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DraftKings NFL best lineup for Week 12

By Joe Romano

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs for 21 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first quarter on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md. The Ravens defeated the Bengals, 24-21. (Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun/TNS via Getty Images)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs for 21 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first quarter on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md. The Ravens defeated the Bengals, 24-21. (Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun/TNS via Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 18: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants carries the ball for a 23-yard gain against safety Isaiah Johnson #39 and linebacker Adarius Taylor #53 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium on November 18, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 18: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants carries the ball for a 23-yard gain against safety Isaiah Johnson #39 and linebacker Adarius Taylor #53 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium on November 18, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Running Backs

Saquon Barkley, New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles – $9100

This is a big fantasy week for rookies. The number two overall pick, Saquon Barkley, tops the running back pricing for the first time this year. He’s an electric player who New York feeds in every facet of its offense. Barkley is coming off of his best game as a pro. Now he gets a banged up Eagles defense on the road. Philadelphia may be banged up in the secondary but their front is still impressive. Running lanes may be easier to find against the league’s fifth friendliest defense over the last four weeks. New York may be able to keep this close, which is good for Barkley.

Melvin Gordon, Los Angeles Chargers vs Arizona Cardinals – $8600

Is there a more underappreciated running back in the NFL than Melvin Gordon? DraftKings values him correctly but he feels slept on in the national media. He is a consistent player who gets work in the passing game and can break big runs every time he touches it. This week the game flow should be in Gordon’s favor as the Chargers stay home for the Cardinals. Arizona ranks as the third friendliest defense for running backs on the season. Gordon is a great building block this week in a very good matchup.

Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers vs Seattle Seahawks – $7900

One of the best games on Sunday’s main slate will be the Seahawks and Panthers. The top priced option for that game is Carolina’s Christian McCaffrey. The former first round pick is a dynamic offensive weapon. His role in the passing game keeps his floor super high. Despite a tough matchup with the 20th ranked defense against running backs, McCaffrey should be fine if you decide to start him. It will be a challenge for him to exceed that high price tag, though.

James Conner, Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Broncos – $7800

With the Le’Veon Bell drama behind him, James Conner will rightfully be the running back in Pittsburgh for the foreseeable future. Conner has cooled off a bit after a hot start. His drops last week hurt in the win in Jacksonville. If it were not for late game heroics from his quarterback, Conner would have been a scapegoat in Pittsburgh this week. Instead, he gets a good matchup with a weak Broncos run defense. Denver ranks as the tenth friendliest defense to running backs on the season and has allowed the fourth-most rushing yards. Look for Conner to get back to early season form on the road in Denver.

James White, New England Patriots @ New York Jets – $7400

To be a successful running back in the New England offense, you have to be willing to buy into your role. One of the players that exemplifies that best is James White. White is the pass-catching back for Tom Brady and he knows it. He does not try to do to much but will be a good fantasy option this week. The Patriots get the Jets on Sunday. New York is an average defense against running backs. However with their tandem of young safeties and speed at linebacker, they’re one of the better defenses against pass-catching backs. Despite the high price tag, White looks like a stay away this week, especially with Sony Michel healthy, who would be the preferred running back in New England this weekend.

Value Running Backs

Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts vs Miami Dolphins – $5500

With the Indianapolis Colts offense firing on all cylinders, there will be fantasy money to be made by grabbing their players. The best chance at running back would be with Marlon Mack. Unfortunately, Mack splits carries with Jordan Wilkins and Nyheim Hines. Mack is still the top option and looks like the best of the bunch. This week they play a Dolphins defense that ranks as the fifth friendliest for running backs. Mack should also benefit if the Colts get a commanding lead as he gets to grind the clock down.

Josh Adams, Philadelphia Eagles vs New York Giants  – $3800

The week of the rookies continues with the Eagles’ undrafted rookie, Josh Adams. After a successful stint at Notre Dame, the rookie has found a home in Philadelphia. A week ago he had his coming out party getting over 50 percent of the work on offense. Now he plays a Giants defense that ranks 11th against opposing running backs on the season and eighth over the last two weeks. If his workload stays the same, Adams is a steal at below $4000.