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FanDuel NFL: Week 16 lineup

By Brad Berreman

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 18: Quarterback Jameis Winston
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 18: Quarterback Jameis Winston /
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Mandatory Credit: Julio Aguilar/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Julio Aguilar/Getty Images /

Running Backs: Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys-$8,300, Devonta Freeman, Atlanta Falcons-$7,000

Elliott is set to return from his six-game suspension this week. That extended rest may leave him a little rusty, but he also has fresh legs at a point in the season where no one else does.

The Seattle Seahawks are increasingly banged up defensively, and Todd Gurley just torched them to the tune of 180 total yards (152 rushing) and four total touchdowns (three rushing) in Week 15. Overall this season, the Seahawks are one of 11 teams that have allowed double-digit rushing touchdowns to running backs. In any case, Elliott could easily follow Gurley’s huge outburst with a big day of his own on Sunday.

Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett started the week by saying he was unsure how he’ll use Elliott in his first game back. But there seems to be only one way to go, barring an injury during the practice week, and that’s 25-30 touches as the centerpiece of the offense. On Thursday, offensive coordinator Scott Linehan suggested Elliott will get “significant touches” on Sunday.

With Tevin Coleman out with a concussion, Freeman put up 194 total yards against the Tampa Buccaneers in Week 15. Coleman has been cleared from concussion protocol in time for Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, but it’s hard to see him as a significant factor this week if all things are equal.

In Week 14 against the Saints, with Coleman theoretically in the mix before it was announced he had suffered a concussion in the game, Freeman had 24 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown.

Even if Coleman plays on Sunday, Freeman is running well right now and going away from him would be foolish for the Falcons. The Saints are a mid-pack fantasy defense against running backs, but they have allowed a rushing touchdown to the position in three straight games and at least 25 total PPR fantasy points (ESPN scoring) to the position in three of their last five. On the significant side of any possible playing time split, at worst, Freeman looks like a relative value for Week 16 on FanDuel at $7,000.