🖥 CYBER WEEK - TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE CYBER
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: Divisional Round

The Wild Card games proved to be wild indeed, with a couple of underdogs advancing to the second round of the NFL playoffs. If you're in a one-and-done fantasy league, hopefully you didn't burn your RB picks on disappointing players like Mark Ingram or Devonta Freeman, as the limited pool of players makes each pick that much more important. There aren't too many backups making noise at this juncture of the season, but nevertheless let's look at some DFS bargains and lesser-owned running backs that could make an impact.

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 a FAAB amount, I will list DraftKings prices for those looking for value DFS plays beyond the obvious RBs.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Frontrunners for Divisional Round - Running Back Targets and DFS

Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans - $7300 DK

If you weren't a believer in Henry before, you certainly are now. With the backfield to himself, Henry sliced through the Chiefs all afternoon and led the Titans to an improbable second-half comeback. Henry led the way among all runners with 156 rushing yards--even more impressive since Todd Gurley was the only other RB to go over 100. DeMarco Murray's status is uncertain, but Henry has already been declared the starter and it would be downright shocking if he didn't get 20 or more carries in an effort to slow down the juggernaut Patriots. New England wasn't as bad against the run on defense as they were in the passing game, finishing 20th overall and only allowing six scores on the ground. You still have to think that if Tennessee gets anywhere near the red zone, they will give Henry the ball first and foremost. Being the third-highest priced running back on the slate this weekend might make him a more affordable stud than Le'Veon Bell, who has to face the Jags.

Latavius Murray, Minnesota Vikings - $5400 DK

They say momentum is everything heading into the playoffs. If that's the case, let's see which Minnesota RB has the most juice heading into a matchup with the Saints. Murray's last three games: 61 carries, 256 yards, three TD with three receptions for 37 yards. Jerick McKinnon: 28 carries, 110 yards, and eight receptions for 123 yards. Oh, and zero touchdowns. That might be a selective sample, but you can't argue it's one that counts. Murray has become the lead back and has owned the red zone role all year, nearly tripling McKinnon in carries where it matters most (47-17). If the Vikings fall behind early, it could force them to pass more than they'd like and involve McKinnon more, but with the way they beat New Orleans earlier this year and the level their defense is playing at, I don't foresee that happening.

James White, New England Patriots - $4300 DK

White has hovered around 50% ownership all season, so it's not surprising to see him right near the middle of the salary range for RB this week. Dion Lewis and Rex Burkhead will both cost you quite a bit more ($6600 and $5700 respectively) because they finished the season as the strongest contributors in New England's backfield. It's playoff time, though, and we know who Tom Brady really trusts when it comes to crunch time. White had been questionable after missing the last two games of the season with an ankle injury, but he is said to be ready for this weekend. As I mentioned last time, the Titans give up quite a bit of yardage to running backs through the air. White is a great differentiation play because many have written him off due to recency bias.

 

In The Running - Divisional Round Running Backs and DFS Targets

LeGarrette Blount, Philadelphia Eagles - $3700 DK

The starting running back for the #1 seed in the NFC isn't getting much love on the betting circuit. Blount is the 16th-most expensive RB this week on DraftKings, barely above players guaranteed to do nothing such as Mike Gillislee and T.J. Yeldon. Jay Ajayi has higher ownership rates in many leagues, but it's unclear why we should expect him to do much more than Blount. This is still a full-blown committee that is best avoided in anything but tournaments, but if you're going to pick an Eagles back you may as well save a few bucks and go with the bigger red zone threat.

Zach Line, New Orleans Saints - $3000 DK

Who's your buddy? While I didn't go as far as guaranteeing a touchdown from Line, I had a strong feeling it was possible. Until John Kuhn returns, which could be next week (if the Saints are still in the playoffs), Line is someone who could take a short plunge and turn it into points. He is simply a punt play if you're loading up on stars across the other positions, but he's in better position to score you something than Tennessee's third-string RB that will never see the field.

Corey Clement, Philadelphia Eagles - $3200 DK

Is Clement totally touchdown-dependent for any fantasy value this week? Probably. Can you think of any better options at a price point just above the 3K minimum? Not really. Again, you're better off taking chances elsewhere this week than at running back, but at his price tier Clement should have the highest chance for usage. He scored a surprising six total touchdowns this year, thanks in large part to 13 red zone rushes. The Eagles may lean on their running game more than ever with Nick Foles looking shaky to close the season.

