DraftKings NFL Picks, Week 13: Best bargains in DFS play
By Drew DeLuca
Running Backs
Christian McCaffrey (CAR vs. WAS, $10,500) and Dalvin Cook (MIN at SEA, $9,000) are every-week, matchup-proof starts, which is why they are the two most expensive running backs on this week’s NFL DFS slate on DraftKings. Read on to find several other options for those who wish to stuff their PPR lineups full of volume-based wide receivers.
Saquon Barkley (NYG vs. GB, $7,400) is an elite talent available at a comparative discount. Expect the second-year Penn State standout to gouge a Green Bay Packers run defense that has allowed over 130 yards rushing in its last three competitions.
Le’Veon Bell (NYJ at CIN, $7,200) hasn’t even scratched the surface of his fantasy value, yet has managed to either score a touchdown or rack up 100 yards from scrimmage in each of his last four games. His lack of use in a landslide victory last week was puzzling, and the smart bet is to view that as an anomaly. Bell should easily eclipse 15 fantasy points for the fifth straight week, while offering the upside to double that total.
Joe Mixon (CIN vs. NYJ, $5,800) has finally become a factor in the game plan in recent weeks. Andy Dalton’s return should increase the offensive efficiency as a whole, and Mixon — who has logged either a touchdown or at least 75 scrimmage yards in five straight games, including several with Ryan Finley under center — should reap the benefits.
Kenyan Drake (ARI vs LAR, $5,600) is getting something he never received in Miami: consistent touches. Drake hauled in six passes in each of the past two games, and his efficiency on the ground has allowed him to supplant longtime bell-cow back David Johnson as the top running back in the Arizona Cardinals‘ fast-paced offense.
Drake faces a Los Angeles Rams run defense that ranks 25th in rushing yards allowed per game over the past three contests. The former Alabama product should keep making the most of the volume he’ll see while he continues to instill much-needed balance in an offense that is finally showcasing the talents of top pick Kyler Murray.
Despite limited touches, Miles Sanders (PHI at MIA, $5,400) has compiled over ten fantasy points per game in three of his last four outings. With Jordan Howard’s health still a question mark, Sanders should an uptick in volume and find more room to operate against a Dolphins defense that has had issues shutting down…well, everyone.
Marlon Mack has been ruled out with a broken hand, so Jonathan Williams (IND vs. TEN, $5,300) will look to log his third-straight 100-yard rushing game against a Tennessee Titans that has struggled to stop running backs in recent weeks: Leonard Fournette compiled over 150 yards from scrimmage and scored twice, Damien Williams gained over 100 total yards and Christian McCaffrey racked up 166 total yards and three touchdowns. Expect Williams to continue the trend.
As risky as it is to start any New England Patriots running back, James White (NE at HOU, $5,200) and Sony Michel (NE at HOU, $4,900) both make great starts against a Houston Texans defense that ranks 31st in average rushing yards allowed over the past three games, and 20th in red zone touchdowns allowed. The Patriots should pound the ground to control the football and use their top-shelf defense to limit the damage done by the electric Deshaun Watson, a game script that should allow both White and Michel to see sufficient touches.