X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Stats & Leaders
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
24x7 News and Alerts

Running Back Targets for DFS and Playoff Leagues: Divisional Round

The Wild Card games proved to be wild indeed, with a couple of underdogs advancing to the second round of the NFL playoffs. If you're in a one-and-done fantasy league, hopefully you didn't burn your RB picks on disappointing players like Mark Ingram or Devonta Freeman, as the limited pool of players makes each pick that much more important. There aren't too many backups making noise at this juncture of the season, but nevertheless let's look at some DFS bargains and lesser-owned running backs that could make an impact.

This article will aim to highlight playoff league targets and DFS plays for running backs, players that you should consider targeting for your various fantasy football leagues and lineups. Running backs will be split up into three tiers - from most desirable, to most desperate.

Instead of a FAAB amount, I will list DraftKings prices for those looking for value DFS plays beyond the obvious RBs.

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 10% off using code BALLER! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!

 

Frontrunners for Divisional Round - Running Back Targets and DFS

Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans - $7300 DK

If you weren't a believer in Henry before, you certainly are now. With the backfield to himself, Henry sliced through the Chiefs all afternoon and led the Titans to an improbable second-half comeback. Henry led the way among all runners with 156 rushing yards--even more impressive since Todd Gurley was the only other RB to go over 100. DeMarco Murray's status is uncertain, but Henry has already been declared the starter and it would be downright shocking if he didn't get 20 or more carries in an effort to slow down the juggernaut Patriots. New England wasn't as bad against the run on defense as they were in the passing game, finishing 20th overall and only allowing six scores on the ground. You still have to think that if Tennessee gets anywhere near the red zone, they will give Henry the ball first and foremost. Being the third-highest priced running back on the slate this weekend might make him a more affordable stud than Le'Veon Bell, who has to face the Jags.

Latavius Murray, Minnesota Vikings - $5400 DK

They say momentum is everything heading into the playoffs. If that's the case, let's see which Minnesota RB has the most juice heading into a matchup with the Saints. Murray's last three games: 61 carries, 256 yards, three TD with three receptions for 37 yards. Jerick McKinnon: 28 carries, 110 yards, and eight receptions for 123 yards. Oh, and zero touchdowns. That might be a selective sample, but you can't argue it's one that counts. Murray has become the lead back and has owned the red zone role all year, nearly tripling McKinnon in carries where it matters most (47-17). If the Vikings fall behind early, it could force them to pass more than they'd like and involve McKinnon more, but with the way they beat New Orleans earlier this year and the level their defense is playing at, I don't foresee that happening.

James White, New England Patriots - $4300 DK

White has hovered around 50% ownership all season, so it's not surprising to see him right near the middle of the salary range for RB this week. Dion Lewis and Rex Burkhead will both cost you quite a bit more ($6600 and $5700 respectively) because they finished the season as the strongest contributors in New England's backfield. It's playoff time, though, and we know who Tom Brady really trusts when it comes to crunch time. White had been questionable after missing the last two games of the season with an ankle injury, but he is said to be ready for this weekend. As I mentioned last time, the Titans give up quite a bit of yardage to running backs through the air. White is a great differentiation play because many have written him off due to recency bias.

 

In The Running - Divisional Round Running Backs and DFS Targets

LeGarrette Blount, Philadelphia Eagles - $3700 DK

The starting running back for the #1 seed in the NFC isn't getting much love on the betting circuit. Blount is the 16th-most expensive RB this week on DraftKings, barely above players guaranteed to do nothing such as Mike Gillislee and T.J. Yeldon. Jay Ajayi has higher ownership rates in many leagues, but it's unclear why we should expect him to do much more than Blount. This is still a full-blown committee that is best avoided in anything but tournaments, but if you're going to pick an Eagles back you may as well save a few bucks and go with the bigger red zone threat.

Zach Line, New Orleans Saints - $3000 DK

Who's your buddy? While I didn't go as far as guaranteeing a touchdown from Line, I had a strong feeling it was possible. Until John Kuhn returns, which could be next week (if the Saints are still in the playoffs), Line is someone who could take a short plunge and turn it into points. He is simply a punt play if you're loading up on stars across the other positions, but he's in better position to score you something than Tennessee's third-string RB that will never see the field.