 

Dark Horses - Divisional Round Running Backs and DFS Targets

Stevan Ridley, Pittsburgh Steelers - $3900 DK

Honestly, it would be a shock if Ridley gets more than five touches in this game. Brought on at the tail end of the season due to a slew of injuries to backup running backs in Pitt, Ridley only saw extended action in Week 17 because the Steelers chose to rest nearly all their starters on offense. Frankly, seeing him at a higher price point than a starter like LeGarrette Blount or a primary backup like Chris Ivory is a bit confusing. You can spend your money far wiser, but I'd still take Ridley over Fitzgerald Toussaint.

Tommy Bohanon, Jacksonville Jaguars - $3000 DK

See Line, Zach above. Bohanon is simply another fullback who could sneak in a random touchdown for a bargain price in DFS. The Jags have gotten unconventional near the red zone all season, and the playoffs are no exception as evidenced by the Brad Koyack touchdown last week. Bohanon has four TD on the year despite touching the ball exactly 11 times. He could put up more points on one play than Chris Ivory or Corey Grant will on several carries or receptions.

Kenjon Barner, Philadelphia Eagles - $3000 DK

How many running backs do the Eagles have exactly and how is that legal? If you're in a league where special teams count, you could take a flier on Barner as a return man. He does get mixed into the offense on occasion, so when you get to the depths of the running back list, you still might prefer him to any of the backups on other teams that are sure to be sitting on the sidelines.

 

More Divisional Weekend 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

CFB

Mississippi State, Rice Accept Bowl Bids as 5-7 Teams
CFB

Auburn, Florida State, Baylor Among Teams to Decline Bowl Bids
Paul George

Available on Sunday Evening
Joel Embiid

Available Against Lakers
Lauri Markkanen

Ruled Out Versus OKC
Geno Smith

Doesn't Return to Week 14 Game Against Broncos
DK Metcalf

Totals Almost 150 Yards in Big Win Over Ravens
Jimmy Butler III

Officially Active on Sunday Night
CFB

Rob Aurich Set to Become Nebraska's Defensive Coordinator
LeBron James

Available Versus Philadelphia
Geno Smith

Questionable to Return With Shoulder Injury
Joe Burrow

Throws Four Touchdowns in Snowy Conditions
Tee Higgins

Finds the End Zone Twice in Loss to Bills
Tony Pollard

Stuns Browns, Breaks Off Two Huge Touchdowns
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Scores Twice in Victory Over Falcons
Shedeur Sanders

Racks Up Four Touchdowns in Narrow Loss to Titans
Josh Allen

Totals Four Touchdowns in Win Over Bengals
MON

Samuel Montembeault Ruled Out for Sunday
Carter Hart

Available Against Rangers Sunday
Ryan Leonard

to Miss "Extended Period of Time"
De'Von Achane

Avoids a Broken Rib in Week 14
John Carlson

a Game-Time Decision Sunday
Zach Ertz

Feared to Have Torn ACL
Jordan Kyrou

Unavailable Against Canadiens
Daniel Jones

Could be Done for Season with Achilles Injury
Matt Duchene

Set to Return Against Penguins
Jayden Daniels

Will Play Again This Season
Pyotr Kochetkov

Back for Hurricanes Sunday
Evgeni Malkin

Won't Play on Sunday
CFB

Notre Dame Opting Out of Postseason Amid College Football Playoff Exclusion
Zach Ertz

Ruled Out Sunday With Serious Knee Injury
Karl-Anthony Towns

Ruled Out Against Orlando
Draymond Green

Remains on the Shelf Versus Chicago
Jimmy Butler III

Expected to Return on Sunday
Jayden Daniels

Questionable to Return in Week 14 With Left-Elbow Injury
Immanuel Quickley

Now Probable Versus Boston
Bhayshul Tuten

Returns in Week 14 After Injury Scare
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Will Miss First Game of the Year on Sunday
De'Von Achane

Questionable to Return in Week 14 with Rib Injury
Joel Embiid

Upgraded to Probable Against Lakers
Bhayshul Tuten

Being Evaluated For Concussion
Daniel Jones

Ruled Out After Non-Contact Achilles Injury
Ja Morant

Doubtful Against Portland
Robert Williams III

Now Questionable Versus Memphis
Donovan Clingan

Questionable Versus Grizzlies
Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers Won't Fire Mike Tomlin This Year
Chris Olave

