DraftKings CFB running back picks September 14
Top Tier:
Is Tulsa’s defense better than Oregon State? I’m not sure they are. Tulsa’s run defense is decent, but Chuba Hubbard is the best back in the Big 12(10) with all due respect to Ingram. Hubbard is going to trample Tulsa. I would rather pay for him than one of the expensive QB’s.
If you read my stuff, you know I like Stevie Scott, Kylin Hill and Eno Benjamin. I wont be using any of them this week though. Michigan State’s run defense is elite. Ohio State’s is close to that. K-State’s is good. There are better options. J.K. Dobbins, for example. This Ohio State offense is cooking and Dobbins is a key ingredient.
Middle Tier:
Isaiah Bowser was shut down by Stanford even before he left the game. Like his quarterback though, this is a very favorable matchup against UNLV. All Northwestern offensive pieces are priced down, so they are very good places to look for value.
West Virginia’s defense can’t stop the run right now, so that bodes well for both Ricky Person and Zonovan Knight. Knight has been by far the better back to start the season, so I would side with him over Person even though they are listed as co starters.
Much like the Friday slate, RB is a minefield in the middle. BYU’s run defense has left a lot to be desired, but USC has a committee backfield. Malepeai is the poacher, so for his price, a touchdown is all but guaranteed. That can’t be dismissed.
James Gilbert has brought his talents from David Letterman U to the Little Apple. Now people have to take notice. The Mississippi State defense is solid, but Gilbert is a strong runner and this offensive line is good. I doubt Gilbert tops 20 DraftKings points again, but he could get close.
My only fear with Shamari Brooks is that Tulsa falls so far behind that they abandon the run. If the Dust Devils can keep this close, Brooks could quietly have a really good game. That’s a big risk to take though.
Bargain Shoppers:
Toren Young is technically a backup, but he has gained almost as many yards as “starter” Mekhi Sargent. Sargent is a much better receiver out of the backfield, but Young sees plenty of chances on obvious run downs. I like him as a salary saver here. Young will still get work against the Cyclones.
If you want to throw a complete dart, Javon Leake has the most playmaking ability in a crowded Maryland backfield. His speed is elite. Just ask Syracuse. They couldn’t catch him on a long run. Leake has broken a couple loose already and is a strong bet to do so against Temple as well.
I don’t care how solid the Arizona State run defense has been so far. Elijah Collins, now the starter for Michigan State, is minimum price. What a joke! This Michigan State offense was stagnant in the opener, but it exploded with Collins in the backfield. I expect 100% ownership here, but this isn’t a freebie we can just let everyone else have. Collins’ score will be too high to punt for the price.