DraftKings NFL: Week 15 lineup
By Joe Romano
Running Backs
Saquon Barkley, New York Giants vs Tennessee Titans – $9400
I was one of the people who were laughing at the Giants for taking a running back second in the draft. Saquon Barkley has made me eat major crow the last few weeks. His game translates perfectly the modern NFL and he looks like one of the best running backs in the league. Barkley gets a Titans defense this week who have been stout against the run all season. However so was Washington and we all saw the monster performance he had a week ago. Expectations should be tempered a bit but Barkley is a plug and play starter across the board.
Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys @ Indianapolis Colts – $9000
Another running back that has been instrumental in his team’s success has been Ezekiel Elliott. Another top-five draft pick at running back, Elliott has shouldered a massive load during Dallas’ win streak. This week things get a bit easier with a Colts defense that is league average against running backs. Elliott may be in for a big day through the air with the Colts defense ranking fifth in yards to running backs in the passing game. Elliott does carry a questionable tag as of Wednesday but there is little chance of him missing this game.
Leonard Fournette, Jacksonville Jaguars vs Washington Redskins – $7500
This is the first time all season that I can say to DraftKings, “what were you thinking?”. Leonard Fournette is a talented running back, on a team that has struggled all season and having a terrible season. Fournette’s name carries some cache but not enough to have him the third priced running back against a decent Washington defense. Fournette’s averaging 3.4 yards per carry and coming off a 36 yard performance Sunday. This is a weird spot for him but there is no way he is worth that $7500 price tag.
James Conner, Pittsburgh Steelers vs New England Patriots – $7400
The Steelers looked like a different offense without James Conner last week. The Le’Veon Bell replacement has a lingering ankle issue that will be interesting to monitor this week. Conner has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Patriots despite making a little progress.
David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals @ Atlanta Falcons – $7100
The Cardinals are coming off a big struggle offensively against the Lions defense. This week should be better for the entire unit but David Johnson in particular. Johnson is the type of player that can take over a game like this against the last ranked defense in the league. Byron Leftwich is smart enough to realize this and expect a massive amount of touches for Johnson in a game that has the potential to go Arizona’s way.
Value Running Backs
Jalen Richard, Oakland Raiders @ Cincinnati Bengals – $4800
Despite being in a committee role with Doug Martin, Jalen Richard is the better play this weekend. Richard is coming off a disappointing performance but is two weeks removed from a near 100 yard performance. He also has a defined role as a pass catcher in an offense that should move the ball against the lowly Bengals defense. No defense has given up more points to running back than Cincinnati. Richard might just be the better running back in Oakland and this is the week where he can prove it.
Jack Wilson, Jr., San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks – $4600
As someone who considers themselves as big of a NFL fan as you can be, it’s odd to see a name and think, “who?”. That has been the case with the 49ers Jack Wilson Jr. as of late. Wilson was the team’s lead back a week ago and helped them secure a rare win. Wilson should get the shot at lead role again this week against a Seahawks defense that has struggled to stop the run of late. In the last four weeks Seattle ranks as the sixth-best defense for opposing running backs. Wilson is a high floor type play this week.
Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers – $4400
It is tough to trust value plays in most weeks and this guy is no different.. Gus Edwards was a catalyst for the Raven’s win streak with Lamar Jackson. Then last week saw his role shrink to make way for Kenneth Dixon. With the lowly Buccaneers defense coming up, and the Ravens playing at home, Edwards would be the guy this week. Even if the switch was made to Joe Flacco, Edwards may see a bigger role than before. Tampa struggles to stop the run, though playing better. Edwards is a bit of a risk but should bounce back from his four week low in carries and yards.