Fansided

DraftKings NFL 2017: Week 13 Lineup

By Joe Romano

29th October 2017, Twickenham, London, England; NFL International Series, game 4, Minnesota Vikings versus Cleveland Browns; Adam Thielen of the Minnesota Vikings is congratulated by Stefon Diggs of the Minnesota Vikings after scoring the Vikings firsts touchdown (Photo by Simon West/Action Plus via Getty Images)
29th October 2017, Twickenham, London, England; NFL International Series, game 4, Minnesota Vikings versus Cleveland Browns; Adam Thielen of the Minnesota Vikings is congratulated by Stefon Diggs of the Minnesota Vikings after scoring the Vikings firsts touchdown (Photo by Simon West/Action Plus via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 11
Next
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Alvin Kamara
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Alvin Kamara /

High Priced Running Backs

Alvin Kamara – New Orleans Saints ($8400) – No running back over the last four weeks has scored more than New Orleans Saints rookie Alvin Kamara. Even though he is number two on the depth chart, he’s getting big opportunities in this Saints offense especially through the air. Kamara has almost 600 total yards in the last four weeks and six touchdowns. He is running away with the Rookie of the Year award. The Saints play the Carolina Panthers in Week 13, a rematch of Week 3. Kamara had only 42 yards and a touchdown in that contest. This is a different player ten weeks later. Carolina ranks 20th in points to opposing running backs over the last four weeks. Kamara probably got the nod over defacto starter Mark Ingram because of his work in the passing game. Both backs have proven to be elite fantasy options all season and will likely continue their strong play against the Panthers this week.

Todd Gurley – Los Angeles Rams ($8200) – Behind the two Saints running backs on the fantasy leaderboard over the last four weeks is Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley. The third year pro is having a breakout season in an explosive Rams offense. He trails only Le’Veon Bell in total yards for running backs and is leading the league in total touchdowns at the position. This week the Rams get a rematch with the Arizona Cardinals. In the initial meeting Gurley had over 150 total yards and a touchdown. He once again sees a Cardinals defense that ranks in the bottom half of the league in points allowed to running backs. Gurley would be a great person to build a lineup around. He has little competition for touches and is one of the few every down backs in the NFL currently.

Mark Ingram – New Orleans Saints ($7900) – It is pretty unbelievable what these New Orleans Saints running backs are doing this season. The leading rusher, despite the lower pricing, is actually Mark Ingram. The former Heisman trophy winner is having his best season as a pro. He is fifth in the league in rushing yards and has eight touchdowns on the season. This week the Saints play a tough Panthers defense as discussed above. Ingram has 86 total yards in the initial meeting, a Saints blowout. Just like Kamara, both backs are elite fantasy options. Unfortunately it will be tough to play them both. Hopefully you pick the right one.

Leonard Fournette – Jacksonville Jaguars ($7800) – It was not that long ago that everyone was talking about Jacksonville Jaguars’ running back Leonard Fournette as the Rookie of the Year. Since injuring his ankle earlier this season Fournette has not looked like the same back. Over the last four weeks he is 25th in points at the position and does not have a touchdown. This would be a good week for Fournette to get back on track. The Jaguars get a rematch with the Indianapolis Colts. In Week 6, Fournette sat out the matchup with an ankle injury. He saw teammates T.J. Yeldon and Chris Ivory rush for 169 yards on 26 carries and each get a touchdown. The Colts over the last four weeks actually rank 21st in points allowed to running backs. Regardless, this Jaguars offense will run the ball and Fournette will be the guy getting carries. Just like Gurley, Fournette is a good building block for your lineup with a low floor.

LeSean McCoy – Buffalo Bills ($7600) – With their win over the Kansas City Chiefs last week the Buffalo Bills stayed in the playoff hunt. Running back LeSean McCoy was not a big part of the victor with only 79 yards from scrimmage. He’s been an up-and-down fantasy player this season. This week with the Patriots coming to town, McCoy will have another tough matchup. The Patriots have not allowed a rushing touchdown over the last four weeks. McCoy will have to do a lot of damage through the air. Luckily he is the ninth highest targeted running back in the NFL. Even if the Bills are likely playing catchup it should not impact McCoy’s value given DraftKings PPR scoring.