DraftKings NFL Picks, Week 14: Best bargains in DFS play
By Drew DeLuca
Running Backs
It took 13 weeks for Christian McCaffrey to prove he’s not immortal, and questions about the state of the team prevent us from recommending him at his sky-high price in Week 14. We’re also avoiding the second-highest priced running back, Dalvin Cook, due to lingering health concerns.
Therefore, the safest bet for success at the position this week is Derrick Henry (TEN at OAK, $8,200), who continues to prove his numerous haters and doubters wrong, with 24 or more DraftKings points in four straight games. Expect that streak to continue in Week 14.
Leonard Fournette (JAX vs. LAC, $7,800) has quietly been one of the most consistent producers in fantasy football this season, shedding his label as a fragile player while demonstrating the talent that prompted many to draft him in the first round of season-long leagues last season. Expect him to continue to see work in the passing game while continuing his role as a bell-cow rusher.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Melvin Gordon (LAC at JAX, $6,400) represents excellent value for the price. He should see plenty of work in this contest against a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that has given up almost 186 yards per game on the ground in its last three games, second-worst in the league during that span.
It’s a dangerous proposition to expect a New England Patriots running back to post back-to-back smash weeks, but there’s no reason James White (NE vs. KC, $5,500) can’t pop off a second straight stunner against a Chiefs defense that consistently ranks 30th in the NFL in rushing yards per game, both on the season and over the last three games. While signs point to this being a week to consider the inconsistent and statistically ineffective Sony Michel, White has the safer floor.
Devonta Freeman (ATL vs. CAR, $5,400) is one of best values on the entire DraftKings slate this week; he has disappointed his fantasy owners all season, but he’s returning to full health. The Carolina Panthers simply cannot stop the run, and it’s unlikely that the firing of defensive-minded Ron Rivera will bring any positive changes in that area. Start Freeman with confidence, for once.
Derrius Guice (WAS at GB, $4,900) continues to impress despite limited touches, so if the Washington Redskins can keep it a game, the former LSU standout should outperform his price point by a significant margin. Even if his team finds themselves in a negative game script sooner than expected, Guice’s long touchdown reception two weeks ago serves as a reminder that he’s capable of contributing in a garbage time scenario.
Honorable mentions start with Alexander Mattison (MIN vs. DET, $4,500), a lower-priced, higher-risk option for whom a banged-up Dalvin Cook is both a blessing and a curse. More touches are in store for the rookie out of Boise State, yet his volume will be limited unless Cook aggravates his sore shoulder. Either way, Mattison should still see enough work against a susceptible Detroit Lions defense to deliver a return on this low price.
LeSean McCoy (KC at NE, $4,400): Many NFL DFS players are spooked by the matchup, but DraftKings’ PPR format makes McCoy a viable play. McCoy gives the pass-happy Kansas City Chiefs‘ a weapon out of the backfield, and he’ll see more run with both Damien Williams and Darrel Williams sidelined. His teammate Darwin Thompson (KC at NE, $4,000) has rotted away on many season-long fantasy football benches, and could finally see a significant workload, albeit against one of the league’s best defenses.
Patrick Laird (MIA at NYJ, $4,100): Part of me cringes when I write this. I’m not entirely sure if it’s the “Patrick Laird” part or the thought of the “New York Jets,” but something has to give. At this price, he’s worth a gamble in a “studs and scrubs” lineup given the workload he’ll likely see with Kalen Ballage on the shelf. His teammate Myles Gaskin (MIA at NYJ, $3,300) arguably offers more athleticism, and fits the same bill at an even lower price.