Week 2 DFS is among us! Several quality matchups allow you to build your roster with solid value at running back without spending an arm and a leg. Check out six of the best plays to target at the running back position below.
Studs
Nick Chubb
2021 Stats: 15 carries, 83 rush yards, 2 receptions, 18 rec yards, 2 TDs, (DK: 23.1 FPPG; FD: 21.1 FPPG)
| vs HOU (13th) | DK: $7,800 | FD: $8,400 |
Jacksonville may not of taken advantage of Houston’s porous run defense, but the Browns certainly will in this Sunday’s matchup. Cleveland dominated the Chiefs last Sunday, rushing for 153 yards. Chubb and Hunt were excellent as a tandem in Week 1, finishing with 162 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns. Expect more of the same this weekend as the Browns look to bring Houston down to Earth after an opening win against Jacksonville. The offensive line for Cleveland has by far the top matchup in both the pass and the run game.
Despite the victory, the Texans still were worst in the NFL with 3.06 yards before contact in Week 1. Chubb should run wild, with the lone risks being Hunt stealing touchdown(s) or perhaps a contest that becomes one sided very early. Both are very possible, but the former Bulldog should have the safest floor of all the elite running back options on this week’s slate.
Jonathan Taylor
2021 Stats: 17 carries, 56 rush yards, 6 receptions, 60 rec yards, (DK: 17.6 FPPG; FD: 14.6 FPPG)
| vs LAR (27th) | DK: $7,200 | FD: $7,200 |
The Colts struggled to keep up with the Seahawks, but Taylor’s efficiency as a pass catcher was a pleasant surprise. Taylor struggled with an inconsistent workload throughout the first half of the year in 2020, but thrived in a workhorse load during the back half of the year. Nyheim Hines’ presence will always hinder the second year running back’s production as a pass catcher, but Taylor still managed to lead the team with 116 all-purpose yards, including 6-60 as a receiver.
He finished as RB12 (DraftKings) and showed that the offense can run through him, even in a negative game script. The Rams dominated against Chicago, but one area they struggled to contain was the running game. David Montgomery lit up the Rams defense with 118 all-purpose yards (third-most) and finished as RB7 on both platforms. For a team about to go on a three game road trip, the Colts cannot afford to start off 0-2. This should lead to a very competitive outing. Taylor’s potential workload does not reflect his price tag and he is capable of matching or even exceeding Montgomery’s Week 1 effort.
Mid-Tier
Najee Harris
2021 Stats: 16 carries, 45 rush yards, 1 reception, 4 rec yards, (DK: 5.9 FPPG; FD: 5.4 FPPG)
| vs LV (20th) | DK: $6,300 | FD: $6,100 |
The 2020 Doak Walker Award winner struggled in his NFL debut with just 49 yards on 17 touches, but should rebound in a big way this week’s matchup. The Raiders allowed an NFL-high 186 yards on the ground last week. The majority of that came from Lamar Jackson, Las Vegas still allowed 122 yards and two touchdowns between Ty’Shon Williams and Latavius Murray.
Despite Harris’ struggles, he still managed to play 100% of the snaps. This signals that he will be in store for a massive workload in positive game scripts. Pittsburgh should be able to move the ball more efficiently this week and could lead to multiple opportunities to score for the rookie running back. Due to the volume, Harris should be one of the best mid-tier plays this weekend. Being the 16th-ranked salary on FanDuel should essentially make him a lock on that platform.
Ezekiel Elliott
2021 Stats: 11 carries, 3 rush yards, 2 receptions, 6 rec yards, (DK: 5.9 FPPG; FD: 4.9 FPPG)
| @ LAC (11th) | DK: $6,200 | FD: $7,500 |
Zeke was a big disappointment as a fantasy asset in their season opener with just 13 touches for 39 yards. This led to a massive price dip this week. He is not the workhorse he once was, and he should not be relied on to be consistent on a weekly basis, but that should not be the case against the Chargers. With Michael Gallup down for a month, Dallas will need Elliott to step up and produce with the likes of Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb. The struggle last week was justified, as the Buccaneers were the top ranked run defense in 2020.
This week, Zeke should return to at least a modest return in production. It is reasonable to assume he will be much more involved as a pass catcher and the game having the highest O/U of the weekend should lead to multiple opportunities to score. DraftKings is much more of an appealing play, considering he has the 12th-ranked salary, but you will easily be able to afford him on FanDuel as well without much sacrifice elsewhere.
Values
Damien Harris
2021 Stats: 23 carries, 100 rush yards, 2 receptions, 17 rec yards, (DK: 15.7 FPPG; FD: 10.7 FPPG)
| @ NYJ (19th) | DK: $5,400 | FD: $6,200 |
Harris was fantastic as a rusher Week 1 versus the Dolphins, but a late game fumble inside the 10 yard line cost him a potential touchdown, and ultimately the game for New England. After being one of only five running backs to eclipse the 100 yard bonus on DraftKings, there was only a $200 price increase in a much better matchup.
The Jets allowed Christian McCaffrey to accumulate the most all-purpose yards Week 1 (187) and most points among running backs on FanDuel, despite not scoring a touchdown. Harris does not have that same upside, but he is still too cheap, especially should he find pay dirt. Pairing Harris with New England’s defense, who always make rookie quarterbacks struggle, could be a nice pairing to construct the rest of your lineup around.
Chase Edmonds
2021 Stats: 12 carries, 63 rush yards, 4 receptions, 43 rec yards, (DK: 14.6 FPPG; FD: 12.6 FPPG)
| vs MIN (29th) | DK: $4,900 | FD: $6,000 |
Edmonds’ capabilities as a starting running back were a question mark going into Week 1 with the addition of James Conner, but the running back impressed with 106 yards on just 16 touches. His upside is still limited due to his lack of red zone opportunities, but his upside as a pass catcher can balance that out, especially on DraftKings.
Having a sub-$5k salary for someone capable of living in the 14-18 touch range is great value. The matchup is great against Minnesota, who allowed Joe Mixon to finish as RB1 on DraftKings last week (28 FPTS). The Cardinals should continue to move the ball at ease and Edmonds will continue to be valuable in the air and on the ground in plus matchups like this.
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