2017 Top Daily Fantasy Football RBs for FanDuel and DraftKings
The NFL running back position used to be where you would focus your fantasy attention on but with many NFL teams using a two back system that one running back horse is slowly becoming a dinosaur.
That’s not to say that you still don’t need 2 good running backs each week for your FanDuel and DraftKings (our affiliate partner) lineups but you need to pay more attention to weekly changes such as matchups, field conditions and how many carries or touches are expected each week.
Our list below focusses on the Top 5 NFL Running backs in 2017 that you will want to plug into a DFS Fantasy Football lineup each week depending on salary cap cost and of course matchups. The 5 listed are the workhorse backs that will be in for all 3 downs usually unless a game plan changes all of that in a given week. We also have added a few more guys that are solid picks weekly for your NFL lineups to consider that are a bit less of a cost from the Top 5 Running Backs.
***Remember – DraftKings scoring offers a point per reception which means that a Running Back that catches a ton of passes in the offense will have more value than at FanDuel even if the run game isn’t working that day.***
2017 Top 5 Running Backs at FanDuel and DraftKings
1. Le'Veon Bell (RB - Pittsburgh Steelers)
My favorite fantasy pick at DraftKings because of how many catches he gets along with his rushing yards. Always an expensive salary cap pick but many times really worth it.
2. David Johnson (RB - Arizona Cardinals)
Another workhorse that gets fantasy players tons of points for their lineups. He averaged 24.7 touches per game and has stated that he wants 30 a game in 2017.
3. Ezekiel Elliott (RB - Dallas Cowboys)
Was the star rookie last year and will once again be the feature back for the Cowboys. Doesn’t get as many catches but lots of rushes and goal line touches. May miss a few games due to a suspension to start the 2017 season.
4. LeSean McCoy (RB - Buffalo Bills)
Is the focus of the offense in Buffalo and the new coaching staff has intimated maybe some more catches in McCoy’s future.
5. Jay Ajayi (RB - Miami Dolphins)
Had 3 – 200+ yard rushing games last year! Is a bit of a boom or bust at times based on the Dolphins offense but will be given tons of chances to gain even more yards in 2017.
5 Other Top Running Back Plays at FD and DK
Devonta Freeman (RB - Atlanta Falcons)
No doubt that Freeman is a fantasy stud but he loses touches to Tevin Coleman which keeps him out of my Top 5. Regardless, use him for your FantasyDraft lineups and enjoy the points.
Melvin Gordon (RB - Los Angeles Chargers)
Gordon will be looking to improve his numbers from last year. Many sites have Gordon listed in their Top 5 but for me he falls off a bit with other weapons for the Chargers to look at.
Jordan Howard (RB - Chicago Bears)
Took over the starting job in week 3 and never looked back. Chicago is using a new QB and may be relying on Howard to again be the workhorse of the offense.
DeMarco Murray (RB - Tennesse Titans)
A great 1st year for the Titans, has been a solid week to week FanDuel pick for a few years now.
Todd Gurley (RB - Los Angeles Rams)
If Jared Goff gets better for the Rams then Gurley will skyrocket up the runningback rankings. He has the tools to be a stud but defenses stack the box and dare the Rams to throw. He’s a sneaky fantasy play in certain weeks for a low price.
If you don’t want to pay up for a stud running back weekly then you may want to invest in a Top 5 Quarterback in 2017. Check out our Quarterback Rankings and decide on which type of fantasy football player will suit your strategy to make you to most money at FanDuel or DraftKings.
Check out some of our other 2017 NFL Preview Pages:
