Hopefully, everyone enjoys our holiday gift of bonus #DFS coverage this weekend. Of course, we still have Sunday to play through as well. With two days of DFS, I’m looking for more than two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree. That said, I guess I would settle for five golden rings. Because the only thing better than fiat currency in our e-wallets is real physical gold in our homes.
The Primetime Slate:
This should be fun. Kansas City is traveling to Chicago on Sunday night. Chicago is not the big bad defense they were last year and KC isn’t the record-setting offense that they were last year. Still, any offense led by Pat Mahomes cannot be ignored, even on the road. I’m not going to overplay the Chiefs’ offense, but I’d be lying if I said that I don’t intend to do a few Mahomes-Hill-Kelce style stacks. I’m less bullish on Mitch Trubisky. Yes, he has been better the last couple of weeks. The problem is, KC’s defense has also been better the last few weeks. Seven of the last ten QBs to face the Chiefs have failed to record more than one passing touchdown. Figuring out the Chiefs’ backfield is on par with comprehending theoretical physics. If we could make heads or tails of it, I would be happy to play one of them against a defense that has been solid but which has allowed a fair number of scores recently. Damien Williams practiced earlier this week. If he can go, he might be as safe of a play as you will find in this matchup. Of course, it also could just further muddy this four-headed monster. David Montgomery has been a huge bust this year, and it won’t get any prettier here. If I was going to roster a Chicago back this week, it would be Tarik Cohen. I’m even likely to use Cohen as my FLEX or RB2 this week because the Chiefs have been beaten by pass-catching backs. As I mention above, Tyreek Hill is certainly in play at WR1, and I may even pair him with another high-dollar WR. Five of the last six WR1s to face Chicago have scored, and Tyreek can score at ease and at will. Chicago hasn’t been great against WR2s either, but Sammy Watkins and Demarcus Robinson have both been more miss than hit this season. At this point, neither is more than a dart throw WR3/FLEX. I almost prefer Mecole Hardman, if I want a boom/bust option. Allen Robinson is white-hot right now. Good luck fading him at WR2. There are a lot of WRs to choose from though, including Anthony Miller, who is also a possible WR3. As for the TEs, I tried the J.P. Holtz gimmick last week, it didn’t work, lesson learned (even against a beatable KC defense). On the other hand, Travis Kelce is a stud and he is facing a team that struggles with quality TEs. I doubt that I can afford him, but I will certainly try. The Chiefs’ defense will likely be my go-to.
Green Bay and Minnesota renew their rivalry on MNF. Kirk Cousins and Aaron Rodgers should each post solid numbers. I give a slight edge to Rodgers, because the Minnesota secondary has been flaky of late. Dalvin Cook is out with a shoulder injury. Assuming that Alexander Mattison is also out, Mike Boone becomes the lock RB1. This is a pure indictment of how rotten the Packers’ run defense is. Aaron Jones is a better RB than Jamaal Williams. Still, Green Bay wants to give both of them touches. Jones should be the RB2 or RB3 on this slate. Williams is no more than a flier at FLEX. The Packers struggle with quality WRs, so both Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs are in consideration at WR2. Davante Adams gets the better matchup against the Vikings’ cornerbacks. He is the deserving WR1 and either a pivot from Hill or a pair with him. Good luck deciphering the rest of the Green Bay WRs. Allen Lazard is the only one I’d consider, and then only at WR3. Green Bay’s TEs are easy ignores, despite a decent matchup. Both Kyle Rudolph and Irv Smith are great plays for the Vikings. Rudolph needs to be the favorite TE pick this slate, since Kelce is so pricy. Both teams have good defenses, but I’d choose Minnesota at home before considering the Packers.
The Main Slate:
There are three rock star options this week. I hope to have one of: Russell Wilson, Lamar Jackson or Dak Prescott in my lineups. I also don’t mind Kyler Murray or Philip Rivers as a pivot. Andy Dalton is the only punt play that I will consider. Lamar will run 16% on either site, while Russell and Dak will be 14% and 13% respectively on DK and Dak will be only slightly higher on FD.
