DraftKings NFL: Week 6 lineup
By Joe Romano
Running Backs
Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams @ Denver Broncos – $10,000
We have the first five figure DraftKing player of the season in the Rams’ Todd Gurley. He is playing at an MVP level and dominating opponents in Sean McVay’s system. The Rams may be the best team in the NFL. They get a Denver defense that just allowed over 200 yards rushing to Isaiah Crowell on the road. The Broncos should play better at home but this Gurley price is no shock. He is the best running back, and possibly offensive player, in the league. It’s tough to swallow $10K but if there is a player worth it, it’s Gurley.
Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals – $8500
Still unsure why DraftKings is pricing Bell so high. Maybe they think he gets traded during the week and plays, which would be crazy. Bell’s still out and has not informed Pittsburgh of his decision when to come back. Keep away.
Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers @ Washington Redskins – $8300
Quietly Christian McCaffrey is showing why he was a top ten pick a season ago in Carolina. He’s turning into the perfect NFL running back in 2018 with his ability in the passing game and tough running between the tackles. McCaffrey had a solid outing a week ago against the Giants as well with a touchdown catch. This week he travels to Washington for another NFC East opponent. The Redskins statistically rank in the middle of the pack in points allowed to running backs. McCaffrey is a weapon with a high floor every week and this week is no different.
Melvin Gordon III, Los Angeles Chargers @ Cleveland Browns – $8200
Another dual-threat running back in Los Angeles is having a good start to the season. Melvin Gordon found the end zone against last week and hauled in six passes. Like McCaffrey, his floor is very high so there is little gamble plugging him into lineups. Cleveland, this week’s opponent, is a strong defense but ranks 12th in points allowed to opposing running backs. Los Angeles may find more success on the ground than the air in this matchup which is good news for anyone planning on grabbing Gordon.
James Conner, Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals – $7700
We already discussed Le’Veon Bell but the actual starting running back for Pittsburgh is James Conner. He is coming off the best game of his NFL career and is making people all over the Pittsburgh area forget about Bell. This week he travels to Cincinnati to play a defense that has allowed the eighth most yards on the ground and tenth most points to running backs. Conner, unlike his quarterback has been better on the road this season. He’s a solid bet to be a top contributor this week for Pittsburgh.
Value Running Backs
Isaiah Crowell, New York Jets vs Indianapolis Colts – $5000
One way for a running back in a committee can get himself more carries is to a have an outright dominant performance. Isaiah Crowell did just that on Sunday against Denver setting the franchise record for rushing yards in a game. Crowell should see an increased role as the season goes on. This week he gets a Colts defense that ranks in the bottom five in points allowed to running backs. Look for the Jets to ride the hot hand and no hands are hotter than Crowell after last week.
Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks @ Oakland Raiders – $4400
The running back mentioned here was Mike Davis of Seattle. Some in depth research has made me switch to the fellow back in Seattle, Chris Carson. Valued as a running back without a definite role increases his value. During his healthy weeks Carson has averaged 25 touches per game. His skill set will lend itself to both the air and ground attack. Losing carries to Davis in the red zone could hurt but that should ease as Carson’s health rounds out. He gets a Raiders defense that ranks in the bottom ten against running backs. He allows you to really save with heavy touchdown upside.