NFL Week 12 Fantasy Football: Running Back Picks for DFS

The running back position offers a mix of elite options, mid-tier value plays, and budget-friendly sleepers in Week 12. Whether you’re setting your DFS lineups or making tough decisions in your season-long leagues, this breakdown will guide you through the best plays, strategies, and insights for running backs.

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Elite Tier: Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey

Saquon Barkley ($10,000):
Saquon Barkley is coming off a monster performance with 146 rushing yards and two touchdowns against Washington. While his ceiling is undeniable, his hefty price tag creates challenges for roster construction.

• DFS Strategy: Barkley is a great play in tournaments if you can find value elsewhere, but he’s a fade candidate in cash games due to his high salary.
• Game Outlook: Against a tough Los Angeles Rams‘ defense, Barkley’s workload remains secure, but his ceiling may be capped by game flow.

Christian McCaffrey ($9,500):
Christian McCaffrey offers incredible upside, especially with Brandon Allen under center for the San Francisco 49ers. His dual-threat ability makes him the focal point of San Francisco’s offense.

• DFS Appeal: With fewer people likely to roster McCaffrey due to price, he’s an intriguing contrarian play.
• Game Narrative: Against a Green Bay Packers defense dealing with injuries, McCaffrey could dominate both on the ground and through the air.

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Mid-Tier Options: Joe Mixon and Jahmyrr Gibbs

Joe Mixon ($7,800):
Joe Mixon has been a reliable producer for the Houston Texans and comes at a reasonable price.

• Matchup: Facing a middle-of-the-road defense, Mixon’s volume should keep him relevant.
• DFS Value: A strong cash-game play with a high floor.

Jahmyr Gibbs ($7,300):
Jahmyr Gibbs continues to be an explosive option, balancing workload with David Montgomery.

• ROI Potential: Gibbs offers the best combination of price and upside in this tier.
• Matchup: Against a vulnerable defense, expect Gibbs to produce in both rushing and receiving roles.

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Value Plays: Kareem Hunt and Tyrone Tracy

Kareem Hunt ($6,800):
Kareem Hunt steps into a fantastic matchup against Carolina, one of the league’s worst teams against the run.

• Game Script: With the Kansas City Chiefs likely to lead, Hunt should see plenty of touches, even if he’s not the most efficient runner.
• DFS Play: A strong value option for tournaments and cash games alike.

Tyrone Tracy ($6,700):
Tyrone Tracy is an emerging option with a secure role in his offense, offering significant value at his price point.

• Upside: Tracy’s versatility makes him a sneaky play in tournaments.

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DFS Strategy: Building Your Running Back Core

• Cash Games:
  • Lock in reliable options like Christian McCaffrey or Joe Mixon for a safe floor.
• Tournaments:
  • Look for high-upside plays like Jahmyr Gibbs or Kareem Hunt to differentiate your lineup.
  • Add budget-friendly options like Tyrone Tracy to free up salary for premium positions.

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Betting Insights: Running Back Props to Watch

Rushing Yards Over/Under:

• Christian McCaffrey: Bet the over on rushing and receiving yards combined, given his expected volume.
• Jahmyr Gibbs: A strong candidate to exceed his rushing yards prop against a weaker defense.

Anytime Touchdown Scorers:

• Saquon Barkley: A top candidate for anytime touchdowns given his red-zone role.
• Kareem Hunt: Solid value with favorable odds in a game where Cleveland should dominate.

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Takeaways for Week 12 Running Backs

1. Elite Options: Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey are must-considers, but their high prices require careful roster construction.
2. Mid-Tier Gems: Joe Mixon and Jamir Gibbs offer strong value with high ceilings.
3. Value Plays: Kareem Hunt and Tyrone Tracy provide budget-friendly options to balance your lineup.

Whether you’re playing DFS, managing season-long rosters, or betting on player props, Week 12 is packed with opportunities to capitalize on running back performance. Choose wisely and maximize your lineup’s potential!

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