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In NFL DFS, everybody is looking to spend big bucks at running back or trying to outsmart their friends by finding the value pick, who is emerging and could be due for a big game. Here are some of the top running back plays over and under $5,000 on DraftKings in Week 8.
Running backs over $5,000
Dalvin Cook, Vikings — $8,200
Cook will be a popular play this week and for good reason. He just put up 226 yards and four touchdowns on the Packers and has three huge games this year, along with a high floor. The Lions rank third-worst in DK points allowed to running backs and will be without Kenny Golladay, making their offense much less dangerous, likely giving the Vikings more reason to keep running the ball.
James Robinson, Jaguars — $7,000
Robinson gets a strong matchup this week against the Texans and their poor run defense. He didn’t live up to expectations the last time these teams met, but he saw seven targets and caught five, giving him 18 touches and a workload that should give him a good number of DK points against a Texans team that allows the second-most DK points to running backs.
Running backs at or under $5,000
Justin Jackson, Chargers - $4,900
Coach Anthony Lynn wasn’t happy with Joshua Kelley’s play last week and Troymaine Pope, who stepped up, is out this week. That leaves Jackson, who led the way in Week 8, to do the same this week against a weak Raiders defense. Las Vegas has allowed the sixth-most DK points to running backs and rank 31st in DVOA against the run, while Jackson is coming off a game where he ran the ball 17 times for 89 yards and caught 3-of-5 targets for 53 more yards.
J.K. Dobbins, Ravens — $4,900
The Ravens will be without Mark Ingram again this week, which will give Dobbins and Gus Edwards another shot at good usage. Last week against the Steelers, both had strong games, as Dobbins rushed 15 times for 113 yards while Edwards rushed 16 times for 87 yards and a touchdown. But, Dobbins saw 54 snaps to Edwards’ 26. Edwards did leave at one point with an injury, but returned. There’s no way to be sure Dobbins will see more work than Edwards, but he’s the upside play of the two.