Week 17 at Chicago Bears
Devontae Booker has been surprisingly useful in recent weeks, despite being the clear backup running back to Saquon Barkley. Booker had four receptions and six carries for 46 yards against the Eagles last week. While those aren’t great numbers, fantasy managers in PPR formats can be encouraged by his double-digit touches and his 14 receptions over his past four games. Against the Bears this week, he shouldn’t be considered a high-end option by any means. However, if you’re struggling to find someone who won’t net you a big goose egg, you could do worse than putting Booker in as a low-end flex play in deep, PPR leagues.
If Saquon Barkley – who was seen limping a little on the sidelines according to our own Adam Hutchison – is shut down, then Booker immediately becomes a viable RB2 option. Watch Barkley’s status carefully heading into the weekend.
Week 16 at Philadelphia Eagles
Devontae Booker has quietly been viable in fantasy the past few weeks. He’s not putting up big numbers, but he has double-digit touches in three straight games and had 82 yards against the Cowboys last Sunday. It’s a tough matchup for Booker this week against the Eagles, who rank eighth in aFPA to opposing running backs, but fantasy managers desperate at the position can plug in Booker for at least a few sure points. He has limited upside, but looks to have a nice floor with a role in the offense. His 10 catches over the past three games should continue with most of the Giants’ pass-catchers shelved.
Week 15 vs. Dallas Cowboys
Devontae Booker has gotten some decent complementary touches the past couple of weeks behind Saquon Barkley. He had 84 yards on eight carries and four receptions last week after getting 10 touches in Week 13 against the Dolphins. Those aren’t big numbers, but they’re very functional for fantasy managers needing help at running back in deep leagues, particularly in PPR formats. He has eight catches over the last two games. Against the Cowboys this week, expect a similar game plan, making Booker a viable desperation RB3 or flex option.
Week 14 at Los Angeles Chargers
Devontae Booker had six carries and four receptions last week against the Dolphins, ending up with 54 yards from scrimmage. While I wouldn’t expect a large role for him with a healthy Saquon Barkley in the lineup, double-digit touches are nothing to sneeze at, so fantasy managers could consider him as a desperation option in a nice matchup as an RB3. Mostly, his value remains as a valuable handcuff just in case Barkley goes down.
Week 9 vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Devontae Booker had 15 carries and five receptions for a total of 125 yards last week against the Chiefs. Booker hasn’t put up huge numbers in relief of Saquon Barkley, but he does quietly have double-digit half-PPR points in three of the four games he’s started, including scoring three touchdowns over that span.
This week, Booker faces a Raiders defense that ranks 28th in aFPA to opposing running backs. Expect a heavy dose of the run game, and with Barkley looking unlikely to return this week, Booker should be worth starting as a solid RB2 in all league formats.
Week 8 at Kansas City Chiefs
Devontae Booker had 51 yards and a touchdown on the ground last week against the Panthers, and added another 15 yards on a pair of receptions. Booker hasn’t been great filling in for the injured Saquon Barkley, but he’s getting touches and appears to be the clear handcuff in New York. That makes him at least a viable RB2 option in most leagues, based on workload alone.
This week, Booker faces a Chiefs defense that ranks 15th in aFPA to opposing running backs. Booker is worth considering as a low-end RB2 option, especially with how much the Chiefs are struggling to score. If the Giants can keep this game relatively close, Booker’s workload alone should make him worth starting in most leagues.
Week 7 vs. Carolina Panthers
Devontae Booker had 12 carries and four receptions for a modest 69 yards from scrimmage last week in a lopsided loss to the Rams. In a closer game, I would expect Booker to get more touches, but the Rams had control of this one by the half with an explosive 28-point second quarter.
This week, hope for a more neutral game script against a struggling Panthers team. Carolina ranks second in aFPA to opposing running backs, but a full workload for Booker gives him a high floor. We have him ranked as a solid RB2 option this week.
Week 6 vs. Los Angeles Rams
Devontae Booker took over for the injured Saquon Barkley last week and had 16 carries and three receptions for 58 total yards and a pair of touchdowns. You’d like to see a little more yardage out of 19 touches, but it was good to see him as the clear backup running back, rather than part of a committee approach to replacing Barkley. If that continues, he’ll have RB2 upside for as long as Barkley is out.
This week, Booker faces a Rams defense that ranks 16th in aFPA to opposing running backs. While it’s hard to bank on multiple touchdowns again, another 19 touches aren’t out of the question. We have him ranked as a low-end RB2 with his workload and fantasy managers should add him and feel comfortable starting him in all formats.
Week 2 at Washington Football Team
Devontae Booker would serve as an interesting option for fantasy managers should Saquon Barkley – listed as questionable – miss the outing. However, don’t get too excited with Booker facing a really tough Washington defense and probably splitting carries with rookie Gary Brightwell. Even if Barkley is out, look elsewhere if possible.
Week 17 at Denver Broncos
Devontae Booker gets some change-of-pace work behind Josh Jacobs, including catching passes and occasionally vulturing a touchdown. His workload is very inconsistent, however, with Jacobs being the clear-cut bellcow in Las Vegas. As such, Booker is nothing more than a handcuff and should be treated that way to end the season.
