With Thanksgiving Week and a pair of Byepocalypse weeks looming shortly, Week 11’s challenge is to squeeze as many Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs into your lineup as possible.
From a DFS standpoint, I am happy that this matchup is on the main slate, but I am still shocked that this game wasn’t flexed to prime time.
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 Russell Wilson ($5.9k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($8.3k), RB Nick Chubb ($6.0k), WR George Pickens ($7.0k), WR Calvin Ridley ($6.2k), WR Mack Hollins ($3.8k), TE Dawson Knox ($3.5k), FLEX Kareem Hunt ($6.7k), DST Cleveland Browns ($2.6k)
FD Lineup: QB Russell Wilson ($7.8k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($9.8k), RB Nick Chubb ($6.2k), WR George Pickens ($7.5k), WR Quentin Johnston ($6.0k), WR Calvin Ridley ($6.4k), TE Pat Freiermuth ($5.3K), FLEX Chase Brown ($6.8k), DST Cleveland Browns ($4.1k)
FB Lineup: QB Russell Wilson ($5.7k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($8.2k) RB Kyren Williams ($7.6k), WR George Pickens ($5.9k), WR Cedric Tillman ($3.9k), WR/TE George Kittle ($5.9k), TE Travis Kelce ($6.0k), FLEX Kareem Hunt ($6.2k), SUPERFLEX Jameis Winston ($5.5k)
*Note: Player salaries are color-coded based on expected output. Red = Less than 2.5x value, Black = 2.5x value, Green = Greater than 3x value.
| Quarterback | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Lamar Jackson | $8,000 | $9,000 |
| Josh Allen | $7,800 | $8,800 |
| Joe Burrow | N/A | $8,500 |
| Jordan Love | $7,000 | $7,700 |
| Patrick Mahomes | $6,800 | $7,900 |
| Brock Purdy | $6,600 | $8,400 |
| Kirk Cousins | $6,500 | $7,100 |
| Jared Goff | $6,300 | $8,300 |
| Bo Nix | $6,200 | $7,400 |
| Sam Darnold | $6,100 | $7,500 |
| Tua Tagovailoa | $6,000 | $8,000 |
| Russell Wilson | $5,900 | $7,800 |
| Matthew Stafford | $5,800 | $7,400 |
| Geno Smith | $5,700 | $7,600 |
| Justin Herbert | N/A | $7,300 |
| Drake Maye | $5,600 | $6,700 |
| Aaron Rodgers | $5,500 | $7,100 |
| Jameis Winston | $5,500 | $7,200 |
| Caleb Williams | $5,400 | $7,000 |
| Trevor Lawrence | $5,400 | $7,000 |
| Joe Flacco | $5,300 | $6,900 |
| Derek Carr | $5,200 | $7,200 |
| Will Levis | $5,100 | $6,700 |
| Desmond Ridder | $5,000 | $6,600 |
| Gardner Minshew II | $5,000 | $6,600 |
| Mac Jones | $4,900 | $6,800 |
Quarterback
Weekly strategy – Despite facing off against each other’s elite defenses and without their top receiving weapons, Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes lock horns in another epic battle. The clear pivot play would be Brock Purdy. To save some money, I love Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston and, to a lesser degree, Matthew Stafford. Will Levis is a bottom-priced punt option.
Fantasy four-pack
Josh Allen, Bills vs. KC ($7,800 DK, $8,800 FD) KC’s defense is elite, but when these two teams meet, throw the recent trends out the window. In seven career meetings, Allen has 20 total TDs, and he has averaged 299 total yards per game. Stack him with two of Khalil Shakir, Dawson Knox (assuming Dalton Kincaid is out), and Mack Hollins (assuming Amari Cooper is out).
Joe Burrow, Bengals @ LAC (N/A DK, $8,500 FD) Burrow went berserk the last two weeks, throwing for nine TDs. This matchup looks tougher on paper, but the Chargers have faced only four top-20 QBs all season.
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs @ BUF ($6,800 DK, $7,900 FD) Despite facing a stingy Denver defense, Mahomes produced another solid yardage line last week. He threw for only one TD in that game, but Mahomes has six over the previous three weeks. Plus, he should get an enormous boost with the return of JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) this week.
Brock Purdy, 49ers vs. SEA ($6,600 DK, $8,400 FD) Purdy’s receivers returned to the field last week and he instantly went off for 353-2. Meanwhile, Seattle has allowed multiple passing TDs in five of their last six games, including three to Purdy in Week 6.
Sleepers
Russell Wilson, Steelers vs. BAL ($5,900 DK, $7,800 FD) Baltimore has the worst pass defense in football. They have allowed 30 more yards per game than the next worst team. They have also allowed the most passing TDs this year. Since becoming the starting quarterback in Week 7, Wilson has scored the sixth-most points per game among quarterbacks.