Corey Clement, Philadelphia Eagles - $3200 DK

Is Clement totally touchdown-dependent for any fantasy value this week? Probably. Can you think of any better options at a price point just above the 3K minimum? Not really. Again, you're better off taking chances elsewhere this week than at running back, but at his price tier Clement should have the highest chance for usage. He scored a surprising six total touchdowns this year, thanks in large part to 13 red zone rushes. The Eagles may lean on their running game more than ever with Nick Foles looking shaky to close the season.

 

Dark Horses - Divisional Round Running Backs and DFS Targets

Stevan Ridley, Pittsburgh Steelers - $3900 DK

Honestly, it would be a shock if Ridley gets more than five touches in this game. Brought on at the tail end of the season due to a slew of injuries to backup running backs in Pitt, Ridley only saw extended action in Week 17 because the Steelers chose to rest nearly all their starters on offense. Frankly, seeing him at a higher price point than a starter like LeGarrette Blount or a primary backup like Chris Ivory is a bit confusing. You can spend your money far wiser, but I'd still take Ridley over Fitzgerald Toussaint.

Tommy Bohanon, Jacksonville Jaguars - $3000 DK

See Line, Zach above. Bohanon is simply another fullback who could sneak in a random touchdown for a bargain price in DFS. The Jags have gotten unconventional near the red zone all season, and the playoffs are no exception as evidenced by the Brad Koyack touchdown last week. Bohanon has four TD on the year despite touching the ball exactly 11 times. He could put up more points on one play than Chris Ivory or Corey Grant will on several carries or receptions.

Kenjon Barner, Philadelphia Eagles - $3000 DK

How many running backs do the Eagles have exactly and how is that legal? If you're in a league where special teams count, you could take a flier on Barner as a return man. He does get mixed into the offense on occasion, so when you get to the depths of the running back list, you still might prefer him to any of the backups on other teams that are sure to be sitting on the sidelines.

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Stats & Leaders
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Wendell Carter Jr.9 mins ago

Still Out Versus Detroit
Victor Wembanyama16 mins ago

Upgraded To Probable
Ausar Thompson26 mins ago

To Play On Saturday Night
Kirill Kaprizov2 hours ago

Ruled Out For Saturday
Auston Matthews3 hours ago

May Return To Maple Leafs Lineup Next Week
Max Domi3 hours ago

To Remain Out On Sunday
Jakub Vrana3 hours ago

Sits As Healthy Scratch Saturday
Alex Pietrangelo3 hours ago

Remains Out Saturday
William Eklund3 hours ago

A Game-Time Call For Saturday
Kasperi Kapanen3 hours ago

Moves To First Line Saturday
Darnell Nurse3 hours ago

Expected To Return On Saturday
Aaron Rodgers6 hours ago

Could Be Placed On IR Or Benched
Jordan Eberle10 hours ago

To Miss At Least Three Months
Matthew Knies10 hours ago

Placed On Injured Reserve
Owen Power10 hours ago

Tallies Two Helpers On Friday
John Gibson10 hours ago

Busy In Overtime Loss
Connor Hellebuyck10 hours ago

Sharp in Friday's Victory
Kyle Connor10 hours ago

Tallies Two Points In Friday's Victory
Noah Fant18 hours ago

Questionable For Week 12, Update Coming On Saturday
Brock Purdy20 hours ago

Week 13 Status Uncertain
20 hours ago

Nationals Non-Tender Kyle Finnegan On Friday
21 hours ago

Rays Non-Tender Dylan Carlson
21 hours ago

Rockies Non-Tender Brendan Rodgers, Cal Quantrill
Mike Yastrzemski21 hours ago

Avoids Arbitration With Giants
21 hours ago

Blue Jays Non-Tender Closer Jordan Romano
Dustin May21 hours ago

Dodgers Sign Dustin May To One-Year Deal To Avoid Arbitration
Walker Kessler21 hours ago

