👉 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.

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! 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

CJ McCollum

Hawks Plan to Bring Back CJ McCollum
Yandy Díaz

Yandy Diaz Leaves With Side Tightness, Considered Day-to-Day
Jacob Misiorowski

Leaves Start Early on Friday With Hamstring Cramp
Austin Reaves

Starting Friday Night
Brandon Nimmo

Aggravates Hamstring, Pulled Early on Friday
Luke Kennard

Lakers Hope to Retain Luke Kennard in Free Agency
Dillon Brooks

Suns Want to Keep Dillon Brooks Long-Term
Jamal Shead

Joins Starting Lineup Friday
Jayson Tatum

OK for Game 7 Against 76ers
Joel Embiid

Probable for Game 7 Against Celtics
Jonathan Isaac

Downgraded to Out
Kevin Huerter

Misses Second Consecutive Game Friday
Brandon Ingram

Out on Friday
Tobias Harris

Cleared to Play Friday
Kevin Durant

Officially Out for Game 6
Ryan Helsley

Placed on Injured List With Elbow Inflammation
Dylan Holloway

Signs Five-Year Extension With Blues
Barrett Hayton

Jack McBain Iffy for Friday
Logan Stanley

a Game-Time Decision Friday
Viktor Arvidsson

Ruled Out Friday
TB

Nicholas Paul Set to Return Friday
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

Ready for Action Friday
Victor Hedman

to Be an Option "Really Soon"
Ja'Marr Chase

Is Ja'Marr Chase the Obvious Dynasty WR1 Entering 2026?
Javonte Williams

Can Javonte Williams Replicate 2025 Success in 2026?
Terry McLaurin

is Well-Positioned to Rebound in 2026
Justin Herbert

Dynasty Value Rising Following Offseason Overhaul in Los Angeles
Tee Higgins

Is Tee Higgins a Top-24 Dynasty Wide Receiver?
Ryan Pepiot

to Miss the Rest of the Season, Scheduled for Hip Surgery
Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs Looking to Establish a Running Game in 2026
James Conner

Buried on Cardinals' Depth Chart Heading into 2026
DK Metcalf

Won't be Charged for Incident With Lions Fan
Brandon Woodruff

Goes on Injured List With Shoulder Inflammation
Nico Hoerner

Leaves Friday's Game Early With Neck Tightness
Broderick Jones

Steelers Decline the Fifth-Year Option for Broderick Jones
Russell Wilson

Ready to Hang Up his Cleats for TV Gig?
Chase Claypool

to Try Out for the Packers
Jack Della Maddalena

Returns At UFC Perth
Carlos Prates

Set For UFC Perth Main Event
Quillan Salkilld

Set For Co-Main Event
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC Perth
Steve Erceg

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Tim Elliott

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Ollie Schmid

Set For His UFC Debut
Marwan Rahiki

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Cam Skattebo

Role Survives the NFL Draft
Malik Nabers

Has Top-Tier Upside When Healthy
Evan Engram

Still Atop Depth Chart After NFL Draft
TreVeyon Henderson

Run-Heavy Apparoach Set to Benefit TreVeyon Henderson?
Wyatt Langford

Suffers Setback With Forearm Injury
Caleb Williams

Continues to Trend Upward in Ben Johnson's System
Anthony Richardson Sr.

Colts Won't Pick Up Anthony Richardson Sr.'s Fifth-Year Option
Cleveland Browns

Browns "Would Love" to Have QB Situation Decided Before Training Camp
Elijah Arroyo

Dynasty Stock Up Slightly After NFL Draft
Tre Tucker

Offers Limited Dynasty Value Despite a Lack of Competition
Jack Bech

has a Clear Path for Growth in Year 2
Terrence Shannon Jr.

Steps Up in Series Clincher
Jaden McDaniels

Leads Timberwolves to Round 2
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic Finishes Strong Despite Series Exit
Mikal Bridges

Breaks Out in Series Clincher
Karl-Anthony Towns

Posts Triple-Double to Close Series
Paul George

Heats Up From Deep in Game 6 Win
Tyrese Maxey

Drops 30 Points to Force Game 7
Devin Booker

Suns Not Interested in Trading Devin Booker
Terrence Shannon Jr.

Starting in Game 6
Brandon Woodruff

to Get Some Time Off
Nikita Chibrikov

Recovering From Core-Muscle Surgery
WPG

Elias Salomonsson Out 5-6 Months After Shoulder Surgery
Radko Gudas

Remains Out Thursday
Tyler Myers

Scratched on Thursday
Michael Bunting

Arttu Hyry Unavailable Thursday, Michael Bunting Makes Postseason Debut
Bobby Brink

to Sit Out Thursday's Game 6
Jonas Brodin

Will Miss Game 6 Against Stars
Michael Harris II

Could be Forced to the Injured List
Luis Robert Jr.

