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DraftKings NFL: Best lineup for Week 14

By Joe Romano

NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 18: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints throws the ball during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 18, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 18: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints throws the ball during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 18, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – OCTOBER 07: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers scores a touchdown against the New York Giants in the fourth quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – OCTOBER 07: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers scores a touchdown against the New York Giants in the fourth quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Running Backs

Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers @ Cleveland Browns – $9300

The highest priced player in DraftKings this week is Christian McCaffrey. The former top-10 pick is helping elevate the running back position back to it’s fantasy glory. McCaffrey is two weeks removed from a 200+ yards from scrimmage game and a week ago was over 150 yards. His dual threat ability is peaking at the right time, but not leading to wins. This weekend he plays a Browns defense that has given up the seventh most points to running backs per game. Cleveland also struggles stopping running backs from catching passes, ranking ninth in yards. McCaffrey is a stud that has no competition in the Carolina backfield.

Saquon Barkley, New York Giants @ Washington Redskins – $8900

In a similar situation to McCaffrey is Saquon Barkley. The talented rookie is a dominant force in every facet of offense. New York runs their offense through him and it is paying off. Barkley is the odds on favorite for Rookie of the Year. Now Barkley gets division rival Washington on the road. This is a tough test for him with Washington ranking below league average in almost every rushing category. Barkley will be okay because of his volume but expectations need to be tempered a bit.

Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys vs Philadelphia Eagles – $8600

The Dallas Cowboys are right up there with the NFL’s hottest teams after beating the Saints a week ago. Ezekiel Elliott leads the NFL in touches and is right towards the top of the leader board in every rushing category. Even with backup offensive lineman, the Cowboys are back to a balanced offensive attack that takes up a ton of clock. That should continue this week with a tough test in Philadelphia. This game is a must-win for both clubs with the divisional race as tight as ever. Elliott gets a defense that has given up the ninth-fewest rushing yards in the league. Last time these two met he had a monster game, so be prepared for Philadelphia to throw the kitchen sink at him to slow him down.

Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers – $8100

The first running back in DraftKings pricing that was not a top-ten pick is Alvin Kamara. Last year’s Rookie of the Year has come down to earth a bit with the return of Mark Ingram. Last week he struggled against a Cowboys defense that attacked him every where he lined up. This week things get easier against a Buccaneers defense that has ranked in the bottom of the league all season. In the team’s first battle Kamara had three touchdowns and over 100 yards receiving. New Orleans will look to get him going early after he was held under 100 total yards for two straight weeks.

Melvin Gordon, Los Angeles Chargers vs Cincinnati Bengals – $8000

This is the first player that we need to say keep an eye on entering Sunday. As of Wednesday Gordon is still carrying the questionable tag. His MCL strain is still lingering and he may be a game-time decision. If he does play it should be an easy week with a Bengals defense that gives up the most points per game to running backs. If he cannot go, Austin Eckler becomes a must play.

Value Running Backs

Sony Michel, New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins – $5900

It has been a long time since the New England Patriots had a running back you could trust as a runner. Sony Michel has given them that. Now healthy Michel is the lead back any time New England wants to run the ball. This would be a good week for them to commit even more to the rookie. They play a Dolphins defense that has surrendered the fourth most rushing yards in the league. Michel has been a bit of a roller coaster but when they need him he’s delivered. This week is one of those times.

Adrian Peterson, Washington Redskins vs New York Giants – $4800

The ageless Adrian Peterson busted off a 90 yard touchdown run a week ago, and he looked explosive doing so. It is amazing watching Peterson still run hard and fast at this stage in his career. With a now third string quarterback under center, Washington will need a prime performance to secure a win Sunday. Luckily they play a Giants defense that ranks eighth in points per game to running backs. This is a bit of a risk with the terrible quarterback play but is a gamble worth taking.

Jaylen Samuels, Pittsburgh Steelers @ Oakland Raiders – $3700

James Conner has been ruled out already for Week 14’s game with the Oakland Raiders. There is a chance Pittsburgh does not need him anyway. However, that does open the door for other players in the Steelers backfield. The first in line for opportunity is rookie Jaylen Samuels. Samuels is a do-it-all type of back from North Carolina State. In college he lined up all over the field, so he should translate to the Steelers offense well. The Raiders are the NFL’s worst run defense and Pittsburgh will likely go committee. However, when push comes to shove it is Samuels who will see the biggest bump from Conner missing time.