Welcome back to another edition of the DFS Drawing Board. This article we focus in on the RB position for Week 11. If you haven't already, please check out the QB article, posted earlier today. Last week was a mixed bag with Melvin Gordon doing great and others like Hunt and Coleman not doing so great in ideal matchups. So lets gear up and break down our favorite plays for this upcoming Sundays action.
Each week we take a step back to review the upcoming weeks matchups and crunch the numbers to develop a series of position specific articles related to top daily fantasy sports plays. Whether you are playing on FanDuel, DrafKings, or even configuring your season long NFL lineups, these articles should serve as a reference tool and helpful guide to choosing the best players. I've shortened these articles to give you only the necessities and bottom-line reasoning as to my top choices. This is a no bullshi*t article and by that I mean the players and plays I suggest are those that I will be using in my personal lineups. Nothing is excluded. We intend to win. The goal is to make great lineups, win money, and share our success stories. If you are new to my blog or daily fantasy sports in general, I encourage you to check out my DFS Introduction post which provides some general context on what DFS is and how to play. Spoiler alert, if you like playing fantasy sports and winning money, DFS is the platform for you. Also, if you haven’t already, feel free to follow my referral links and sign up for Fanduel and Draftkings. Each provides its own set of bonuses for new users.
With that being said, here are my top plays at the running back position for Week 11. Enjoy, upvote, and comment on your weekly outlook.
$8,500 / at ATL / DAL + 3.5
Elliot is by far my most coveted player going into Week 11. He is obviously one of most elite backs in the NFL today and is able to produce in almost any matchup, but the matchup this weekend vs. Atlanta is just ideal. The Falcons are the 2nd easiest matchup in terms of DraftKings points for the RB position giving up an average of 18 rushing attempts, 91 yards, and an astounding 33+ fantasy points to the position. More importantly, they are getting crushed by RBs that have the ability to be effective in the passing game. According to RotoGrinders, the Falcons are allowing over 10 targets to the RB position and 8 catches for over 65 receiving yards. Zeke on the other hand has been supremely effective out of the backfield this year and has developed into one of the most dangerous receiving weapons for the Cowboys. He does not get spelled on 3rd down or passing situations and has averaged over 5 targets and 30 receiving yards a game. I believe those numbers improve in this game and with the addition of Amari Cooper, Zeke's rushing game should also improve. I expect big things from him today vs. Atlanta.
$7,500 / vs. OAK / ARI - 5.5
For the first time in a while, the Arizona Cardinals are playing in a game in which they are projected as favorites and decent favorites at that. This game between the Cardinals and Raiders is literally a matchup between who is the worst team in the NFL. I suspect it is Oakland in this situation and with a sizable lead, we could see another big game for David Johnson. Johnson has been a let down for most of the year, in part due to his ineffectiveness on the ground coupled with early season non-existent usage in the passing game. He is one of the best pass catching backs in the game but for some reason early on, the Cardinals refused to use him in that capacity. Well, with a coaching change and new OC, Johnson has shown an uptick in usage both on the ground and through the air. Last week he got his 2nd most attempts on the ground this season with 21 and was able to put together a very impressive 98 yard, 1 TD performance. More importantly, he also received 9 targets which he turned into 7 receptions, 85 yards, and another TD. This is what we should be getting from Johnson, A consistent 25-30 touches a game in total as the Cardinals best offensive threat. This should continue this weekend with the Cardinals as favorites against the lowly Raiders. Expect another 25-30 touches from Johnson and a great day on the ground and through the air. He is a great mid-tier play.
$4,000 / vs. CAR / DET + 4
I am going out on a limb here recommending Theo Riddick, but if you are looking for a cheap value play that not many people will be on, I think Riddick is your guy. With the trade of Golden Tate and in general the inability of Detroit to lead a ballgame, Riddick has seen a solid increase in usage over the last couple of weeks, especially through the air. He has always been known as a specialist type of back, used primarily out of the backfield as a receiving weapon. That wasn't really the case early this year but with the trade of Tate, Riddick has received 15 targets over the last 2 weeks. After watching some of their last game, the Lions are starting to use him more as a slot receiver than a traditional RB, mainly due to how thin they are at the WR position. Well, this week more opportunity should open up with Marvin Jones slated to miss their game. At just $4,000, you don't need a massive day from Riddick to pay off salary. In PPR, getting 8-10 catches a game, Riddick could easily find value at the RB position.
James Conner - $7,200 - Steelers
Saquon Barkley - $8,700 - Giants
Dion Lewis - $4,800 - Titans
That wraps up the RB position for Week 11. Good luck out there and lets win some money!
Sourced: Wikipedia / Action Network / Getty Images
