. His high salary might deter some players in tournaments, but that makes him an excellent pivot for GPPs, where his explosive upside could pay off big.

Pairing him with Atlanta’s defense for correlation is a sharp strategy in large-field contests, especially given the Falcons' heavy run-game script.

Kenneth Gainwell - $5,600 DK / $5,600 FD

Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants

With Saquon Barkley out, Gainwell is set to lead the Eagles backfield against the Giants. The matchup is favorable, as New York ranks 30th in run defense (per PFF) and struggles to defend running backs in the passing game. Gainwell has flashed efficiency when given volume, and his salary provides significant savings.

Kenneth Gainwell got some moves! pic.twitter.com/uDXp46nMB1

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) December 16, 2024

Gainwell’s low salary makes him a standout value option for cash games, particularly in a game where the Eagles are expected to lean on the run. While his ceiling may not rival that of higher-priced backs, his likely low ownership makes him an intriguing contrarian play for GPPs.

He’s a cost-effective way to gain exposure to a high-leverage role in a favorable matchup, especially in multi-entry contests.

Josh Jacobs - $8,100 DK / $8,200 FD

Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears

Jacobs faces the Bears in a game where Green Bay’s ground game should dominate. Chicago’s defense ranks 26th in EPA against the run, and Jacobs is coming off a stretch of strong performances, averaging 18.4 carries and 2.5 targets per game.

After 16 Games Josh Jacob’s first season as a Packer already has him in the franchise record books. Jacobs is now 6th in single season rushing in Franchise History

1. Ahman Green - 1883 yards
2. Jim Taylor* - 1474 yards
3. Dorsey Levens - 1435 yards
4. Ahman Green - 1387 yards… pic.twitter.com/HuXvwusRxE

— IKE Packers Podcast (@IKE_Packers) January 1, 2025

Jacobs' volume and involvement near the goal line make him a high-floor, high-ceiling play. He is a strong option for cash games, offering a reliable workload and a favorable matchup against Chicago’s struggling run defense.

For GPPs, Jacobs brings the touchdown upside needed to break through in tournaments, especially when included in game stacks and if you're anticipating a high-scoring Packers offense.

Rico Dowdle - $5,800 DK / $7,100 FD

Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders

Dallas is expected to lean on the run against Washington’s 31st-ranked rush defense. Dowdle has averaged 14.2 carries over the last two weeks and has demonstrated solid efficiency. At his mid-tier price point, Dowdle offers both value and upside.

Rico Dowdle needs just one measly yard to have the most rushing yards by ANY Cowboys running back in the last five seasons.

The crazy thing about this is that he'll accomplish this without having more than 12 rushing attempts for half the season. pic.twitter.com/OnkdcH9NeV

— Dan Rogers (@DannyPhantom24) January 1, 2025

Dowdle’s affordable salary makes him a great choice for cash games, offering a solid floor in a favorable matchup against Washington’s weak run defense.

In GPPs, he’s an excellent pivot from higher-salary running backs, providing some similar upside at a fraction of the cost. His potential for increased usage in a run-heavy script positions him as a sneaky value play for large-field tournaments.

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

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