Week 18 is here, and with it comes one of the most chaotic DFS slates of the year. This is the time where understanding team motivations, playing time projections and injury news becomes paramount. With playoff spots, seeding implications and coaching dynamics all in flux, it’s a week where the logic behind your plays matters more than the names themselves. I’m breaking down the Week 18 NFL DFS running backs at every salary level, using Stokastic’s NFL DFS projections and NFL DFS ownership projections to sort through the solid options.
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Week 18 NFL DFS Running Backs: Bijan Robinson & More
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Top-Tier Running Backs
Bijan Robinson ($8,500)
Let’s not overthink this: Robinson is the best play on the slate. He checks every single box we want in Week 18, from team motivation to workload and matchup. Robinson is in a league of his own, and if you’re spending up at running back, he’s the first name you lock in.
Bucky Irving ($7,700)
Irving is another standout option. He’s taken over in Tampa Bay and plays in an explosive offense with plenty of volume to go around. Even with Rachaad White still in the picture, Irving has solidified his role. He’s an excellent option if you’re looking to differentiate while staying in the premium tier.
Jonathan Taylor ($8,200)
Taylor has been dominant of late, racking up 61 carries over his last two games. However, Indianapolis has officially been eliminated from playoff contention, which raises some concerns about whether Taylor will continue to see the massive workloads we’ve come to expect. While there’s some variance in his projection, he’s still one of the best options on the slate if the Colts stick to their current approach.
Josh Jacobs ($8,100)
Jacobs rounds out the top tier, but he’s the riskiest of the four. With the Packers clinching a playoff spot already, their motivation is unclear. However, if Jacobs gets his usual workload, he’s certainly capable of delivering a strong performance, making him a viable play despite the uncertainty.
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Mid-Range Running Backs
Zach Charbonnet ($6,700)
With Kenneth Walker out, Charbonnet becomes an intriguing mid-tier option. Seattle has nothing to play for, but Charbonnet has proven himself capable when given opportunities. He’s one of the few mid-tier backs I feel confident in this week, especially if Sean McVay decides the Rams’ seeding isn’t worth risking his starters.
Tyrone Tracy ($5,800)
Tracy is another strong mid-tier play this week. He’s coming off a game where he saw 20 carries and added a handful of targets, and he has plenty of incentive to perform as a young player still proving himself. On a slate like this, volume is king, and Tracy has the potential to see significant touches once again.
Rico Dowdle ($5,800)
Dowdle is one of the more intriguing value plays this week. Last week, he quietly rushed for 100 yards and has shown consistency when given opportunities. While he’s not a high-volume pass catcher or a goal line machine, his price makes him appealing, especially in lineups where you’re paying up at other positions.
Value Running Back
Michael Carter ($4,700)
Carter is another value option to consider following James Conner going on IR. However, if the Cardinals backfield becomes a multi-headed committee, Carter’s appeal will diminish, so keep an eye on reports regarding Arizona’s running back depth chart.