Each of the three highest dollar options are appealing. That said, I am going to be lean thin here with some great values on the docket. My goal is to use two of the following: Joe Mixon, Mark Ingram, Leonard Fournette, Marlon Mack, Austin Ekeler and Devonta Freeman. If I want to spend up, I might consider using one of them at FLEX. In truth, my plan is to use DeAndre Washington at FLEX on the majority of my rosters. The only other RBs of interest to me: Phillip Lindsay, Patrick Laird or one of the Redskins. Target two of my value seven for no more than 28% on DK and 26% on FD. Washington will run you 8% on DK and 9.3% on FD.
We’ve spent a ton at QB/RB, so I will go cheap at WR. Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen and Davante Parker are the only high-priced options that I trust will hit 3x. Michael Thomas will as well, but he is far too expensive for my roster this week. There are a few decent WR options between $5K and $6.5K. I will likely use two of them at WR1 and WR2. If I do choose Cooper, Allen or Parker, then expect my WR2 to be at the bottom end of this price grouping. At this point, I am leaning Darius Slayton and Hollywood Brown. I will also dumpster dive with WR3 by using: John Ross, Randall Cobb, Albert Wilson or Russell Gage. There are just so many possibilities here this week. Try to keep your WR1/WR2 spending to 24% on DK and 20% on FD. Your WR3 should be no more than 9% on either site.
Zach Ertz is the only sure thing at TE this week. Whenever possible I will use him. That said, much like WR, I may be forced to spend down for a risky choice such as: Noah Fant, Kaden Smith or Jacob Hollister. Ertz is 13% on DK and 11.5% on FD. Otherwise, your cheaper TE options on DK will top off at 8.5% and your FD choice should rate in around 9%.
The Broncos are the safest play and at only 7% on DK and 8.3% on FD, they are a great option. If I need to pay down, I’ll probably take a shot on the Giants, Redskins or Lions. None should be above 5.6% on either site. The Jets at $3.6K on FD remains a cheap option too.
Here are my recommended lineups.
At DK: $8K for Lamar Jackson. $12.2K for Devonta Freeman and Marlon Mack. $6.3K for Keenan Allen. $5.2K for Marquise Brown. $4.2K for John Ross. $6.4K for Zach Ertz. $4K for DeAndre Washington at FLEX. $3.5K for the Broncos’ defense.
At FD: $9.3K for Jackson. $13.5K total for Freeman and Mack. $6.7K for Keenan. $12.6K total for Hollywood and Davante Parker. $6.9K for Ertz. $5.6K for Washington. $5K for the Broncos’ defense.
At Fanball (classic – includes Sun Night): Jackson, Christian McCaffrey, Phillip Lindsay, Michael Gallup, Hollywood Brown, John Ross, Hunter Henry, and the Redskins’ defense.
At Fanball (SuperFlex – includes Sun Night): Jackson, Andy Dalton at SF, Freeman, Mack, Allen, Hollywood, Mark Andrews, Ertz, and D. Washington at FLEX.
At Fantasy Draft (includes Sun Night): Jackson, Mack, Joe Mixon, Hollywood, Darius Slayton, Ertz, Freeman, D. Washington, and the Broncos’ defense.
