2 Running Backs For Your OwnersBox Lineup

Playing weekly fantasy football during the playoffs requires a different approach, especially when it comes to running backs. With the amount of teams down to less than half your typical week, avoiding the “chalk” is nearly impossible. If you don’t have the top back on the week you likely don’t stand a chance. There can be a significant separation between the top couple of players at the position and the middle of the pack.

There were only 8 running backs that scored double digit PPR fantasy points during the Wild Card round. I have two running backs for you that I see as sure fire double digit fantasy points scorers on OwnersBox this week.

Elijah Mitchell ($5900) vs Dallas Cowboys

Elijah Mitchell is my favorite running back on the OwnersBox platform this week. I went more in depth on the 49ers scheme and likely game flow in my full game preview, be sure to check that out for even more analysis on this pick. San Francisco should be able to move the ball on the ground exponentially well against this Cowboys defense. Dallas is giving up 4.5 yards per carry this season, which ranks 23rd in the NFL.

We all know about Kyle Shanahan’s affinity for running the football, their run rate is the 4th highest in the league. Where Mitchell really separates himself amongst the crop of Wild Card running backs is his scoring upside. The 49ers are the #1 red zone offense in the NFL, they score a touchdown on 66.2% of trips inside their opponent’s 20-yard line. The Cowboys just so happen to be the worst team in the NFL in defensive rushing success rate in the red zone. I can’t think of a better recipe then that for the 49ers lead running back to find pay dirt.

The rookie is priced as the RB11 overall at $5,900, that price does not reflect his worth. In this last 5 games, Mitchell is averaging 25.6 touches per game. That is more than any other running back playing on Wild Card Weekend. If you want to win the grand prize in our $10K contest this week you’ll need Mitchell in your lineup.

Rhamondre Stevenson ($5100) vs Buffalo Bills)

If you include Elijah Mitchell and Rhamondre Stevenson in your OwnersBox lineup this week, you’ll have only spent $11,000 on the running back position. That should put you in an excellent situation to spend on other positions, like your SuperFlex spot.

Much like Elijah Mitchell’s team, Rhamondre Stevenson and the Patriots have been very successful running the football this season. New England is averaging 4.8 yards per carry, the 6th best mark in the NFL. The Bills defense has been praised for it’s success against the run this season, but they haven’t faired well against the Patriots. Even in windy Buffalo on Monday Night Football the Patriots averaged 4.7 yards per run.

The Patriots backfield is a two headed monster between Stevenson and Damien Harris. Harris has certainly been the biggest benefactor of their rushing success, he had 15 touchdowns in the regular season. But he’s been dealing with a hamstring injury ever since their December 6th win over Buffalo. He’s been logging limited practice participation this week and is expected to play. But in a got to have it game, Belichick is going to go with the back that gives him the best chance to win.

The Patriots have had the Bills number on the ground in both of their meetings this season, they’ll continue to attack that way in this game. Stevenson is sure to be in at worst a 60/40 split, but if Harris’ hamstring can’t hold up he could be a workhorse in a high volume rushing attack.

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