NFL DFS bargain bin: Divisional round
NFL DFS bargain bin: Divisional Round Running Backs
Carlos Hyde, HOU at KC (DraftKings-$5,000/FanDuel-$6,400/FantasyDraft-$9,900/Yahoo-$18)
Hyde may have a limited passing game role, but he’s drawing a solid matchup and has a secure role as the early-down back while checking in at reasonable prices across the industry. Moreover, it’s certainly worth noting one of Hyde’s three 100-yard games this past regular season came at the expense of the Chiefs, which he racked up 116 yards and a touchdown against back in Week 6.
The Chiefs finished the regular season allowing an elevated 4.9 yards per carry to running backs, along with the second-most second-level yards per attempt (1.45). In turn, the Texans’ offensive line allowed running backs to gain an impressive 4.5 yards per carry behind it and also helped generate 1.26 second-level yards per carry, putting them in the top half of the league.
Finally, KC also gave up the third-most receptions (100) to running backs this past regular season, and despite Hyde’s aforementioned limited passing game role, he did in fact notch a receiving touchdown in last week’s win over the Bills.
Damien Williams, KC vs. HOU (DraftKings-$6,000)/FanDuel-$6,900/FantasyDraft-$11,300/Yahoo-$16)
Williams offered a glimpse of his upside in the Week 17 finale against the Chargers, plowing through Los Angeles for 124 yards and two touchdowns while adding four receptions. The versatile back is well-rested and is fully over his late-season rib injury, and he should be tasked with a lead role in this matchup against a vulnerable Texans defense.
Houston surrendered 4.6 yards per carry to running backs this past season, along with the fourth-most receptions (99) to the position. Moreover, the Texans also tied with the Lions for most receiving touchdowns surrendered to RBs (eight), while Williams’ pass-catching prowess is unquestioned. The veteran notched a career-high 30 receptions (on 37 targets) this season, along with a pair of receiving touchdowns, over 11 games.