Quarterback
| DraftKings | FanDuel | |
|---|---|---|
| Lamar Jackson | $8,000 | $9,300 |
| Russell Wilson | $7,000 | $8,300 |
| Drew Brees | $6,900 | $8,200 |
| Ryan Tannehill | $6,600 | $7,800 |
| Dak Prescott | $6,400 | $8,000 |
| Matt Ryan | $6,200 | $7,700 |
| Kyler Murray | $6,100 | $7,700 |
| Ryan Fitzpatrick | $6,000 | $7,400 |
| Daniel Jones | $5,900 | $7,300 |
| Jacoby Brissett | $5,900 | $7,500 |
| Carson Wentz | $5,800 | $7,700 |
| Matthew Stafford | $5,800 | $7,500 |
| Eli Manning | $5,700 | $7,100 |
| Philip Rivers | $5,700 | $7,500 |
| Drew Lock | $5,600 | $7,300 |
| Gardner Minshew II | $5,500 | $6,800 |
| Baker Mayfield | $5,400 | $7,400 |
| Derek Carr | $5,300 | $7,300 |
| Sam Darnold | $5,300 | $7,400 |
| Andy Dalton | $5,200 | $7,100 |
| Devlin Hodges | $5,100 | $6,900 |
| David Blough | $4,900 | $6,800 |
| Dwayne Haskins Jr. | $4,700 | $7,000 |
| Will Grier | $4,300 | $6,000 |
Weekly strategy – Lamar Jackson is a cheat code, even at a high price. If I don’t use him, I may pivot to Russell Wilson, Dak Prescott, Kyler Murray or Philip Rivers. If I need to save money, I might consider Andy Dalton. I shouldn’t have to though since I am going cheaper than normal at WR, and avoiding all the super expensive players at RB.
Your Fantasy Four Pack:
Lamar Jackson, Ravens @ CLE ($8000 DK, $9300 FD)
The Browns’ secondary has improved over the course of the year. They still are beatable, especially deep, which is Lamar Jackson’s thing. They have also given up rushing TDs to three of the five running QBs they have faced. One of the two that didn’t score against them on the ground was Jackson, but he finished their earlier meeting with three passing scores and 66 yards on the ground. This week’s line will be higher than that.
Russell Wilson, Seahawks vs. ARI ($7000 DK, $8300 FD)
Speaking of running QBs, this game features two of the second-tier of that class of QB. Lamar Jackson is the only running QB to do much damage against the Cards this year, but he produced RB1 numbers against them in his meeting. In their earlier meeting, Russell Wilson only notched seven rushing yards and only one score. At home (and with playoff implications) Wilson should triple that line.
Dak Prescott, Cowboys @ PHI ($6400 DK, $8000 FD)
Dak Prescott is dealing with a few minor maladies. This shouldn’t reduce his value against a rotten Eagles’ pass defense. Philly has allowed seven passing TDs over their last three contests, despite facing subpar QBs. In their earlier meeting, Prescott only threw for one score, but he added one on the ground. It is tough to run the ball on this defense, so Dak will be the primary beneficiary if Ezekiel Elliott struggles to move the ball on the ground.
Kyler Murray, Cardinals @ SEA ($6100 DK, $7700 FD)
Our top four QBs for this week are all capable “Rushing QBs”. Kyler Murray is not Lamar Jackson. He doesn’t even have half the rushing yards as the likely MVP. That said, Murray is number two at the position in rushing yards. With Russell Wilson throwing the ball all over the yard with playoff positioning on the line, Murray will need to throw it a ton also to keep up. He won’t beat Seattle, but Murray should post 250-2, 35-1 in a shootout.
Sleepers:
Philip Rivers, Chargers vs. OAK ($5700 DK, $7500 FD)
Oakland’s pass defense is nonexistent. Since Week 4, only one QB (other than Ryan Finley – who is not an NFL QB) has not thrown for multiple TDs. That QB at least added a rushing TD as well (and that game was a windstorm). Philip Rivers is no longer an elite QB, but he does have the third most passing yards of any QB this season. 300-2 is a guarantee here, and I love stacking him with Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and/or Hunter Henry.
Andy Dalton, Bengals @ MIA ($5200 DK, $7100 FD)
No team has allowed more total TDs to opposing QBs than Miami. This includes six different teams recording three or more TDs. Andy Dalton has only two passing TDs in his three games since retaking the reins in Cincy, but at least this week he won’t be having nightmares of Stephon Gilmore.
