2015 Gridiron Playoff Challenge: 5 Most Valuable RBs

By Sean Cordy

Gridiron Playoff Challenge: Most Valuable RBs

DeMarco Murray Fantasy Football — Just because the NFL regular season is over doesn’t mean you can’t get your fantasy football fix. It’s time to make your selections for the ESPN Gridiron Playoff Challenge.

Like normal fantasy football, it’s all about picking value. Like FanDuel or DraftKings, you have a salary, making it more difficult to create a top lineup. Luckily, the market values set on certain RBs give you great advantage if you manage them right.

5. Joique Bell – Detroit Lions

Joique Bell Lions1

5. Joique Bell – Detroit Lions

Bell — In wake of Reggie Bush’s disappointing season, Bell has stepped up for the Lions this season, enough to be valued at $5.5M this week. That might be a little too high, but he’s a better option than some other cheaper options. The Cowboys will be looking to stop Detroit’s pass game first and might let Bell slip through the cracks, and likely find at least one score, which he’s scored five times in the last five games.

4. Jonathan Stewart – Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers v Atlanta Falcons

4. Jonathan Stewart – Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers v Atlanta Falcons — Stewart benefits from having a lower season value than other players, and inheriting the backfield to himself late in the season (valued at just $5.3M). Last time he had a full workload, he exploded for 137 rushing yards and should see a similar total this week. He might push his nose over the goal line as well. Seeing over 20 carries should definitely help his cause.

3. DeMarco Murray – Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys Running Back DeMarco Murray

3. DeMarco Murray – Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys Running Back DeMarco Murray — You’d expect the No. 1 RB in the league to be No. 1 on this list as well, wouldn’t you? But at his value of $6M, he’s not necessarily the best buy you can have. The Cowboys will definitely continue leaning on Murray, but will probably look to the air with a hot Tony Romo and Dez Bryant more so. Murray will get you points, but his value may not quite be as good as others.

2. Jeremy Hill – Cincinnati Bengals

Denver Broncos v Cincinnati Bengals

2. Jeremy Hill – Cincinnati Bengals

Denver Broncos v Cincinnati Bengals — Hill has taken over the Bengals offense this season, and that should continue into the playoffs, rushing for over 1,000 yards and tacking on nine scores. Against a Colts defense this week that has allowed four straight 10+ point RBs, Hill should be able to exceed his $5.4M valuation.

1. Justin Forsett – Baltimore Ravens

Jacksonville Jaguars v Baltimore Ravens

1. Justin Forsett – Baltimore Ravens

Jacksonville Jaguars v Baltimore Ravens — Despite being a top 10 RB this season, Forsett is being valued at a mere $5.5M, and should definitely be closer to $6M going against a Steelers team that will have trouble hanging on to the ball. Their loss of Le’Veon Bell will really help get the Ravens back on the field, putting the rock in Forsett’s hands. He’ll be looking at closing in on 100 yards and at least one score with his expedited carries.

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