Jameis Winston, Browns @ NO ($5,500 DK, $7,200 FD) Winston gets the revenge game against a New Orleans defense that recently traded away their best cornerback. Stack him with David Njoku and Cedric Tillman.
| Running back | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Christian McCaffrey | $8,300 | $9,800 |
| Alvin Kamara | $8,200 | $8,200 |
| Derrick Henry | $8,100 | $9,400 |
| Kyren Williams | $7,900 | $9,200 |
| Bijan Robinson | $7,800 | $8,900 |
| Jonathan Taylor | $7,600 | $8,400 |
| Breece Hall | $7,500 | $8,500 |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | $7,300 | $8,300 |
| De’Von Achane | $7,200 | $8,700 |
| Josh Jacobs | $7,100 | $7,400 |
| Kenneth Walker III | $7,000 | $7,800 |
| Aaron Jones | $6,900 | $7,600 |
| James Cook | $6,800 | $7,900 |
| Kareem Hunt | $6,700 | $8,000 |
| J.K. Dobbins | N/A | $7,200 |
| D’Andre Swift | $6,600 | $7,100 |
| David Montgomery | $6,500 | $8,100 |
| Tony Pollard | $6,400 | $6,900 |
| Chase Brown | N/A | $6,800 |
| Travis Etienne Jr. | $6,300 | $6,700 |
| Najee Harris | $6,200 | $7,000 |
| Rhamondre Stevenson | $6,100 | $6,500 |
| Nick Chubb | $6,000 | $6,200 |
| Jordan Mason | $5,900 | $5,200 |
| Raheem Mostert | $5,800 | $6,600 |
| Javonte Williams | $5,700 | $5,500 |
| Tank Bigsby | $5,600 | $6,300 |
| Alexander Mattison | $5,500 | $5,700 |
| Braelon Allen | $5,500 | $5,400 |
| Ray Davis | $5,400 | $5,300 |
| Jaylen Warren | $5,300 | $5,500 |
| Tyler Allgeier | $5,300 | $5,800 |
| Justice Hill | $5,200 | $5,300 |
| Zach Charbonnet | $5,100 | $5,100 |
| Antonio Gibson | $4,800 | $5,100 |
| Gus Edwards | N/A | $5,000 |
| Jaleel McLaughlin | $4,700 | $5,000 |
| Tyjae Spears | $4,700 | $5,300 |
| Cam Akers | $4,600 | $5,600 |
| Audric Estime | $4,500 | $5,400 |
| Emanuel Wilson | $4,500 | $5,200 |
| Zamir White | $4,500 | $5,100 |
| Jerome Ford | $4,400 | $5,200 |
| Khalil Herbert | N/A | $4,900 |
Running back
Weekly strategy – Christian McCaffrey immediately stepped back into a bell cow role. This week he faces a cake matchup. Bijan Robinson and Kyren Williams are the next best options. Detroit also has an easy matchup, but good luck choosing between Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Kareem Hunt is my favorite RB2 choice. Chase Brown and Nick Chubb can be RB2 pivots. They also are both great flex plays if you go cheaper elsewhere. Watch Najee Harris’s (ankle) injury status. If he is out, Jaylen Warren can be a punt option. Otherwise, take a flier on Alexander Mattison or Audric Estime.
Fantasy four-pack
Christian McCaffrey, 49ers vs. SEA ($8,300 DK, $9,800 FD) Since Week 4, Seattle has allowed over 27 PPR points per game to opposing RBs. This included allowing 26.9 PPR points to the Niners’ backups in Week 6. Nothing held McCaffrey back last week. He handled 20 of the 22 RB opportunities for San Fran.
Bijan Robinson, Falcons @ DEN ($7,800 DK, $8,900 FD) Pass-catching running backs can beat Denver’s defense. They rank fourth in RB targets and receptions and fifth in RB receiving yards and receiving TDs. This fits Robinson’s bill as he ranks third among RBs in both receptions and receiving yards.
Kyren Williams, Rams @ NE ($7,900 DK, $9,200 FD) Williams gets to feast on a Patriots’ defense that allows 145 combo yards and 1.1 total TDs per game to the RB position. Despite being shut out the last two weeks, Williams ranks second in total TDs among RBs.
Alvin Kamara, Saints vs. CLE ($8,200 DK, $8,200 FD) His price is the same on both sites, but he is only a legit play on DK because of the full PPR scoring. Kamara has five or more receptions in eight of 10 games. Meanwhile, Cleveland has faced legit pass-catching backs only a few times this year, so their numbers look artificially good.
Sleepers
Kareem Hunt, Chiefs @ BUF ($6,700 DK, $8,000 FD) With Isiah Pacheco’s (leg) return looming shortly, this may be the last week to enjoy huge scoring from Hunt. Buffalo is allowing a league third-worst 4.9 YPC to opposing rushers. Since Week 9, they have allowed 362 total yards and three total TDs to the position.