Running Back
| DraftKings | FanDuel | |
|---|---|---|
| Christian McCaffrey | $10,100 | $10,800 |
| Chris Carson | $8,500 | $8,200 |
| Saquon Barkley | $8,300 | $8,800 |
| Ezekiel Elliott | $7,900 | $8,700 |
| Derrick Henry | $7,700 | $8,800 |
| Alvin Kamara | $7,500 | $7,200 |
| Leonard Fournette | $7,200 | $7,500 |
| Nick Chubb | $6,900 | $8,000 |
| Mark Ingram II | $6,800 | $7,600 |
| Joe Mixon | $6,600 | $7,800 |
| James Conner | $6,500 | $7,400 |
| Miles Sanders | $6,400 | $7,400 |
| Kenyan Drake | $6,300 | $7,100 |
| Marlon Mack | $6,200 | $7,300 |
| Austin Ekeler | $6,100 | $6,800 |
| Devonta Freeman | $6,000 | $6,200 |
| Le’Veon Bell | $5,800 | $7,100 |
| Melvin Gordon III | $5,600 | $7,000 |
| Kareem Hunt | $5,500 | $6,100 |
| Phillip Lindsay | $5,300 | $6,300 |
| Jordan Howard | $5,200 | $6,900 |
| Latavius Murray | $5,100 | $5,500 |
| Adrian Peterson | $5,000 | $6,500 |
| Kerryon Johnson | $4,900 | $4,500 |
| Patrick Laird | $4,600 | $5,500 |
| Nyheim Hines | $4,400 | $5,700 |
| Gus Edwards | $4,200 | $5,000 |
| Bo Scarbrough | $4,000 | $5,900 |
| Boston Scott | $4,000 | $5,400 |
| DeAndre Washington | $4,000 | $5,600 |
| Jaylen Samuels | $4,000 | $5,600 |
| Royce Freeman | $4,000 | $5,500 |
| Wes Hills | $3,900 | $5,600 |
| Myles Gaskin | $3,800 | $5,200 |
| Chris Thompson | $3,700 | $5,000 |
| Bilal Powell | $3,600 | $5,000 |
| J.D. McKissic | $3,200 | $4,900 |
Weekly strategy – DeAndre Washington at FLEX is the mortal lock. After that, there are several possible choices all in the same price range: Leonard Fournette, Mark Ingram, Joe Mixon, Marlon Mack, Austin Ekeler, Devonta Freeman and Phillip Lindsay. I will choose two of them on most of my lineups. It should be known that I actually like Saquan Barkley, Christian McCaffrey and Chris Carson. I just want to save money here, so that I can afford Lamar Jackson and maybe afford Zach Ertz. If I choose to go cheaper at TE or QB, then I might opt for one of the expensive threesome. If I choose to go extremely cheap here, I may pair Washington with one of the Redskins, Patrick Laird, or Royce Freeman. I shouldn’t have to though.
Your Fantasy Four Pack:
Christian McCaffrey, Panthers @ IND ($10100 DK, $10800 FD)
Christian McCaffrey is basically a lock for 30 DFS points every week. You get what you pay for. The Colts have only given up six running back TDs all year, but they have given up 166 combo yards per game over the last three weeks. With a rookie QB under center, expect C-Mac to handle a larger than normal workload, including a ton of short receptions. Six of their last eight opponents have gotten seven or more RB receptions against Indy. That is well below Christian’s floor.
Chris Carson, Seahawks vs. ARI ($8500 DK, $8200 FD)
Speaking of RB receptions, Arizona has allowed double-digit receptions to opposing RBs in four of their last seven games. With no Rashaad Penny, Chris Carson will see most of the pass-catching opportunities this week. This is in addition to his rushing yardage. Over their last seven contests, Arizona is giving up just under 175 combo yards per game to opposing RBs. As long as Carson doesn’t drop the ball (literally), he will net most of that figure.
Devonta Freeman, Jaguars @ ATL ($6000 DK, $6200 FD)
Devonta Freeman is not the back he used to be. He still has value when the matchup is right. This week the matchup is so right, that it feels wrong. Freeman will do things to this group of slappies that are illegal in most states. Since Week 9, Slacksonville has given up 222 combo yards per game to opposing backs, to go along with ten TDs allowed. I’m always a little concerned about Freeman getting vultured on the score, but the yardage alone makes him a top-5 play this week.
