DraftKings NFL picks Week 2: Running Back
Go figure, Christian McCaffrey ($9,900) returned to the field and was a dynamo as he nearly had 100 yards rushing and receiving. He’s worth the price if you can fit him into your lineup, though I’m less confident that’s the case with Dalvin Cook ($9,100) as the Vikings may have to throw a bit to keep up with Arizona.
Last week, Alvin Kamara ($8,800) was the focal point of the Saints offense and may be again, but the Saints face a better or at least a worse matchup in Week 2 against the Panthers. And DraftKings is trying to bait us with Derrick Henry ($8,300) at his price but, after the way the Titans looked to open the year, I’m staying away until I see some life.
Nick Chubb ($7,800) and Austin Ekeler ($7,300) are two of my favorite plays on the DraftKings main slate. Chubb faces the Texans, meaning he should run early, run often and run free. Ekeler, meanwhile, should see a massive uptick in passing game usage against the Cowboys, which raises his floor and ceiling substantially.
There is a bit of intrigue with Jonathan Taylor ($7,200) as the Rams run defense is imperfect but the Colts could also get down quickly in that matchup, which would be worrisome. I’d much prefer Joe Mixon ($7,000) for a bit cheaper and against a banged-up Bears defensive line.
Down at the bottom of the $6,000 pricing tier gets interesting as Najee Harris ($6,300), Ezekiel Elliott ($6,200) and David Montgomery ($6,100) are all being undervalued. In much more favorable matchups than a week ago, they could easily outperform their price on Sunday.
Melvin Gordon III ($5,900) could be another monster value as the Broncos could milk clock late against a bad Jaguars defense. The same could be true for Kareem Hunt ($5,800) if the Browns give Chubb a rest. Perhaps involved more early, Damien Harris ($5,400) is also an upside play against the Jets.
You have to give Elijah Mitchell ($5,000) and Kenyan Drake ($4,900) looks as they fill in for injured starters and are super cheap but I much prefer the former as he is playing in the much better matchup on Sunday. And finally, Nyheim Hines ($4,700) is worth a long, hard look as the Colts could need him in the quick passing game.