If you’re a DFS player, you know that a successful lineup has to have a solid combination of big-name star power players that are known commodities with a few high-upside players that provide a little more bang for your buck.
If you pay up for a big name in your daily fantasy lineup, you definitely cannot afford for that player to put up a dud of a game in your lineup.
So here are the running backs that will likely provide some of the best and worst value for Week 14 (Values from DraftKings).
BEST: Le’Veon Bell (NYJ) - $7,200
Surely, this has to be the game where Bell finally goes off. The Jets’ marquee free agent signing hasn’t lived up to expectations thus far. Bell is yet to rush for more than 70 yards, but he has what figures to be a strong game script this weekend. New York is playing at home and favored by 6.0 points against the Dolphins. Miami allows the third most DKFP to running backs and the Jets have been feeding Bell plenty of touches despite his lack of efficiency.
WORST: Jonathan Williams (IND) - $4,700
Last week, Williams appeared to be in a strong spot to produce value. Starting at running back with Marlon Mack ($6,000) injured, the prevailing wisdom was that Williams was going to have the starting gig on lockdown. Instead, he mustered just eight carries for 14 yards. Marlon Mack’s return appears to be looming although Williams is somebody to fade even if Mack misses another game. The Colts are taking on the Buccaneers who allow the second fewest DKFP to running backs.
BEST: James White (NE) - $5,500
The Patriots’ skill position players are not at the same level of we have grown accustomed to during their dynasty. They overpaid for Mohamed Sanu ($5,000) to provide a boost and he’s yet to return any value. Last week, he was in on just 19 of 87 snaps, making it seem as though he won’t be much of a factor in New England. The lack of depth at receiver has caused Brady to check down to White frequently. Against the Texans on SNF, he caught eight passes and scored 37.7 DKFP. White is second on the team with 76 targets this season.
WORST: Kareem Hunt (CLE) - $6,600
Coming off a suspension, Hunt has played fairly well for the Browns. He’s scored touchdowns in back-to-back weeks and he has a favorable matchup this weekend against the Bengals. While these things are all positive, the problem I have is his price and workload. Hunt is still stuck behind Nick Chubb ($8,000) on the depth chart and he’s yet to get more than 12 touches in a game. His salary is too rich for a player unlikely to play a major role.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is gehrenberg) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.