NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

DraftKings NFL picks, Week 15: Best bargains in DFS play

By Drew DeLuca

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 8: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans scores a touchdown during the second half of a game against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium on December 8, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Broncos defeated the Texans 38-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 8: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans scores a touchdown during the second half of a game against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium on December 8, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Broncos defeated the Texans 38-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 09: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants carries the ball against free safety Rodney McLeod #23 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 09, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 09: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants carries the ball against free safety Rodney McLeod #23 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 09, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

Running Backs

Saquon Barkley (NYG vs. MIA, $7,700) will hopefully be more involved in the passing game this week. He’s a must-start in any scenario, as he should destroy a Miami Dolphins team that fields one of the league’s three worst run defenses.

Leonard Fournette (JAX at OAK, $7,600) is a top-10 fantasy running back this season despite a recent decline in production, but odds are strong he finishes in the top five this week, given his increasing involvement in the passing game. Lately, the Raiders have been unable to get it done defensively, so a potential positive game script could yield massive numbers for Fournette.

Chris Carson (SEA at CAR, $7,500) should flourish in his role as a bell-cow back against the league’s worst rushing defense. It’s hard to find a bigger slam-dunk play at the position this week.

More from NFL Spin Zone

James White (NE at CIN, $5,400) leads off the next tier and makes a great flex play against a Cincinnati Bengals defense that ranks 25th in fantasy points allowed to running backs. Given Sony Michel‘s ineffectiveness, White could see an uptick in ground work in addition to his usual role as a consistent threat out of the backfield.t

Raheem Mostert (ATL at SF, $5,200) has received effusive praise from his coaching staff after putting the league on notice over the past two weeks. Kyle Shanahan sees him as the lead back with an inviting matchup ahead of him, as do we. He offers great value against a so-so Atlanta Falcons rushing defense.

Kenyan Drake (ARI vs. CLE, $5,000) has averaged over 15 touches per game since joining the Cardinals. Expect a favorable matchup against the Cleveland Browns to the tune of 75-80 yards or more, with a touchdown for good measure.

Honorable mentions start with DeAndre Washington (OAK vs JAX, $4,700), who is a must-start at this price if Josh Jacobs is scratched for the second straight week. Patrick Laird (MIA at NYG, $4,500) offers a higher floor and should offer solid production for the price, given DraftKings’ PPR format.

Chris Thompson (WAS vs. PHI, $3,900) caught seven of eight targets last week, and should once again see plenty of action as a receiver with Derrius Guice out for the season. Thompson is a great bet to outperform his super cheap price point.

Dion Lewis (TEN vs. HOU, $3,700) could see his highest usage rate of the season, given that Derrick Henry has yet to practice in any capacity this week. He could smash as a penny stock in a cake matchup; the Houston Texans are tied for fifth-worst in the league in rushing TDs allowed over the past three games, and they rank 25th in rushing yards allowed over the same span.

Boston Scott (PHI at WAS, $3,000) amassed over 100 total yards and a touchdown on Monday night against the New York Giants, but Miles Sanders missed some time due to injury, the Philadelphia Eagles were short-handed at wide receiver and the element of surprise was on his side. He should see enough touches to outperform his price, but don’t expect a repeat performance.

Home/Fantasy Football