Might Return To Action Saturday
Kyle Filipowski21 hours ago

To Miss Saturday's Game
Jordan Clarkson21 hours ago

Considered Questionable For Saturday
Miles McBride21 hours ago

Questionable To Face Jazz
Joel Embiid22 hours ago

To Remain Out On Sunday
Nikola Jokic22 hours ago

Returns To Action Friday
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope22 hours ago

No Longer On Injury Report
Wendell Carter Jr.22 hours ago

Considered Questionable For Saturday
Brady Singer22 hours ago

Shipped To Cincinnati
Jonathan India22 hours ago

Traded To Kansas City
Tre Mann22 hours ago

Listed As Out For Saturday
Torrey Craig23 hours ago

Available Versus Hawks
Nick Richards23 hours ago

Ruled Out For Saturday
Jarace Walker23 hours ago

Ready To Face Bucks
Ben Sheppard23 hours ago

Misses A Third Consecutive Game
Anfernee Simons23 hours ago

Returns To Action Friday
Ja Morant23 hours ago

Considered Doubtful For Saturday
Jerami Grant23 hours ago

Ready For Action Friday
Marcus Smart23 hours ago

Questionable For Saturday
Deandre Ayton23 hours ago

Remains Out On Friday
Rashod Bateman1 day ago

Added To Week 12 Injury Report
Vince Dunn1 day ago

Could Be An Option For Kraken Next Week
TOR1 day ago

Alexander Nylander Joins Maple Leafs On One-Year Deal
George Kittle1 day ago

Cleared For Week 12
Jason Dickinson1 day ago

Expected To Play On Saturday
Cam York1 day ago

Expected To Return Saturday
San Francisco 49ers1 day ago

Nick Bosa Won't Play Against Packers
Mason McTavish1 day ago

Remains Out On Friday
Brock Purdy1 day ago

Ruled Out For Week 12
Tage Thompson1 day ago

Continues To Sit On Friday
Kevin Hayes1 day ago

A Game-Time Call Friday
Ladd McConkey1 day ago

Returns To Practice On Friday
CeeDee Lamb1 day ago

Cleared To Play In Week 12
Sam LaPorta1 day ago

Off The Injury Report, Cleared For Week 12
Jake Ferguson1 day ago

Ruled Out With Concussion
DeVonta Smith1 day ago

Ruled Out For Week 12
Brock Purdy1 day ago

Not Seen At Friday's Practice
T.J. Hockenson1 day ago

Expects To Be More Involved In Week 12
Alexander Mattison1 day ago

Zamir White Doubtful To Face Broncos
Nico Collins1 day ago

Set For Increased Workload Against Titans
Mike Evans1 day ago

Officially Listed As Questionable
Malik Nabers1 day ago

Questionable For Week 12, Intends To Play
Sam Darnold1 day ago

Cleared For Sunday
D'Andre Swift1 day ago

Gets Questionable Tag For Week 12
Keenan Allen1 day ago

Lands On Injury Report, Questionable For Week 12
Shohei Ohtani1 day ago

In Early Stages Of Recovery From Shoulder Surgery
Tabatha Ricci1 day ago

Looks To Extend Her Win Streak
Yan Xiaonan1 day ago

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Muslim Salikhov1 day ago

A Favorite At UFC Macau
Chris Sale1 day ago

To Have Normal Offseason
Garrett Crochet1 day ago

Drawing Plenty Of Interest
Song Kenan1 day ago

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Zhang Mingyang1 day ago

Set For His Second UFC Fight
Ozzy Diaz1 day ago

An Underdog At UFC Macau
Carlos Ulberg2 days ago

Looking To Cement Himself As A Title Contender At UFC Macau
Volkan Oezdemir2 days ago

Eyes Another Knockout At UFC Macau
Gabriella Fernandes2 days ago

A Big Underdog At UFC Macau
MMA2 days ago

Cong Wang Puts Undefeated Record On The Line At UFC Macau
Deiveson Figueiredo2 days ago