Joe Mixon, Bengals @ MIA ($6600 DK, $7800 FD)
Joe Mixon is the only member of the Bengals that hasn’t given up yet. Since Andy Dalton’s return, only Derrick Henry has more rushing yards than Mixon. He did get added to the injured list on Thursday with a calf injury, so pay attention to his status as the game approaches. If he cannot go, Giovani Bernard will be a slate-winner.
Sleepers:
DeAndre Washington, Raiders @ LAC ($4000 DK, $5600 FD)
Speaking of slate-winners, DeAndre Washington gets the start for Oakland against a Chargers’ defense that has been bad at stopping RBs who catch passes. At this price, it will be hard to fade Washington. If you want some exposure to this game without being chalk, consider Jalen Richard instead.
Adrian Peterson, Redskins vs. NYG ($5000 DK, $6500 FD)
The New York Giants have allowed 31 RB receptions over the last four weeks. That isn’t exactly the strong suit for Adrian Peterson, but he does catch a few passes here and there and he has scored on the ground in three straight games. If Peterson somehow misses this game, Chris Thompson would be an A+ play.
Wide Receiver
| DraftKings | FanDuel | |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Thomas | $9,300 | $9,000 |
| Julio Jones | $8,000 | $8,000 |
| Tyler Lockett | $7,600 | $7,600 |
| A.J. Brown | $7,000 | $7,200 |
| DJ Moore | $6,900 | $6,600 |
| DeVante Parker | $6,800 | $6,900 |
| Amari Cooper | $6,700 | $7,700 |
| JuJu Smith-Schuster | $6,600 | $6,800 |
| Kenny Golladay | $6,500 | $7,400 |
| T.Y. Hilton | $6,400 | $7,300 |
| DJ Chark Jr. | $6,300 | $6,300 |
| Keenan Allen | $6,300 | $6,700 |
| Courtland Sutton | $6,200 | $7,100 |
| Terry McLaurin | $6,200 | $6,500 |
| Sterling Shepard | $6,100 | $6,300 |
| Zach Pascal | $6,100 | $6,600 |
| Jarvis Landry | $6,000 | $6,900 |
| DK Metcalf | $5,900 | $6,300 |
| Odell Beckham Jr. | $5,800 | $6,700 |
| Tyler Boyd | $5,800 | $6,300 |
| Robby Anderson | $5,700 | $6,100 |
| Christian Kirk | $5,600 | $5,900 |
| Darius Slayton | $5,500 | $6,000 |
| Michael Gallup | $5,500 | $6,500 |
| Jamison Crowder | $5,400 | $6,000 |
| James Washington | $5,300 | $6,600 |
| Marquise Brown | $5,200 | $5,700 |
| Dede Westbrook | $5,100 | $5,700 |
| Mike Williams | $5,000 | $6,500 |
| Danny Amendola | $4,900 | $6,000 |
| Tyrell Williams | $4,900 | $5,600 |
| Golden Tate | $4,800 | $6,200 |
| Diontae Johnson | $4,700 | $5,700 |
| Nelson Agholor | $4,600 | $5,400 |
| Curtis Samuel | $4,500 | $6,000 |
| Russell Gage | $4,400 | $5,100 |
| Chris Conley | $4,300 | $5,800 |
| Marcus Johnson | $4,300 | $5,900 |
| Greg Ward | $4,200 | $5,700 |
| John Ross III | $4,200 | $5,200 |
| Larry Fitzgerald | $4,200 | $5,700 |
| Randall Cobb | $4,100 | $5,300 |
| Corey Davis | $4,000 | $5,200 |
| Steven Sims Jr. | $4,000 | $5,700 |
| Allen Hurns | $3,900 | $5,300 |
| Ted Ginn Jr. | $3,900 | $5,300 |
| Albert Wilson | $3,800 | $5,400 |
| Seth Roberts | $3,800 | $5,100 |
| Damiere Byrd | $3,700 | $5,000 |
| Tajae Sharpe | $3,700 | $4,700 |
| Hunter Renfrow | $3,600 | $5,400 |
| Keelan Cole | $3,600 | $5,400 |
| Tim Patrick | $3,600 | $5,400 |
| Demaryius Thomas | $3,500 | $4,800 |
| JJ Arcega-Whiteside | $3,500 | $5,100 |
| Tre’Quan Smith | $3,500 | $4,500 |
| Willie Snead IV | $3,400 | $4,600 |
| Vyncint Smith | $3,000 | $4,900 |
