👉 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: 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.

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 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
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Admits He Wasn't Close to Returning Before Season Ended
Colston Loveland

Is Colston Loveland a Top-25 Dynasty Asset?
CFB

Isaac Brown Has All-American Upside in 2026
LeBron James

Uncertain About Future After Season-Ending Loss
Zay Flowers

Is Zay Flowers Still Undervalued Coming Off a Career Season?
Ajay Mitchell

Continues to Excel for Thunder
CFB

Nyck Harbor Heading into Breakout Year?
LeQuint Allen Jr.

a Steady Dynasty Riser During Quiet Jaguars Offseason
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Posts 35 Points in Series Clincher
CFB

Notre Dame, USC in Discussions to Resume Rivalry Series
Cade Cunningham

Struggles in Game 4 Loss
Shedeur Sanders

a Dynasty Hold Amid Quarterback Room Uncertainty
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Has Eyes on ACC Title
James Harden

Records 40th Postseason Double-Double
Quinshon Judkins

' Dynasty Stock on the Rise with Offensive Improvements
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Gunshot Wound Not Viewed as Career-Threatening
Donovan Mitchell

Ties NBA Playoff Record With 39 Second-Half Points
Tommy Fleetwood

on Upward Trend Ahead of PGA Championship
Bryson DeChambeau

a High-Upside Play With Risk at PGA Championship
Isaiah Davis

' Dynasty Value Takes a Hit Thanks to Teammate's Extension
Kaleb Johnson

Will Kaleb Johnson Have a Bigger Role Under New Coaching Staff?
Draymond Green

Set to Stay With Warriors
Trey McBride

an Elite Fantasy TE Any Way You Slice it
Stephen Curry

Warriors Looking to Extend Stephen Curry in Offseason
Brock Purdy

All Signs Point to Bounce-Back Season for Brock Purdy in 2026
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bucks Listening to Offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Jalen McMillan

has a Path to Bigger Role, But There Will be Target Competition
OG Anunoby

Expected to Be Ready for Game 1 of East Finals
De'Aaron Fox

Listed as Questionable for Game 5
A.J. Ewing

Mets to Call Up Top Prospect A.J. Ewing
Kevin Huerter

to Remain Sidelined in Game 4
Caris LeVert

is Cleared for Game 4 on Monday
Thomas Bryant

is Available to Play in Game 4
Victor Wembanyama

Won't be Suspended Following Game 4 Ejection
Mookie Betts

is Officially Back on Monday
Nathan Eovaldi

Scratched From Monday's Start With Side Tightness
Mark Jankowski

Signs Two-Year Extension With Hurricanes
Joel Kiviranta

Cleared to Play Monday
Josh Manson

Available for Game 4 Monday
Mackenzie Blackwood

Expected to Start Monday
Jonas Brodin

Won't Play Monday
Joel Eriksson Ek

Remains Out Monday
Justin Jefferson

Dynasty Stock on the Rise With New QB in Minnesota
J.J. McCarthy

Injuries, QB Addition in Minnesota Deal Big Blow to J.J. McCarthy's Dynasty Value
Aaron Rodgers

Doesn't Meet With Steelers Over the Weekend
Chris Boswell

Steelers Agree With Kicker Chris Boswell on Four-Year Extension
Henry Bolte

Athletics to Promote Top Outfield Prospect Henry Bolte to Major Leagues
Khamzat Chimaev

Suffers his First Loss
Sean Strickland

Recaptures Middleweight Title
Tatsuro Taira

Suffers Fifth-Round TKO Loss
Harold Fannin Jr.

Offers Tantalizing Dynasty Upside Despite Uncertain Offense
Joshua Van

Defends Flyweight Title
Dalton Kincaid

Is Dalton Kincaid's Long-Term Dynasty Upside Fading Due to Health Concerns?
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Drops Decision
Alexander Volkov

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Jordan James

Could Emerge as a Must-Roster Handcuff Option for Dynasty Managers
Jaylen Waddle

Dynasty Stock Rising After Offseason Move to Denver
Josh Downs

in Line for Expanded Role in Indianapolis
Shane Van Gisbergen

Dominates Watkins Glen for First Win of 2026
Mike Evans

Could Be Well-Positioned for a Resurgent Season in San Francisco
Michael McDowell

Finishes Second for Best Run of the Year At Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Scores New Career-Best Finish of Third at Watkins Glen
Tyler Reddick

Continues His Strong Season With Fifth-Place Run at Watkins Glen
Austin Dillon

Earns his First Top-10 Finish of 2026 at Watkins Glen
Ameer Abdullah

Jaguars Sign Running Back Ameer Abdullah for Backfield Depth
Mookie Betts

Dodgers Expect Mookie Betts to Return on Monday
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Sustains Gunshot Wound, in Stable Condition
Anthony Edwards