Looks To Extend Win Streak At UFC Macau
Petr Yan2 days ago

A Favorite At UFC Macau
Shohei Ohtani2 days ago

Named National League MVP In 2024
Aaron Judge2 days ago

Wins American League MVP Award
Cody Bellinger2 days ago

Cubs Looking To Trade Cody Bellinger?
2 days ago

Blake Snell Has Met With Red Sox, Dodgers
Chris Sale3 days ago

Wins National League Cy Young Award
Tarik Skubal3 days ago

Wins 2024 American League Cy Young Award
Austin Eckroat3 days ago

Heads To The RSM Classic After Win
Harris English3 days ago

Finding Form Heading To The RSM Classic
Ben Griffin3 days ago

Continues Playing Well Heading To The RSM Classic
Denny McCarthy3 days ago

Returns to The RSM Classic
Ludvig Aberg3 days ago

Looks To Defend RSM Classic Title
Si Woo Kim3 days ago

An Intriguing Option At RSM Classic
Maverick McNealy3 days ago

In Solid Form Ahead Of RSM Classic
Eric Cole3 days ago

Chasing First Tour Victory At RSM Classic
4 days ago

Guardians' Stephen Vogt Named AL Manager Of The Year
Milwaukee Brewers4 days ago

Pat Murphy Named NL Manager Of The Year
4 days ago

Nick Pivetta Declines Boston's Qualifying Offer
Jose Siri4 days ago

Mets Acquire Jose Siri From The Rays
Charles Oliveira5 days ago

Gets Back In The Win Column
Michael Chandler5 days ago

Gets Dominated At UFC 309
Karine Silva5 days ago

Suffers Her First UFC Loss
Viviane Araujo5 days ago

Gets Back In The Win Column
Mauricio Ruffy5 days ago

Extends His Win Streak To Six

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 
DK Metcalf - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS and Betting Picks

Wide Receiver Matchups to Target in Week 12 - DK Metcalf, Courtland Sutton, Jauan Jennings, Noah Brown, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

Week 12 is here, and with it, another edition of WR Matchups to Target. Last week was one of our most successful of the season, with two home run DFS picks (3x multiplier on DraftKings salary) in Jauan Jennings and Marquez Valdes-Scantling to go along with two additional hits (2x multiplier). Week 12 brings a […]


Matthew Stafford - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Fantasy Football Landmines to Avoid for Week 12 - Matthew Stafford, D'Andre Swift, Mark Andrews, and more

Week 12 in the fantasy football season is a critical juncture. With six teams on bye, options are slim, and managers must make savvy lineup decisions as the playoffs loom.  One misstep—a "landmine" starter who underperforms—could cost you a victory and potentially a playoff berth. This week, we spotlight five players who may look tempting […]


Devaughn Vele - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

High-Upside Bench Stashes: Weekend Waiver Wire Adds for Week 12 Includes Blake Corum, Trey Benson, Keaton Mitchell, Jaylen Wright, Devaughn Vele, Theo Johnson, and more

Mastering the waiver wire is a crucial skill that can lead you to a fantasy football championship. It's not just about strategically placing your FAAB budget on specific players but also about knowing when to stash players. This dual strategy keeps you engaged and focused on your ultimate goal of winning a fantasy championship. As […]


Bucky Irving - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Key Starters and Tough Calls - Week 12 Lineup Spotlights for Fantasy Football Include Bucky Irving, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, DeVaughn Vele And More

Scott Engel’s Lineup Spotlights on RotoBaller.com feature key players to consider starting every week during the 2024 fantasy football season. “The King” highlights preferred starting options when you are dealing with challenging lineup decisions. The players included in this rundown are based on Scott’s Premium Weekly Lineup Rankings, available in the RotoBaller NFL Premium Pass. Enter the […]


Kareem Hunt - Fantasy Football Rankings, Waiver Wire Pickups, NFL Injury News

2024 Fantasy Football Rankings (Weekly Rankings)

Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.


