DraftKings Daily Fantasy Football Helper for Week 8
Running Backs
High-Cost Option: Marshawn Lynch $7,100
Most of the high-priced options are in less than favorable matchups this week, but of the group at the top of the high-cost "tier," Marshawn Lynch presents the easiest path to fantasy points. Lynch takes on the Cowboys this week, a team that's been hit hard by running backs to date on the season. Dallas is allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs and have been gashed through the air by them, allowing the third-most receiving yards. Lynch isn't one of the top receiving-running back threats in the league, but he can get the job done as evidenced by his five-catch performance in Week 1. As 6-point favorites this week and with a struggling Russell Wilson under center, look for the Seahawks to continue to utilize Lynch and rely on their running game this week.
Mid-Cost Option: Todd Gurley $6,300
In cash or tournaments, Todd Gurley was one of the most popular plays last week in a cupcake matchup against the Browns soft rush defense. Gurley was able to extend his 100-yard games to three straight following Week 7, and will look to keep it going against at home against San Francisco. The 49ers have given up the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs on the year and have the third-worst rushing defense per our adjusted metrics. The Rams offense has completely funneled towards the rushing attack, as they have the fourth-highest rushing play percentage in the league over the last three games. At $6,300 he's still a very affordable running back to anchor your lineups this week.
Low-Cost Option: Chris Johnson $4,600
Giving up the third most fantasy points to opposing running backs, Cleveland's rushing defense has become a complete sieve to running backs in 2015. They have allowed 158 rushing yards against St. Louis, 152 against Denver, and 181 against Baltimore when looking at their last three opponents. At $4,600 this week, there might not be another running back projected to have as many rushing yards at a cheaper price than Arizona's Chris Johnson. Johnson is coming off his third 100-yard rushing outing of the season and has been averaging 16.7 fantasy points over his last five games. Cleveland has yet to stop any team's rushing attack this season and are giving up the most rushing yards per game and the third-highest rushing touchdowns allowed, making Johnson a terrific play this week at a very affordable price.
GPP Wildcard: Mark Ingram $6,400
If looking to fade the Gurley crowd, for $100 more you can invest in Mark Ingram, who gets to take on a Giants defense that has recently been hemorrhaging fantasy points to running backs. The Giants are giving up the ninth-most fantasy points to running backs and have been very susceptible to the pass, as opposing running backs are getting targeted the fourth-most in the league -- a facet of New Orleans offense that could be exploited this week. Rich Hribar found that, after allowing a league low 279 rushing yards through the first four weeks of the season, the Giants have allowed 515 rushing yards over the past three weeks, second-most in the league. Ingram has seen 16 or more touches in 6 of 7 games this year and is coming off consecutive 20-point fantasy outings. Last week's coaching call had Khiry Robinson vulturing two touchdowns from Ingram and could see fantasy players being a bit hesitant of using Ingram this week. However, Ingram should still be considered the lead dog in New Orleans' backfield, as he has seen 43.9% of the team's red zone touches and should continue to be productive in an outing where the Saints are favored by 3 points at home.
