DraftKings NFL Picks, Week 12: Best bargains in DFS play
By Drew DeLuca
Defense/Special Teams
Defense is one position in DraftKings NFL lineups where cut-rate, low-budget options just don’t get it done. The rare exception is a low-to-mid-tier defense facing a rookie or backup quarterback saddled with a terrible offensive line and subpar skill position players.
However, few of us have the stomach to pick the Cincinnati Bengals (vs. PIT, $2,100). The league’s worst defense in terms of yards allowed squares off against rookie Mason Rudolph and a Steelers team that will likely be missing James Conner, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Diontae Johnson.
Another option that fits the description: the Detroit Lions (at WAS, $3,100), who face Dwayne Haskins and a Redskins offensive line that’s had its share of issues this season. We can’t recommend them, however, as their price point makes any pittance of savings pointless; the Bengals are a far better option for the price.
Options that DFS players can depend on start with the Pittsburgh Steelers (at CIN $4,000), whose pass defense in particular has played at a very high level since Minkah Fitzpatrick’s acquisition. Enter the winless Bengals, who mercilessly shove Ryan Finley right into this red-hot furnace this week. Expect Finley to melt under the heat and pressure as he molds Week 12’s highest-priced defense into the safest bet of them all.
The Chicago Bears (vs. NYG $3,700) draw Daniel Jones and the Giants in Week 12, who’ll be without Evan Engram. However, Sterling Shepard returns, and the presence of Saquon Barkley should keep the Giants from being thoroughly embarrassed by a defense that has fallen short of expectations in recent weeks.
A better value can be found due east, where the Buffalo Bills (vs. DEN $3,400) are poised to serve as rude hosts to rookie Brandon Allen. The Bills defense has given up the third-fewest yards per game in the NFL, hindering the prospects of the rookie signal-caller even further. The Bills are a solid bet to finish as a top-five fantasy defense in Week 12.
Next. 2020 NFL Mock Draft: Young does D.C., Tua falls to Pats. dark
Finally, the New Orleans Saints (vs. CAR $3,300) welcome the Carolina Panthers to town. The Panthers are licking their wounds after second-year quarterback Kyle Allen was roughed up by the Atlanta Falcons. After early success as Cam Newton‘s injury fill-in, Allen was branded as the quarterback of the future by some.
After suffering five sacks during a four-interception performance, some aren’t so sure. One thing is obvious: the Saints field a more formidable defense than the Falcons unit that ranks in the league’s bottom third in yards allowed per game. Expect the Saints to exact a penance of sacks and turnovers from Allen at a worthwhile price.