Tampa Bay Bucs Defense D/ST Streamers, Rankings, Waiver Wire - Vita Vea Fantasy Football IDP

Week 12 Team Defense Rankings for Fantasy Football: D/ST Updates for Buccaneers D/ST, Chiefs D/ST, Commanders D/ST, Vikings D/ST, Lions D/ST

If you've struggled to get strong production out of your D/ST and need a few wins to qualify for the fantasy football playoffs, you have come to the right place. Our NFL team's Week 12 fantasy football defense (D/ST) rankings are here to guide you in setting the best optimal lineup. The Broncos, Chiefs, and Vikings […]


C.J. Stroud - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Week 12 Superflex 2QB Rankings for Fantasy Football: Updates for C.J. Stroud, Justin Herbert, Kyler Murray, Matthew Stafford, Baker Mayfield

With bye weeks and injuries being major factors this week, Superflex fantasy managers will need to dive deeper into the rankings to find the top available options. Our Week 12 fantasy football Superflex rankings (2QB) for 2024 are here to help you navigate close start-or-sit calls and take home a "W" in an important week […]


Courtland Sutton - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Week 12 PPR Rankings for Fantasy Football: Overall Updates Include Courtland Sutton, Rome Odunze, DJ Moore, Austin Ekeler, Tony Pollard, DeAndre Hopkins

Welcome back to another weekend edition of RotoBaller's overall fantasy football rankings. It's a must-win week for many fantasy managers, so it's time to lock in. Below, you'll see our NFL team's updated Week 12 fantasy football PPR rankings for 2024. Let's see where key players like Deebo Samuel Sr., Jameson Williams, Austin Ekeler, Jaylen […]


Rico Dowdle - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Week 12 FLEX Rankings for Fantasy Football (RB, WR, TE) - Updates Include Jameson Williams, Jayden Reed, Jakobi Meyers, Rico Dowdle, Christian Watson

The 12th slate of the NFL season featured many players out of action via bye week or injury. That said, fantasy managers will need to dig deep into this week's rankings to find the top available FLEX consideration. We're here to help with our NFL team's updated Week 12 fantasy football FLEX rankings for 2024. […]


Chuba Hubbard - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Week 12 Running Back Rankings for Fantasy Football: RB Updates Include Bucky Irving, Kareem Hunt, Chuba Hubbard, J.K. Dobbins, Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Somehow, we're already onto the 12th week of the fantasy football season. Needless to say, time is running out to stack wins together, so let's get to crucial start-or-sit decisions with help from our updated Week 12 fantasy football running back rankings for 2024. Let's see where key players such as Jonathon Brooks, Chuba Hubbard, […]


Jauan Jennings - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Week 12 Wide Receiver Rankings for Fantasy Football: WR Updates Include Josh Downs, Quentin Johnston, Jauan Jennings, Calvin Ridley, Tank Dell

The wide receiver position is volitile, and WRs that aren't clear must-start studs are largley matchup dependent. If you need help with your start-or-sit calls ahead of the important Week 12 slate, we're here to assist with our NFL team's updated Week 12 fantasy football wide receiver rankings for 2024. Let's dig into the rankings […]


Anthony Richardson - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL News

Week 12 Quarterback Rankings for Fantasy Football: QB Updates Include Anthony Richardson, Bo Nix, Tua Tagovailoa, Geno Smith, Sam Darnold, Jared Goff

Early in the 2024 NFL season, quarterbacks struggled in fantasy football due to a regression in passing productions. However, many are picking up steam in the second half of the year. Still, start-or-sit decisions remain difficult when comparing two similar QBs. We're here to help with our updated Week 12 fantasy football quarterback rankings for […]


Will Dissly - Fantasy Football Rankings, Waiver Wire Pickups, NFL Injury News

Week 12 Tight End Rankings for Fantasy Football: TE Updates Include Will Dissly, Cade Otton, Zach Ertz, Jonnu Smith, Sam LaPorta, TJ Hockenson, Cole Kmet

It's make-or-break time for many fantasy managers, as the fantasy football playoffs are quickly approaching. Tight ends are always the toughest offensive position to navigate, so if you need help setting optimal lineups, you can come to the right place. Below, you'll see our NFL team's updated Week 12 fantasy football tight end rankings for […]