Nick Chubb, Browns @ NO ($6,000 DK, $6,200 FD) The Saints have allowed seven total RB touchdowns over the last four weeks. Chubb has been a dud since his return in Week 7, but here — at low ownership — he will go off.
| Wide Receiver | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Ja’Marr Chase | N/A | $9,600 |
| Justin Jefferson | $8,600 | $9,000 |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | $8,000 | $9,200 |
| Cooper Kupp | $7,500 | $8,800 |
| Tyreek Hill | $7,400 | $8,500 |
| Puka Nacua | $7,300 | $8,300 |
| Davante Adams | $7,200 | $7,400 |
| Garrett Wilson | $7,100 | $8,100 |
| George Pickens | $7,000 | $7,500 |
| Zay Flowers | $6,900 | $7,600 |
| Deebo Samuel Sr. | $6,800 | $8,200 |
| Drake London | $6,700 | $7,800 |
| Tee Higgins | N/A | $7,100 |
| Darnell Mooney | $6,600 | $7,000 |
| DK Metcalf | $6,500 | $8,000 |
| Jaxon Smith-Njigba | $6,500 | $7,300 |
| Jayden Reed | $6,400 | $7,700 |
| Josh Downs | $6,400 | $6,900 |
| Khalil Shakir | $6,300 | $6,500 |
| Calvin Ridley | $6,200 | $6,400 |
| Brian Thomas Jr. | $6,100 | $6,600 |
| Ladd McConkey | N/A | $6,300 |
| DJ Moore | $6,000 | $6,100 |
| Quentin Johnston | N/A | $6,000 |
| Michael Pittman Jr. | $6,000 | $5,900 |
| Courtland Sutton | $5,900 | $6,800 |
| Jaylen Waddle | $5,900 | $6,200 |
| Jameson Williams | $5,800 | $6,300 |
| Tyler Lockett | $5,800 | $6,100 |
| Amari Cooper | $5,700 | $6,300 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | $5,700 | $6,700 |
| Jakobi Meyers | $5,600 | $6,200 |
| Xavier Worthy | $5,600 | $6,000 |
| Romeo Doubs | $5,500 | $5,800 |
| Joshua Palmer | N/A | $5,600 |
| Andrei Iosivas | N/A | $5,500 |
| Alec Pierce | $5,400 | $5,400 |
| Jerry Jeudy | $5,400 | $5,800 |
| Cedric Tillman | $5,300 | $6,500 |
| Jauan Jennings | $5,300 | $6,200 |
| Christian Watson | $5,200 | $5,700 |
| Keenan Allen | $5,200 | $5,800 |
| Demarcus Robinson | $5,100 | $5,900 |
| Jordan Addison | $5,100 | $5,800 |
| Dontayvion Wicks | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Rome Odunze | $5,000 | $5,600 |
| Ricky Pearsall | $4,900 | $5,800 |
| Diontae Johnson | $4,800 | $5,700 |
| DeMario Douglas | $4,700 | $5,300 |
| Gabe Davis | $4,700 | $5,700 |
| Rashod Bateman | $4,600 | $5,400 |
| JuJu Smith-Schuster | $4,500 | $5,200 |
| Adonai Mitchell | $4,400 | $5,300 |
| Marquez Valdes-Scantling | $4,400 | $5,900 |
| Cedrick Wilson Jr. | $4,300 | $5,100 |
| Elijah Moore | $4,300 | $5,500 |
| Ray-Ray McCloud III | $4,200 | $5,600 |
| Mike Williams | $4,100 | $5,700 |
| Tre Tucker | $4,100 | $5,100 |
| Jalen Nailor | $4,000 | $5,000 |
| Parker Washington | $4,000 | $5,300 |
| Devaughn Vele | $3,900 | $5,200 |
| DJ Turner | $3,900 | $5,100 |
| Mack Hollins | $3,800 | $5,600 |
| Justin Watson | $3,700 | $4,800 |
| Troy Franklin | $3,700 | $5,000 |
| Calvin Austin III | $3,600 | $5,200 |
| Nick Westbrook-Ikhine | $3,600 | $5,400 |
| Kalif Raymond | $3,500 | $4,800 |
| Kayshon Boutte | $3,500 | $4,900 |
| Nelson Agholor | $3,500 | $5,100 |
| Jermaine Burton | N/A | $4,700 |
| Van Jefferson | $3,500 | $4,400 |
| Ja’Lynn Polk | $3,400 | $4,800 |
| Odell Beckham Jr. | $3,400 | $4,700 |
| Tim Patrick | $3,400 | $4,900 |
| Tyler Boyd | $3,400 | $4,600 |
| Curtis Samuel | $3,300 | $5,000 |
| Mecole Hardman | $3,300 | $5,000 |
| Tylan Wallace | $3,300 | $4,700 |
| Lil’Jordan Humphrey | $3,200 | $4,500 |
| Kendrick Bourne | $3,100 | $5,000 |
| Marvin Mims Jr. | $3,100 | $4,400 |
Wide receiver
Weekly strategy – Spend up on Ja’Marr Chase or Puka Nacua. The only other elite player among the high-priced options is George Pickens. At WR2, pick Calvin Ridley, Khalil Shakir, Quentin Johnston, or DeAndre Hopkins. I love Jauan Jennings and Cedric Tillman for WR3. I also would consider JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) if he returns from his injury. If you punt this position, Mack Hollins, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Mike Williams are the best options.
