Welcome to RotoBaller's Daily Fantasy football DraftKings lineup picks for Week 12 of the NFL season. In this article, I, Jason Bales, will be taking you, the reader, through the best DraftKings DFS plays of the week for this upcoming Sunday.
These DraftKings lineup recommendations are based on matchups, recent performances, overall upside/talent levels, and other factors such as Vegas odds, home field advantage, and more. There are still quite a few great value plays available, so read on to find out which players are the best for Week 11. Good luck with your DraftKings DFS lineups!
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DraftKings Quarterbacks - Week 12 DFS Picks
Aaron Rodgers (at PHI, $7,000)
As far as doing what it takes to win games, Aaron Rodgers is struggling right now, but that is far from his fault. The Green Bay Packers are dealing with various injuries that are keeping them from playing at an elite level. Rodgers, as far as fantasy is concerned, has been fantastic. He has over 30 fantasy points in three of his last four games, throwing the ball around 40 times per game on average. He has over 350 yards in two straight games with five touchdowns and two interceptions. This week, he will see what he can do against an up and down Philadelphia Eagles' secondary. Use him in all formats.
Derek Carr (vs CAR, $6,100)
Derek Carr struggled two weeks ago against the Denver Broncos and in the first half of last week's game against the Houston Texans. After that, he came out in the second half and scorched the Texans' secondary. He ended the game with just under 300 yards passing and three touchdowns. He did throw one interception early that happened to be a poor decision, but it was really the offensive line's fault. Carr broke out this season. He has been playing well all year long, and he will look to get the Oakland Raiders to 9-2 against the Carolina Panthers. Use him in tournaments.
DraftKings Running Backs - Week 12 DFS Picks
Melvin Gordon (at HOU, $7,000)
Melvin Gordon is a workhorse. He will test his rushing and receiving ability this week against the Houston Texans, and he is likely going to pass with flying colors. In his last three games, he has over 30 attempts to get him the ball in every game. In other words, he had at least 30 carries and targets combined in three straight games now. Gordon is a big part of the San Diego Chargers' offense, and he will continue to be until the end of the season. Two games ago, he posted just under 40 fantasy points with just under 200 yards on the ground and 65 through the air. Use him in all leagues, despite his high price tag.
Thomas Rawls (at TB, $5,700)
Thomas Rawls returned last week for the Seattle Seahawks. He looked solid, picking up 14 carries totaling 57 yards on the ground. He also caught three of four targets for over 30 yards through the air. Pete Carroll mentioned that Rawls felt like he was part of a train wreck after the game, but he will suit up this week against the Tampa Bay Bucs. For his price tag, all he has to do is find the end zone to hit value. That is not out of the question this week. Use him in tournaments, as his health is still a minor concern.
DraftKings Wide Receivers - Week 12 DFS Picks
Doug Baldwin (at TB, $6,400)
Russell Wilson has been looking better and better each week of recent, and it is really benefitting Doug Baldwin. He has over 20 fantasy points in two straight games now, catching four passes for 104 yards against the Philadelphia Eagles and six for 59 yards and three touchdowns against the New England Patriots. His upside really comes from his ability to score. For a few weeks in a row, he could not find the end zone, but based on his performance last season, that could definitely change. In his last five games of the season in 2015, he scored eight times. Use him in tournaments tonight against the Tampa Bay Bucs.
Jordan Matthews (vs GB, $5,000)
The Green Bay Packers have been absolutely atrocious on defense over the last couple of weeks. Injuries are plaguing their chances to make playoffs, and the Philadelphia Eagles are going to pick them apart. Jordan Matthews is a main target for Carson Wentz, totaling 45 targets in his last four games. His price tag is relatively low, which is likely due to Matthews' inability to score touchdowns. If he finds the end zone, it is generally a big week for the Eagles' top wide out. Use him in tournaments this week. His upside is through the roof.
DraftKings Tight Ends - Week 12 DFS Picks
Travis Kelce (at DEN, $4,000)
Travis Kelce is not too expensive, and even though he gets a tough matchup against the Denver Broncos, he is available for use in both 50/50 contests and tournaments this week. In his last three games, he has double-digit fantasy numbers in two of them. Against the Tampa Bay Bucs, he posted 20.3 fantasy points, catching seven of nine targets for over 100 yards. Imagine if he would have found the end zone. Kelce is one of the better tight ends in the league, and with Rob Gronkowski currently injured and Jordan Reed playing on Thanksgiving, he is the best on the board this weekend.
DraftKings Defenses - Week 12 DFS Picks
New Orleans Saints Defense (vs LA, $2,800)
The New Orleans Saints are horrible defensively. That is no secret. However, the Los Angeles Rams are horrible offensively, which benefits the Saints' defense. Defense is largely unpredictable, so finding a cheap one that has good upside is a must in tournaments and 50/50 contests. The Saints are just that this week.