🖥 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE THANKS
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

Dallas Goedert

has Third Two-Touchdown Game on Sunday
Nico Collins

Records First Multi-Touchdown Game of the Season
D'Andre Swift

Falls Just Shy of 100 Rushing Yards, Scores Twice in Week 15
Josh Jacobs

Scores Two Touchdowns in Week 15 Loss
Jameson Williams

has Fourth 100-Yard Game in Sunday's Loss to Rams
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Scores as a Runner and Receiver in Week 15
Kenley Jansen

Agrees to One-Year Deal With Tigers
Merrill Kelly

Returns to Diamondbacks on Two-Year Deal
Javonte Williams

Returns to Start Second Half on Sunday Night
James Cook

Dominates With Three Touchdowns in Week 15 Win
Amon-Ra St. Brown

has Monster Game in Week 15
Javonte Williams

Questionable to Return in Week 15 With Shoulder Injury
Davante Adams

Rams Pessimistic About Davante Adams' Status for Week 16?
Robert Williams III

Available Against Golden State
Donovan Clingan

Back on Sunday Night
Micah Parsons

Believed to Have Suffered Torn ACL in Sunday's Loss
Puka Nacua

Returns to Sunday's Game
Patrick Mahomes

Suffers Torn ACL
Puka Nacua

Questionable to Return Due to Cramps, Potentially Avoids Injury Scare
Jake Ferguson

Officially Active for Sunday Night
Davante Adams

Exits Sunday's Contest with Hamstring Injury
Micah Parsons

Questionable to Return After Suffering Knee Injury
Christian Watson

Ruled Out with Chest Injury
Christian Watson

Questionable to Return with Chest Injury
Gunnar Helm

Questionable to Return to Sunday's Contest
Joel Embiid

Cleared for Action on Sunday
Zeev Buium

Has Two Points in Canucks Debut
Anthony Edwards

Remains Out on Sunday Evening
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Available Versus Philly
Dylan Holloway

Injured at Sunday's Practice
Filip Gustavsson

Takes on Bruins Sunday
Tyrese Maxey

Will Miss Another Game on Sunday Night
Brandon Bussi

Looks to Stretch Winning Streak to Nine Games
Cam York

Returns From Four-Game Absence
Jaccob Slavin

Returns to Action Sunday
Joel Embiid

Questionable Versus Atlanta
Jarrett Allen

Expected to Return on Sunday
Collin Sexton

Unavailable Against Cleveland
Khris Middleton

Still Sidelined Versus Pacers
Alexandre Sarr

Out Again on Sunday
Ayo Dosunmu

Unlikely to Play vs. Pelicans
Tyrese Maxey

Trending Toward Second Straight Absence
LaMelo Ball

Misses Third Straight Game
Kristaps Porzingis

Remains Out Versus 76ers
Drew Eubanks

To Miss Time With Thumb Fracture
Evan Mobley

Sidelined 2-4 Weeks With Grade 1 Calf Strain
Viktor Arvidsson

Not Expected to Play Sunday
Elias Pettersson

Unavailable Sunday
Jonas Brodin

to Miss Second Consecutive Game Sunday
Emil Lilleberg

Exits Early Saturday
Will Smith

Hurt in Saturday's Victory
Pavel Dorofeyev

Exits Win With Injury
Jalen Suggs

Injured on Saturday Night, Leaves Arena in a Wheelchair
Haydn Fleury

Cleared to Play
Simon Nemec

to Miss "Some Time"
Jake Evans

Back for Canadiens Saturday
Ilya Lyubushkin

Returns to Stars Lineup Saturday
Roope Hintz

Good to Go Saturday
Charlie Lindgren

Activated From Injured Reserve
Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Available Against Oilers
William Nylander

