Top DFS running back plays for Week 2

The NFL wrapped up Week 1 on Monday, and it’s time to start plotting out your Week 2 DFS lineups. A lot of the usual suspects dominated, but we had some under-the-radar names step up in a big way to key folks to victory.

Obviously, you would love to fill your daily lineup with Pro-Bowlers from top to bottom, but spending money on a top-tier player in one spot leaves you potentially scraping the barrel to fill out the rest of your roster.

So here are three running backs that could provide the best value for Week 2. (Values from Draft Kings.)

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Alvin Kamara (NO) - $8,200

This one might come as a bit of a surprise considering Kamara is the third-most expensive running back in daily fantasy this week behind Ezekiel Elliott and Christian McCaffrey, but it is actually McCaffrey that is making me think Kamara is a good play in Week 2. McCaffrey absolutely torched the Rams defense in Week 1 with over 200 total yards and two touchdowns. There are few players in the NFL that have McCaffrey’s versatility and explosiveness, but Kamara is definitely one of them. Look for Sean Payton to try to take advantage of the film he’s seen from Week 1 to let Kamara run wild in L.A.

Giovani Bernard (CIN) - $5,300

This is only a viable play if Joe Mixon is slated to miss time as all of Bernard’s touches in Week 1 came after Mixon went down to injury. However, if Mixon misses Week 2, Bernard is a must-start against the 49ers. There are few backs as active in the passing game who are also capable running between the tackles, and Bernard is definitely one of the better. If news breaks Mixon starts Week 2, consider players like Chris Thompson (WAS), Adrian Peterson (WAS) or Austin Ekeler (LAC).

Josh Jacobs (OAK) - $4,700

The Raiders have a tantalizing matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs defense in Week 2, which does not look that improved from the dumpster fire that it was the 2018 defense. Jacobs was the beneficiary of 23 rushing attempts in Week 1, but only one reception. While Jacobs might cede work to Jalen Richard if the Raiders are playing catch-up, I imagine the Raiders will be able to stay competitive enough to where they won’t be forced to abandon the run all together.

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