FanDuel Salary Changes: Week 8

Melvin Gordon, RB, San Diego Chargers

FanDuel Price: $7,200
Salary Change: Down $800

What a turnaround for Melvin Gordon. After failing to score a touchdown in his rookie season, he’s found the end zone 10 times in just seven games this season. He’s on pace for 22.8 total touchdowns, which may seem ridiculous, but he has the heavy red zone usage to back up his scoring proficiency. Gordon has received 38 red zone opportunities this year (rushing attempts plus targets), which is second only to David Johnson (39).

This week, he’ll face the Denver Broncos for the second time this season. While he didn’t score a touchdown in their first matchup, Gordon was given a career high 27 carries. The Chargers understand that you can't beat Denver by targeting their secondary, so Gordon should be heavily featured in this week’s game plan once again. The Broncos have actually been susceptible to big games by running backs this season -- Jeremy Hill ran for 97 yards and 2 touchdowns against them, Tevin Coleman exploded for 163 total yards and a touchdown, Devonta Freeman totaled 123 yards, and Lamar Miller and Alfred Blue combined for 124 rushing yards last week.

An $800 salary decrease is huge for a running back expected to see more than 20 touches. Gordon won’t be heavily owned because of the perception of the Broncos’ defense, which makes his multi-touchdown upside even more likely to help you win a GPP.