Top RB-DST Stacks for Wild Card Round DFS

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 1:05 p.m. ET on Saturday.

4. J.K. Dobbins ($6,600) & Ravens DST ($3,300) at Titans

It would be nice if Dobbins had greater involvement in the Ravens’ passing game, but as an explosive player who will see upwards of 15 touches as a key cog in the league’s best rushing offense and has a nose for the end zone, Dobbins has a great setup this week. He has scored in six straight games and will face a Titans defense that has ceded five TDs to RBs over the past three weeks. Each of those three backs — D’Andre Swift, AJ Dillon and David Johnson — tallied at least 20 DK points.

Hopefully the Ravens bring the defense that, over its last three games, racked up 11 sacks, three takeaways and averaged only 10 points allowed into this playoff showdown. The Titans put 30 points on the Ravens in an overtime triumph in Baltimore a couple of months ago, highlighted by Derrick Henry’s 121 yards. But the Ravens’ run defense has been much better since those forgettable midseason performances. They know what Tennessee is going to try to do offensively (everyone does). As long as the Ravens keep Henry in check, they should provide enough to pay off at this price and make this a worthwhile stack.

3. J.D. McKissic ($4,900) & Washington DST ($2,400) vs. Buccaneers

You’re betting on good game flow when you’re betting on McKissic. But in the expected scenario that the Football Team plays from behind for most of this game, they will need McKissic to keep bailing them out. The Bucs have allowed only two running backs to gain more than 60 yards on the ground, but we all know that’s not McKissic’s game. He is second on Washington in receptions, trailing only the currently gimpy Terry McLaurin. And no team has given up more receptions to opposing running backs than Tampa Bay (101). McKissic has finished with double-digit DraftKings points in four of his last five games.

Much like McKissic, you don’t need Washington’s defense to do much to make it worth your while at this price. Even if Mike Evans is hobbled, Washington will have its hands full trying to contain Tom Brady and Co. The Bucs’ offense has turned the ball over just once since Week 12. But Washington can bring pressure as evidenced by its 47 sacks. The key to success versus Brady in the playoffs has always been to rush him with your base front and hope your secondary holds up. With the likes of Chase Young and Montez Sweat on the defensive line, the Football Team can cause havoc, get a few sacks and perhaps force Brady into a mistake or two.

2. Cam Akers ($5,100) & Rams DST ($2,900) at Seahawks

Akers didn’t have a flashy stat line last week against the Cardinals, but there are few significant numbers that fantasy managers should note: His four receptions tied the team-high and his 52 receiving yards were the most of any Ram. More importantly, he received at least 20 carries for the third time in four weeks. Although he gained just 34 yards with his 21 carries, it’s the opportunity that matters most here. By comparison, Malcolm Brown had only three carries. Even if QB Jared Goff suits up, the Rams will likely stick with this run-first game plan against the Seahawks. Despite a rather difficult matchup, Akers looks ticketed for another large workload, including a few receptions, as the 10th-highest-priced RB on the six-game slate.

The Rams’ defense checks in with its lowest price since Week 11. Of course, Seattle takes good care of the ball — they have four giveaways in their last seven games — but Russell Wilson still takes his fair share of sacks. He’s been taken down 47 times this year, third-most in the league. The Rams get a lot of credit for that number as they have recorded 11 sacks in their two meetings this season.

1. Alvin Kamara ($8,500) & Saints DST ($3,800) vs. Bears

This one is pricey, but it could also be profitable.

This one also hinges on Kamara actually being available for Sunday’s game after his positive COVID test last week. But considering his tweet from Thursday teasing his return, it’s safe to say he will be ready to roll versus Chicago. The Bears’ run defense has been springing leaks for more than a month now. They have allowed 718 yards from scrimmage to running backs in their last six games. That includes 163 yards to the Packers’ duo of Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams in Week 12, 132 yards to Dalvin Cook in Week 15, and better than 5 yards per pop on 14 totes to the Jaguars’ Dare Ogunbowale in Week 16. Kamara has recorded at least 17 DraftKings points in four straight games, highlighted by his six-TD outburst on Christmas. He posted 25.3 DK points when these teams met in Week 8.

If Kamara can get New Orleans out to an early lead, that may force the Bears to lean on QB Mitchell Trubisky, which can mean only good things for a Saints defense that is tied for the league lead in interceptions with 18. Trubisky fattened his stats against weak defenses down the stretch, but when he is tasked with leading a come-from-behind effort against a quality team — like in Week 17 versus the Packers — he shows his true colors. He averaged just 5.5 yards per attempt, didn’t register a touchdown and threw one interception. By the way, in regards to Montgomery, the Saints are the top-ranked defense against RBs, according to DraftKings’ Opponent Rank. The Saints have the personnel to make this Sunday a very long day for the Bears’ offense.