Vegas odds chart for daily fantasy football play: Wild Card Weekend

A snapshot look at the NFL betting lines and odds for Wild Card Weekend sports betting and DFS action.

A good way to start your weekly homework for DFS (daily fantasy sports) play is to analyze the early Vegas odds around Wild Card Weekend.

These guys have a long history of making money off of setting the right game spread and points scored. So it can be an early indicator of teams to target due to high-scoring potential, and teams to avoid for the opposite reason.

Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook

NFL Odds: Wild Card Weekend

OFF = No odds currently listed.


Vegas odds chart for daily fantasy football play: Week 18

A snapshot look at the NFL betting lines and odds for Week 18 sports betting and DFS action.

A good way to start your weekly homework for DFS (daily fantasy sports) play is to analyze the early Vegas odds around Week 18.

These guys have a long history of making money off of setting the right game spread and points scored. So it can be an early indicator of teams to target due to high-scoring potential, and teams to avoid for the opposite reason.

Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook

NFL Odds: Week 18

OFF = No odds currently listed.


Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 18

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 18 DFS fantasy football.

Players are being rested, and players are splitting roles. Some superstars will play a only few snaps, and others want to play despite nothing to play for. That is the insanity of Week 18. Enjoy the madness and don’t forget to tune in for our playoff DFS coverage over the next few weeks!

Recommended DFS lineups

*Note: FanDuel and Fanball include the Sunday night game on their Main Slate. DraftKings doesn’t include them, so the pricing is listed as N/A.

DK Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($7.0k), RB Kenneth Gainwell ($5.6k), RB Bijan Robinson ($8.5k), WR Brian Thomas Jr. ($7.3k), WR Adam Thielen ($6.2k), WR Jalen McMillan ($5.1k), TE Noah Gray ($3.8k), FLEX Mack Hollins ($3.7k), DST Arizona Cardinals ($2.7k)

FD Lineup: QB Jared Goff ($7.9k), RB Bucky Irving ($7.9k), RB Bijan Robinson ($9.2k), WR Jordan Addison ($7.1k), WR Jameson Williams ($6.5k), WR Jalen McMillan ($6.1k), TE Sam LaPorta ($6.0K), FLEX Blake Corum ($5.5k), DST Arizona Cardinals ($3.7k)

FB Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($6.5k), RB Bijan Robinson ($7.7k), RB Jonathan Taylor ($7.4k), WR Jordan Addison ($6.0k), WR Jameson Williams ($6.3k), WR/TE Jalen McMillan ($4.6k), TE Noah Gray ($3.3k), FLEX Bucky Irving ($6.4k), SUPERFLEX Sam Darnold ($6.4k)

*Note: Player salaries are color-coded based on expected output. Red = Less than 2.5x value, Black = 2.5x valueGreen = Greater than 3x value.

Quarterback DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,500 $9,000
Jayden Daniels $7,800 $8,700
Baker Mayfield $7,000 $8,400
Sam Darnold N/A $8,100
Jared Goff N/A $7,900
Bo Nix $6,400 $7,800
Jordan Love $6,100 $7,300
C.J. Stroud $6,000 $7,300
Kyler Murray $6,000 $7,600
Anthony Richardson $5,900 $7,500
Justin Herbert $5,900 $7,700
Bryce Young $5,800 $6,900
Tua Tagovailoa $5,800 $7,400
Drake Maye $5,700 $7,100
Matthew Stafford $5,700 $7,000
Aaron Rodgers $5,600 $7,000
Caleb Williams $5,600 $7,100
Carson Wentz $5,600 $6,700
Geno Smith $5,500 $7,200
Kenny Pickett $5,500 $6,700
Mitchell Trubisky $5,500 $7,000
Joe Flacco $5,400 $7,000
Michael Penix Jr. $5,400 $6,900
Cooper Rush $5,200 $6,800
Jimmy Garoppolo $5,200 $6,300
Mac Jones $5,200 $6,700
Aidan O’Connell $5,100 $6,600
Drew Lock $5,100 $6,600
Mason Rudolph $5,000 $6,500
Tanner McKee $5,000 $6,400
Will Levis $5,000 $6,000
Spencer Rattler $4,800 $6,500
Tyler Huntley $4,800 $6,700
Jacoby Brissett $4,700 $6,000
Trey Lance $4,700 $6,000
Joshua Dobbs $4,000 $6,000

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Baker MayfieldSam Darnold, and Jared Goff are the top players. Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix should play the full game, making them adequate pivots. To save money, consider Justin Herbert and Bryce Young. You also can use whoever starts for Indianapolis, Mac Jones, Michael Penix Jr., or Jimmy Garoppolo as punts.

Fantasy four-pack

Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers vs. NO ($7,000 DK, $8,500 FDTampa has everything on the line this week. New Orleans’ pass defense has been in a free fall since trading away Marshon Lattimore. Plus, Mayfield already toasted them once for 325-4. This is certainly in the realm of outcomes for this week. 

Jared Goff, Lions vs. MIN (N/A DK, $7,900 FDThis game may approach 90 combined points, and it is possible that neither punter steps on the field. Over the last four weeks, Goff has thrown for 1,416 yards and 14 TDs. Plus, Minnesota allows the fifth-most passing yards per game.

Sam Darnold, Vikings @ DET (N/A DK, $8,100 FDIn their Week 7 meeting, Darnold threw for only 259-1. Of course, that was before Detroit lost something like 271% of its defense to injury. The Lions will play their backups this week not by choice, but because they are the only players not currently on IR. In what projects as a shootout, the slightly more expensive Darnold will have lower ownership than Goff. 

Jayden Daniels, Commanders @ DAL ($7,800 DK, $8,700 FD) Daniels is on fire posting 17 TDs over his last five games and over 60 rushing yards in four of those contests. This included a three-TD game against the Cowboys. While Washington has already guaranteed itself a spot in the playoffs, the Commanders may want to play Daniels this full game to avoid a first-round matchup with Tampa or Philadelphia. 

Sleepers

Bryce Young, Panthers @ ATL: ($5,800 DK, $6,900 FD) Young’s yardage totals have been meager, but he has multiple TDs in four of his last five games. Meanwhile, only one team has allowed more passing TDs per game than Atlanta. With their running game muted, stack Young with Adam Thielen or Xavier Legette.

Mac Jones, Jaguars @ IND ($5,200 DK, $6,700 FD) We all saw what Drew Lock did to this defense. Well, Mac Jones is basically Drew Lock. Several middling QBs embarrassed Indy this season (Bo NixMason Rudolph, the skeletal remains of Aaron RodgersDrake MayeTyler HuntleyJustin FieldsWill Levis, and Trevor Lawrence) all have posted reasonable numbers against this defense. Ironically, the only QB the Colts have held out of the end zone this season was Jared Goff.

