Running Backs
Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints vs. Cleveland Browns – $9500
To little surprise the Saints used Alvin Kamara as the dynamic offensive weapon he was with Mark Ingram not in the lineup. Kamara is one of the few running backs that is not effected by game script with his ability to catch the ball and lineup wide. He did most of his damage as a receiver in Week 1 racking up 112 yards receiving and a touchdown, adding a rushing touchdown for good measure. This week he gets the Browns defense that let James Conner finish second in fantasy points in Week 1.
A juicy matchup for Kamara easily places him as the highest priced DraftKings player.
Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals – $9200
Another running back that has receiving skills is Los Angeles’ Todd Gurley. He was my pick for MVP of the league this season and started strong in his opening game. His almost 150 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown placed him fifth in fantasy points. There were points left on the table as well. This week he stays in L.A. to play the Cardinals.
Arizona’s defense was the worst defense against running backs in their Week 1 game against Washington. They let up 168 rushing yards and 133 receiving yards to the position. Gurley at $300 cheaper than Kamara, is my preferred cornerstone in Week 1.
Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers vs Kansas City Chiefs – $9000
As of writing this article there is no news on the Le’Veon Bell front. James Conner’s performance a week ago did not help his case. It’s increasingly more likely that we do not see Bell until Week 10 so he can accrue a full season but not take the wear and tear of a full season’s workload.
David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals @ Los Angeles Rams – $8000
It was nice to see Arizona’s David Johnson back on the field after missing the full season a year ago. Johnson struggled to remind everyone why he was considered one of the best three backs in football when healthy. Like the three players ranked above him, he is not effected by game flow with his receiving ability.
However, he did not crack 100 total yards and failed to reach the end zone in his first game. His offensive line is going to do him no favors this season. That is bad news with Aaron Donald and Ndamakung Suh lining up across from them this upcoming week. Opportunity is going to be there for Johnson but it’s going to be tough sledding against the Rams front.
Melvin Gordon, Los Angeles Chargers @ Buffalo Bills – $7400
Surprisingly Melvin Gordon was not the highest scoring running back on his team in Week 1. Austin Eckler was able to find the end zone and show his chance of pace nature as a receiver.
This week, should play more into Gordon’s strengths. He had a solid Week 1 but going into Buffalo and not into a shoot out increases the chances that Gordon has a monster performance. Buffalo allowed three rushing touchdowns a week ago to the Ravens. This game can get out of hand in a hurry, making Gordon’s role grow.
Values
T.J. Yeldon, Jacksonville Jaguars vs New England Patriots – $5600
As of writing this article there is no answer on Jaguar’s running back Leonard Fournette. Should he miss this game, T.J. Yeldon becomes an incredible value in a repeat matchup of last year’s AFC Championship. The Patriots defense is much improved this season.
In their last matchup Yeldon was ineffective but the Jaguars running game was solid. Their upgrade at offensive line can only help Yeldon’s case. Keep an eye on the injury report and if Fournette is not a go, get Yeldon in your lineup.
Dion Lewis, Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans – $5000
Speaking of the Patriots, their former running back Dion Lewis is a strong value play this weekend. Lewis was strong in the wacky Week 1 game in Miami. He tallied 110 total yards and a rushing touchdown against the Dolphins. The most exciting prospect was how much he was on the field compared to Derrick Henry, including goal line work.
If Lewis’ workload stays that way against a Houston defense that is capable of being spread out, this is a great value play. He is the 24th ranked running back in a good matchup.
Phillip Lindsay, Denver Broncos vs. Oakland Raiders – $4400
Most fantasy players expected the Broncos backfield to be led by a rookie. No one thought that rookie was going to be undrafted free agent Phillip Lindsay. In Week 1 he was the Broncos top back 102 total yards and 17 total touches. This week he gets an Oakland defense that let up 160 total yards to running backs in Week 1. Lindsay is a risky play with Royce Freeman also seeing 15 carries but his Week 1 usage is promising.