4 NFL FanDuel Tournament Pivots for Week 13
Running Back
Chalk
After some monster weeks, including a 237 yard all-purpose effort in Week 12 leading to 41.2 FanDuel points, Christian McCaffrey ($8,800) is going to be a very popular play at running back. Facing the Buccaneers defense, which clocks in 20th on the ground, McCaffrey's duel threat presence as both a runner and pass receiver could lead to a massive Sunday afternoon.
Oakland's leaky run defense could make Kareem Hunt ($8,900) a heavily owned running back as well (if he plays). Oakland's third-worst run defense was torched for 242 rushing yards last week, and we project the Kansas City Chiefs' running back for 20.9 FanDuel points.
For a third, slightly cheaper option, Aaron Jones is also likely to be popular at $7,600. The Arizona Cardinals 19th-ranked running defense was rinsed in Week 12 for 178 rushing and three scores by the Los Angeles Chargers, and he provides a bit of salary relief.
Pivot
Saquon Barkley, New York Giants: $8,600 (vs Chicago Bears)
At home against the Chicago Bears and their top-ranked rushing defense, Saquon Barkley could seem to be in for a long day. But could he pop this defense for a big scoring day?
Peering into recent performances, the Bears have been a bit leaky against opposing runners, especially as pass-catchers out of the backfield. Last week, Theo Riddick grabbed seven passes for 48 receiving yards, and he posted a six-catch, 60-receiving yard effort against the Bears three weeks ago. In a 38-31 thriller against the New England Patriots a few weeks ago, James White tormented them for eight catches, 57 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Given Barkley's ability to shine in this area, as he is tied with Christian McCaffrey in running back receptions with 71, it could make for an interesting pivot.
We have Barkley slated for 19.9 FanDuel points, but his ceiling of 34.9 FanDuel points makes him appealing. Analyzing that upside, Barkley's topped 25 FanDuel points four times in the last seven weeks, so a lofty score is certainly not out of the realm of possibility.