Running back DraftKings FanDuel
Bijan Robinson $8,500 $9,200
Jahmyr Gibbs N/A $8,800
Jonathan Taylor $8,200 $8,500
Josh Jacobs $8,100 $8,200
Bucky Irving $7,700 $7,900
Kyren Williams $7,600 $8,400
Joe Mixon $7,400 $7,700
Alvin Kamara $7,300 $7,400
De’Von Achane $7,200 $8,000
James Cook $7,000 $8,100
Aaron Jones Sr. N/A $7,300
Zach Charbonnet $6,700 $7,000
Breece Hall $6,500 $7,200
J.K. Dobbins $6,300 $7,500
Tony Pollard $6,200 $6,700
Tyjae Spears $6,100 $6,700
Brian Robinson Jr. $6,000 $6,900
Isaac Guerendo $5,900 $7,000
Rico Dowdle $5,800 $7,100
Tyrone Tracy Jr. $5,800 $6,400
Cam Akers N/A $6,000
Rachaad White $5,700 $5,800
Blake Corum $5,600 $5,500
Kenneth Gainwell $5,600 $5,600
Rhamondre Stevenson $5,500 $6,000
Dameon Pierce $5,400 $5,200
D’Andre Swift $5,400 $6,100
Patrick Taylor Jr. $5,400 $4,900
Alexander Mattison $5,300 $5,500
Antonio Gibson $5,300 $5,600
Kendre Miller $5,300 $5,600
Ray Davis $5,200 $6,200
Travis Etienne Jr. $5,200 $6,100
Ameer Abdullah $5,100 $6,300
Austin Ekeler $5,100 $4,000
Emanuel Wilson $5,100 $5,300
Tank Bigsby $5,100 $5,500
Braelon Allen $5,000 $5,700
Chris Rodriguez Jr. $5,000 $5,300
Raheem Blackshear $5,000 $5,100
Ty Johnson $5,000 $5,900
Javonte Williams $4,900 $5,300
Tyler Allgeier $4,900 $5,700
Devin Singletary $4,800 $5,100
Gus Edwards $4,800 $5,400
Jaleel McLaughlin $4,800 $5,900
Carson Steele $4,700 $4,300
Michael Carter $4,700 $5,800
Raheem Mostert $4,700 $4,900
Audric Estime $4,600 $5,200
Jeremy McNichols $4,600 $5,000
Tyrion Davis-Price $4,600 $4,500
Kimani Vidal $4,500 $5,200
Samaje Perine $4,500 $5,400
Mike Boone $4,400 $5,000
Roschon Johnson $4,400 $4,800
Jamaal Williams $4,300 $5,300
Clyde Edwards-Helaire $4,100 $5,400
Miles Sanders $4,000 $4,000

Running back

Weekly strategy –  Bijan Robinson and Jonathan Taylor are the top-two plays this week. I also like Jahmyr Gibbs on FD, just not as much as the other two. Bucky Irving is the cheaper pivot at RB1. At RB2, consider Brian Robinson Jr.Rico Dowdle, Kenneth Gainwell, Blake Corum, or whoever starts for Tennessee. Samaje PerineRay DavisTy JohnsonEmanuel WilsonMichael CarterCarson Steele, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire will all see playing time boosts because of injuries or players resting. I might use one of them as a punt flex.

Fantasy four-pack

Jonathan Taylor, Colts vs. JAX ($8,200 DK, $8,500 FD) Over the last three weeks, Taylor has led the league in carries, rushing yards, and rushing TDs. Now, he faces a Jacksonville team allowing just under 27 PPR points per game to opposing RBs. Taylor’s value will go up even more if Joe Flacco starts this game.

Bijan Robinson, Falcons vs. CAR ($8,500 DK, $9,200 FD) Carolina is allowing 29.5 PPR points per game to opposing backs. This includes allowing 830 total yards to the position over their last four games. Since Week 13, Robinson has exploded as his RB opportunity share increased from 26% to 33%.

Bucky Irving, Buccaneers vs. NO ($7,700 DK, $7,900 FD) Since Week 10, Irving has scored and/or topped 100 total yards in every game that he has completed. Meanwhile, no team has allowed more RB rushing TDs.

Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions vs. MIN (N/A DK, $8,800 FDThis price is a tad higher than I like, but since David Montgomery‘s injury, Gibbs trails only Jonathan Taylor in total yards and TDs among RBs.

Sleepers

Blake Corum, Rams vs. SEA ($5,600 DK, $5,500 FDThere was a ton of preseason hype over Corum potentially wrestling the starting RB job from Kyren Williams. The team plans to rest Williams this week. Last season at Michigan, Corum finished with 28 total TDs in 15 games.

Ray Davis, Bills @ NE ($5,200 DK, $6,200 FD) With nothing to play for, James Cook will see minimal, if any, snaps this weekend. This means that Davis and Ty Johnson will see an enormous boost in touches against a defense that allows the second-most RB rushing yards and the second-most total RB touchdowns.

Wide Receiver DraftKings FanDuel
Justin Jefferson N/A $9,500
Amon-Ra St. Brown N/A $9,000
Puka Nacua $8,300 $8,800
Mike Evans $8,000 $8,900
Nico Collins $7,800 $8,700
Brian Thomas Jr. $7,300 $8,000
Malik Nabers $7,100 $8,100
Davante Adams $7,000 $7,800
Ladd McConkey $6,900 $7,600
Terry McLaurin $6,800 $7,400
Tyreek Hill $6,700 $7,900
Drake London $6,500 $7,000
Courtland Sutton $6,400 $7,300
Jordan Addison N/A $7,100
Cooper Kupp $6,300 $6,900
Jameson Williams N/A $6,500
Adam Thielen $6,200 $6,400
Jaxon Smith-Njigba $6,100 $7,700
Garrett Wilson $6,000 $6,800
Keenan Allen $6,000 $6,100
DJ Moore $5,900 $6,300
Jauan Jennings $5,800 $6,800
Xavier Worthy $5,800 $6,600
Deebo Samuel Sr. $5,700 $6,700
Jakobi Meyers $5,700 $6,600
DK Metcalf $5,600 $7,200
Jayden Reed $5,600 $6,500
Marvin Harrison Jr. $5,500 $6,700
Romeo Doubs $5,500 $6,000
Calvin Ridley $5,400 $6,200
Jaylen Waddle $5,400 $5,900
Josh Downs $5,300 $6,000
Khalil Shakir $5,300 $6,300
Chris Olave $5,200 $5,800
Michael Pittman Jr. $5,200 $6,200
Darnell Mooney $5,100 $6,200
Jalen McMillan $5,100 $6,100
Alec Pierce $5,000 $5,800
Amari Cooper $5,000 $5,700
DeAndre Hopkins $4,900 $5,900
Rome Odunze $4,900 $5,700
Keon Coleman $4,800 $5,700
Quentin Johnston $4,800 $5,900
Brandin Cooks $4,700 $5,900
Christian Watson $4,700 $5,800
Marvin Mims Jr. $4,600 $5,600
Wan’Dale Robinson $4,600 $5,600
Hollywood Brown $4,500 $6,100
Olamide Zaccheaus $4,500 $5,800
Dontayvion Wicks $4,400 $5,400
Tim Patrick N/A $5,400
Joshua Palmer $4,400 $5,500
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $4,400 $5,300
DeMario Douglas $4,300 $5,100
Jalen Tolbert $4,300 $5,500
Parker Washington $4,300 $5,600
Demarcus Robinson $4,200 $4,800
Kayshon Boutte $4,200 $5,100
Xavier Legette $4,200 $5,000
Jalen Coker $4,100 $4,900
Ray-Ray McCloud III $4,100 $5,400
Ricky Pearsall $4,100 $4,900
John Metchie III $4,000 $5,500
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,000 $5,600
Michael Wilson $4,000 $6,400
David Moore $3,900 $4,600
Devaughn Vele $3,900 $5,200
Malik Washington $3,900 $5,300
Robert Woods $3,800 $5,400
Tre Tucker $3,800 $5,100
Tutu Atwell $3,800 $4,700
Diontae Johnson $3,700 $5,700
JuJu Smith-Schuster $3,700 $5,300
Mack Hollins $3,700 $5,500
Darius Slayton $3,600 $5,000
Dyami Brown $3,600 $4,800
Sterling Shepard $3,600 $5,100
Tyler Lockett $3,600 $5,400
Adonai Mitchell $3,500 $5,000
Allen Lazard $3,500 $4,900
Jahan Dotson $3,500 $4,800
Jamison Crowder $3,500 $5,200
Justin Watson $3,500 $5,200
Bo Melton $3,400 $4,500
Derius Davis $3,400 $4,700
KaVontae Turpin $3,400 $5,000
Tyler Boyd $3,400 $4,800
Greg Dortch $3,300 $4,700
Xavier Hutchinson $3,300 $5,200
Cedrick Wilson Jr. $3,200 $4,900
Kendrick Bourne $3,200 $4,800
Troy Franklin $3,200 $5,000
Curtis Samuel $3,100 $5,300
Jonathan Mingo $3,100 $4,700
Kevin Austin Jr. $3,100 $4,800
Luke McCaffrey $3,100 $4,600
Alex Erickson $3,000 $4,000
Britain Covey $3,000 $4,000
Dante Pettis $3,000 $4,700
Devin Duvernay $3,000 $4,600
Johnny Wilson $3,000 $4,900
Josh Reynolds $3,000 $4,700
KhaDarel Hodge $3,000 $4,300

Wide receiver

Weekly strategy – Justin Jefferson and Amon-Ra St. Brown are both available only on FD. In a shootout, they are both dynamic plays, but their price tags will be hard to swallow. DK users will want to target Mike Evans and Brian Thomas Jr. as their top options. Ladd McConkey (toe), Terry McLaurin, Drake London, and Courtland Sutton are the top WR1 pivots. On FD, if you don’t use Jefferson or St. Brown, you must use at least one of Jameson Williams or Jordan Addison. Adam Thielen and Keenan Allen are my favorite WR2 options. The easy pivots are Michael Pittman Jr., Darnell Mooney, and Calvin Ridley. You must use Jalen McMillan at WR3, regardless of whether you play Evans. Punts to consider include: Olamide ZaccheausMarvin Mims Jr.Jalen TolbertXavier Legette, and whoever starts for Kansas City, Buffalo, and the Rams.

Fantasy four-pack

Justin Jefferson, Vikings @ DET (N/A DK, $9,500 FDAs mentioned above, injuries have decimated the Lions defense. Stopping Jefferson is tough with elite DBs. Against backups, he will smash. In nine career games versus Detroit, Jefferson is averaging 7.6-128 with four TDs.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions vs. MIN (N/A DK, $9,000 FDSt. Brown has been equally dominant against the Vikings in his career averaging 8-93 with four TDs. Plus, he has never posted fewer than six receptions against Minnesota. Both receivers should top the 25-point plateau this week.

Mike Evans, Buccaneers vs. NO ($8,000 DK, $8,900 FD) New Orleans has allowed the fifth-most receiving yards to WRs. Over their last nine games, they are allowing an average of 19.3 PPR points to opposing WR1s. With his 1,000-yard streak on the line in a win-and-in game, Evans is a lock for 7-110-1. 

Brian Thomas Jr., Jaguars @ IND ($7,300 DK, $8,000 FD) If you watched the Giants and Colts play last week, I’m sorry for your lot in life. Nevertheless, you saw Malik Nabers go ham against this secondary. That was the third consecutive game where an opposing WR1 scored against them. A repeat of Thomas’ Week 5 performance of 5-122-1 seems probable.

Sleepers

Jalen McMillan, Buccaneers vs. NO ($5,100 DK, $6,100 FDThree weeks in a row and the sites still refuse to jack up McMillan’s price. Fine with me. I’ll just keep trotting him out there and counting the Benjamins rolling back in. Nine times this season, the Saints have allowed a secondary receiver to reach double-digit PPR points. With six scores in his last four games, this is a formality.

Olamide Zaccheaus, Commanders @ DAL ($4,500 DK, $5,800 FD) Zaccheaus has posted 13-155-3 on 17 targets over the last two games. If Dyami Brown (hamstring) remains out, expect similar production against a Dallas defense that has allowed the fourth-most WR receiving yards and the most WR receiving TDs over the last four weeks.

Tight End DraftKings FanDuel
Brock Bowers $6,600 $7,300
Trey McBride $6,500 $7,400
George Kittle $6,000 $7,600
Jonnu Smith $5,800 $6,300
Sam LaPorta N/A $6,000
T.J. Hockenson N/A $5,900
Hunter Henry $4,300 $5,200
Cade Otton $4,200 $5,200
Dalton Kincaid $4,100 $5,700
Kyle Pitts $4,000 $5,300
Zach Ertz $4,000 $5,400
Dalton Schultz $3,900 $5,600
Jake Ferguson $3,900 $5,200
Chig Okonkwo $3,800 $5,400
Noah Gray $3,800 $5,500
Noah Fant $3,700 $4,900
Tucker Kraft $3,700 $5,100
Juwan Johnson $3,600 $5,300
Will Dissly $3,600 $5,000
Brenton Strange $3,500 $5,000
Cole Kmet $3,500 $5,100
Tyler Conklin $3,400 $4,900
Tyler Higbee $3,400 $4,800
Austin Hooper $3,300 $4,800
Dawson Knox $3,300 $5,000
Foster Moreau $3,200 $5,200
Payne Durham $3,200 $4,900
Grant Calcaterra $3,100 $4,800
Stone Smartt $3,100 $4,900
AJ Barner $3,000 $4,700
Tommy Tremble $2,900 $4,700
Devin Culp $2,800 $4,300
Adam Trautman $2,700 $4,600
Ja’Tavion Sanders $2,600 $4,600
Lucas Krull $2,600 $4,600
Michael Mayer $2,600 $4,500
Irv Smith Jr. $2,500 $4,300

Tight end

Weekly strategy – The TE position feels weak up top this week. Brock Bowers has a rough matchup, and Trey McBride and George Kittle (ankle/hamstring) get a tough matchup against each other. Plus, Jonnu Smith potentially has QB issues to deal with. If you are playing on FD, T.J. Hockenson or Sam LaPorta. Otherwise, go on the cheap with Tucker KraftNoah GrayJuwan JohnsonJake Ferguson, or Zach Ertz. There are several potential punts including: Grant Calcaterra, Stone Smartt, Foster Moreau, Adam Trautman, and Dawson Knox

Fantasy four-pack

Sam LaPorta, Lions vs. MIN (N/A DK, $6,000 FDSince Week 6, LaPorta trails only Mark Andrews in TE touchdowns. This includes scoring four over the last five games. The Vikings held him in check in their earlier meeting, but I cannot expect a repeat of that here.

Trey McBride, Cardinals vs. SF ($6,500 DK, $7,400 FDHell has frozen over. McBride finally score his TD. Since Week 12, he has had 16 more targets and 15 more receptions than the next closest TE. This has propelled him into second place for the season in every relevant TE category except TDs.

Jonnu Smith, Dolphins @ NYJ ($5,800 DK, $6,300 FD) QB issues circle this game, but Smith has scored in six of his last seven games making him at worst a TD-dependent play. Jaylen Waddle (knee) may return this week. This could affect Smith’s volume. Still, he has a safe floor.

T.J. Hockenson, Vikings @ DET (N/A DK, $5,900 FD) It is all hands on deck in this game. Hockenson missed the earlier game because of an injury suffered due to a dirty hit by this defense last season. Chalk this up as a double-revenge game for the former Lion.

Sleepers

Zach Ertz, Commanders @ DAL ($4,000 DK, $5,400 FD) Ertz’s yardage and reception totals have been meager, but he has scored five times in the last six games (including once against Dallas). The Commanders are playing this game hoping for a better seed in the postseason, so expect them to go full go all game.

Noah Gray, Chiefs @ DEN ($3,800 DK, $5,500 FD) With Travis Kelce (rest) and other Chiefs starters resting expect Gray to be one of the top options in the passing game this week. Denver leans as a TE-funnel defense, so anticipate a gigantic game here as long as Carson Wentz is serviceable.

Saturday DFS Domination: Week 18

Lineup recommendations for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 17 DFS fantasy football primetime slate.

The massive popularity of small DFS slates has propelled us to expand our DFS coverage. Here are my favorite lineups for this Saturday-Only Slate.

Recommended Saturday-Only DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Joe Burrow ($7.5k), RB Derrick Henry ($8.3k), RB Najee Harris ($5.3k), WR Ja’Marr Chase ($8.6k), WR Jerry Jeudy ($6.4k), WR Rashod Bateman ($4.6k), TE Isaiah Likely ($3.3k), FLEX Jordan Akins ($3.0k), DST Cincinnati Bengals ($3.0k)

FD Lineup: QB Joe Burrow ($8.6k), RB Derrick Henry ($10.0k), RB Jaylen Warren ($5.8k), WR Ja’Marr Chase ($9.5k), WR Jerry Jeudy ($6.6k) WR Calvin Austin ($5.3k), TE Mike Gesicki ($5.3k), FLEX Jordan Akins ($5.0k), DST Cincinnati Bengals ($3.8k)

FB Lineup: QB Lamar Jackson ($7.7k), RB Derrick Henry ($7.9k), RB Jaylen Warren ($5.4k), WR Ja’Marr Chase ($8.0k), WR Jerry Jeudy ($6.0k), WR/TE Rashod Bateman ($4.3k), TE Mark Andrews ($4.3k), FLEX Pat Freiermuth ($4.1k), SUPERFLEX Joe Burrow ($7.3k)

Joe Burrow is on an MVP spoiler pace. If he leads the Cincinnati Bengals to the playoffs, he deserves heavy consideration. He has eight straight games with three or more TDs and at least 250 yards, an NFL record. Not to be outdone, Lamar Jackson has three or more scores in six of his last eight games. These are the top two options on this docket. Burrow is cheaper, so lean on him. Russell Wilson is the pivot to save money, but you shouldn’t have to go that route. Dorian Thompson-Robinson has twice as many letters in his name as the number of points he will score this week.

Chase Brown (ankle) remains questionable for this game. He will be the RB1 pivot from Derrick Henry if he is to go. If Brown was out, Khalil Herbert would immediately jump to the favorite play at RB2. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren split touches and their cost is similar. Warren has been more effective lately, so I prefer him. That said, either could be your RB2.

Jerome Ford (ankle) left last week’s game (costing me a hefty payday) with an injury. The matchup is much worse this week. If he starts, he gets a volume-punt grade, at best. His backups, D’Onta Foreman and Pierre Strong are safer dart throws for less money. Justice Hill (concussion/illness) has reportedly cleared the concussion protocol, and he will get change-of-pace work for Baltimore. He has some flex appeal. Hill’s activity will affect whether Keaton Mitchell has a dart-throw value.

At WR1, you are choosing between Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Fitting them both is next to impossible, unless you fade Henry at RB1. Jerry Jeudy gets the volume lead at WR2. The pivots are George Pickens and Zay FlowersRashod BatemanCalvin Austin, and Andrei Iosivas are the potential WR3. If you choose to punt WR3, use Michael Woods IINelson Agholor (concussion), Elijah MooreMike Williams, or Ben Skowronek (hip).

All the starting TEs deserve consideration. David Njoku (knee) has 40 targets over his last three games played. If he suits up, get him in your lineup. That said, if Njoku doesn’t play, Jordan Akins becomes an even better dollar/point play. Both Pat Freiermuth and Mike Gesicki have juicy matchups. They also are cheaper than Njoku and the other top-dollar option, Mark Andrews. Andrews’s matchup is decent, but considering the price, I am going to fade him, unless I start Jackson at QB. Isaiah Likely has three TDs in his last four games making him a sneaky flex play.

Primetime DFS Domination: Week 17

Lineup recommendations for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 17 DFS fantasy football primetime slate.

The massive popularity of small DFS slates has propelled us to expand our DFS coverage. I will give you my favorite lineup for the Primetime Slate each week. We will release these as soon as both sites release their pricing.

Recommended Primetime DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Jared Goff ($6.8k), RB Bijan Robinson ($8.2k), RB Brian Robinson Jr. ($6.1k), WR Jameson Williams ($6.0k), WR Deebo Samuel ($5.7k), WR Jamison Crowder ($3.5k), TE Sam LaPorta ($4.9k), FLEX George Kittle ($6.0k), DST Atlanta Falcons ($2.7k)

FD Lineup: QB Jared Goff ($7.9k), RB Jahmyr Gibbs ($9.0k), RB Bijan Robinson ($8.9k), WR Jauan Jennings ($6.9k), WR Jameson Williams ($6.4k) WR Ray-Ray McCloud ($5.7k), TE Sam LaPorta ($6.3k), FLEX Zach Ertz ($5.0k), DST Atlanta Falcons ($3.7k)

Considering the price and potential weather, Jared Goff and Brock Purdy are the best options. I’d love to use Jayden Daniels to take advantage of his rushing ability. That said, the rain could hurt his passing numbers, and the rookie’s price is considerably more than everyone else. Michael Penix Jr. has the arm to be successful, but the weather scares me since this is only his second pro start. If the weather report improves, consider using him as a pivot. 

Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs are the preferred pair to play. On DK, fitting them both under the cap is sketchy, at best. You will probably have to choose one or the other. Brian Robinson Jr. is the preferred pivot from whichever stud you fade. If Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) plays, he also would be a pivot. Patrick Taylor earned the start last week, and he was meh. With all the injuries the Lions have on defense, Taylor could produce a better line this week. This keeps him in mind as a volume pivot. Tyler Allgeier sees enough snaps (including goal-line work) to consider as an RB2/flex, if you don’t use Bijan. Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. are both dart throws who could see additional playing time this week if Brian Robinson remains in the coach’s doghouse because of recent fumbles.

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It will be virtually impossible to fit Amon-Ra St. Brown under the cap unless you go silly-cheap at RB. That is fine since Jameson Williams has produced on par with Amon-Ra recently. My WR1 comes down to Jauan JenningsTerry McLaurin (ankle), Deebo Samuel and Drake London. The price of McLaurin is higher than the others, but if he plays, he is the best choice. The prices of the other three players are very similar, making them virtually interchangeable. Williams will probably be my WR2. Darnell Mooney is the only obvious pivot there. It becomes very sketchy at WR3. You can either spend up for a better TE or serviceable WR3. Ray-Ray McCloud and Tim Patrick are the safest WR3 choices. You also could punt with any of the Commanders’ depth WRs or Kalif Raymond (foot) if he returns as expected this week.

The TE position is gross this week. On FD, you can either pay up for George Kittle and then shaft yourself at WR or use the slightly cheaper Sam LaPortaZach Ertz is the discount pivot. He also makes a solid flex play. Kyle Pitts also is cheap. He also is absolutely unreliable. If you like lighting money on fire, play him.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 17

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 17 DFS fantasy football.

With games all week long, the slate for Week 17 is thin. This makes things a little easier in terms of combinations of usable lineups. However, it also increases the likelihood of a chopped tourney pot. When the player pool is smaller, finding the one key variant player from the masses is important. Just remember to enjoy this week since next week we will get several teams pulling their starting lineups out of a hat.

Recommended DFS lineups

*Note: FanDuel and Fanball include the Sunday night game on their Main Slate. DraftKings doesn’t include them, so the pricing is listed as N/A.

DK Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($6.9k), RB Jonathan Taylor ($7.9k), RB Bucky Irving ($6.7k), WR Brian Thomas Jr. ($6.8k), WR Adam Thielen ($5.7k), WR Jalen McMillan ($4.6k), TE Chig Okonkwo ($3.6k), FLEX Tank Bigsby ($5.2k), DST Las Vegas Raiders ($2.6k)

FD Lineup: QB Jayden Daniels ($8.5k), RB Bucky Irving ($8.0k), RB Tank Bigsby ($6.1k), WR Terry McLaurin ($7.9k), WR Brian Thomas Jr. ($7.5k), WR Jalen McMillan ($5.9k), TE Chig Okonkwo ($5.4K), FLEX Aaron Jones ($7.4k), DST Las Vegas Raiders ($3.2k)

FB Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($6.4k), RB Saquon Barkley ($8.3k), RB Jonathan Taylor ($7.2k), WR Terry McLaurin ($7.3k), WR Adam Thielen ($5.2k), WR/TE Jalen McMillan ($3.7k), TE Chig Okonkwo ($3.5k), FLEX Jerome Ford ($5.6k), SUPERFLEX Jayden Daniels ($7.6k)

*Note: Player salaries are color-coded based on expected output. Red = Less than 2.5x value, Black = 2.5x valueGreen = Greater than 3x value.

Quarterback DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,500 $9,100
Jayden Daniels N/A $8,500
Jalen Hurts $7,500 $8,300
Baker Mayfield $6,900 $8,200
Sam Darnold $6,400 $7,700
Jordan Love $6,200 $7,800
Anthony Richardson $5,900 $8,000
Tua Tagovailoa $5,800 $7,500
Aaron Rodgers $5,700 $7,300
Bryce Young $5,600 $7,100
Kenny Pickett $5,500 $6,600
Cooper Rush $5,400 $7,000
Derek Carr $5,300 $6,900
Spencer Rattler $5,300 $6,900
Mac Jones $5,200 $6,600
Michael Penix Jr. N/A $6,600
Aidan O’Connell $5,100 $6,800
Mason Rudolph $5,000 $6,700
Drew Lock $4,900 $6,500
Dorian Thompson-Robinson $4,800 $6,400
Tyrod Taylor $4,700 $6,200
Tanner McKee $4,500 $6,000
Tommy DeVito $4,400 $6,000

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Potential lingering injuries to Josh Allen (elbow) and Jalen Hurts (concussion) may shrink the playable pool even more. Fortunately, Jayden DanielsBaker MayfieldSam Darnold, and Jordan Love are all strong plays. Bryce YoungMason Rudolph, and Mac Jones are the cheap punt choices.

Fantasy four-pack

Jayden Daniels, Commanders vs. ATL (N/A DK, $8,500 FDAtlanta has held Desmond Ridder and Drew Lock in check for the last two weeks. Before that, they gave up 16 passing TDs over six games against NFL-level QBs. They also have allowed the ninth-most QB-rushing yards. Daniels should have a field day here.

Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers vs. CAR ($6,900 DK, $8,200 FDComing into this week, Carolina had allowed the most passing touchdowns this season. Mayfield has nine passing TDs over the last three weeks, and his 34 passing TDs rank third on the season. Stack him with Mike Evans and/or Jalen McMillan.

Sam Darnold, Vikings vs. GB ($6,400 DK, $7,700 FD) Over his last six games, Darnold has 16 of his 33 total TDs. Earlier this season, Darnold picked this defense apart to the tune of 275-3. Expect a similar line here.

Josh Allen, Bills vs. NYJ ($8,500 DK, $9,100 FD) Allen is dealing with hand/arm issues, but all signs point to him playing. He is coming off his second-worst game of the season, but this week he should see a return to form against a team that he already scored three times against this season. Plus, New York ranks second-worst, having allowed seven QB rushing TDs this year.

Sleepers

Bryce Young, Panthers @ TB ($5,600 DK, $7,100 FD) Only three teams have allowed more passing yards this season. This included allowing Young to throw for just under 300 yards back in Week 13, which was his best passing performance of the year. This also started a streak of three out of four games where Young scored a rushing TD. Meanwhile, Tampa has allowed the third-most QB rushing scores.

Mason Rudolph, Titans @ JAX ($5,000 DK, $6,700 FDRudolph has posted multiple TDs in four of his five full games played. This week he faces a Jacksonville defense that has allowed the most passing yards and the fourth-most passing TDs. Stack him with the white-hot Chig Okonkwo.

Running back DraftKings FanDuel
Saquon Barkley $8,600 $9,600
Bijan Robinson N/A $8,900
Josh Jacobs $8,100 $8,300
Jonathan Taylor $7,900 $8,400
De’Von Achane $7,700 $8,200
Alvin Kamara $7,300 $8,500
James Cook $7,200 $8,800
Chuba Hubbard $7,000 $7,600
Bucky Irving $6,700 $8,000
Tony Pollard $6,400 $7,000
Breece Hall $6,300 $7,900
Aaron Jones
$6,200 $7,400
Rico Dowdle $6,000 $7,100
Brian Robinson Jr. N/A $6,900
Jerome Ford $5,900 $6,600
Tyrone Tracy Jr. $5,800 $6,500
Rachaad White $5,700 $6,800
Alexander Mattison $5,600 $5,700
Kendre Miller $5,500 $6,200
Tyjae Spears $5,400 $5,800
Travis Etienne Jr. $5,300 $6,000
Tank Bigsby $5,200 $6,100
Ameer Abdullah $5,100 $5,600
Tyler Allgeier N/A $5,500
Jeremy McNichols N/A $5,100
Braelon Allen $5,000 $5,000
Chris Rodriguez Jr. N/A $5,000
Cam Akers $4,900 $5,200
Jamaal Williams $4,800 $5,400
Raheem Mostert $4,700 $5,100
Ty Johnson $4,700 $5,400
Ezekiel Elliott $4,600 $5,300
Kenneth Gainwell $4,600 $4,800
Isaiah Davis $4,500 $4,900
Chris Brooks $4,400 $4,900
Pierre Strong Jr. $4,300 $4,500
Devin Singletary $4,200 $5,200
Ray Davis $4,200 $5,500
Emanuel Wilson $4,100 $5,300
Jaylen Wright $4,100 $4,600
Jordan Mims $4,000 $4,300

Running back

Weekly strategy – We face another existential crisis involving Saquon Barkley. Will Barkley be the entire offense if Jalen Hurts (concussion) and/or Kenny Pickett (ribs) miss this game, or will they focus all their defensive efforts on him? Bijan Robinson and Jonathan Taylor have cake matchups. One of those three must be your RB1. At RB2, I prefer to spend up for Bucky Irving or Chuba Hubbard (knee). You also can use Aaron Jones in the revenge game. Alexander MattisonTank BigsbyTyjae SpearsJerome Ford, and Devin Singletary are potential punts or flex plays. 