a Game-Time Decision Saturday
Jorge Polanco

Agrees to Two-Year Deal With Mets
CFB

LaNorris Sellers to Return to South Carolina in 2026
Cason Wallace

Off Injury Report Saturday
Keyonte George

Erupts for Career-High 39 Points Against Memphis
Bones Hyland

Exits Early With Knee Contusion
Logan O'Connor

Still Not Ready for Season Debut
CFB

Washington State Expected to Hire Kirby Moore as Next Head Coach
CFB

Kyle Whittingham Stepping Down as Utah Head Coach
Manel Kape

Set For UFC Vegas 112 Main Event
Brandon Royval

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 112
Kevin Vallejos

Set For His Third UFC Fight
Giga Chikadze

In Dire Need Of Victory
Cesar Almeida

Set To Welcome Cezary Oleksiejczuk To The UFC
Cezary Oleksiejczuk

Set To Make His UFC Debut
Maikel Garcia

Royals Agree on Five-Year Extension
Melquizael Costa

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Looks to Win Second Consecutive Fights
Marcus Buchecha

Looks To Bounce Back
Kennedy Nzechukwu

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 112
King Green

Returns At UFC Vegas 112
Lance Gibson jr

Lance Gibson Jr. Set To Open Up UFC Vegas 112 Main Card
CFB

Sherrone Moore Charged with Home Invasion, Among Other Charges
CFB

Freddie Kitchens Fired from North Carolina Coaching Staff
CFB

Bryce Underwood Could Leave Michigan Without Buyout
Fernando Tatis Jr.

Padres Not Considering Trading Fernando Tatis Jr.
Tarik Skubal

Tigers Engaged in "Serious Talks" Around Trading Tarik Skubal at the Winter Meetings
CFB

Chris Brazzell II Declaring for NFL Draft
CFB

Fernando Mendoza Named AP College Football Player of the Year
Raisel Iglesias

to Remain the Braves Closer
Robert Suarez

Agrees on Three-Year Deal With Braves
CFB

Sherrone Moore Remains in Police Custody
CFB

Joe Klanderman Joining Baylor Coaching Staff
CFB

Kentucky Hiring Jay Bateman as Next Defensive Coordinator
Si Woo Kim

Closes 2025 With Strong Finish Among Putting Woes
Akshay Bhatia

Looks to Rebound in 2026 After Down Year Off the Tee
Brian Harman

2025 Season a Step Back Despite Spring Win
Sam Burns

' Elite Putting Headlines a Solid 2025 Season
Sepp Straka

Ends Stellar 2025 Campaign on a High Note
Robert MacIntyre

Closes Out a Steady 2025 Campaign
CFB

Chip Kelly Interviews for Georgia Tech Offensive Coordinator Job
CFB

Louisville Receiver Chris Bell has a Torn ACL
Min Woo Lee

Breaks Through to Win in Texas This Year
PGA

Alex Noren Wins Twice on European Tour This Year
Wyndham Clark

has Up-and-Down 2025 Golf Season
CFB

Michigan Fires Head Coach Sherrone Moore
Corey Conners

Comes Close to Winning Again in Very Good 2025
Justin Rose

Turns Back the Clock in 2025
CFB

Jim Knowles Expected to be Hired as Tennessee's Defensive Coordinator
Harris English

Enjoys Solid Finish at Hero World Challenge
CFB

Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles Not Being Retained at Penn State
CFB

Indiana's Stephen Daley Done for Season After Post-Game Injury
Pete Alonso

Orioles Finalizing Five-Year Deal
Kyle Finnegan

Tigers, Kyle Finnegan Agree on Two-Year Deal
Bo Bichette

Red Sox Out on Bo Bichette For Now
Philadelphia Phillies

Phillies Extend Manager Rob Thomson Through 2027 Season
Michael King

the Mets' Top Rotation Target?
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Could Move Back to Leadoff Spot
CFB

Florida, Wisconsin Among Suitors for QB Transfer Kenny Minchey
CFB

Bryan Harsin, Justin Wilcox Candidates for Washington State Head Coach Job?
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz Agrees to Deal With the Dodgers
Kyle Schwarber

Returning to Phillies on Five-Year Deal
CFB

Ole Miss Hiring John David Baker as Offensive Coordinator
CFB

Ty Howle the Top Target for Virginia Tech Offensive Coordinator Job

RANKINGS

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