Powers Wolves to Game 4 Win
De'Aaron Fox

Posts 24 Points as Spurs Drop Game 4 to Wolves
Victor Wembanyama

Ejected in Game 4 Loss
VJ Edgecombe

Struggles with Shot in Game 4
Paul George

Held to Seven Points in 76ers' Game 4 Loss
Rasmus Dahlin

Records Two Points in Game 3 Loss
Tage Thompson

Comes Alive in Game 3 Against Canadiens
Cole Caufield

Ends Dry Spell Sunday
Alex Newhook

Nets Two More Goals in Sunday's Victory
Mitchell Marner

Notches Three Assists in Losing Effort
Beckett Sennecke

Extends Goal Streak to Three Games
Cutter Gauthier

Records Hat Trick of Assists in Game 4 Win
Auston Matthews

Uncertain About Future With Maple Leafs
Frederik Andersen

Enjoying Special Postseason
Josh Manson

"Close" to Returning
Joel Kiviranta

Could Return to Action Monday
Radko Gudas

a Game-Time Call Sunday
Mark Stone

Unavailable Sunday
Connor Zilisch

Will Start Fifth in his First Watkins Glen Cup Series Race
Tyler Reddick

Is A Top DFS Option for Watkins Glen Lineups
Christopher Bell

Is Likely to Bounce Back This Week at Watkins Glen
Carlos Rodón

Carlos Rodon Activated for Season Debut on Sunday
William Byron

Is William Byron Playable in DFS Lineups at Watkins Glen?
Kyle Larson

May have A Positive Day at Watkins Glen
Chase Briscoe

May Compete for A Top-10 Finish at Watkins Glen
NASCAR

A.J. Allmendinger May have Another Solid Outing at Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Watkins Glen?
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain Worth Rostering for Watkins Glen Lineups?
Austin Cindric

Could Austin Cindric be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Watkins Glen?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite at Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott a No-Brainer DFS Pick at Watkins Glen?
Chris Buescher

Qualifies 14th at Watkins Glen
Ryan Blaney

Has Upside at Watkins Glen After Signing Contract Extension
Michael McDowell

Still Searching for First Top-Five Finish at Watkins Glen
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar Too Aggressive for Road-Course Racing?
Luis Castillo

Mariners Intend to Piggyback Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller
Logan Webb

Placed on 15-Day Injured List With Knee Bursitis
Bryce Miller

is Set to Return on Wednesday
Jeff Hoffman

Could Return to Closer Role
CHI

Blackhawks Bring in Roman Kantserov for Next Season
Mason McTavish

Set to Rejoin Ducks Lineup Sunday
Taj Bradley

Hits the Injured List With Pectoral Inflammation
Kyle Bradish

has Nice Bounce-Back Performance With 10 K's
Casey Mize

Throws Bullpen on Friday, Return Not Imminent
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Optimistic About Returning Next Wednesday
Tyler Glasnow

Dodgers Put Tyler Glasnow on Injured List With Back Spasms
Blake Snell

to Make Season Debut for Dodgers on Saturday
Cole Ragans

Royals Place Cole Ragans on Injured List With Elbow Impingement
Sean Strickland

An Underdog At UFC 328
Khamzat Chimaev

Set For UFC 328 Main Event
Tatsuro Taira

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Joshua Van

Set For His First Title Defense
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Nick Lodolo

Officially Activated, Making Season Debut on Friday
CFB

Walker Lyons Could be Go-To Target for Bear Bachmeier
CFB

Ty Benefield a Potential Game-Changer for LSU Defense
CFB

Hayden Lowe Set for Significant Role Following Miami's NFL Departures
CFB

Taylor Wein in Position for Big Season on Oklahoma's Defensive Line
CFB

Rasheem Biles an Instant Impact Player for Texas
Roman Anthony

Heading for the Injured List
CFB

Sam Leavitt Expected to Be Full-Go for Fall Camp
Tarik Skubal

Could Return in 4-6 Weeks After Successful Elbow Surgery
Cole Ragans

Royals Hopeful That Cole Ragans Makes his Next Start
CFB

Brauntae Johnson the Next Star in Notre Dame's Secondary?
CFB

Ethan Barbour a Name to Know in Georgia's Tight End Room
CFB

Payton Pierce Next Up at Linebacker for Ohio State
CFB

Javin Gordon to Play Significant Role for Tennessee?
CFB

Tanook Hines Stepping into WR1 Role for USC
CFB

Rueben Owens II has "Star Potential" in Fourth Campaign
Collin Morikawa

Withdraws From Truist Championship
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF