👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Running Back Targets for DFS and Playoff Leagues: Conference Championships

For all the crazy finishes, dramatic moments, and early upsets, we're left with a 1-2 seed matchup in the NFC and 1-3 in the AFC. Unless the Jags pull off the ultimate upset by knocking off the defending champs this weekend, this year's playoffs may go down as many expected from the outset. The same can't be said in the fantasy realm, as we've had some huge games by surprising players. With just four teams alive for the trophy, let's see who can get you the most value at the RB position.

This article will aim to highlight playoff league targets and DFS plays for running backs, players that you should consider targeting for your various fantasy football leagues and lineups. Running backs will be split up into three tiers - from most desirable, to most desperate.

Instead of the usual FAAB amount, I will list DraftKings prices for those looking for value DFS plays beyond the obvious.

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

 

Frontrunners for Conference Championships - Running Back Targets and DFS

Leonard Fournette, Jacksonville Jaguars ($7200 DK)

The most obvious call of this weekend is somehow not the highest-priced. Fournette has a reasonable salary, considering he scored three times last week and will be run into the ground as the Jags try desperately to pull off another upset. Fournette's volume and scoring upside alone makes him the most valuable RB of all this week, but the fact he isn't going to break the rest of your lineup makes him a no-brainer. If you are looking for differentiation in a tournament, do it with your second RB slot, because missing out on Fournette could cost you just as it would have last week if you didn't play him.

Jerick McKinnon, Minnesota Vikings ($5100 DK)

In the Vikings' first playoff game of 2017, Latavius Murray was the preferred play and proved to be the featured back as expected. Murray outrushed McKinnon 19-8 and outgained him both on the ground (50-34) and even through the air (17-6). It's time to flip the (game) script, however, as McKinnon might be forced into more action against the Eagles. While Minnesota owns the best overall run defense in the NFL, Philadelphia actually allowed the fewest rushing yards to RB and was the only team to hold opposing running backs under 1,000 total yards (949). They clamped down on several star runners throughout the year, so Murray will find tougher sledding. McKinnon's role in the passing game makes him more valuable, as he not only brings a higher floor with him, but could get more touches if the Vikings have to shift toward the passing game more than they'd like. The Eagles also gave up five receiving touchdowns to running backs, which is tied for second-most among all teams. While others are chasing Murray's stats from last week, you can save a few hundred dollars on DraftKings and get the better point producer in this matchup.

James White, New England Patriots ($4900 DK)

After scoring two touchdowns against the Titans, I'm not going to stop loving White. You probably saw the graphic about White scoring five of the last six playoff touchdowns for New England early in the game, which is no fluke. Tom Brady will go to his trusted outlet receiver early and often. Rex Burkhead is allegedly working toward being ready for the AFC championship game, which could put a dent in White's usage, but I'd wager White still out-touches and outscores him.

 

In The Running - Conference Championships Running Backs and DFS Targets

T.J. Yeldon, Jacksonville Jaguars ($4200 DK)

There are two somewhat plausible scenarios that could occur in which Yeldon puts up double-digit fantasy points in the AFC conference championship game. 1) The Patriots have a significant lead in the fourth quarter and Yeldon becomes the beneficiary of garbage time. 2) Leonard Fournette re-aggravates his ankle early on and Yeldon is forced into action. Chris Ivory has been a healthy scratch and Corey Grant is simply a special teams/change-of-pace back who won't touch the ball often. Yeldon is the RB2 for a team that will rely on the running game and short passes, both of which could favor Yeldon. It doesn't hurt that the Patriots allowed the second-most receiving yards to RB in 2017. He's not made for cash games, as his workload is extremely unpredictable, but if you want to save some bucks in a week with very few good options, I prefer Yeldon to someone like Burkhead, who's even less reliable.

LeGarrette Blount, Philadelphia Eagles ($3700 DK)

It was Jay Ajayi taking the lead role against Atlanta, rushing 15 times and seeing five targets. While he nearly racked up 100 total yards, it was Blount who scored a touchdown. The Vikings are far tougher against the run, so it may close the gap further between these two Philly runners. Neither one is particularly desirable, but Blount is $1500 cheaper and presents the best value among all Eagles. Yes, he's still completely touchdown-dependent, but there are only so many yards to be gained on the ground in this matchup between the two best run defenses in the league. Take the TD potential if possible.

 

Dark Horses - Conference Championships Running Backs and DFS Targets

Tommy Bohanon, Jacksonville Jaguars ($3000 DK)

You probably won't have to go this low down the depth chart to find a value play, as there aren't too many high-priced players in other spots eating up your budget this week. It all comes down to choosing the right flex play when you're facing a minuscule slate like this. Bohanon is only in the game on short yardage and goal-line situations, but you could view him as a poor man's LeGarrette Blount.

Brandon Bolden, New England Patriots ($3000 DK)

In the category of "that helped absolutely no one," Brandon Bolden scored a touchdown in the divisional round and took four carries for 27 yards. That's four more carries than anyone would have expected. If Mike Gillislee is inactive again, Bolden could at least see the field, although I'd avoid him if Rex Burkhead is confirmed to be playing. Chasing a surprise touchdown from the previous week and hoping that lightning will strike twice is not a viable game strategy, especially in the playoffs.

