DraftKings NFL best lineup for Week 12

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 11: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on November 11, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Tight Ends

Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles vs New York Giants – $6400

This could be a big week for tight ends. Zach Ertz leads the charge for the Philadelphia Eagles. Ertz is having another stellar season even with the offense’s struggles this season. He is second in points for fantasy tight ends and gets a decent matchup in the Giants. New York has fixed its previous struggles against tight ends but that may not apply to Ertz. He’s the best tight end this week in both pricing and opportunity.

George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers – $6200

Entering the conversation for the NFL’s premier tight end has been second-year standout George Kittle. Despite lackluster quarterback play, Kittle is third in yards to tight ends. He would be the top points scorer if he found the end zone a few more times. This may be the week where he adds to his touchdown total. Kittle plays the historically weak Buccaneers defense, which is giving up the second-most points to tight ends and the second-most yards.

Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots @ New York Jets – $5100

As of Wednesday, Rob Gronkowski is listed as questionable for this weekend’s game against the Jets. He missed three of the last four Patriots games and has looked the worst he ever has in his professional career. The reason he even gets this price tag is that he is a danger to score in this New England offense. He is expected back but plays the NFL’s toughest defense to opposing tight ends. This is not the week to get Gronkowski happy despite a solid bill of health.

O.J. Howard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs San Francisco 49ers – $4900

Unfortunately for not only the fantasy players but the Buccaneers organization, OJ. Howard’s season is officially over. The talented second-year player has been placed on injured reserve.

Jared Cook, Oakland Raiders @ Baltimore Ravens – $4500

The Oakland Raiders have become a laughing stock in the league. One player who is actually having a solid season is tight end Jared Cook. He’s a top five scoring tight end and is fourth in yards for the position. Cook gets a tough matchup with a Baltimore Ravens defense that ranks 16th in yards to the tight end position. With little help in the passing attack, Baltimore can key on Cook. There are better options out there despite the likely opportunity.

Value Tight Ends

David Njoku, Cleveland Browns vs Cincinnati Bengals – $3800

There may be a single staple to this weekly article and that is David Njoku making the value tight end list if he’s priced below $4000. This is another week with the former first-rounder making an appearance. Coming off the bye, Njoku should gain even more of Baker Mayfield’s trust. The tandem gets a Bengals defense that has been a sieve of late. They rank sixth in points per game to tight ends. Njoku will continue to show up as he progresses into the athletic mismatch Cleveland needs.

Cameron Brate, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs San Francisco 49ers – $3600

With O.J. Howard going to injured reserve, this is the only week where Cameron Brate will be available at a backup price. Brate has been an up and down player his whole career. Like most tight ends, he is touchdown dependent. Luckily, he plays a team that allows a bunch of receptions to tight ends in the red zone where Brate shines. He is well worth the sub-$4000 price tag as the standalone starter in an offense that can certainly throw the ball.