Fantasy four-pack

Jonathan Taylor, Colts @ NYG ($7,900 DK, $8,400 FD) I was getting super-annoyed by Anthony Richardson stealing all of Taylor’s red zone love. Well, Taylor said, “Richardson can’t steal my TDs from 65 yards out.” Meanwhile, the Giants have allowed 11 scoring plays of greater than 20 yards.

Bijan Robinson, Falcons @ WAS (N/A DK, $8,900 FD) Since Week 6, Robinson has scored and/or topped 100 total yards in all but one game. This included a 103-yard, two-TD game last week. Only two teams are allowing more YPC than Washington, so Robinson will eat again.

Saquon Barkley, Eagles vs. DAL ($8,600 DK, $9,600 FD) If the Eagles don’t have to use their third-string QB, Barkley will carve up this defense. He feasted last week after Jalen Hurts was knocked out. I’d be happy with another 29-150-2 game.

Chuba Hubbard, Panthers @ TB ($7,000 DK, $7,600 FDHubbard (knee) got back on track last week against Arizona, scoring for the ninth time in 15 games this year. Tampa has been solid against the run, but they have an absurd split where they are allowing 53 more rushing yards per game at home.

Sleepers

Tank Bigsby, Jaguars vs. TEN ($5,200 DK, $6,100 FDOver the last four weeks, Tennessee has allowed 749 total yards and eight total TDs to the RB position. Bigsby is still splitting touches with Travis Etienne, but he has scored twice in the past three weeks, while Etienne hasn’t scored since Week 2.

Jerome Ford, Browns vs. MIA ($5,900 DK, $6,600 FD) It took an injury, but Cleveland is back to using their best RB, Ford. He is averaging 9.8 YPC over the last two weeks. Early reports suggest chilly rain all game this week, so expect both teams to lean on their ground games.

Wide Receiver DraftKings FanDuel
Justin Jefferson $8,300 $9,000
A.J. Brown $7,800 $8,800
Mike Evans $7,500 $8,600
Davante Adams $7,100 $8,100
Terry McLaurin N/A $7,900
Tyreek Hill $6,900 $7,400
Brian Thomas Jr. $6,800 $7,500
Malik Nabers $6,600 $7,700
Drake London N/A $7,100
Jerry Jeudy $6,500 $6,800
Jordan Addison $6,300 $7,000
Garrett Wilson $6,100 $6,900
Jakobi Meyers $6,000 $6,600
Jayden Reed $5,900 $6,700
DeVonta Smith $5,800 $7,200
Darnell Mooney N/A $6,400
Adam Thielen $5,700 $6,200
Khalil Shakir $5,600 $6,500
Calvin Ridley $5,500 $6,300
Jaylen Waddle $5,400 $6,000
Chris Olave $5,200 $6,000
Ray-Ray McCloud III N/A $5,700
Romeo Doubs $5,100 $5,600
Amari Cooper $5,000 $5,500
Olamide Zaccheaus N/A $5,200
Dyami Brown N/A $5,100
Jamison Crowder N/A $5,000
Cedric Tillman $4,900 $4,900
Christian Watson $4,900 $6,000
Josh Downs $4,800 $6,100
Alec Pierce $4,700 $5,600
Michael Pittman Jr. $4,700 $5,900
Brandin Cooks $4,600 $5,800
Jalen McMillan $4,600 $5,900
Keon Coleman $4,500 $5,400
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $4,500 $5,500
Wan’Dale Robinson $4,400 $5,300
Xavier Legette $4,400 $4,900
Elijah Moore $4,300 $5,400
Jalen Coker $4,300 $5,100
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,200 $5,800
Parker Washington $4,200 $5,500
David Moore $4,100 $4,900
Jalen Tolbert $4,100 $5,200
Allen Lazard $4,000 $5,000
Malik Washington $4,000 $5,100
Dontayvion Wicks $3,900 $5,200
Adonai Mitchell $3,800 $5,000
Tre Tucker $3,800 $5,000
Mack Hollins $3,700 $4,900
Sterling Shepard $3,600 $5,300
Tyler Boyd $3,500 $4,800
KaVontae Turpin $3,400 $4,900
Darius Slayton $3,300 $4,900
Cedrick Wilson Jr. $3,200 $4,800
River Cracraft $3,200 $4,300
Jahan Dotson $3,100 $4,500
Kevin Austin Jr. $3,100 $4,700
Michael Woods II $3,100 $4,800
Curtis Samuel $3,000 $4,800
Dante Pettis $3,000 $4,600
Devin Duvernay $3,000 $4,600
Jonathan Mingo $3,000 $4,500
Josh Reynolds $3,000 $4,800
Rakim Jarrett $3,000 $4,500
Trey Palmer $3,000 $4,700

Wide receiver

Weekly strategy – Justin JeffersonMike Evans, and Terry McLaurin are the top three choices this week. If Philly gets Hurts back, A.J. Brown also is a viable WR1 option. At WR2, Brian Thomas Jr.Jordan Addison, and Adam Thielen (hamstring) make the most sense. The depth at WR is ugly this week. Jalen McMillanRomeo DoubsNick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Michael Pittman Jr. are the best of this foul stench. You need one of them. My recommendation is to use McMillan and then choose a WR1 other than Evans.

Fantasy four-pack

Justin Jefferson, Vikings vs. GB ($8,300 DK, $9,000 FD) Over his last three home games versus the Packers, Jefferson has posted 22-412-4. He also scored against them earlier this year on the road. 

Mike Evans, Buccaneers vs. CAR ($7,500 DK, $8,600 FDOver the last four weeks, only five teams have given up more TDs to opposing WRs than Carolina. This stretch included an 8-118-1 game by Evans. 

Terry McLaurin, Commanders vs. ATL (N/A DK, $7,900 FDOnly one WR1 failed to reach double-digit PPR points against this team this season. That was the game where Tampa started Sterling Shepard as their alpha. Since Week 12, McLaurin has led all WRs in TDs.

A.J. Brown, Eagles vs. DAL ($7,800 DK, $8,800 FDBoth Jalen Hurts and Kenny Pickett have had success connecting with Brown. So, as long as one of those two is starting, he will be a safe floor play of 8-90-1 against a defense that has allowed the most WR receptions over the last four weeks.

Sleepers

Adam Thielen, Panthers @ TB ($5,700 DK, $6,200 FDIn his second game back from injury, Thielen posted 8-99-1 against this defense. He has become Bryce Young‘s favorite target. Unfortunately, he suffered a hamstring injury in practice on Thursday. Assuming he suits up, he makes a grand play against a fantasy-friendly defense. If you use Young, stack him with Thielen and run it back with Mike Evans, or …

Jalen McMillan, Buccaneers vs. CAR ($4,600 DK, $5,900 FD) McMillan. He has scored four times in the last three weeks. Ride the fiery streak here as long as his price remains this low.