Weekly strategy – By spending up at QB and TE, I will be forced to spend down slightly at WR. Fortunately, there are some great values this week. Much like RB, I won’t argue with Michael Thomas or Julio Jones here. I just want to spend less. The high dollar guys I really like here are: Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper, Davante Parker, Courtland Sutton and Kenny Golladay. I hope to squeeze one of them into each of my lineups. Worst case scenario, I will use two of the following to tie up WR1 and WR2: Christian Kirk, DK Metcalf, one of the Giants, Michael Gallup, Marquise Brown, Mike Williams, Danny Amendola and James Washington. My WR3 will just be someone under $5K on DK and under $6K on FD. My favorite choices there are John Ross and Albert Wilson.
Your Fantasy Four Pack:
Michael Thomas, Saints @ TEN ($9300 DK, $9000 FD)
It doesn’t matter who he faces, Michael Thomas is approaching Christian McCaffrey level DFS trustworthiness. Thomas has topped 100 yards in eight of his last ten games, and he has eight or more receptions in all but one of those games. Tennessee has allowed nine WR1 TDs in their last seven games. Michael Thomas is a lock for at least 10-100-1, and 14-150-2 is not out of the question. If you can afford him, get him into your lineup.
Keenan Allen, Chargers vs. OAK ($6300 DK, $6700 FD)
Keenan Allen has been a PPR beast all season, but he has only scored in four games. Fortunately for Allen, two of those have come in the last four weeks. Over their last five meetings, Allen has averaged 7-79 against the Raiders with two scores. The yardage and receptions should be a lock, and I’d say he has a decent chance of scoring too.
Julio Jones, Falcons vs. JAX ($8000 DK, $8000 FD)
In addition to sucking against the run, Jacksonville has started to get sloppy at covering bigger outside WRs. I’m not sure that Julio Jones will have as big a game as he did last week, but without Calvin Ridley the opportunities will be there. Jones got 20 targets last week, the rest of the team got 18.
Amari Cooper, Cowboys @ PHI ($6700 DK, $7700 FD)
Amari Cooper has battled some injuries and now his QB has some injuries of his own. Nevertheless, this is Philadelphia, and they cannot stop most high school passing offenses. In the last three weeks, the Eagles have given up 5-130-1 to Terry McLaurin, 5-154-2 to Darius Slayton and 7-159-2 to Davante Parker. Cooper is a better receiver than any of them. Plus, Cooper may be low-owned coming off a bad performance which was stunted by Dak’s injury and shadow coverage by Jalen Ramsey.
Sleepers:
Darius Slayton, Giants @ WAS ($5500 DK, $6000 FD)
Speaking of Darius Slayton, the Giants’ receiver has seven scores in his last seven games. Not bad for a guy who is technically the third receiver in his offense. Washington has been hit or miss this year at covering WRs. This week they will have their hands full with all three WRs healthy for the Giants. Any of the threesome could be a worthy play, but Slayton is the hot hand.
John Ross, Bengals @ MIA ($4200 DK, $5200 FD)
So, you want a discount stack to place in your lineup to build around? Consider John Ross and Andy Dalton. Ross has three targets and two catches in each of the last two games since his return. Meanwhile, Miami has given up multiple WR Scores in ten different games. There is a fair amount of risk here, but the price is cheap, and the opportunity shines.
