Running backs are the workhorses of both real football and any daily fantasy lineup. Picking the right guys can take your squad from average to paying out big time. And that’s exactly what I’m here to help with.

Here are three running backs you should be targeting in DFS this week as they have a great chance at putting up big games while not breaking your budget. (Salaries via DraftKings.)

James Conner (vs Dolphins) - $7,700

Conner has been dealing with a couple of injuries recently, but the Steelers are coming off their bye week, meaning he should be healthy and rested and ready to take on the second-worst fantasy run defense in the NFL. You’re paying a little for this matchup — Conner is the fourth-most expensive running back — but among the top seven, he offers the best bang for your buck. I love Saquon Barkley to do Saquon Barkley things against a Lions defense ranked third in points allowed to backs, but he’s more than $1,000 more expensive than Conner.

Austin Ekeler (@ Bears) - $5,900

I understand it’s risky to put any faith in the Chargers’ offense right now, but I’m taking a chance on the team learning from their mistake of giving Melvin Gordon the ball twice to win the game, only to have him fumble away both opportunities. Less Gordon means more Ekeler and we know what Ekeler can do when he’s featured in this offense. The Chargers also face off against a reeling Bears defense that’s given up the most touchdowns and fantasy points to running backs in the past four weeks. I’m all in on Ekeler showing us — and the Chargers — that he is the best running back in Los Angeles.

Sony Michel (vs Browns) - $5,200

Michel has pieced together three weeks in a row in which he’s either scored a touchdown or rushed for over 80 yards. Michel has been the Patriots’ sole red zone running back (besides for Tom Brady) and as such has a great chance to put up multiple touchdowns this week. That chance is even better against the Browns who have been far from great stopping the ground game. The Browns are allowing the eight-most fantasy points and yards to opposing backs, setting Michel up for a very favorable matchup.

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is petermcdrogers) 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.