DraftKings NFL: Best lineup for Week 13

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LOS ANGELES, – NOVEMBER 19: Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) runs for a gain during a NFL game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Rams on November 19, 2018 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Running Backs

Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams @ Detroit Lions – $9300

It is certainly nice to have the Rams players back on DraftKings, they were missed during their bye week. No player was more missed than touchdown leader Todd Gurley. The talented running back comes back to a great matchup with Detroit. The Lions are the ninth highest scoring defense for running backs. They’ve gotten better with the trade for Snacks Harrison but they’re still not a strong run defense. Detroit’s also allowed the third most receiving touchdowns to running backs. Gurley’s crazy season will continue.

Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers – $8800

Last week Christian McCaffrey had the highest scoring fantasy game of the season with over 100 yards through the air and ground, while finding the end zone. McCaffrey is clearly the guy for a Panthers offense that can do damage in so many ways. This weekend that will continue against the lowly Buccaneers defense. Somehow Tampa is in the bottom ten in defending every fantasy position. At running back they rank as the seventh easiest defense. McCaffrey is going to get a ton of touches and is priced like the elite option he is this weekend.

Saquon Barkley, New York Giants vs Chicago Bears – $7900

What a frustrating week for anyone that paid up for Saquon Barkley last week. The rookie looked well on his way to an elite fantasy performance. Then the Giants decided to give him just four touches in the second half. That lack of creativity in getting Barkley the ball in a winnable game should be a fireable offense. Now Barkley has the tough Bears defense, who rank as the second toughest fantasy defense for running backs. With that shoddy offense in New York against an elite defense it may be the week to leave Barkley out of lineups.

Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs @ Oakland Raiders – $7800

Another Chiefs player priced as a top five player at his position. The electric Chiefs offense is not just a pass-happy attack. Running back Kareem Hunt is no slouch on his way to a back-to-back 1000 yard season. The second year back is in a great matchup with a Raiders defense that is giving up the fifth most points to running backs but the most yards. Hunt will also benefit from a game flow that will keep Kansas City running late into the game.

David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals @ Green Bay Packers – $7400

One player that is coming on more as of late is David Johnson. Ever since Byron Leftwich took over in Arizona, Johnson is getting the touches he deserves. It is easy to forget that Johnson was a do-it-all back two years ago that scared every defense he faced. The talent is there if the cast around him can lend him some help. This is a good time to see how special Johnson can be with a matchup with the Packers. Green Bay is a middle-of-the-road run defense but may struggle if Johnson can get into space. A sneaky play in a game where Arizona can keep it closer than most believe.

Value Running Backs

Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers vs Arizona Cardinals – $6700

It may not be a huge value in grabbing the seventh ranked running back but this could be a big game for Packers running back Aaron Jones. I’ve already talked about how the Cardinals could give the Green Bay passing attack some trouble. The Packers would be wise to instead lean on the talented Jones at home this weekend. Arizona allows the third most points per game to running backs. Jones is starting to get the run he deserves in Green Bay and is a smart choice.

Phillip Lindsay, Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals – $5400

The average price in DraftKings is a shade over $5500. Any time you can get a running back that is in the top five in rushing yards, in a good matchup, for under that value you have to jump at the chance. That is the case this week with rookie Phillip Lindsay going up against the Bengals. Cincinnati has been destroyed by injuries and rank as the friendliest defense for opposing running backs. Linsday has been electric as an undrafted rookie but is still undervalued by DraftKings.

LeSean McCoy, Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins – $4900

There was a period there where the Bills offense was one of the worst offenses in NFL history. They’ve rebounded a bit and beat a tough Jacksonville defense this past weekend. Now they have the division rival Dolphins on the road. The Bills would be wise to lean on Shady McCoy this weekend against the 29th ranked rushing defense. McCoy gets enough touches to keep his floor low and has big upside in a great matchup this weekend.