Best, worst Week 5 DFS RB values include Austin Ekeler, Le’Veon Bell

It’s all about finding value when playing NFL slates on DraftKings, especially if it’s low-owned value. It’s also about not throwing a lot of salary into a player who underperforms. Each week, because of injury, personnel moves and that occasional hidden gem that no one sees coming, there are player with low salaries and even lower ownership that help break a slate wide open. Then there are those who are covered in red flags. Here are our picks for the best and worst value running backs on DraftKings entering Week 5:

BEST

Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos, $6,700

This is probably the last week we’re going to be able to place Ekeler in any value context, as Melvin Gordon is returning this week after his lengthy holdout. In fact, Gordon is expected to see the field this week against the Broncos. But coach Anthony Lynn has already stated that Gordon will be limited, so for one final time, it’s Ekeler’s show. And the Broncos are ripe for the smashing after allowing 269 yards on the ground to Jacksonville Sunday and losing linebacker Bradley Chubb for the season with a torn ACL. Gordon’s presence should siphon off some of Ekeler’s ownership percentage, which makes him an even better play.

Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers at Dallas Cowboys, $5,900

This pick hinges on the availability of Jamaal Williams, who entered the league’s concussion protocol on Monday after the scary hit he took in last Thursday’s game against Philadelphia. If Williams is unable to suit up, Jones would dominate the touches out of the backfield. He’s quietly having a strong start to the season, averaging 20 DK points per game over the past three weeks with four touchdowns.

James White, New England Patriots at Washington, $5,000

It appears DraftKings has joined the herd in over-reacting to the Patriots’ mediocre offensive showing against Buffalo on Sunday. White, who was targeted 10 times against the Bills, only saw his salary increase by $100 this week as the Pats go from a brutal defensive matchup to a genuine cupcake this week. Wayne Gallman destroyed Washington as a pass-catcher last week and White is a lot better than Wayne Gallman. Like the rest of the Pats looking to put last week well behind them, expect White to come out hot this weekend.

WORST

Le’Veon Bell, New York Jets at Philadelphia Eagles, $6,800

It now appears that Sam Darnold, the kissing bandit, will not be fully recovered from his bout with mono this weekend, putting the offense back in the hands of Luke Falk. This is terrible news for Lev Bell owners in season-long and should be all anyone in DFS needs to hear to stay far away for another week. The Eagles’ front seven feasts on opposing running backs, and have no reason not to put all their energies into stopping Bell in this game.

Mark Ingram II, Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers, $6,300

It’s really been hit or miss with Ingram this season. He has two monster games, against Miami and Kansas City, and two duds against Arizona and last week against Cleveland. Facing a Pittsburgh team that got an enormous confidence boost in Monday’s rout of the Bengals, it feels like a “miss” spot here. With opposing back James Conner sitting at $6,200 and looking like his old self on Monday, that’s probably the better use of resources in that price range.

Philip Lindsay, Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers, $4,900

The 0-4 Broncos are circling the drain right now, and Lindsay has to deal with a run defense that really took its Week 1 performance to heart. In that opening game against Indianapolis, the Chargers allowed 203 yards on the ground. In the three games since, the Chargers have allowed 205 rushing yards combined. Ouch. Even at his discounted price, Lindsay is risky proposition.

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is jeffgo33) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.