DraftKings NFL 2017: Week 9 Lineup
By Joe Romano
High Value Running Backs
Dough Martin – Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($5,800) – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ running back Doug Martin has taken control of that teams backfield. Since returning from suspension in Week 4, he has turned into a top-ten fantasy running back. The questions about whether Jacquizz Rodgers would steal carries after a solid start have all been squashed. Martin is the number one option and getting the bulk of the work, at least on the early downs. This week as the Buccaneers travel to New Orleans, Martin could be a solid play. He is the 12th ranked running back in DraftKings, and could exceed that. The Saints defense is improved but is still allowing 4.5 yards per carry during the last four weeks. With quarterback Jameis Winston struggling the Buccaneers could turn to Martin to steady their game. I would not be surprised if we see a big week from the 28-year-old back.
Adrian Peterson – Arizona Cardinals ($5,600) – Arizona Cardinals running back Adrian Peterson started off his stint with his new team with a bang. He has since cooled off and looked like the back that we saw in New Orleans. However, this could be a bounce back week for the future Hall of Fame player. Arizona travels to San Francisco to take on the 49ers in an NFC West clash. San Francisco is extremely friendly to opposing running backs. The young front seven has talent but has been miserable against the run, surrendering the most points per game to opposing running backs. Peterson will be the focal point of this offense with quarterback Carson Palmer now on injured reserve and Drew Stanton filling in. Peterson provides tremendous value at only $5,600 and likely getting over 15 touches in a favorable matchup.
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Joe Mixon – Cincinnati Bengals ($5,100) – Speaking of backs that have taken control of a backfield, the Cincinnati Bengals have handed the reigns to their second-round rookie running back Joe Mixon. Since switching offensive coordinators, Mixon is averaging over 17 touches per game while the rest of the backfield has not touched double-digits. This week the Bengals have an extremely tough opponent in the Jacksonville Jaguars. They are playing like the best defense in the league. The reason Mixon makes the cut is because even though they’re a tough defense, they’re almost impenetrable through the air. Cincinnati will need to run the ball to even have a chance, or find a running back out of the backfield when throwing. Mixon has the opportunity to have a decent game here, even against that tough defense.
Alex Collins – Baltimore Ravens ($4,600) – Another running back who looks to have taken control of a backfield is the Baltimore Ravens’ Alex Collins. A huge Week 8 performance against the Dolphins aside, Collins looks like the best back in Baltimore’s muddied backfield. Over the last four weeks Collins has the 10th-most rushing yards in the league, but yet to find the end zone. I think this is the week he gets in there. His upside is a bit limited because of the aforementioned muddied backfield, but he is beginning to separate from the pack. Baltimore may be without quarterback Joe Flacco for this game, meaning a heavier work load for all the backs. Like Mixon, this is more about opportunity and talent than the actual matchup for Collins.