Chalk

With the most expensive back (Todd Gurley) off of the main slate, the elite tier has some intriguing options.

Saquon Barkley, despite a lofty $9,400 price tag, is sure to see some heavy ownership. He's posted 27-plus FanDuel points in three of his last four games, and his 197 all-purpose yards in Week 14 is sure to make him appealing. After a monster Week 14, where he grabbed 40 touches for 192 all-purpose yards, Ezekiel Elliott is likely to be in a pile of lineups. Fold in Elliott's increasing involvement in the passing attack (65 catches) and an Indianapolis Colts defense that's allowed the second-most receptions (93) to opposing running backs, and the Ohio State alumnus makes for a great option.

For a bit less money but still the fifth-priciest back, Leonard Fournette at $8,200 is also likely to be a hot commodity. He faces that same Washington defense -- 21st against the run -- that Barkley shredded a week ago. Bellcow back Joe Mixon ($7,800) shouldn't be ignored, either as he squares off against an Oakland Raiders defense that ranks third-worst in the league against the run, allowing an average of 5.0 yards per carry in 2018.

For those looking to pay down, Dalvin Cook ($6,200) looks like the go-to guy with the Vikings touchdown favorites and the second-year back seeing 35 combined touches over the last 2 weeks.

Pivot

Doug Martin, Oakland Raiders: $6,300 (at Cincinnati Bengals)

For a pivot off of Cook, not to mention the higher-priced studs, the Raiders' Doug Martin deserves some consideration.

One thing Martin hasn't been is overly efficient this year, which could drive down his ownership rate. Among the 40 running backs with 100 or more carries, the veteran rusher ranks only 27th in Rushing NEP per carry (-0.06). But prior to a rough contest last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who rank 11th against the run, Martin was showing signs of life, posting weekly NEP per carry marks of 0.13, 0.15, and 0.17, respectively, prior to this contest.

That all helps when you consider Martin faces a Bengals rushing defense that comes in fourth-worst again the run and has allowed six receiving touchdowns to opposing runners, tied for the league's most.

We've projected Martin for 12.7 FanDuel points, making him a very safe floor play. His ceiling, however, is bananas -- we peg him for a possible 25.45 FanDuel points. There's a slew of solid, high-priced expensive backs in prime matchups, but to save some cash and pivot away from those runners, check out Martin.