DraftKings NFL Week 12 Lineup
By Joe Romano
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 their 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
The Chargers announced earlier this weekend that Melvin Gordon will be a game time decision. That is tough for those that were excited to put him in their lineup. With this game being one of the few late starts, Gordon will likely be left out of many lineup. Those that do will be gambling Luckily, 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 friendlest 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 th ebetter 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.
Matt Breida, San Francisco 49ers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers – $5700
The San Francisco 49ers offense is going to be a target for many fantasy players this weekend. Quarterback Nick Mullens may be a flash in the pan, so I held off against putting him in the value plays. However, running back Matt Breida is a great option this weekend. Brieda is an explosive player who has battled injuries this season. When he is on the field, he’s shown the ability to be productive and carry the offense. Brieda gets a Tampa Bay defense that is one of the worst in the league, and that was before missing star linebacker Levonte David.
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% 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.