 

More Conference Championship Lineup Prep




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Ja'Tavion Sanders

Panthers Expect Ja'Tavion Sanders to be Ready for Offseason Program
Dylan Crews

Optioned to Triple-A Rochester
Quinshon Judkins

Does Quinshon Judkins Have RB1 Upside in Dynasty Formats?
Jayden Reed

Is Jayden Reed a Buy-Low Candidate After Injury-Marred 2025 Campaign?
Lerone Murphy

Set For UFC London Main Event
Chris Olave

Rehabs his Dynasty Value With Resurgent 2025 Performance
Movsar Evloev

Looks To Remain Unbeaten
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in New York
Michael Aswell

Jr. An Underdog At UFC London
Luke Riley

Set For UFC London Co-Main Event
Chimere Dike

Could See a Diminished Role in 2026
Joe Ryan

Named Opening Day Starter for Twins
Chase Brown

Profiles as a High-End Dynasty Running Back Heading into 2026
Sam Patterson

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Michael Page

Set For Welterweight Bout
Austen Lane

In Dire Need Of Victory
Iwo Baraniewski

A Favorite At UFC London
C.J. Stroud

Will C.J. Stroud Ever Rediscover his Rookie-Season Magic?
Bijan Robinson

Finally Has the Falcons' Backfield All to Himself
Najee Harris

Remains on the Open Market
George Kittle

Injury Complicates Price Tag
Jameson Williams

Flashes WR1 Upside Ahead of 2026
Parker Washington

a Solidified Fantasy Option Despite Crowded Offense?
Nico Collins

Has Yet to Reach His Full Potential
Collin Murray-Boyles

Unlikely to Play Friday
Jonathan Kuminga

Ruled Out Friday Against Rockets
Aaron Gordon

Off Injury Report Against Toronto
Sergei Bobrovsky

Shuts Out Oilers with 21 Saves
Peyton Watson

Not Yet Ready to Return Friday
Gary Trent Jr.

Exits Thursday with Adductor Issue
Trent Frederic

Exits Early Against Panthers
Malik Monk

Leaves Early Thursday With Shoulder Injury
Mason Appleton

Hurt Thursday Night
Lauri Markkanen

Out at Least Two More Weeks
Tyler Toffoli

Suffers Lower-Body Injury in Thursday's Loss
Victor Hedman

Makes Early Exit Due to Illness
Juuse Saros

Dealing with Upper-Body Injury
Rome Odunze

Steps Into a Larger Role for 2026
Baker Mayfield

Loses Top Receiver After Subpar Season
Ray Davis

' Fantasy Managers Continue to Exercise Patience
Ja'Marr Chase

Has Overall WR1 Upside with Quarterback Healthy
Javonte Williams

Still Penciled Into Workhorse Role
Quentin Johnston

Expected to Handle More Targets in 2026?
Los Angeles Chargers

Derwin James Suffers Minor Injury
Spencer Knight

Shuts Down the Wild on Thursday
Adam Fantilli

Scores Two Goals in Victory
Francisco Alvarez

Pulled Early Thursday With Back Tightness
Amir Coffey

Exits Early with Ankle Sprain
Daeqwon Plowden

Moves Into Starting Lineup Thursday
Noah Clowney

Won't Play Friday Vs. New York
GG Jackson II

Unlikely to Play Against Boston
Naz Reid

Could Sit Again Friday
Josh Hart

Ruled Out Friday Against Brooklyn
Jalen Brunson

Set to Play Against Brooklyn
Brice Sensabaugh

Out Against Milwaukee
John Konchar

Out Thursday Against Bucks
Kyle Kuzma

Ready to Play Thursday Vs. Utah
Myles Turner

Set to Return Versus Jazz
Kevin Porter Jr.

