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Editor’s note: Do you need fantasy and don’t want to wait for the answer? Heavy’s fantasy expert is live taking questions for three hours before the early games kick off. It’s called The Checkdown, and it’s live on YouTube every Sunday. This week’s segments include top receivers to target in the playoffs, as well as a look at the surging Saints. Check it out here.
Late scratches and favorable matchups make for a running back feast in Week 10. With no Kareem Hunt or Zeke Elliot on the slate, there are only so many workhorse backs to choose from. Let’s take a look at some sensible picks this week, focusing on Sunday’s DraftKings contests:
1) Bilal Powell ($4,000)
This one’s too easy. Matt Forte is out, and Powell gets a full workload for the low price tag. The Buccaneers are giving up the third-most points to running backs, and Powell has been strong with Forte sidelined. I expect this to either be a shootout or a decisive Jets win, both of which are positive outcomes for heavy Powell usage. Elijah McGuire is also a factor, but shouldn’t see more than 10-12 touches.
2) Orleans Darkwa ($4,500)
Staying with New York and Darkwa, who has a favorable matchup against the Niners. Some people have this game pegged as a sneaky shootout, but I think the Giants defense, who dealt with some quitting issues over the past week, will dominate the hobbled Niners. That means the Giants will be in control, and that would mean a big day for Darkwa. When the Giants went on the road and dominated the Broncos, Darkwa led the way with 21 carries for 117 yards.
3) Jordan Howard ($6,100)
Howard is the cheapest of all the stud running backs available, and has a solid matchup at home against the struggling Packers. Since the onset of Mitch Trubisky, the Bears are running at a higher rate- over 60 percent- than any team in the league. Howard has fended off early position battles and now has had three straight games with over 20 carries. A four-game touchdown drought is a slight concern, but he had two scores in the previous matchup with Green Bay and is lined up for another killer day.
Now that you’re ready for the day, here’s what I’m rolling out for today’s games:
