👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
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
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
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
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jeff Hoffman

Out as Blue Jays Closer
Youssef Zalal

Set For UFC Vegas 116 Main Event
Aljamain Sterling

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 116
Joselyne Edwards

Set For UFC Vegas 116 Co-Main Event
Ty Simpson

to Compete for Backup Gig in Rookie Season
Norma Dumont

Looks To Extend Her Win Streak
A.J. Brown

Eagles, Patriots Expected to Resume A.J. Brown Talks Around June 1
Fernando Mendoza

to Sit All Year Behind Veteran QB?
Alexander Hernandez

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 116
Rafa Garcia

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Kenyon Sadiq

Could Kenyon Sadiq Emerge as High-Target Option in New York?
Carnell Tate

Can Carnell Tate Claim the WR1 Role Right Away?
Adrian Luna Martinetti

Set For His UFC Debut
Jeremiyah Love

Ticketed for Potential Committee Role in Crowded Backfield?
Davey Grant

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Wan'Dale Robinson

No Longer the Clear Top Option on Depth Chart
Tyler Shough

Headed for Massive Success in Sophomore Campaign
Garrett Wilson

Sees Dynasty Value Take a Hit in Revamped New York Offense
Trey Benson

Losing All Long-Term Value in Crowded Backfield
George Pickens

to Sign the Franchise Tag
Cameron Ward

a Prime Buy Candidate After Continued Upgrades to Receiver Room
Tyler Allgeier

Is Tyler Allgeier Again Doomed to Backup Duty?
Seattle Seahawks

Will Jadarinan Price Be Seattle's RB1 Out of the Gates?
KC Concepcion

Primed for Major Workload in a Weak Wide Receiver Room
Makai Lemon

Was Nearly a Pittsburgh Steeler
Jaden McDaniels

Records Double-Double in Game 3
Ayo Dosunmu

Paces Wolves in Game 3 Victory
Jalen Johnson

Flirts with Triple-Double in Game 3 Win
Mikal Bridges

Goes Scoreless in Game 3 Loss
Anthony Edwards

Limited to 24 Minutes in Game 3
Jalen Brunson

Pours in 26 Points in Game 3 Defeat
CJ McCollum

Delivers Clutch Shot in Game 3 Win
Jordan Kyrou

Recovering From Minor Knee Procedure
Roope Hintz

"Ways Away" From Returning
Jason Dickinson

Could Be an Option for Game 3
Adam Henrique

Misses Trip to Anaheim
Jake Sanderson

Dealing With Head Injury
Josh Manson

Evaluated for Upper-Body Injury
Jadarian Price

Seahawks Draft Jadarian Price at No. 32 Overall
Keldric Faulk

Titans Select Keldric Faulk After Trading Up to No. 31 Overall
Peter Woods

Selected 29th Overall by Chiefs
Tennessee Titans

Titans Acquire 31st Overall Pick From Bills
Omar Cooper Jr.

Jets Select Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 30 Overall in NFL Draft
Alex Lyon

Comes in and Shuts Down Boston
Jake Sanderson

Suffers Hand Injury While Blocking Shot
Jake LaRavia

Available for Game 3 Friday
Austin Reaves

Upgraded to Questionable on Injury Report
Spencer Jones

Starting in Game 3
Joel Embiid

Picks Up Doubtful Tag Before Game 3
Kevin Durant

Iffy for Friday Night Due to Ankle Issue
Victor Wembanyama

Officially Listed as Questionable for Game 3
Jaylen Clark

Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaylen Clark Won't Play Thursday
Aaron Gordon

Ruled Out Thursday
Anthony Edwards

Cleared to Play Thursday
Jalen Williams

Week-to-Week Ahead of Game 3
Harrison Barnes

Available for Game 3
Victor Wembanyama

Traveling with Team Ahead of Game 3
Thomas Bryant

Cleared for Game 3
Milwaukee Bucks

Taylor Jenkins Set to Become Bucks Head Coach
Francisco Lindor

Expected to Miss "Significant Time"
Tyler Kleven

Available for Senators Versus Hurricanes
Josh Norris

Out With Undisclosed Injury for Thursday Night
Noah Ostlund

Will Return for Game 3 Against Boston
Francisco Lindor

Mets Officially Place Francisco Lindor on Injured List With Calf Strain
Michael Harris II

