DraftKings NFL picks, Week 17: Best bargains in DFS play
By Drew DeLuca
Running Backs – All In
Ezekiel Elliott (DAL vs. WAS, $8,000) will run angry against the Redskins after being held in check by a strong Eagles run defense. It’s hard to pass on Zeke against a run defense that was just laid to waste last week by Saquon Barkley, who draws that same tough assignment against the Eagles this weekend.
Aaron Jones (GB at DET, $8,200) leads the NFL in rushing touchdowns, and draws a soft Lions defense in a game Green Bay is motivated to win. The favorable game script should give him an extremely high floor, but his upside could be capped if the Packers’ lead grows large enough to allow backups on the field.
Alvin Kamara (NO at CAR, $7,800) lines up against the NFL’s worst run defense. Michael Thomas is battling a hand injury, so Kamara is well-positioned to end the day as the Saints’ most targeted receiver. Even if his touches are limited, the stars are lining up for Kamara’s best fantasy game of the season.
Running Backs – Raise
Derrick Henry (TEN at HOU, $8,100) is battling a lingering lower body injury, and the fact that his health is less than 100 percent drops him down a tier. However, no team has more to lose than the Titans, who face an exploitable Texans run defense; they won’t hesitate to call Henry’s number, especially inside the 20-yard line.
Christian McCaffrey (CAR vs. NO, $10,000) is only 67 receiving yards away from a rare 1,000/1,000 season, so expect the Panthers to make a concerted effort to get him the football, especially in the passing game. Like Jones, his ceiling could be capped if the game gets out of hand, so McCaffrey’s sky-high price is what drops him down a tier.
Miles Sanders (PHI at NYG, $6,800) holds the franchise record for most yards from scrimmage by a rookie, which is an impressive feat for a team that’s been around since 1933. Jordan Howard will return to action this week, but Doug Pederson told reporters he’s riding the hot hand. There’s no reason to doubt him, given how much Sanders has grown as a player this season.
Damien Williams (KC vs. LAC, $4,700) should see a sizable share of the carries for the second week in a row. Given the probable game script, he’s a bargain in DraftKings NFL DFS contests at this price, despite what those scorned by him in season-long leagues might tell you.
Running Backs – Call
James White (NE vs. MIA, $5,900) faces a Dolphins defense that ranks 31st in PPR fantasy points allowed to running backs. While the Patriots should cruise to victory, White has been more consistent than Sony Michel this season, and is not as touchdown (or game script) dependent.
Austin Ekeler (LAC at KC, $6,200) is only 50 receiving yards away from 1000 yard season. The Chiefs rank 26th against running backs in PPR formats, and the game script should favor Ekeler instead of Melvin Gordon.
Jaylen Samuels (PIT at BAL, $4,300) is a high-risk start, but an advisable one in DK’s PPR format if James Conner sits. Speaking of injured running backs, Josh Jacobs (OAK at DEN, $6,300) has yet to practice though Thursday (shoulder), but should be in lineups if he’s a go this weekend.
Carlos Hyde (HOU vs. TEN, $5,000) isn’t a bad start, given his 104-yard performance two weeks ago against the Titans, capped by a touchdown. Likewise, Adrian Peterson (WAS at DAL, $4,900)
should see plenty of work and is a good bet to outperform his price.