Via Last Word on Pro Football, by Scott Burke
Another week, another fantasy spotlight. This week in the spotlight, the focus is put on your DFS (daily fantasy sports) teams. If you play DraftKings or FanDuel you know the struggles of finding the right running backs. The spotlight this week will highlight the top five running backs that can lead you to big money in week 15. The fantasy spotlight is officially turned on for week 15 as we look at the top five DFS running backs.
Week 15 Fantasy Spotlight: Top Five DFS Running Backs
Le’Veon Bell
Salary: DraftKings $9,800 FanDuel $9,400
Let’s face it, picking Le’Veon Bell this week isn’t exactly going out on a limb. However, the facts must be stated. Bell has been a machine since week 11. The Pittsburgh Steelers running back has four straight 100 yard games, including his record-setting 236 yard performance last week in Buffalo. The man they call “Juice” is making a strong late season push for the league MVP. While there are multiple weapons on the Steelers offense, Bell has been the focal point. He’s carried the ball 118 times since week 11 and caught 22 passes. The Steelers face a Cincinnati Bengals defense that ranks 22nd against fantasy running backs. One of the toughest factors in building a DFS team is choosing which expensive star to center your team around, week 15, make sure it’s Le’Veon Bell.
LeSean McCoy
Salary: DraftKings $8,900 FanDuel $9,000
If you think the price tag on Le’Veon Bell is too much, then focus your attention on LeSean McCoy. The centerpiece of the Buffalo Bills offense makes for a fantastic DFS play this week. McCoy has run for 100+ yards in two of his last three games and has scored three touchdowns in those contests. Buffalo faces the winless Cleveland Browns in week 15. While some feel this may be the best chance for Cleveland to get a win, look for McCoy to run all over the leagues 31st ranked rushing defense. The Browns are allowing 146.2 yards per game on the ground, as well as 27.6 points per game. This is a dream matchup for McCoy and the Bills. If you aren’t fortunate enough to have McCoy in your season long playoff match-up, have no fear you can and should own him in DFS.
Latavius Murray
Salary: DraftKings $5,800 FanDuel $6,800
So here is a running back getting hot at the right time. Latavius Murray has four touchdowns over his last three games and is coming off a 103 yard performance on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs. Murray looks like a running back that is getting healthy and that is great news for the Oakland Raiders. Oakland is still very much in contention for the AFC West division title and having Murray going on the ground will help open up things for Derek Carr. Murray offers great value this week against the San Diego Chargers who rank 26th against opposing fantasy running backs. If you are looking for a low priced alternative to the high priced backs this week Murray should be at the top of your list.
Carlos Hyde
Salary: DraftKings $5,900 FanDuel $7,000
It’s been a lost season for the San Francisco 49ers and their fans. However, for the last three weeks, they have seen their top running back take strides towards next season. Carlos Hyde ran for 193 yards last week against the New York Jets and has two touchdowns in his last three games. The 49ers travel to Atlanta to face a Falcons defense ranked 31st against opposing running backs. Hyde has also contributed ten catches on 12 targets since week 11. Even though the record does not show it, the 49ers have shown a little more spark on offense, especially on the ground. Hyde has the potential for a 15-20 point performance this week in Atlanta. Don’t be afraid to use him.
Lamar Miller
Salary: DraftKings $5,400 FanDuel $7,200
Week 15 presents a great match-up for Lamar Miller and the Houston Texans against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Miller has started to show signs of being that guy that was drafted in the top 12 by many season long fantasy players. With two 100+ yard games in four weeks Miller is heating up at the right time for the Texans. Houston is in a dog fight in the AFC South and they must take full advantage of the home game this week with the Jaguars. Jacksonville ranks 23rd against the run and 26th in the league in points allowed. His salary is near a season low in both formats. Miller has the potential to produce high numbers with low ownership. Take a chance on him.
