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DraftKings NFL Week 13 Lineup

By Joe Romano

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 17, 2017: Tight end David Njoku #85 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates a rushing touchdown by running back Duke Johnson Jr. #29 in the second quarter of a game on December 17, 2017 against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore won 27-10. (Photo by: 2017 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 17, 2017: Tight end David Njoku #85 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates a rushing touchdown by running back Duke Johnson Jr. #29 in the second quarter of a game on December 17, 2017 against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore won 27-10. (Photo by: 2017 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 28: Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams runs into Kevin King #20 of the Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 28: Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams runs into Kevin King #20 of the Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/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

After release of a video showing Kareem Hunt physically assaulting a woman, the Kansas City Chiefs released the former leader in rushing. Hunt will not play this weekend and is unlikely to play again, for any team, this season.

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

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.

Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens @ Atlanta Falcons – $4800

There have been a splash of undrafted running backs making an impact. Lindsay is the focal point but guys like Josh Adams and Gus Edwards are making fantasy noise as well. Edwards is a steal this weekend at only $4800. Baltimore placed his biggest competition, Alex Collings, on injured reserve earlier this week. Edwards is clearly the guy for this Baltimore team that has been more committed to the run with Lamar Jackson under center. Edwards is healthy after logging a full practice on Friday and is a great bet against a banged up Falcons defense.

Spencer Ware, Kansas City Chiefs @ Oakland Raiders – $4000

With the release of Kareem Hunt, Spencer Ware will take over the lead back role in Kansas City. On that high powered offense, any back will find a sliver of success. Ware is one of the best backups in the league and has shined when giving the opportunity. He may lack the pass catching ability of Hunt but there is little that one can do that the other can’t. Ware gets a Raiders defense that has been one of the worst at stopping the run. Look for Ware to appear in a lot of lineups today.