Officially Placed on Injured List
Clayton Keller

Sets Up Two Goals Wednesday Night
Pavel Dorofeyev

Nets Special Hat Trick in Game 5 Win
Dan Vladar

Backstops Flyers to Series-Clinching Win
Leon Draisaitl

Oilers to Use Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on Same Line Thursday
Brady Tkachuk

Remains Committed to Senators
Arttu Hyry

Could Be Available Thursday
Brandon Nimmo

Leaves Wednesday's Game With Hamstring Tightness
MLB

Phillies-Giants Postponed on Wednesday Due to Rain
Nils Lundkvist

to Remain Out Thursday
MLB

Orioles-Astros Game Postponed Due to Inclement Weather on Wednesday
Gary Woodland

Riding Momentum Into Cadillac Championship
Jordan Spieth

Brings Boom-or-Bust Potential to Cadillac Championship
Adam Scott

Looks Poised for Another Strong Finish at Doral
Maverick McNealy

Needs Approach Game to Click at Doral
George Springer

Being Activated From Injured List, Won't Start on Wednesday
Wyatt Langford

Expected to be Activated on Saturday
Garrett Crochet

Goes on Injured List With Shoulder Inflammation
CFB

Jameson Williams Files Lawsuit Against NCAA, SEC, Big Ten
Junior Caminero

Back in Wednesday's Lineup After Injury Scare
Harry Hall

Volatility Continues at Cadillac Championship
Tommy Fleetwood

Looks to Rebound at Trump National Doral
Pierceson Coody

a Risky Value Play at Cadillac Championship
Akshay Bhatia

Offers Upside with Risk at Cadillac Championship
Justin Thomas

a Scary Proposition at Cadillac Championship
Scottie Scheffler

The Leading Favorite at Cadillac Championship
Collin Morikawa

Still a Smash Play at Cadillac Championship
Viktor Hovland

Showed at Augusta He Can Finish Well
Sepp Straka

Attempting to Finish Better in Miami
PGA

J.J Spaun Enduring Roller Coaster Start to 2026
Min Woo Lee

Seeks to Make Adjustments at Cadillac Championship
Max Homa

May Struggle at Old Doral This Weekend
Ben Griffin

Rebounds From Rough Stretch as Miami Looms
Shane Lowry

Searching For Answers at Cadillac Championship
Russell Henley

Daunting Test at Doral Likely Not a Place For Russell Henley
Justin Rose

Returns to Action After Finishing Third at Masters Tournament
Hideki Matsuyama

Has The Approach Game to Win at Cadillac Championship
Junior Caminero

Suffers Jaw Contusion on Tuesday, Considered Day-to-Day
Pete Fairbanks

Going on Injured List With Nerve Irritation
Spencer Strider

to Make Season Debut This Weekend
CFB

Brendan Sorsby Facing Potential Permanent Loss of Eligibility
Carson Hocevar

Scores his First Career NASCAR Cup Series Victory at Talladega
Chris Buescher

Misses out on Winning at Talladega by Finishing Second
Alex Bowman

Earns First Top-Five Finish at Talladega Since Returning From Injury
Chase Elliott

Scores A Fourth-Place Finish at Talladega
Zane Smith

Nabs First Top-Five Finish of the 2026 Season at Talladega
CFB

Texas Tech Quarterback Brendan Sorsby Enters Rehab
Youssef Zalal

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Aljamain Sterling

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Norma Dumont

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 116
Joselyne Edwards

Scores Upset Win
Alexander Hernandez

Gets Dominated
Alexander Hernandez

Rafa Garcia Dominates Alexander Hernandez
Adrian Luna Martinetti

Unsuccessful In His UFC Debut
Davey Grant

Gets Back In The Win Column
Denny Hamlin

Is Denny Hamlin Worth Rostering for Talladega?
NASCAR

Is Bubba Wallace Playable in Talladega DFS Lineups?
Tyler Reddick

Stay Away From Tyler Reddick at Talladega
Ryan Blaney

Can Ryan Blaney Shake Off The Bad Luck at Talladega?
Austin Cindric

Could Contend For Another Talladega Win
Kyle Busch

an Easy DFS Pick at Talladega
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. a High-Risk, High-Reward Pick at Talladega
Todd Gilliland

a Sleeper to Watch at Talladega
Brad Keselowski

Is Brad Keselowski Worth Rostering for Talladega Lineups?
Chase Briscoe

Could Chase Briscoe be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Talladega Lineups?
Christopher Bell

Should DFS Managers Trust Christopher Bell at Talladega?
Ty Gibbs

Is A DFS Risk for Talladega Lineups
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF