DFS NFL RB Coach: Week 4

Here is the Week 4 RB coach with my recommendations first and some relevant data you should be keeping an eye on when doing your research and making lineup decisions

High End Options

Le'Veon Bell – He returns from suspension and coach Mike Tomlin has already said he will be getting a ton of work in his first game back.  DeAngelo Williams had close to 27 touches per game for just under 116 yards per game with three touchdowns so we know the volume will be there for the starting Pittsburgh running back. Kansas City is giving up the third most points to the running back position.

David Johnson – He has 386 total yards and three touchdowns in his first three games.  The best thing about Johnson is that he is not game flow dependent.  He will have value in a close game or like last week if they fall behind.  The Rams are 22^nd in the league in points against for running backs.  With the struggles of Carson Palmer, the Cardinals would be wise to rely on Johnson even more. 

Lamar Miller –  The Titans have been very good against the run this season, ranking 10th so far, but have not exactly faced any strong running games.  Miller is averaging over 28 touches per game and 107 total yards per game.  He has yet to find the end zone but that is destined to change with that many touches.  Houston plays at one of the fastest paces in the league always leads to more touches for the entire offense.

Mid-Level Options

Melvin Gordon -  He has averaged 95 total yards per game since Woodhead went down and has scored four touchdowns so far this season.  Gordon takes on the Saints who were shredded for almost 300 total yards against the Falcons running backs on Monday Night.  New Orleans has one of the worst run defenses in the league and while I expect Dexter McCluster to take on more in the passing game Gordon should be able to have a solid game.

DeMarco Murray – He has been great in the passing game with 17 catches in his first three games.  Murray is losing some carries to Derrick Henry but his involvement in the passing game brings huge value.  He has 377 total yards in his first three games and the Texans lost J.J. Watt this week so things are going to be easier going against the Houston defense.

Charles Sims – He had a solid game as the lead guy with 114 total yards and a touchdown against the Rams.  The best way to attack the Denver defense is on the ground.  Sims has a tough match-up but his price is very affordable on FanDuel in particular if you wanted to use him in GPP contests.  He has big play ability can really pay off with help from his receiving skills.

LeSean McCoy -  He had 239 total yards and a touchdown in two games against New England last year.  McCoy is averaging 92 total yards per game this season and had 116 yards along with two touchdowns with the new offensive coordinator.  Teams have more success this season against New England with the running backs and with the lack of receiving weapons for Buffalo, you can expect a heavy dose of McCoy this week.

Low Cost Options

Carlos Hyde – He has racked up four touchdowns in his first three games.  The 49ers run the fastest pace offense in the league and so there will plenty of chances for production.  San Francisco also plays tough at home on defense.  Dallas run defense has been middle of the road vs the run this season but has played some of the worst rushing offenses in the league so far.  I expect 100-plus yards and a touchdown from Hyde.

Jordan Howard-  With the injury to Jeremy Langford and Ka’Deem Carey, Howard is the main ball carrier.  He was bound to take over the job and will now get his chance to shine.  He is dirt cheap on all sites.  He racked up 92 total yards over roughly half the game last week.  The Lions rank 27^th against the running back position and with the Bears playing a back-up quarterback, they would love to focus on the running game.