The C.R.E.A.M of the crop (the highest salaries). If you’re looking to spend money on a RB we recommend:
Through seven weeks, Devonta Freeman has separated himself as an elite running back play from week to week. Though his price has finally elevated to an appropriate level, he is still my top play of the week at running back. Freeman is matchup proof and game script proof. With the Buccaneers coming to town week 8, Freeman is in another spot to explode. Freeman is averaging 85% of snaps, yet he is scoring over .5 points per snap. This include his 34 catches for 310 yards. The number of ways Freeman can score makes him an elite play. This week’s matchup against Tampa Bay sets up nicely for freeman. The Bucs have the second worst defensive rating in the league per Pro Football Focus. They struggle against both the pass and the run, setting up the perfect game script for Freeman. Even if a blowout ensues, Freeman rushed for 68 yards and 3TDs in a 48-21 week 4 win over the Texans. When the Falcons get in the red zone, Freeman is the first option in this potent offense. Freeman has 28 red zone opportunities resulting in 8TDs. Expect Freeman to keep up the production in week 8. Get him in your lineups.
“Bull” is inspired by a Bull Market on Wall Street. If you’re looking for a high ceiling with a moderate salary:
Jonathan Stewart’s price has plummeted over $1500 on both sites since week 1. The volume wasn’t there, and he was unable to produce when he did get touches. Stewart saw a decline in carries from weeks 1-4. After the week 5 bye, Stewart tore up the elite Seahawks D, for 78 yards on 20 carries and 2TDS, and just missing out on a third. A week later Stewart carried the ball 25 times for 125 yards. The Panthers are 6.5 point home favorites Monday against the Colts, who can’t seem to stop anyone on the ground, or through the air. The Colts have given up 8 rushing touchdowns on the season, which ranks tied for 29th in the league. Stewart faces the same opportunity as Freeman. Carolina will look to get up early, and feed Stewart. His depressed price tags makes him a nice way to provide salary relief with excellent upside.
If you’re looking for near minimum salary with the potential to out perform the Blue Chip market:
Production in DFS is strongly based on opportunity. With Arian Foster down for the season with a torn achilles, a big hole is left to be filled for the leagues fastest paced offense. In the 5 minutes after Foster went down on Sunday, Polk out snapped Jonathan Grimes 11 to 4, and carried the ball 4 times and caught 3 passes on 4 targets. Though we have a small sample size here, Polk has proven he can make big plays in space. Last season Polk returned a kickoff for a touchdown and in 2013, he averaged 15 yards per catch (on only 4 catches). Nonetheless, Polk has big play ability. The Titan have given up 33 plays of 25 yards or more this season, 8 through the air and 25 on the ground. Polk has an opportunity to make plays either way. If the Titans choose to hone in on Deandre Hopkins, Polk has a chance to rack up yards on underneath routes.
“Bear” also draws inspiration from Wall Street. Stay away this week:
Latavius Murray faces a Jets defense who ranks 1st in the league in rushing yards per game (72) and touchdowns allowed (2). The stout defense has only allowed one 100 yard rushing game this season. The Raiders go into Sunday as 2 point home underdogs. Murray has lost opportunities to Roy Helu Jr. and Marcel Reece in games where the Raiders have been playing from behind. The backup tandem has vultched 4 touchdowns from Murray over the course of the season, and Sunday could set up a similar situation. The Raiders are coming off an upset victory over San Diego, which sets up for a big letdown spot for Murray and the Raiders. Murray’s volatility this season brings too much risk at his price tag this week.
