Stacking running backs with a defense/special teams can be a fruitful fantasy option, as teams who get out to a big lead may elect to attempt to shorten the game by running the ball more. A big lead can also lead to opposing teams elevating their passing output to try to catch up, which can create more opportunities for sacks and turnovers.
Here are some RB-DST stacks that fantasy owners can consider using on DraftKings’ six-game NFL playoff slate, which locks at 4:35 p.m. ET on Saturday.
4. J.K. Dobbins ($6,000) and Ravens DST ($2,800) at Bills
After scoring against the Titans last week, Dobbins has now broken the plane in six consecutive games and in seven of his past eight. That helps make up for his rather middling usage totals; he hasn’t surpassed 15 touches in a game since Week 11. The Bills haven’t allowed an RB to cross 100 yards on the ground since Week 10, but running backs have notched 15 rushing scores against them in 17 games.
Josh Allen is a red-light matchup for any defense this year. His turnover-happy ways of yesteryear have vanished in 2020, especially of late. Over the past four games, Allen has taken only four sacks and committed one turnover. But during that same amount of time, the Ravens’ defense has played markedly better compared to some earlier results. They were stout against Derrick Henry last week and carry a season-low DraftKings price into this Divisional round showdown.
3. Nick Chubb ($6,600) and Browns DST ($2,300) at Chiefs
At first glance, this might look completely mad. But in terms of value, this is an interesting duo for DFS contests. First of all, the Browns’ defense is much closer to full strength this week than they were last week when they embarrassed the Steelers. Cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Kevin Johnson are back from the reserve/COVID list. Safety Ronnie Harrison Jr. should play more snaps this week after seeing just a handful at Pittsburgh. None of them have an easy task ahead, but at this bargain-basement price, you don’t need this defense to do much versus Patrick Mahomes to make it worth your while. Defenses are so difficult to predict anyway, you are better off most of the time just taking the cheapest available, hope they luck into a few sacks and a turnover or two, and spend up elsewhere.
On the other side, Chubb’s matchup is actually quite good on paper. The Chiefs are pretty lax against the run and have allowed the eighth-most DraftKings points to RBs. KC has surrendered the fourth-most yards from scrimmage to running backs as well. Chubb should see upwards of 20 touches in this game as long as Cleveland doesn’t fall into a big hole early. The Browns will try to control the pace, and the Chiefs will let them run all they want, because they simply don’t believe they can lose with their high-powered offense to a run-centric opponent. Although the end result may be bad for Cleveland, Chubb will post good numbers as long as he is given enough opportunity. His increased involvement as a receiver both last week and in Week 16 is a positive sign, too. Chubb has scored in seven straight games.
2. Alvin Kamara ($7,900) and Saints DST ($3,300) vs. Buccaneers
Last these teams met, Tom Brady was having the worst game of his season. New Orleans forced three turnovers, recorded three sacks and gave up three points during a Week 9 drubbing in Tampa Bay. Don’t expect a repeat, obviously, but Brady has been sacked a decent amount in recent weeks; he’s not infallible. The Saints' defense, which finished the season among the top 10 in sacks and tied for the most interceptions, will force at least a couple of mistakes here.
Kamara is the highest-priced RB on the slate. He churned out 19.6 DraftKings points on 25 touches against the Bears last week. This week’s matchup is admittedly tougher — the Bucs have permitted a league-low 60 rushing yards per game and muted Washington’s Antonio Gibson last week to 31 yards on 14 carries. However, like Brady, they aren’t impossible to overcome. The Falcons’ Brian Hill had nearly 100 rushing yards on just nine carries in Week 17. Dalvin Cook registered 110 total yards and a touchdown against Tampa Bay in Week 14. Kamara, possibly the best running back in football, should be able to cobble together that type of stat line.
1. Cam Akers ($5,700) and Rams DST ($2,600) at Packers
Trusting any defense to return value when facing off against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers’ 2020 offense feels like a fool’s errand. But if there’s any defense that can be relatively successful against the league’s most efficient offense, it’s the one with Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey. The Rams haven’t had a price this low since Week 10 and are fresh off a win over Seattle in which they compiled five sacks and 16 DraftKings points. Green Bay has given up only 21 sacks this year, tied for the second-fewest in the league. But this O-line should be more vulnerable with star left tackle David Bakhtiari done for the year.
Meanwhile, Akers’ price does not reflect his current role as a true workhorse back. He has touched the ball 55 times over the past two weeks, leading to more than 40 DK points. The Packers’ defense was friendly to opposing RBs all year long and allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to the position during the regular season. The Rams should lean on Akers in this game not only because he is their best offensive player right now, but if he runs well, that means more time spent on the sidelines for Rodgers and Co.