Week 17 is here and multiple teams find themselves with limited option in the backfield. Running backs are incredibly important in DFS contests, and quite a few starters are questionable to take the field in the regular season finale.
We took a look at what running backs could be your best punt play options for Week 17.
Running Backs
Jaylen Samuels ($4,300), Steelers
Mike Tomlin says James Conner’s Week 17 status is “very much in question” after the running back suffered a quad injury last week. That means the Steelers’ reserve running backs could get more touches than usual in the season finale. Benny Snell has more carries than the remaining running backs but Samuels has the most diverse skillset. Pittsburgh will be looking to throw the kitchen sink at Baltimore to raise its chances of making the playoffs, and Samuels’ skills as a runner and receiver out of the backfield makes him a valuable weapon.
Patrick Laird ($4,300), Dolphins
Miami has exceedingly thin at the running back position. Myles Gaskin, the Dolphins RB1, left Week 16’s contest early with an ankle injury and is questionable for Week 17. Kalen Ballage (Achilles) is on the IR, De’Lance Turner has four carries on the year, and Samaje Perine is newly signed from the Bengals’ practice squad. This means Laird could be in for a lot of touches. Why not take a chance on a guy who’s basically the only only reasonable option of of the backfield?
Kerryon Johnson ($4,500), Lions
Johnson returned for the first time in eight weeks on Sunday and saw a limited workload against the Broncos. The second-year running back was Detroits RB1 and lead the team in carries against Denver but only logged 10 carries for 42 yards, which added up to 5.3 DKFP. If the Lions grow more comfortable with Johnson leading up to Week 17 he could could have a big game against a Packers team that’s given up more than 120 yards per game on the ground this year.
Rex Burkhead ($4,500), Patriots
New England is a win away from a first-round bye and will face the lowly Dolphins in Week 17. Once the Patriots appear to be firmly ahead it’s likely that they’ll let off the gas and remove starters. If this is the case Burkhead could have his number called more often than Sony Michel and James White. Burkhead is averaging 16.3 DKFP per contest in his last two appearances and scored a touchdown in Weeks 15 and 16. It wouldn’t be surprising if he put together a third straight strong performance.