Removed Early With Quad Tightness
Francisco Lindor

Likely Headed to the Injured List
Jason Robertson

Scores in Sixth Straight Playoff Game
Matt Duchene

Records Second Consecutive Multi-Point Game
Sean Couturier

Contributes Two Assists in Game 3 Win
Jackson LaCombe

Ties Ducks Record With Three Points in Game 2
Alex Killorn

Racks Up Three Points on Special Teams
Connor McDavid

Finishes Pointless for Second Straight Game
Rasmus Sandin

Undergoes ACL Surgery
Michael Harris II

Continues to Heat Up With Two-Homer Game on Wednesday
Francisco Lindor

Leaves Wednesday's Game Early With Calf Tightness
JR Ritchie

Earns Promotion, Will Make MLB Debut on Thursday
Noah Ostlund

Could Return Thursday
Pontus Holmberg

Will Miss Round 1
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

Could Be an Option Friday
Wyatt Langford

Expected to Go on Injured List With Flexor Strain
Maikel Garcia

Leaves Early on Wednesday With Elbow Soreness
Roman Anthony

Day-to-Day With Sore Back
Juan Soto

Officially Back in Mets Lineup on Wednesday
J.T. Realmuto

Phillies Place J.T. Realmuto on Injured List With Back Injury
Lucas Giolito

Signs With Padres, Worth a Waiver-Wire Pickup?
Ryan Helsley

Orioles Put Ryan Helsley on Bereavement List on Wednesday
CFB

Beau Pribula Leading Virginia Quarterback Competition
Marco Penge

Trending Down Entering Zurich Classic
Sahith Theegala

Eyes Another Strong Week at Zurich Classic
Brooks Koepka

Shane Lowry Teams Up with Brooks Koepka at Zurich Classic
Si Woo Kim

Adds Another Strong Finish at RBC Heritage
Elly De La Cruz

Early-Season Breakout Continues on Tuesday
Wyatt Langford

Pulled Early on Tuesday With Forearm Tightness
Luke Clanton

Hoping to Find Form in New Orleans
Jackson Holliday

Leaves Rehab Game With Hand Discomfort
Corbin Carroll

Returns to Arizona's Lineup Against White Sox
Scottie Scheffler

is Starting to Hit His Stride
Brooks Koepka

Looking for Progress in PGA Return With Partner at Zurich Classic
Matt Fitzpatrick

Looks to Share Recent Form at Zurich Classic
Zack Wheeler

to Make Season Debut on Saturday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Back in Leadoff Spot on Tuesday After Injury Scare
CFB

Ashton Daniels Named Florida State's Starting Quarterback
Tyler Reddick

Earns His Fifth Win of the 2026 Season at Kansas
Kyle Larson

Finishes as the Runner-Up at Kansas
Chase Briscoe

Rallies for A New Career-Best Finish at Kansas
Denny Hamlin

Leads the Most Laps at Kansas but Misses Out on Victory
Christopher Bell

Falls Out of Contention for Kansas Victory on Final Restart
Mike Malott

Scores Third-Round TKO Win
Gilbert Burns

Retires After UFC Winnipeg Loss
Charles Jourdain

Extends Winning Streak
Kyler Phillips

Drops Decision At UFC Winnipeg
Mandel Nallo

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss In His UFC Debut
Jai Herbert

Scores First-Round TKO Win
Karine Silva

Gets Dominated at UFC Winnipeg
Jasmine Jasudavicius

Dominates Karine Silva
Kyle Larson

Should not be Underestimated for the Win at Kansas
Denny Hamlin

Can Denny Hamlin Dominate at Kansas Again?
NASCAR

Christoper Bell Should Contend for First Win at Kansas
Tyler Reddick

Fastest in Practice and Qualifying for Kansas Race
Ryan Blaney

Could Score another Top-10 Finish at Kansas
Ty Gibbs

Poised to Continue Hot Streak at Kansas
Chris Buescher

Always Consistent, Has Speed Heading Into Kansas
William Byron

is A Solid DFS Option for Kansas Lineups
Carson Hocevar

Poised for Career-Best Run at Kansas
Chase Briscoe

Is Chase Briscoe Worth Rostering for DFS at Kansas?
Chase Elliott

Is A Favorable DFS Option for Kansas Lineups
Joey Logano

Could Joey Logano be Considered Playable In DFS This Week at Kansas?
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace is A Favorable Driver to Consider for Kansas Lineups
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain A Worthy DFS Option for Kansas?
Brad Keselowski

Could Brad Keselowski be A Sneaky DFS Option for Kansas?
Daniel Suarez

Should DFS Managers Roster Daniel Suarez at Kansas?
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF