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It was a strong Week 12 as Browns running back Nick Chubb smashed as a cash game option and Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette found the endzone twice prior to being ejected from the game due to fighting. I expected more from Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., but he didn’t hurt our lineups and Seahawks wide out Tyler Lockett scored another touchdown. Time to keep it rolling as we enter Week 13.
Running Backs
Cash Game Option:
Green Bay Packers Aaron Jones ($12,600) – Jones continues to play at a high level ever since the Packers decided to make him a focal point of the offense yet he is not priced as such. Jones is the eleventh highest priced running back and $5,000 cheaper than the highest priced running back this week in Todd Gurley of the Rams. We need to take advantage of this discount. Jones takes on a Cardinals defense that is ranked 21st in rush defensive DVOA according to Football Outsiders. The Packers are 14 point favorites and have a strong implied team total of 29.25. Jones may be popular, but that is fine, especially in cash games. The running back should continue to dominate in Week 13.
Tournament Option:
Denver Broncos Phillip Lindsay ($11,200) – We have picked on the Cincinnati Bengals defense in recent weeks with great success as they continue to struggle. Lindsay is the next running back that will be in line for a big day. Lindsay has played well all season and he is coming off a performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers in which he rushed for 110 yards along with a touchdown. It’s also encouraging that he continues to play more and more snaps as he was on the field a season best 63 percent of the time. The Bengals rank 28th in rush defensive DVOA according to Football Outsiders and have been shredded by running backs in recent weeks. It appears that Lindsay could be overlooked this week which is crazy to me. If that trend continues on Sunday, I will have a ton of Lindsay in tournaments.
*****Saturday Update*****
The release of Kareem Hunt by the Kansas City Chiefs changes the slate completely. Spencer Ware is now in line to start for the Chiefs and he is only $7,800. The Raiders rank 30th in rush defensive DVOA and Ware should move into the starting role and get the majority of touches in the backfield for the Chiefs. Ware will be the chalkiest player on the slate due to his increased role at a very cheap price. However, I think we need to eat the chalk and fire him up in all formats as the salary relief will allow us to fit in other studs. There is always an argument to be made to fade him in large field tournaments due to his high ownership, but if he smashes like I think he will, it could be too much to overcome.
Wide Receivers
Cash Game Option:
Detroit Lions Kenny Golladay ($12,600) – The wide receiver has proven he can handle being the number one option as Golladay has scored at least 14 FantasyDraft points in three consecutive games. Teammate Marvin Jones has been placed on injured reserve so it will be the Golladay show for the remainder of the year. The price tag continues to be very appealing and fits perfectly in cash game construction. The Lions are 10 point underdogs so they should be playing from behind which means more opportunity for Golladay. I think we are at the point that we know Golladay has a stable floor and he has the ability to put up monster performances as well. The young receiver can be used in all formats in Week 13.
Tournament Option:
Los Angeles Rams Josh Reynolds ($9,800) – The Rams will have three wide receivers on the field no matter who the personnel is and that was proven when Reynolds played 98 percent of the snaps in Week 11 as Cooper Kupp’s replacement. Reynolds doesn’t run exclusively out of the slot like Kupp did, but his large amount of playing time makes him an intriguing target. The Rams take on a Detroit Lions defense that is ranked 31st in pass defensive DVOA. Brandin Cooks should be shadowed by Darius Slay so Reynolds won’t see the defensive back when he moves to the outside. The Rams have an implied team total of 32.25 and Reynolds should benefit with the high-scoring output. Quarterback Jared Goff isn’t too expensive either so pairing the two could be a nice tournament option.