NFL DraftKings Picks: Week 12

I’ll be posting NFL DraftKings picks here. I cannot post lineups anymore, but I will list some players I like each week.

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Week 12: Main Slate

I can no longer post any lineups, per DraftKings rules. I will be trying something different this year, which is to rank my order of preferences by position taking price into account.


Top DFS Quarterbacks:

1. Drake Maye, $6,900 (at Bengals)
2. Jaxson Dart, $5,600 (at Lions)
3. Sam Darnold, $5,400 (at Titans)
4. Jacoby Brissett, $5,300 (vs. Jaguars)
5. Jared Goff, $6,000 (vs. Giants)
6. Caleb Williams, $5,700 (vs. Steelers)

You have to pay up for Drake Maye now, but he’s worth it against the dreadful Bengals. Jaxson Dart could get lots of garbage rushing yards against the Lions. Sam Darnold also looks good versus the anemic Titans.


Top DFS Running Backs:

1. Jahymyr Gibbs, $8,300 (vs. Giants)
2. Jonathan Taylor, $10,000 (at Chiefs)
3. Alvin Kamara, $5,500 (vs. Saints)
4. Kenneth Walker, $5,400 (at Titans)
5. Derrick Henry, $7,600 (vs. Jets)
6. Travis Etienne, $5,900 (at Cardinals)
7. Quinshon Judkins, $6,000 (at Raiders)

Jahmyr Gibbs is the best value this week. His workload has increased with Dan Campbell calling plays, and he has the easiest matchup of any running back except for the New England rushers. Jonathan Taylor can be used as well, especially with his high price tag causing sticker shock to some DFS players. Meanwhile, there are some solid options in the $5K range. Alvin Kamara has a very easy matchup, while Kenneth Walker saw a goal-line carry for the first time last week.


Top DFS Wide Receivers:

1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, $9,000 (at Titans)
2. Rome Odunze, $6,100 (vs. Steelers)
3. Jameson Williams, $5,700 (vs. Giants)
4. Amon-Ra St. Brown, $8,000 (vs. Giants)
5. George Pickens, $6,900 (vs. Eagles)
6. Zay Flowers, $6,300 (vs. Jets)
7. DeVonta Smith, $5,600 (at Cowboys)
8. Alec Pierce, $5,000 (at Chiefs)
9. Michael Wilson, $4,800 (vs. Jaguars)
10. Andrei Iosivas, $4,100 (vs. Patriots)
11. Rashid Shaheed, $4,600 (at Titans)

Jaxson Smith-Njigba is the best play at receiver despite being the most expensive player at his position. Rome Odunze and Jameson Williams both have tremendous matchups this week.


Top DFS Tight Ends:

1. Trey McBride, $6,800 (vs. Jaguars)
2. Hunter Henry, $3,900 (at Bengals)
3. Mark Andrews, $3,800 (vs. Jets)
4. Chig Okonkwo, $3,700 (vs. Seahawks)
5. Dallas Goedert, $4,200 (at Cowboys)

You’re either playing Trey McBride or one of the cheaper guys because no one is coming close to McBride in production.


Top DFS Defenses:

1. Seahawks, $4,000 (at Titans)
2. Raiders, $3,500 (vs. Browns)
3. Browns, $2,900 (at Raiders)
4. Saints, $2,500 (vs. Falcons)
5. Ravens, $3,900 (vs. Ravens)
6. Patriots, $3,800 (at Bengals)

Shedeur Sanders may get sacked a dozen times this week, so the Raiders are intriguing. However, the Seahawks are the top play with their pressure rate against another quarterback who holds the ball for an eternity. The Saints are a nice cheap play against Kirk Cousins.




Players to Avoid: Lamar Jackson (6700), Jalen Hurts (6600), Darnell Mooney (4800). Lamar Jackson appears to be injured, which is affecting his rushing ability. … Jalen Hurts is often far worse without Lane Johnson. Darnell Mooney has been a big disappointment this year, and he has not connected with Kirk Cousins.

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Week 12: Bills at Texans Showdown Slate

Top Captains: Woody Marks (13800). Every running back has trampled over the Bills this year. Woody Marks has the best matchup in this game.

Top Spend-Up FLEX (in addition to Top Captains): Josh Allen (12400). Josh Allen has a terrible matchup, but you’ll want him for the raw points.

Top Value: Keon Coleman (5400), Dawson Knox (4000). Keon Coleman will be back from being a healthy scratch, so he could be motivated. Dawson Knox is very cheap for a functional starting tight end.

Top Punt Play: Tyrell Shavers (2400). Tyrell Shavers played more snaps than any receiver last week.

Player to Avoid: Dalton Schultz (6400). The Bills are the best defense in the NFL when it comes to defending tight ends.