DraftKings NFL Picks, Week 12: Best bargains in DFS play
By Drew DeLuca
Wide Receivers
The wide receiver position is arguably the most volatile, so consistency is the most attractive trait of a top tier target hog. Michael Thomas (NO vs. CAR, $9,300) and Julio Jones (ATL vs. TB, $8,000) are the crème de la crème of pass catchers this week.
If Tyler Lockett (SEA at PHI, $7,600) is healthy, he’ll likewise be hard to overlook, given his soft matchup against a Philadelphia Eagles secondary that has been a catastrophic failure for most of the season, despite improved play in recent weeks. Better bets are Mike Evans (TB at ATL $7,300) and Chris Godwin (TB at ATL, $7,200), in that order, against an Atlanta Falcons defense that has likewise awakened in recent weeks.
Odell Beckham Jr. (CLE vs. MIA, $7,000): It feels weird listing a talent of OBJ’s caliber as a “bargain” against a laughingstock like the Dolphins, but here we are. Welcome to the wild ride that has been the 2019 Fantasy Football season, in which D.J. Chark and Carlos Hyde have been more reliable weekly starts to date.
Expect Beckham’s massive Week 12 game to taunt season-long redraft owners who are now out of the playoff hunt, thanks to a long streak of subpar showings from their WR1.
Allen Robinson (CHI vs. NYG, $6,500) ranks among the league’s top 15 wide receivers in targets. He should continue to see plenty of looks against a below-average Giants defense that ranks 28th in the league in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers.
Calvin Ridley (ATL vs TB, $6,500) should rightfully see a spike in ownership this week, thanks to a 1-2 combo of recency bias and a soft opponent. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are dead last in the league in points allowed to wide receivers. Expect Ryan, Jones, and Ridley to start feasting a few days ahead of Thanksgiving.
Jarvis Landry (CLE vs. MIA, $6,300) has been called “the Brown’s No. 1 wide receiver” by a few industry analysts, and given Beckham’s struggles to date, they’re not necessarily wrong. Those who believe in revenge game narratives won’t be surprised if this trend continued against Landry’s former team. Landry is a smart, high-floor choice this week in any PPR format, DraftKings included.
Jamison Crowder (NYJ vs. OAK, $6,200) has logged three straight weeks with at least five receptions, 75 yards, and a touchdown. Crowder, who has emerged as the most consistent target in the Jets’ fledgling passing attack, has brought back memories of his last two full NFL seasons, over which he averaged over 100 receptions. Those looking for a safer mid-tier PPR wide receiver will sooner find a Yeti or the Loch Ness Monster.
Terry McLaurin (WAS vs. DET, $6,000) is once again healthy, and primed for a big game with his former college quarterback now under center full-time. McLaurin should take off against one of the league’s bottom three pass defenses and represents a solid value for the price.
Tyrell Williams (OAK vs. NYJ, $5,900) is also fully rebounded from injury and makes a great stack with Carr this week at a price point that seems too good to be true, given the matchup. Williams has caught 10 of his last 13 targets, and should see an increase in target volume as the Raiders aim to limit the wear and tear on Josh Jacobs‘ shoulder while preparing for a playoff run.
Lower-priced dart throws include Hunter Renfrow (OAK vs. NYJ, $4,500), who has quietly established a consistent weekly floor. Meanwhile, Josh Gordon (SEA at PHI, $4,200) presents a mismatch opportunity if properly deployed; he could also see a spike in target volume if Lockett’s lingering leg injury happens to rear its ugly head.