Sidelined Against Utah
Donovan Mitchell

Ruled Out, Jaylon Tyson to Start Thursday
Auston Matthews

Ruled Out for 12 Weeks
Austin Reaves

Cleared to Play Thursday
Yaroslav Askarov

Still Out Thursday
Luis Severino

to Start for A's on Opening Day
Kirill Kaprizov

Won't Play Against Blackhawks
Alex Tuch

Expected to Return Thursday
Noah Laba

Unavailable Against Blue Jackets
Andrew Copp

Returns From Three-Game Absence
Josh Anderson

Won't Play Thursday
Logan Gilbert

Named Mariners Opening Day Starter
José Ramírez

Jose Ramirez Back in Cactus League Lineup on Thursday
Hayden Birdsong

to Have Tommy John Surgery, Miss Entire 2026 Season
Zack Wheeler

to Pitch in Minor-League Game on Monday
Paul Skenes

Pirates Officially Name Paul Skenes Their Opening Day Starter
Jurickson Profar

Officially Suspended for Entire 2026 Season
Carson Williams

"Likely" to Be Rays Opening Day Starting Shortstop
Trey Yesavage

Will Open 2026 on the Injured List Due to Shoulder Impingement
Jack Hughes

Posts Another Three-Point Performance in Victory
Jackson Blake

Collects Three Points on Wednesday
WAS

Cole Hutson Scores in NHL Debut on Wednesday
Max Fried

to Start on Opening Day for Yankees
Arizona Diamondbacks

Diamondbacks Not Naming a Closer to Begin the Season
Adrian Kempe

Could Return Thursday
Mason McTavish

Sits Out Second Consecutive Game
Ross Johnston

to Miss 3-4 Weeks
Matthew Liberatore

Named Cardinals Opening Day Starter
Roki Sasaki

to be in Opening Day Starting Rotation
Akshay Bhatia

Withdraws From Valspar Championship
José Berríos

Jose Berrios has Stress Fracture, Won't be Ready for Opening Day
CFB

Alberto Mendoza Drawing Positive Reviews at Georgia Tech
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Impressing in Nebraska's Spring Practices
J.J. Spaun

Offers Upside Despite Poor Course History at Innisbrook
Jeremy Peña

Opening Day "Not Ruled Out" for Jeremy Pena
Aaron Rai

Looks to Bounce Back at Valspar Championship
Johnny Keefer

Brings Ball-Striking Upside to Valspar Championship
Billy Horschel

a Volatile Play at Valspar Championship
Ben Griffin

Looks to Rebound at the Valspar Championship
Corey Conners

Brings Elite Ball-Striking to Valspar Championship
Cole Ragans

Named Royals Opening Day Starter
Xander Schauffele

Trending In The Right Direction For Valspar Championship
Sahith Theegala

Has Shot to Challenge at Valspar Championship
Mackenzie Hughes

Looking to Bounce Back at Valspar Championship
Nicolai Hojgaard

Finding Rhythm For Valspar Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Continues Hot Start to 2026 Heading to Valspar Championship
Pierceson Coody

Heads to Valspar Championship Following Two Missed Cuts
Shohei Ohtani

to Pitch in Cactus League Game on Wednesday
Seiya Suzuki

has Sprained Knee, Opening Day Availability Unclear
Wyndham Clark

Searching for Momentum at Valspar Championship
Justin Thomas

Is Justin Thomas Back Ahead of This Week's Valspar Championship?
Jordan Spieth

to Bounce Back at Favored Valspar Championship?
Brooks Koepka

is Starting to Find His Groove Again Ahead of Valspar Championship
Viktor Hovland

is One of The Best DFS Plays at Innesbrook
Rasmus Hojgaard

to Get Back on Track at Valspar Championship
Tony Finau

is Again a Scary Option at Valspar Championship
Blades Brown

Continues PGA Tour Run at Valspar Championship
Josh Emmett

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Kevin Vallejos

Scores First-Round TKO
Amanda Lemos

Drops Back-To-Back Fights
Gillian Robertson

Extends Her Win Streak
Andre Fili

Drops Decision on Saturday
Denny Hamlin

Dominates and Gets His Third Career Las Vegas Win
Chase Elliott

Earns Runner-Up Finish at Las Vegas
William Byron

Wins A Stage and Finishes Third at Las Vegas
Christopher Bell

Finishes Fourth at Las Vegas After Strong Run
Kyle Larson

Fades to Seventh Despite Leading Laps Early at Las Vegas
Andre Fili

Jose Delgado Edges Andre Fili in Split-Decision Win
Oumar Sy

Suffers First-Round Submission Loss
Ion Cutelaba

Returns To The Win Column
CFB

CJ Carr Enters Sophomore Season as Heisman Favorite
CFB

Aaron Philo Not a Lock to be Florida's Starting QB?
CFB

George MacIntyre the Favorite to Win Tennessee Quarterback Battle?
CFB

Keelon Russell, Austin Mack Battling for Alabama QB1 Duties
Christopher Bell

Looking for Redemption, Wins Pole at Las Vegas
Denny Hamlin

Should Contend for Another Vegas Win
Chase Briscoe

Qualifies 18th Despite Toyota Dominating at Las Vegas
Chase Elliott

May Fly Under the Radar at Las Vegas
NASCAR

Ross Chastian Has Been As Solid As They Come at Las Vegas
Ty Gibbs

Could Ty Gibbs Finally Break Through With a Win at Las Vegas?
Brad Keselowski

a Solid DFS Pick at Las Vegas
Kyle Larson

Should Kyle Larson be Considered A Favorite for Las Vegas?
William Byron

Could Compete for a Top-Five Finish at Las Vegas
Ryan Blaney

Is Ryan Blaney Worth Rostering in Tournament DFS Lineups for Las Vegas?
Tyler Reddick

Could Continue his Top-10 Streak at Las Vegas
Joey Logano

Should DFS Managers Underestimate Joey Logano for Las Vegas?
Chris Buescher

Is Chris Buescher Worth Rostering For Las Vegas DFS Lineups?
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace is A Risky DFS Option Who Could Pay Off at Las Vegas
Josh Berry

Has Plenty of Upside for Las Vegas DFS Lineups
Ryan Preece

Scores his First Las Vegas Top-10 Starting Spot in Qualifying
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF