High-value running backs
The running back position is a place I like to look for value. DraftKings, due to releasing it’s prices on Wednesday struggle to stay up to date with injuries. This is a good way to find value. The best value running backs are outside of the top 12 and ranked on my confidence in playing them this week.
Marshawn Lynch – Oakland Raiders ($5100): The Oakland Raiders welcomed back Marshawn Lynch to his hometown after the running back took a year off. They will need to lean on him this week as they play the Baltimore Ravens. Oakland’s starting quarterback Derek Carr is scheduled to miss the game with a back injury. Lynch will be involved early and often against the Ravens. Baltimore ranks as the fifth friendliest defense to opposing running backs and are coming off a week where they surrendered the highest fantasy day of the week to Le’Veon Bell. Lynch is being criminally undervalued on DraftKings as the 16th running back by price. He is in for a heavy work load and a big game.
Isaiah Crowell – Cleveland Browns ($4700): A back in a similar mold as Lynch is Cleveland Brown’s running back Isaiah Crowell. The Browns have had no problems handing the ball to Crowell when they are in close games and coach Hue Jackson just reiterated his faith in the ball carrier this week. Cleveland plays the New York Jets on Sunday. The Jets looked hapless against the run before their two game winning streak. With Cleveland’s offensive line beginning to gel (holding Cincinnati to only two sacks) Crowell will be used to control the clock. The Browns should limit the amount of times quarterback DeShone Kizer has to throw the ball. The young rookie leads the league in interceptions. Crowell is a safe bet for at least 15 touches, if the game remains tight it could be plenty more.
Frank Gore – Indianapolis Colts ($4400): The ageless running back for the Indianapolis Colts Frank Gore has shown he still has some gas left in his tank. This week the Colts face the San Francisco 49ers at home. The 49ers are allowing the sixth most fantasy points to opposing running backs. With Jacoby Brissett still under center look for the Colts to lean on the running game and Gore to carry them to victory. He is a solid bet to receive 75 percent of the carries for a ground game that should move the ball. I like Gore as a value play even in what could be a low scoring game.
Thomas Rawls – Seattle Seahawks ($3700): While I do not feel good about this, someone from the Seattle Seahawks backfield needs to be included on this list. Running back Thomas Rawls gets the nod over pass catching back C.J. Prosise. Coach Pete Carroll has came out and said Rawls and Eddie Lacy will be splitting carries after the injury to Chris Carson. Rawls was the teams lead back last season and has the edge on Lacy in knowing the offense. Seattle’s opponent, the Los Angeles Rams are the most fantasy friendly team to opposing running backs. All three Seattle backs hold similar price tags. This is a risky play, but Rawls, Lacy or Prosise will have a big game, the problem will be pinpointing which one.