This is by far my favorite position when it comes to DFS lineup construction. I love digging for under the radar players in a perceived tough matchup, or, who could receive an increased workload. There are so many viable options this week at the running back position; however, we need to establish the landmines in this week’s slate. Let’s examine which players we need to avoid in the running back edition of week 7 DFS don’ts.
Leonard Fournette: FanDuel Price $9,000
No, this isn’t a mistake. Yes, Leonard Fournette is one of the few workhorse running backs in the NFL. So, why is he on the week 7 DFS don’ts list? Among the multiple reasons, chief among them is his injury status. The Jaguars have said all week that he’s going to play. Contrary to their statements, Fournette hasn’t practiced at all this week and his status for today’s practice is in question. What makes Fournette special is the sheer volume he receives in his offense. If Fournette isn’t completely removed from the injury report, his touches will be limited.
If his touches are limited as a result of the injury, he’s no longer worth the $9,000 price tag. The top price tier is reserved for players like Le’Veon Bell, Ezekiel Elliott and Kareem Hunt. These players, like Fournette, are on the field for 90 percent of the offensive snaps. Should Fournette get a decreased workload, he becomes incredibly overpriced.
Fournette will also be playing on the road against an underrated Colts run defense. Teams are able to take advantage of the Colts by attacking their secondary. The Jaguars have shown us by their play calling that they do not want Blake Bortles to throw the ball more than he has to. Overall, I won’t be touching Fournette this weekend given his injury, price, and matchup.
Jerick McKinnon: FanDuel Price $7,000
The Jerick McKinnon party stops this week. I’m not rooting for him to fail; however, it’s time for his production to regress back to the mean. His involvement in the pass game gives him an added dimension as a starting running back. But, the number one way we need a running back to produce is by effectively carrying the ball. I know players like McKinnon and Chris Thompson have produced despite not being effective runners, but that isn’t sustainable.
Apart from his role, McKinnon is not in a favorable matchup. The Ravens have been bad against the run the past four weeks. The allowed double digit fantasy points to every running back they’ve faced. However, they were playing without Brandon Williams, their starting nose tackle. Williams returns to the lineup this weekend and the Ravens will no doubt be more effective at stopping the run as a result.
Take advantage of the competition and fade McKinnon. Everyone will be looking to play him after two weeks of quality production. Don’t allow yourself to fall victim to this perceived favorable matchup. Brandon Williams’ return, among other factors, will keep me from playing McKinnon this weekend.
Doug Martin: FanDuel Price $6,600
Doug Martin’s placement on the week 7 DFS don’ts is the result of his quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick. Right now it doesn’t look good for Jameis Winston and his injured throwing shoulder. Their opponent, the Buffalo Bills, have been effective against the run thus far. If Fitzpatrick gets the start, they will no doubt dare him and the Buccaneers to throw the ball.
I don’t see Martin getting a heavy workload or being effective on a per rush basis. This Buccaneer defense has been one of the league’s worst, so I don’t see them keeping the game close enough to allow Martin a large enough workload as a runner. Martin, along with Fournette and McKinnon, round out my week 7 DFS don’ts at the running back position.
Featured Image Courtesy of ESPN.com
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