Officially Active in Week 14
CFB

Kendal Briles a Candidate for South Carolina Offensive Coordinator Job
CFB

James Madison Playoff-Bound After Duke Wins ACC Title?
CFB

Notre Dame, Miami, Alabama on College Football Playoff Bubble
CFB

Brent Pry Could Return to Virginia Tech as Defensive Coordinator
Darcy Kuemper

Ends Losing Streak With Shutout Performance
Nikolaj Ehlers

Collects Three Points in Saturday's Win
Ilya Sorokin

Ties Franchise Record With 25th Shutout
Sam Bennett

Bags Season-High Four Points Saturday
Jordan Kyrou

Sustains Lower-Body Injury Saturday
Dominic James

Hurt on Saturday
LaMelo Ball

Won't Suit Up Against Denver
Immanuel Quickley

Questionable for Sunday Afternoon
Klay Thompson

Downgraded Versus Houston
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Out Again on Saturday Evening
Tyler Herro

Will Miss Another Game on Saturday
Jimmy Butler III

Out Again on Saturday Night
Draymond Green

Ruled Out Versus Cleveland
Jose A. Ferrer

Mariners Acquire Jose A. Ferrer from the Nationals
Mason Marchment

Expected to Return Saturday
Danila Yurov

Returns From Two-Game Absence Saturday
Jesperi Kotkaniemi

Available Saturday
Harry Ford

Traded to the Nationals
Shane Pinto

to Miss Two Weeks
David Pastrnak

Misses Fifth Consecutive Game Saturday
Andrei Vasilevskiy

Remains Out Saturday
Nikita Kucherov

Out on Saturday
Cody Bellinger

Drawing Interest From the Phillies
MacKenzie Gore

Will the Nationals Trade MacKenzie Gore?
Byron Buxton

Twins Not Planning to Trade Joe Ryan, Byron Buxton
Petr Yan

Looks To Reclaim Bantamweight Belt
Merab Dvalishvili

Set For His Fourth Title Defense
Joshua Van

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fifth Title Defense At UFC 323
Tatsuro Taira

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Brandon Moreno

Searches For His Third Win In A Row
Payton Talbott

A Favorite At UFC 323
Henry Cejudo

Set For His Retirement Fight
Jan Blachowicz

Set To Open Up UFC 323 Main Card
Bogdan Guskov

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
CFB

Emmett Johnson Leaving Nebraska for 2026 NFL Draft
CFB

Jam Miller Unlikely to Play in SEC Title Game
CFB

Penn State Expected to Hire Matt Campbell from Iowa State
CFB

Arkansas Targeting Ron Roberts for Defensive Coordinator Job
Jhostynxon Garcia

Pirates Acquire Jhostynxon Garcia From Red Sox
Cody Bellinger

Yankees Pushing Hard to Re-Sign Cody Bellinger
CFB

Penn State Eyeing Iowa State Coach Matt Campbell For Coaching Vacancy
Alex Bregman

Cubs Have Renewed Interest in Alex Bregman
CFB

Billy Napier Finalizing Deal to Become James Madison's New Head Coach
CFB

Buster Faulkner Set to Become Florida's New Offensive Coordinator
CFB

Joe Sloan Expected to be Kentucky's New Offensive Coordinator
CFB

Lane Kiffin Working to Keep Defensive Coordinator Blake Baker at LSU
CFB

Brian Daboll a Candidate for Penn State Head-Coaching Job?
Kyle Tucker

Visits With Blue Jays
Emilio Pagán

Reds Bring Back Closer Emilio Pagan on Two-Year Deal
Cedric Mullins

Rays Agree on One-Year Deal
Freddy Peralta

Brewers Considering Trading Freddy Peralta
Kyle Schwarber

Reds Serious About Adding Kyle Schwarber in Free Agency?
CFB

Brent Key Signing Five-Year Deal to Remain at Georgia Tech
CFB

Brian Hartline Expected to Land USF Head-Coaching Job
CFB

Collin Klein Expected to be Top Target for Kansas State if Head-Coach Job Opens
Kyle Schwarber

Giants Have Checked in on Kyle Schwarber
Willson Contreras

Willing to Waive his Full No-Trade Clause?
Edwin Díaz

Mets Still Interested in Re-Signing Edwin Diaz
Devin Williams

Agrees to Three-Year Deal With Mets
Cole Ragans

Red Sox Targeting Cole Ragans in a Trade?

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP