Week 12 NFL DFS Picks: FanDuel Core Lineup Strategy

After a successful set of NFL DFS picks last weekend, we look to keep the momentum going into Week 12. With a smaller set of games on the main slate this week, we will preview the players you should be targeting. This article will outline the Week 12 NFL DFS picks for core players at each position to hammer into your FanDuel lineups.

Week 12 NFL DFS Picks for FanDuel

Quarterbacks

Tom Brady ($8,200)

After an electric start to the year, Tom Brady has hit a lull, throwing 5 interceptions in his last 3 games. Regardless, Brady continues to lead the league in passing yards, attempts, and touchdowns on a per-game basis. The matchup against Indianapolis is projected to be the highest-scoring contest of the slate, with a total of 53.0 points. To keep up with the Colts (Specifically Jonathan Taylor), Brady will continue to get plenty of passing attempts. He is a strong DFS play that comes with so many stacking options on this Buccaneers offense.

Justin Herbert ($7,800)

Justin Herbert has been the definition of boom or bust this season, making him a perfect tournament play on FanDuel. He has a tough matchup against a solid Denver defense, but he’s proven to perform regardless of the matchup as seen in his performance against Pittsburgh last week. At just $7,800 Herbert is a top point per dollar play as he’s seemingly underpriced by FanDuel. With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams’ salaries also falling, the Chargers are a very affordable stack this week.

Other NFL DFS Options: Jalen Hurts ($8,400), Matthew Stafford ($7,700), Jimmy Garoppolo ($6,500)

Running Backs

Christian McCaffrey ($9,700)

While Jonathan Taylor is the most expensive running back on the slate at $9,800, Christian McCaffrey is my preferred back, at just $100 cheaper. He has a dream matchup against a soft Miami defense with Cam Newton adding a spark to this offense. With Jonathan Taylor in a tougher matchup, I see McCaffrey as the player with the highest floor and ceiling at the position. With McCaffrey continuing to work back to his full workload, this may be the last week we see him at a salary under $10,000.

Darrell Henderson ($7,300)

While the Rams have struggled as of late, so has lead running back Darrell Henderson. He has only topped 8 fantasy points in only one of their last four games. Henderson and the Rams look to get back on track following their bye week with a date against the Packers. Playing against the run funnel Packers defense should give Henderson an opportunity to succeed this weekend.

Miles Sanders ($6,100)

Miles Sanders has been trending upward in recent weeks with the Eagles offense committing more to the run game. Jordan Howard is now listed as out for Week 12 so Sanders will likely see more action on the ground this week. The Giants’ defense has been below average against the run this season, allowing the seventh-most rushing yards this year. As this offense led by Jalen Hurts continues to prioritize the run, Sanders will be due for a big game eventually.

Other NFL DFS Options: Dalvin Cook ($8,100), Saquon Barkley ($7,500), David Johnson ($5,400), Ty Johnson ($5,200)

Wide Receivers

Chris Godwin ($7,600) & Mike Evans ($7,500)

Mike Evans and Chris Godwin ($7,600) are both strong options this week in a matchup against the Colts. As Antonio Brown continues to miss time, Evans and Godwin will continue to get the bulk of Brady’s pass attempts. The Buccaneers receiving duo can be stacked alongside Brady in what will be a prioritized matchup with Indianapolis.

Keenan Allen ($7,000)

While Justin Herbert has been inconsistent all year, Keenan Allen has continued to perform at a constant rate. Allen has seen at least 11 targets in four straight weeks and topped 13 FanDuel points in each contest. Although his touchdown upside is lower than teammate Mike Williams, Allen’s 27.6% target share makes him a more appealing option. He and Williams are both stacking options alongside Justin Herbert against the Broncos.

DJ Moore ($6,700)

DJ Moore broke out of his slump last weekend, scoring his first touchdown in his last seven games. With a matchup against the Dolphins this week, Moore gets a cakewalk against their poor secondary. The Dolphins were torched by Jets receiver Elijah Moore for 141 yards and a touchdown as their corners continue to struggle. DJ Moore’s success should continue with Cam Newton continuing to start over Sam Darnold.

Darius Slayton ($5,500)

The injury bug continues to haunt the New York Giants offense with injuries to notable star players. With Kadarius Toney and Sterling Shepard expected to sit out this week, Golladay and Slayton are left as the top options. Golladay could end up seeing a lot of Darius Slay, forcing Slayton to step up this Sunday. His big-play ability makes him worthy of a dart throw in tournaments in DFS.

Other NFL DFS Options: Davante Adams ($8,700), Deebo Samuel ($8,000), Brandin Cooks ($6,500), Jakobi Meyers ($5,700)

Tight Ends

George Kittle ($6,700)

Since returning from injury, George Kittle has shot right back into the elite tight end conversation. Despite unfavorable gamescript, he has caught a touchdown in each of his last three contests. With a matchup against the Vikings this week, Kittle is in a position to see a much higher target volume. As long as Jimmy Garoppolo continues to get the nod over Trey Lance, Kittle will be a consistent fantasy option.

Pat Freiermuth ($5,300)

While there are plenty of viable options at tight end this week, Pat Freiermuth is a great value play in the low $5000s range. He is averaging 5 receptions per game over the past 5 weeks and has become one of Ben Roethlisberger’s favorite targets. Freiermuth won’t warrant heavy ownership this week, making him a punt play in tournaments.

Other NFL DFS Options: Kyle Pitts ($6,600), Dallas Goedert ($5,900)