DraftKings Week 12 Lineup Recommendations
DraftKings Week 12 slate brings us an 11-game featured set covering the early and mid-afternoon games. The projected totals stretch right the way from the mid-30s through to the low-50s. Interestingly there is a void in projected totals between the bottom five games, which top out at 42, and the top six. That top six stretch from 45 all the way through to 51.5 in the game in Atlanta. The wide range of projected totals present plenty of different angles to attach on this slate.
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In this article, you will find my DraftKings Week 12 picks on, which are based on matchups, situation, weather and betting lines. The focus of this piece will be looking at upside, and is, therefore, more suited for use in GPP formats. However, the names below can also double up as options in cash games, alongside some safer bets.
Quarterback
Baker Mayfield, CLE @ MIA | $5,800
Ceveland did what they needed to do last week against Pittsburgh. This week they can demonstrate the level their offense is capable of reaching. Josh Allen made light work of this Miami defense last week, and Mayfield should be able to do something similar. The combination of a defense allowing over 20 PPG to quarterbacks and a receiver desperate for revenge should make for a good week from Mayfield. Oh, and this team is going to be desperate to make sure the headlines about them Monday morning does not involve the words Myles and Garrett.
Dwyane Haskins, WSH vs. DET | $4,900
Gambles in GPP contests do not get bigger than this one. This week Haskins is facing a Detroit defense which succeeded in making Mitchell Trubisky look competent a couple of weeks ago. Last week Dak Prescott then shredded that defense. While I am not expecting the Prescott level of performance from Haskins, I do believe he can get 15 or so points for your team against a defense allowing over 20 PPG to opposing quarterbacks. That may not seem like a lot, but it is the equivalent of getting 19.5 points out of a player costing $6,500. When you look at it that way, this pick has the potential to be a massive bargain for your team.
Running Back
Derrick Henry, TEN vs. JAX | $6,900
This slate is interesting, because there are a lot of questionable high end options. Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley and Ezekiel Elliott have tough matchups. That leaves you with the options of Nick Chubb or Alvin Kamara if you want to pay up for an elite option. Instead, I am going to drop down a tier here and go with my favorite option of Derrick Henry.
There are not many options in fantasy who have both the floor and ceiling that Henry is offering right now. Henry has scored double-digits in eight of his 10 matchups this season, and over 20 points in both of his last two games. This week he faces a Jacksonville defense which ranks 25th on DraftKings against running backs. Henry can make for a nice anchor for your squad at a price which will not break the bank.
Ronald Jones, TB @ ATL | $4,800
Is Ronald Jones now the most frustrating player in the world of fantasy football? After two good weeks against Seattle and Arizona, he came back down to earth with just four carries against New Orleans this weekend. The saving grace is that this weekend he gets to face an Atlanta team allowing over 18 FPPG to lead backs, which Jones should be this week.
Atlanta have been significantly improved on defense the last two weeks, but Christian McCaffrey was still able to put up a solid day last week, despite his offense getting stifled. Jones is not of the same class, but with Atlanta likely focusing on stopping the passing game, he should be able to cause issues for the Atlanta defense.
Sony Michel, NE vs. DAL | $4,600
I apologise to Ronald Jones, Sony Michel is the most frustrating player in the fantasy football universe. Four weeks ago Michel scored three touchdowns and completed a third straight double-digit points return, including two score over 20. Since then he has not hit double digits on a single occasion, and has logged just 14 carries the last two weeks.
I think that changes this week. The Dallas defense has allowed an average of 18 FPPG to opposing lead backs. It is also supposed to be cold and potentially snowy in New England this weekend, perfect lead-back weather. As a kicker, the game script is clear for New England. Keep Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott off the field as much as possible. The Dallas defense has major issues, and Sony Michel should be able to exploit them, while also being the perfect battering ram for New England in the type of game I expect to see on Sunday.
Wide Receiver
Michael Thomas, NO vs. CAR | $9,300
This is a lot of money, but if you can make it work then no player this week is a safer anchor for your team. In the last four weeks he has averaged over 25 FPPG, on a total of 48 targets. He has yet to score less than double-digits in any outing this season, and has a high of 44. His floor is incredible, and his ceiling is as good as anyone.
DJ Chark, JAX @ TEN | $6,400
No one has been more fun for me to watch this season than Chark. There was so much doubt about him coming into the season, and since one he has silenced doubters over and over. He has averaged 12 targets per game over his last three games, and has averaged 20 FPPG. He is struggling a little with an injury, but if he is good to go Sunday then I have no hesitation starting him. Tennessee have had trouble against lead receivers, allowing over 18.4 FPPG.
Randall Cobb, DAL @ NE | $4,800
This is really a hunch because the matchup for Cobb is not all that great. However, the New England way is to take away the opponents best options and make lesser players beat them. Let’s rank the options for Dallas shall we? We have Ezekiel Elliott, Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, Randall Cobb, and the tight ends.
New England cannot cover everyone and Cobb might just be far enough down the totem pole that he is the matchup Prescott looks to exploit. Cobb has seen 23 targets the last three weeks, finding the end zone in the last two. If you want a bargain with upside, you will struggle to find many better options than Cobb can provide.
Tight end
Jared Cook, NO vs. CAR | $4,500
This is not the best matchup, but Cook is one of the hottest tight ends on the slate right now. Touchdowns in three of his last four games, and double-digit returns in all four have ensured that. Cook seems to be a red zone threat for this offense, and you would be wrong to ignore him.
Ben Watson, NE vs. DAL | $3,100
This is another gamble, but one I think has a real opportunity to pay off. With a couple of the New England receivers struggling with injury, Watson has the chance to step up. Targeted nine times in his last two games is a good sign, and we could see even more this week. Dallas are allowing an average of 10.1 FPPG to tight ends this season. If Watson does that at this price he has done a perfect job for you.
Defense/Special Teams
New England vs. Dallas | $3,300
I actually do not care who the offense is on the other side of the field. If you tell me I can have the New England defense for this cheap I am biting your hand off. New England’s defense has scored over 20 fantasy points in five of their 10 games this season. Can Dak Prescott put together a complete performance in New England in adverse conditions? Maybe. Would I bet on it? Not a chance.
Disclaimer: I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is brolfe1507) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
Ben Rolfe
Head of NFL Content
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