Tight End DraftKings FanDuel
Brock Bowers $6,700 $7,600
Jonnu Smith $5,700 $6,800
David Njoku $4,700 $6,200
T.J. Hockenson $4,500 $5,700
Dalton Kincaid $4,300 $5,800
Cade Otton $4,200 $5,300
Brenton Strange $4,000 $5,100
Tucker Kraft $3,900 $5,200
Jake Ferguson $3,700 $5,500
Chig Okonkwo $3,600 $5,400
Juwan Johnson $3,500 $5,200
Kyle Pitts N/A $5,000
Zach Ertz N/A $5,000
Tommy Tremble $3,200 $4,800
Grant Calcatera $3,100 $4,700
Dawson Knox $3,000 $4,800
Foster Moreau $3,000 $5,100
Payne Durham $2,900 $4,600
Tyler Conklin $2,900 $4,900
Daniel Bellinger $2,800 $4,800
Ja’Tavion Sanders $2,800 $4,600
Jordan Akins $2,700 $4,900
Josh Oliver $2,600 $4,800
AJ Barner $3,100 $4,700
John Bates $3,000 $4,300
Tommy Tremble $3,000 $4,800
Daniel Bellinger $2,900 $4,900
Ja’Tavion Sanders $2,900 $4,700
Michael Mayer $2,900 $4,600
Ben Sinnott $2,800 $4,400
Josh Oliver $2,800 $4,900
Tyler Conklin $2,800 $4,700
Colby Parkinson $2,700 $4,900

Tight end

Weekly strategy – Jonnu Smith and Chig Okonkwo are two of my favorite TE plays this week. Brock Bowers has a tough matchup, but he has been elite all season. T.J. Hockenson and Tucker Kraft are the pivot choices who should have minimal ownership. Both Cade Otton and David Njoku are dealing with knee injuries. If either plays, they can be pivots as well. Their backups: Payne Durham and Jordan Akins, respectively, will have sneaky value if the starters ahead of them are out. Otherwise, consider the two Saints TEs as punt options.

Fantasy four-pack

Jonnu Smith, Dolphins @ CLE ($6,200 DK, $7,500 FDSmith continues to be effective for Miami. Even in an ugly matchup last week, he finished with 6-62. Since Week 11, he is averaging just under 20 PPR points per game.

Chig Okonkwo, Titans @ JAX ($3,600 DK, $5,400 FD) Speaking of hot TEs, Okonkwo leads all TEs in targets and receptions over the last two weeks (since Mason Rudolph took over at QB). He should score this week as only three teams have given up more TE touchdowns.

Brock Bowers, Raiders @ NO ($6,700 DK, $7,600 FDThis will be a test for Bowers. New Orleans has allowed a league-low one TE score. Plus, only two of the last nine TEs to face them have reached double-digit PPR points. Bowers has three duds in his last five games, but he leads the league in every relevant TE statistical category except TDs.

T.J. Hockenson, Vikings vs. GB ($4,500 DK, $5,700 FDHockenson’s production has been middling since his return. That said, Green Bay has allowed the seventh-most receptions and receiving yards to the position. Josh Oliver scored in their earlier meeting, and Hock scored against them before his injury last season, so Minnesota targets its TEs against this unit.

Sleepers

Tucker Kraft, Packers @ MIN ($3,900 DK, $5,200 FDKraft doesn’t have a ton of targets or receptions, but he ranks seventh in receiving yards and third in receiving TDs among TEs. Minnesota has been generous to the position recently, allowing the seventh-most receiving yards and eighth-most receptions over the last four weeks.

Foster Moreau, Saints vs. LV ($3,000 DK, $5,100 FD) Moreau and Juwan Johnson are the closest healthy thing that New Orleans has to a receiving threat, provided WR Chris Olave (head) doesn’t return. The twosome will split 7-70-1 against one of the worst TE defenses in football. I trust Moreau to score just slightly more than Johnson.

Saturday DFS Domination: Week 17

Lineup recommendations for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 17 DFS fantasy football primetime slate.

The massive popularity of small DFS slates has propelled us to expand our DFS coverage. Here are my favorite lineups for this Saturday-Only Slate.

Recommended Saturday-Only DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Joe Burrow ($7.2k), RB Kyren Williams ($7.5k), RB Antonio Gibson ($5.2k), WR Ja’Marr Chase ($8.4k), WR Ladd McConkey ($6.6k), WR Kendrick Bourne ($3.3k), TE Stone Smartt ($3.4k), FLEX Marvin Harrison Jr. ($5.2k), DST Los Angeles Rams ($3.2k)

FD Lineup: QB Joe Burrow ($8.0k), RB Kyren Williams ($8.5k), RB Antonio Gibson ($5.3k), WR Ja’Marr Chase ($9.6k), WR Cooper Kupp ($7.6k) WR Ladd McConkey ($7.2k), TE Stone Smartt ($5.0k), FLEX Kendrick Bourne ($4.8k), DST Los Angeles Rams ($4.0k)

Joe Burrow (wrist/knee) carries the same injury designations he has played through most of the season. I’m less concerned about the injury than the matchup. Still, he has played at an elite level for several weeks, so he remains the top option on the board. If I pivot from him, it will probably be with Bo Nix or Justin HerbertKyler Murray also may be in play, but offensive line injuries in front of him are disconcerting. Fade Matthew Stafford and Drake Maye.

Injury and job split concerns surround the RB depth chart. Kyren Williams and Chase Brown are the top options on the docket, but you must get creative at WR/TE to fit both. Still, one of them must be your RB1. James Conner (knee) would be a great pivot if he’s cleared to play. His backup, Trey Benson (ankle), also is beaten up. Both are officially questionionable. He could be a decent RB2 pivot if Conner is out. Michael Carter would get the start if they were both out. He could finish as a volume RB2, but he’s a stretch play, at best.

We also don’t know how the Chargers’ backfield will shake out. J.K. Dobbins (knee) has missed several weeks and is questionable. Even if he plays, he likely will be on a snap count. Gus Edwards (ankle) coming off a big week but has been ruled out. The backfield could end up being led by Kimani Vidal. If so, he would instantly vault to the top of my RB2 rankings. But there’s so much uncertainty that both the rookie and Dobbins fall more into the flex/punt range.

Denver also features an island of misfit toys at RB. Good luck choosing which of Jaleel McLaughlinJavonte Williams, and Audric Estime to play from week to week. Cincy’s defense sucks, so whoever leads this backfield could produce serviceable numbers, but choosing between them is fantasy Russian roulette. Finally, we have New England. The coaches have announced that Antonio Gibson may take over as the primary ball carrier from Rhamondre Stevenson. If this is true, Gibson makes an interesting case to be the RB2 on this slate. Of course, this could be coachspeak, which would destroy your chances. That said, I trust the move here.

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At WR1, you have your choice of Ja’Marr Chase or Puka Nacua. Puka’s matchup is easier, but can you really ignore the ceiling that Chase presents? If you fade Chase, please use Tee Higgins at WR2, assuming he plays through a questionable tag. The other WR2 choices are Cooper KuppCourtland Sutton, and Ladd McConkey. The top-WR3 choice is Marvin Harrison Jr., since his ceiling is far above any of the other No. 3 choices. Quentin Johnston, Demarcus Robinson, the Patriots trio (Kayshon BoutteDeMario Douglas, and Kendrick Bourne), and Devaughn Vele are the reasonable pivots there. Michael Wilson, Marvin MimsTroy FranklinJoshua Palmer, and Andrei Iosivas are dart throws, at best.