Tight End
| DraftKings | FanDuel | |
|---|---|---|
| Zach Ertz | $6,400 | $6,900 |
| Darren Waller | $6,100 | $6,500 |
| Mark Andrews | $5,900 | $6,500 |
| Jared Cook | $5,000 | $6,600 |
| Hunter Henry | $4,700 | $6,100 |
| Jack Doyle | $4,500 | $6,200 |
| Austin Hooper | $4,400 | $6,000 |
| Jacob Hollister | $4,200 | $5,700 |
| Dallas Goedert | $4,100 | $5,900 |
| Jason Witten | $4,000 | $5,800 |
| Greg Olsen | $3,900 | $4,900 |
| Jonnu Smith | $3,800 | $5,400 |
| Noah Fant | $3,700 | $5,900 |
| Mike Gesicki | $3,600 | $5,300 |
| David Njoku | $3,500 | $5,000 |
| Rhett Ellison | $3,300 | $5,000 |
| Kaden Smith | $3,200 | $5,100 |
| Tyler Eifert | $3,200 | $4,700 |
| Hayden Hurst | $3,100 | $5,100 |
| Ian Thomas | $3,100 | $5,100 |
| Vance McDonald | $3,100 | $5,000 |
| Ricky Seals-Jones | $3,000 | $5,300 |
| Blake Jarwin | $2,900 | $5,300 |
Weekly strategy – Zach Ertz for the win…assuming you can afford him. If you can’t afford him, there are some cheaper pivots: Mark Andrews, Jacob Hollister, Hunter Henry or Noah Fant. Kaden Smith is the only punt play I’ll consider this week.
Your Fantasy Four Pack:
Zach Ertz, Eagles vs. DAL ($6400 DK, $6900 FD)
Zach Ertz remains the WR1, WR2, and WR3 for Philadelphia. This is a slate-breaker matchup against a Dallas secondary that has given up six or more receptions to opposing TEs eight times this year. This includes them allowing 21-218 to the position over the last two games. Ertz could get 20 targets in this game.
Mark Andrews, Ravens @ CLE ($5900 DK, $6500 FD)
The Browns haven’t been horrible at covering TEs. They have however given up seven TDs to the position. One of those TDs went to Mark Andrews back in Week 4. Andrews’ reception and yardage numbers have slipped in recent weeks, but he has scored five times in his last six games. If Andrews hauls in 4-40-1 this week, I will be happy. Especially, if he is part of my stack with Lamar Jackson.
Hunter Henry, Chargers vs. OAK ($4700 DK, $6100 FD)
Oakland has been almost as bad at covering TEs as Arizona has been. Eight times this year, the Raiders have given up 60 or more yards to the position. Plus, they have given up the second-most TDs to the position. Hunter Henry has been busy blocking of late and his target share has dipped. Still, you have to like his chances against this sagging defense. Henry has only faced Oakland four times in his career. He has averaged 4-53 over those games, scoring in three of them.
Jacob Hollister, Seahawks vs. ARI ($4200 DK, $5700 FD)
Jacob Hollister hasn’t done much since Week 10. Fortunately for him, he gets to face the Cardinals this week. Arizona has given up 15 TE scores and only three teams have failed to score against them. This includes a bunch of TEs that are crappier than Hollister.
Sleepers:
Noah Fant, Broncos vs. DET ($3700 DK, $5900 FD)
Noah Fant has quietly been the second-best receiving option for the Broncos this season. He doesn’t catch a ton of passes, but the ones he catches, he does a lot with. Meanwhile, Detroit has given up 16-138 to the position over the last two weeks.
Kaden Smith, Giants @ WAS ($3200 DK, $5100 FD)
No Evan Engram and no Rhett Ellison has meant plenty of Kaden Smith the last few weeks. He has been targeted 22 times over the last four games. Over the last five weeks, Washington is allowing an average of 6-78-1 to the TE position. All of that usage will be funneled through Smith this week.