DFS: Pigskin Panel - The 3 Biggest Questions of Week 12
Each week, theScore's DFS experts tackle the biggest questions of the week. Here are three of the most significant issues of Week 12:
Which injury fill-in has the best Week 12 matchup?
Ken Conrad: Ravens RB Javorius Allen has the best matchup, squaring off against Cleveland's league-worst rush defense. While his ceiling is somewhat limited due to the presence of QB Matt Schaub and a banged-up offense, he should still see around 25 touches, and flashed receiving ability Sunday, catching five passes for 48 yards on top of his 67 yards on the ground.
Jason Wilson: Allen fills in for Justin Forsett against the Browns, who have rarely been able to stop the run this season. The Browns have allowed an average of 138.8 rushing yards. That's worst in the league. Allen may not be the most familiar name on the most appealing team, but his matchup is easily the best one out there.
Andrew Potter: Denver QB Brock Osweiler. I have to admit that I didn't expect Osweiler to be as poised as he was against a pretty good Bears pass defense. New England's pass defense is 23rd in the NFL and Tom Brady often forces his opponents to attempt big plays to keep pace. If Sunday was any indication, he belongs in this league.
Josh Ghatak: Schaub has the best matchup in Week 12. On paper, this game looks absolutely awful, which is in part what makes it so enticing. Schuab goes against a shaky Cleveland pass defense that surrenders 27.7 points a game. With absolutely no expectations, Schaub has a whole game of ‘garbage time’ ahead of himself.
Which injury fill-in has the worst Week 12 matchup?
Ken Conrad: New England WR Danny Amendola won't have an easy time getting open against Denver's top-ranked pass defense that has limited opponents to eight touchdowns through the air. Amendola offers more value in DFS-slanted point-per-reception formats than in standard leagues, but it's still tough to foresee him having a big day.
Jason Wilson: After his explosion against the 49ers, Seattle RB Thomas Rawls will be on a lot of radars in Week 12. He shouldn't be. The Steelers pose too tough a task - allowing a paltry 93 yards per game on the ground, good for fifth best. Plus, only the Jets have allowed fewer rushing TDs (two). Rawls is likely to let down a lot of DFS participants this weekend.
Andrew Potter: Rawls. I don't doubt the skill or will of Marshawn Lynch's understudy - but from a matchup perspective, he's simply not going to get the same opportunities against Pittsburgh. The Steelers feature the fifth-best run defense and the fifth-worst pass defense. Expect Russell Wilson to air the ball out on Sunday.
Josh Ghatak: Steelers RB DeAngelo Williams easily has the worst matchup. In Week 12, Williams lines up against the Seattle run defense that sits tenth in the league in terms of yards allowed (96.4). Though not as dominant as years past, the Seattle defense is still an intimidating force. With a road game against Seattle, Williams needs to be faded in all formats.
What is the game to watch from a DFS perspective?
Ken Conrad: Pittsburgh at Seattle. The Seahawks still have the second-ranked pass defense, but have been shelled by Carson Palmer, Andy Dalton and Aaron Rodgers; Ben Roethlisberger will look to join that list, aided by Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant. Can he do it? Will Rawls continue to outperform Lynch? Can Williams continue his Le'Veon Bell impression?
Jason Wilson: A lot of people will say New England at Denver, but I'm watching Minnesota at Atlanta. Will Matt Ryan right the ship? Will Adrian Peterson crush the Falcons' rush D? Will Devonta Freeman play? The Vikings came down to earth in Week 11 after being pegged as severely underrated. Teddy Bridgewater should be considered a buy-low sleeper, too.
Andrew Potter: Vikings at Falcons. There's a lot to take in here, from Peterson facing the stingy Atlanta run defense to whether Freeman can pass concussion protocol in time to suit up. Will Ryan end his skid? Can Bridgewater lead his team to the playoffs? Minnesota can make a statement while Atlanta can prove its early success wasn't a mirage.
Josh Ghatak: Chicago-Green Bay. These two have combined for great scoring in their recent matchups - and if Alshon Jeffery and Matt Forte suit up, this game will be even more enticing. The QB battle is the focus as Jay Cutler and Rodgers go head-to-head, but running backs Forte and Eddie Lacy, and receivers Jeffery and Randall Cobb, make this game a must-watch.