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DraftKings NFL: Week 16 lineup

By Joe Romano

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 22: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys signals first down in the second half of a game against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium on November 22, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 22: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys signals first down in the second half of a game against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium on November 22, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 28: Running back Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after catching a two-point conversion against 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: Running back Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after catching a two-point conversion against 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 at Arizona Cardinals – $9200

Even with the Rams offense struggling, Todd Gurley has been his normal MVP caliber self. Unfortunately, he also suffered an injury a week ago that has landed him on the injury report. All signs point to him playing this weekend but the question will be; how much? Early reports mark Gurley as a game-time decision. That is rough news for fantasy owners in season-long formats and a gamble for all of us DFS players. Gurley may not be needed against the lowly Cardinals and the Rams have Super Bowl hopes. If they get up early, expect Gurley to be throttled down and prepare for the playoffs.

Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers – $9000

A week ago the Colts did everything they could to slow Ezekiel Elliott down. Still, the NFL’s leading rusher had an okay fantasy performance. Volume alone will keep Elliott towards the top of fantasy scoring weekly. This week should be no different against a Buccaneers defense that ranks seventh in points per game to the position over the last four weeks. Elliott is the fulcrum of Dallas’ offense and will be prepared to take on a huge burden to carry the team to the playoffs in Week 16.

Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons – $8800

Speaking of a player that carries a team offense, Christian McCaffrey is paying an unprecedented amount of snaps for a running back. The second-year back is on the field over 97% of Carolina’s snaps, the most in the NFL by far. McCaffrey is primed for a big week against the Falcons defense that historically struggles against pass-catching backs. With Cam Newton out this week, McCaffrey may see more stacked boxes and pressure to carry the load. The debate will rage on this week whether his increased opportunity will outweigh the risk of playing without Newton.

Saquon Barkley, New York Giants at Indianapolis Colts – $7900

A player in a similar mold as McCaffrey is Saquon Barkley. He’s coming off the worst game of his young career against the Titans. He will look to regain his Rookie of the Year campaign against a tough Colts front. Indianapolis shut out Dallas at home a week ago and will look to do the same to the Giants. New York’s season is over so Barkley could see his workload limited a bit so beware.

Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints vs Pittsburgh Steelers – $7400

New Orleans is back at home after two rough games on the road for their offense. This is shaping up for a big bounce-back week, despite going 1-1 in those two games. A big part of their regression has been the struggles of their running backs. Alvin Kamara has still been a top 20 back over the last four weeks but that is a far cry from his production most of the season. He should find success this weekend against a Steelers defense that could struggle to match up with his unique skill set.

Value Running Backs

James White, New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills – $5200

The Patriots have struggled offensively since Rex Burkhead has returned and took plays away from Sony Michel and James White, in particular, who makes the Patriots’ offense dynamic. For the team to get back to their winning ways, he needs to be a bigger part of the game plan. Expect that to happen this weekend against the Bills. Buffalo is a tough defense that can attack Tom Brady meaning White will be a valued safety blanket.

Jordan Howard, Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers – $4300

Chicago has two running backs that could not be more different. This week it looks like Jordan Howard is the smarter play. Chicago really is playing for playoff seeding only. Expect a vanilla playbook with little chances taken. That means a ground and pound style of football led by Jordan Howard. Howard’s been losing snaps to Tarik Cohen more but will return to prominence this weekend. San Francisco ranks ninth in points to opposing running backs over the last four weeks

John Kelly, Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals – $4000

Two things could happen this week that leads to John Kelly being a value play. The first is Todd Gurley misses the game with an injury, vaulting Kelly into must-play territory. Despite Los Angeles saying C.J. Anderson will be the starter, Kelly’s talent will win out once they get on the field. The other is that the Rams get a comfortable lead and let Kelly take over for the banged-up Gurley. Either way, there is a chance that by the end of Sunday everyone will know John Kelly. The talented rookie from Tennessee is a Gurley-lite with his pass catching ability and solid rushing ability. If he gets in the game, he will produce against a mediocre Cardinals defense.