Getty Images Gallery: 3/6
Running Backs
Welcome to the most challenging part of setting a lineup. Over the last couple of years, the running back position has become one of the hardest positions to figure out in fantasy football. In 2018, many teams have shifted towards the committee approach when it comes to backfields. Running backs just aren't as game-changing as they once were. Aside from about five to eight running backs, there aren't many elite prospects anymore.
Now, we have to try and decode certain teams running approaches since not every team has that bell-cow running back that's going to get over 150 all-purpose yards anymore. If you can't find a running back that gets at least 20 touches whether it's through the air, on the ground, or both, then you have to go with the running back that gets the most red zone usage. Find the back that gets into the end zone. Let's dive into this weeks slate for running backs.
David Johnson - $6,800
Two years ago, David Johnson was the number one back in the NFL. The downfall of the Arizona Cardinals made him no longer as valuable as he once was though. Now, Johnson's just a really good running back trapped on a team that struggles to move the football. Hence why he comes with such a cheap price nowadays. Johnson may not issue the same value as he once did before on a weekly basis, but his opponent this week makes it hard not to play him.
The Cardinals will take on the Kansas City Chiefs. Don't shy away from the player, just because you don't like the matchup though. Kansas City's run game is not good. They have allowed over 1,100 yards on the ground this season, and 11 touchdowns. They rank in the bottom half of the NFL for rushing defenses. I wouldn't commit to David Johnson long-term, but this is definitely the week to use him in DFS.
Adrian Peterson - $5,700
Here's an even better one for you. Washington Redskins resident OG, Adrian Peterson. This man has been running through defenses since 2007. We thought because after one lousy season on both, the Saints and the Cardinals that Peterson was finished. Nope. This guy's still got it. Just two weeks ago, he went off on the New York Giants where he was one yard shy of cracking 150. The Falcons 'stopped' him last week, as they held him to 17 yards off of nine carries, but don't let the numbers fool you.
Atlanta tore up Washington's defense, and they had to throw the ball all day from the beginning to try and keep up. With the slate clean, the Redskins will be able to issue Peterson his carries once again. And guess what? The Buccaneers rushing defense is not good. As a matter of fact, they give up the most fantasy points to opposing running backs! Mix in the fact that Chris Thompson will be out, and Kapri Bibbs is hardly useful, and you have a potential Adrian Peterson breakout game once again in week ten.