DraftKings NFL Week 14 Lineup
By Joe Romano
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
Adam Schefter has reported Sunday morning that Melvin Gordon is ruled out for this game against Cincinnati. Gordon’s still recovering from a knee injury and is looking to return next week.
Value Running Backs
Austin Eckler, Los Angeles Chargers vs Cincinnati Bengals – $6200
With Melvin Godon set to miss this game, Austin Eckler is a great play. Eckler is one of the most underrated backs in fantasy. Even with Gordon healthy he has stolen some of the Pro Bowl back’s shine. Eckler is a great pass catcher but the Chargers will change little about their offense with him in the backfield. Cincinnati looks like a team that has given up and was torched a week ago by Phillip Lindsey. Eckler will be owned and used a ton this weekend for good reason.
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.