Trey McBride has a solid matchup, but he never scores. Considering the depth this week, he should be an easy fade. Mike Gesicki is my favorite pivot. Will Dissly (shoulder) may return from his two-game absence. It may be too late for him, though, as Stone Smartt may have wrestled the top spot from him. If Dissly is out, Smartt is a lineup lock. Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper are both seeing consistent targets for New England. I prefer Henry, but both are playable and either could be your flex. Tyler Higbee returned from a nearly year-long injury absence and immediately scored a TD. He should see a higher snap share this week, making him a low-ceiling pivot. Much like their RBs, the Denver TE room is a hall of horrors. In a favorable matchup, Adam Trautman is the one I would choose. Thankfully, I don’t have to.

Vegas odds chart for daily fantasy football play: Week 17

A snapshot look at the NFL betting lines and odds for Week 17 sports betting and DFS action.

A good way to start your weekly homework for DFS (daily fantasy sports) play is to analyze the early Vegas odds around Week 17.

These guys have a long history of making money off of setting the right game spread and points scored. So it can be an early indicator of teams to target due to high-scoring potential, and teams to avoid for the opposite reason.

Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook

NFL Odds: Week 17

OFF = No odds currently listed.


Christmas DFS Domination: Week 17

Lineup recommendations for DraftKings and FanDuel for the Week 17 DFS fantasy football Christmas Day slate.

The massive popularity of small DFS slates has propelled us to expand our DFS coverage. Today, I offer you a holiday present as a bonus money-making opportunity for the Christmas Day slate. So, let’s ho, ho, go, and unwrap all the loot under the tree.

Recommended Christmas Day DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Lamar Jackson ($8.0k), RB Derrick Henry ($8.2k), RB Kareem Hunt ($5.2k), WR Nico Collins ($8.3k), WR Rashod Bateman ($4.8k), WR Marquise Brown ($4.5k), TE Mark Andrews ($4.3k), FLEX Pat Freiermuth ($3.9k), DST Pittsburgh Steelers ($2.8k)

FD Lineup: QB Lamar Jackson ($8.6k), RB Derrick Henry ($9.2k), RB Isiah Pacheco ($5.9k), WR Nico Collins ($9.1k), WR Rashod Bateman ($6.2k) WR DeAndre Hopkins ($6.1k), TE Pat Freiermuth ($5.3k), FLEX Dalton Schultz ($5.5k), DST Pittsburgh Steelers ($4.0k)

FB Lineup: QB Lamar Jackson ($7.8k), RB Derrick Henry ($7.7k), RB Kareem Hunt ($5.3k), WR Nico Collins ($7.3k), WR Zay Flowers ($6.2k), WR/TE Marquise Brown ($4.3k), TE Mark Andrews ($4.4k), FLEX Travis Kelce ($5.4k), SUPERFLEX Patrick Mahomes ($6.6k)

Lamar Jackson is expensive, but deservingly so. He is the safest play on the slate. C.J. Stroud has arguably the best matchup, but he also will be without two of his three starting WRs from earlier this season. Stroud and Patrick Mahomes will be the pivot options. We can ignore Russell Wilson, the cheapest QB on the slate, unless George Pickens (hamstring) returns.

Choosing not to play Derrick Henry is certainly a decision. On a weak RB board, it’s a decision that was probably influenced by drinking some expired egg nog. If you fade Henry, Joe Mixon would be the pivot. Financially, rostering both of them is next to impossible, unless you get gross at WR. RB2 should be one of the Kansas City Chiefs. After last week, Kareem Hunt seems the safer option, but Isiah Pacheco is a fine choice as well. Their prices are virtually interchangeable. Jaylen Warren outproduced Najee Harris last week. That performance came against a stout run defense, which led to featuring Warren more in the passing game. KC also is tough against the run, suggesting Warren may outproduce Harris once again if you choose to use one of them at flex or RB2. A concussion knocked Justice Hill (concussion) out of last week’s game. Clearing the protocol in a short week seems impossible. This suggests that Rasheen Ali and Keaton Mitchell may see some play. Mitchell has been a healthy scratch the last three weeks, but he looked electric when presented with an opportunity last season. Either of them, Samaje Perine, or Cordarrelle Patterson could be punt options.

Saint Nico Collins should bring the presents as your WR1. There isn’t a pivot. He should have 100% ownership. WR2 will be a choice between Zay Flowers (shoulder), George Pickens (hamstring), and the three Chiefs (Marquise BrownXavier Worthy, and DeAndre Hopkins). If Flowers is a no-go, Rashod Bateman also can be a consideration. At WR3, I’m going to play one of the remaining Chiefs, Calvin Austin, or Robert Woods. The punt options include: Nelson Agholor (concussion), Tylan Wallace, Van JeffersonJohn Metchie (shoulder), JuJu Smith-Schuster, Ben Skowronek (hip), Mike Williams, and Xavier Hutchinson. None of them are very appealing.

We have two stud TEs, Mark Andrews and Travis Kelce. We also have two solid TEs facing crappy TE defenses: Pat Freiermuth and Dalton Schultz. With the shortage of depth talent to choose from on this slate, I will probably choose one of these four as my flex. Noah Gray and Isaiah Likely should see enough volume to consider as punt plays.

Primetime DFS Domination: Week 16

Lineup recommendations for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 16 DFS fantasy football primetime slate.

The massive popularity of small DFS slates has propelled us to expand our DFS coverage. I will give you my favorite lineup for the Primetime Slate each week. We will release these as soon as both sites release their pricing.

Recommended Primetime DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($6.6k), RB Josh Jacobs ($7.6k), RB Bucky Irving ($6.4k), WR Mike Evans ($7.6k), WR CeeDee Lamb ($7.5k), WR Jalen McMillan ($4.1k), TE Jake Ferguson ($3.6k), FLEX Marquez Valdes-Scantling ($4.2k), DST New Orleans Saints ($2.4k)

FD Lineup: QB Cooper Rush ($7.0k), RB Bucky Irving ($7.8k), RB Rico Dowdle ($7.3k), WR Mike Evans ($8.8k), WR CeeDee Lamb ($8.5k) WR Romeo Doubs ($5.6k), TE Jake Ferguson ($5.3k), FLEX Kendre Miller ($6.1k), DST New Orleans Saints ($3.4k)

Every quarterback is a target this week except Spencer RattlerBaker Mayfield is my favorite option, followed by Cooper RushJordan Love is an easy pivot on DK, but you must shave some dollars elsewhere to use him on FD.

Josh Jacobs is the clear RB1 on the slate. That said, Rico Dowdle and Bucky Irving also are great plays and cheaper. To save money, I will probably lean toward the latter two. With Alvin Kamara out, Kendre Miller is a starter, and he is affordable. This makes him a decent punt option for your flex slot. You also can use one of the backup RBs (Rachaad White, Sean Tucker, or Jamaal Williams) as a punt play.

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Mike Evans and CeeDee Lamb should be your WR1 and WR2. If you choose to fade either of them, make sure you play their respective running mates: Brandin Cooks or Jalen McMillan. You also can use one of them at WR3. Jayden Reed also can be a pivot from Lamb or Evans. The other WR3 choices come down to Romeo DoubsChristian WatsonDontayvion Wicks, Sterling Shepard (foot), and my favorite, Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest, illness; questionable) in the revenge game. Jalen TolbertKaVontae TurpinDante Pettis, and Kevin Austin are dart throw punt flex options.

Once again, TE is a deep position to choose from this week. The safe choice may fall between Jake Ferguson and Tucker Kraft. Both Foster Moreau and Juwan Johnson have played admirably while filling in for the injured Taysom Hill (knee). Either could be a pivot, even though they both vulture each other. Moreau becomes more appealing should Johnson sit.