Week 12 NFL DFS Running Backs: An Early Look at Best Picks

This week offers a mix of high-priced studs and intriguing mid-tier options, so here we will break down who to target across the different price ranges. Make sure to check injury reports and game flow as the week progresses, as that could unlock additional value. Let’s dive into Week 12 NFL DFS running backs for the best picks based on our NFL DFS projections and NFL DFS ownership projections.

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Week 12 NFL DFS Running Backs: An Early Look at Best Picks

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Top-Tier Options

Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers)

McCaffrey was a bit of a disappointment last week, mainly because he didn’t find the end zone, but he still saw 19 carries and five targets. His volume is still elite, and while the game didn’t pan out in his favor, he’s always a threat to break one off at any time. If value emerges elsewhere, McCaffrey remains a solid play. He’s definitely worth considering for those willing to pay up above $7,000.

De’Von Achane (Miami Dolphins)

Achane continues to be a dynamic option, and while his volume isn’t overwhelming (hovering around 65% to 70% of the snaps), his explosive playmaking ability makes him a top play. He’s still seeing significant looks, with 18 to 21 touches in the past few games, and his role in goal line situations adds a bit of touchdown equity. With Miami a touchdown favorite, this matchup against a below-average Patriots defense is favorable. Achane’s price is a bit more manageable compared to McCaffrey, making him a solid alternative at the top.

Joe Mixon (Houston Texans)

Mixon’s price continues to rise, but his volume and role in the Texans offense make him a strong option in Week 12. He’s been getting a ton of work, and although the matchup against Tennessee isn’t the most enticing, Mixon’s workload is so secure that he remains a reliable option. His touchdown equity is high, but his price is getting steep, which might make him a tougher play depending on roster construction.

Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions)

Gibbs is a bit of a wild card, and although he’s capable of big plays, his consistency has been an issue. Last week he scored with a 50-yard reception but still ended with only 19 fantasy points. Gibbs’ ceiling is high, but given Detroit’s scoring spread across multiple players (like David Montgomery), it’s hard to count on him as a must-play. He’s still a solid option, but the Lions backfield can be unpredictable.


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Mid-Tier Options

Aaron Jones (Minnesota Vikings)

At $6,400, Jones stands out as one of the better values for the price. The Bears defense is tough to throw against, so Minnesota will likely lean heavily on the ground game. Jones has seen 15 to 21 carries over his last few games, and while his efficiency has been somewhat lacking, his volume and the matchup against a run-funnel defense make him an intriguing play.

Brian Robinson Jr. (Washington Commanders)

Robinson is one of the chalk plays of the week, and for good reason. Washington is expected to lean on the run game, and Robinson should see heavy volume. While the Commanders offense has been inconsistent, Robinson’s secure role in the offense makes him a safe bet in Week 12. His price tag keeps him affordable, and he’s likely to be highly owned.

Tony Pollard (Tennessee Titans)

At $5,800, Pollard becomes a much more attractive option if Tyjae Spears is ruled out, as he would be the primary back for the Titans. While Pollard’s efficiency has been an issue this season, the volume he would get in this spot makes him a strong value play. If Spears is out, Pollard should see a large share of the touches, and his price is hard to ignore for that kind of workload.

Rhamondre Stevenson (New England Patriots)

Stevenson has been up and down this season, but if you’re looking for a cheaper option, he’s worth considering. With the Patriots likely to lean on him in a run-heavy game plan, Stevenson has the potential to see significant touches, even if he doesn’t provide explosive results. His price is affordable at $5,900, and if he sees enough volume, he could return value.

Now that you’ve got some NFL DFS picks, it’s time to up your betting strategy with expert picks from Tails by OddsShopper, where top industry professionals share their sharpest advice.

Deep Sleepers

Zamir White & Alexander Mattison (Las Vegas Raiders)

There’s significant risk here. If either White or Madison are forced into larger roles due to injuries or game flow, they could provide decent value, but there’s also a high level of uncertainty involved. I would recommend staying away unless there are late-breaking injury news developments.

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Author
Sam Smith is a writer and editor with Stokastic and OddsShopper. He has been immersed in the world of professional sports data since 2015, while also writing extensively on the NFL for a multitude of blogs and websites. With Stokastic, Sam looks to blend his sports and editorial expertise with Stokastic's data to bring you the best fantasy information possible.

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