In 3 straight games without Chase Edmonds before the bye, Conner played over 75% of the Cardinals snaps and got 20+ carries in 2 of those matchups. He posted great fantasy production even without Kyler Murray, who is likely to return this week after a 3-game absence. Additionally, FanDuel’s half PPR scoring favors players who score and Conner leads all RBs with 12 rushing TDs.
While Saquon didn’t have a monster game last week, he did regain his previous workhorse role:
He has a workhorse role with a tendency to break long runs. At sub 5% ownership, he is my favorite tournament play as leverage away from chalkier RBs in his price range (Eli Mitchell, Antonio Gibson, James Conner, Myles Gaskin & David Montgomery).
RBs with usage like David Montgomery’s shouldn’t be $6,600. Since returning from injury, Montgomery has played 85%, 95% and 84% of snaps but hasn’t scored a TD. The Cardinals rank 13th in adjusted fantasy points allowed and Montgomery is due for a bounce back.
Gibson recorded a career-high 36 touches on Monday against Seattle.This backfield will be without J.D. McKissic this week. The Raiders defense ranks 3rd worst in adjusted fantasy points allowed to RBs and is a run funnel defense, ranking 18th in rush defense DVOA but 4th in pass defense DVOA. Gibson projects to be very popular, so pairing him with a lesser owned play like Saquon Barkley is optimal.
Cheap plays: Sony Michel ($5,300) if Darrell Henderson is out & Nyheim Hines ($5,300)