High-Cost Option: Ezekiel Elliott ($7,900)
Ezekiel Elliott will likely be the chalk play of the week, but for good reason. The Cleveland Browns rank last in schedule-adjusted Defensive Rushing NEP and have given up the fifth-most fantasy points and the second-most total touchdowns to opposing running backs. Zeke is averaging 24.9 touches per game and leads all running backs in rushing yards and ranks fifth in fantasy points so far this season. In cash games or GPPs, Zeke is a sound play who should see plenty of volume and production in game where the Dallas Cowboys are seven-point favorites.
Mid-Cost Option: Carlos Hyde ($6,100)
Carlos Hyde's status for this week is still questionable, but if he's good to go, he should resume a bell cow running back role. Prior to injury in Week 6, Hyde was averaging 73 percent of the offensive snaps and saw 20-plus carries in three of the 49ers' first five games. The Saints have struggled defending opposing running backs. They rank second-worst in schedule-adjusted Defensive Rushing NEP, have allowed the most total touchdowns, and are giving up the most rushing points per attempt (.861). Hyde's status remains uncertain, but if he's playing, he should see quality touches against a soft run defense to warrant roster consideration.
Low-Cost Option: Charcandrick West ($4,400)
The Kansas City Chiefs placed Jamaal Charles on injured reserve and are expected to ruled Spencer Ware out with a concussion. That leaves Charcandrick West to be in line to see the lion's share of touches this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars have allowed five different running backs to score 19-plus fantasy points against them, and West should join that list without much competition for touches. When West was the lead back last year from Week 7 to Week 9, he was averaging 25 touches per game. With little depth behind him, West could be in for a monster workload again here in Week 9 with the Chiefs playing at home as 7.5-point favorites.
Other Options: Le'Veon Bell ($7,700), Theo Riddick ($4,900), Mark Ingram ($4,800), Darren Sproles ($3,900)