Fantasy four-pack
Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals @ LAC (N/A DK, $9,600 FD) If you faced Chase last week, my condolences on your loss. Thankfully, in DFS, you can choose to play him this week even if you don’t own him in your season-long leagues. Over their last three games, the Chargers have allowed an average of 6.3-89-1 to opposing WR1s.
Puka Nacua, Rams @ NE ($7,300, $8,300 FD) In the two full games that Nacua has played since his return from injury, he has posted 16-204 on 23 targets. As long as he doesn’t punch anyone, he should post 9-100-1 here.
George Pickens, Steelers vs. BAL ($7,000 DK, $7,500 FD) Only two WR1s have not topped 100 yards and/or scored against this defense this season. Both came back in Weeks 3 and 4. Since then, they have allowed an average of 7-126-1.8 to opposing WR1s. Plus, Pickens has scored in two of the three games since Russell Wilson took over at QB.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions vs. JAX ($8,000 DK, $9,200 FD) This play isn’t as obvious as expected. Detroit could just run the ball down the throat of the Jaguars. Plus, St. Brown’s scoring touchdowns in seven consecutive games has helped his numbers look better than they are. Still, with Sam LaPorta (shoulder) in danger of missing this game, St. Brown could see an uptick in targets.
Sleepers
Calvin Ridley, Titans vs. MIN ($6,200 DK, $6,400 FD) Minnesota ranks in the bottom eight in receptions, yardage, and TDs allowed to opposing WRs. Meanwhile, since Week 6, Ridley ranks third among WRs in targets.
Cedric Tillman, Browns @ NO ($5,300 DK, $6,500 FD) The sites have not bumped Tillman’s price up, despite his ranking 10th or better in receptions, targets, and receiving TDs among WRs, since Week 7.
| Tight End | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Travis Kelce | $6,300 | $7,400 |
| George Kittle | $6,000 | $8,000 |
| Brock Bowers | $5,800 | $7,200 |
| David Njoku | $5,500 | $6,600 |
| Evan Engram | $5,200 | $5,900 |
| Dalton Kincaid | $5,000 | $5,800 |
| Kyle Pitts | $4,800 | $5,500 |
| T.J. Hockenson | $4,700 | $6,500 |
| Mark Andrews | $4,600 | $6,100 |
| Taysom Hill | $4,500 | $6,400 |
| Tucker Kraft | $4,400 | $6,000 |
| Sam LaPorta | $4,300 | $5,700 |
| Mike Gesicki | N/A | $5,400 |
| Pat Freiermuth | $4,200 | $5,300 |
| Cole Kmet | $4,100 | $5,200 |
| Isaiah Likely | $4,000 | $5,600 |
| Hunter Henry | $3,900 | $5,300 |
| Jonnu Smith | $3,800 | $5,100 |
| Noah Fant | $3,700 | $5,000 |
| Colby Parkinson | $3,600 | $5,000 |
| Will Dissly | N/A | $5,000 |
| Dawson Knox | $3,500 | $5,100 |
| Juwan Johnson | $3,400 | $5,200 |
| Brock Wright | $3,300 | $4,600 |
| Tyler Conklin | $3,200 | $5,000 |
| AJ Barner | $3,100 | $4,800 |
| Josh Oliver | $3,100 | $4,700 |
| Chig Okonkwo | $3,000 | $4,800 |
| Foster Moreau | $3,000 | $4,800 |
| Adam Trautman | $2,800 | $4,700 |
| Brenton Strange | $2,700 | $4,700 |
| Davis Allen | $2,500 | $4,200 |
Tight end
Weekly strategy – Travis Kelce and George Kittle each have juicy matchups. David Njoku, Pat Freiermuth, and Mike Gesicki are cheaper alternatives. If you want to take a deep dive, consider Will Dissly, Dawson Knox, or Brock Wright.
Fantasy four-pack
Travis Kelce, Chiefs @ BUF ($6,300 DK, $7,400 FD) In his last seven games against the Bills, Kelce is averaging 7.8-87 with eight TDs. Plus, over the last three weeks, Kelce is leading the league in TE targets, receptions, and receiving yards.
George Kittle, 49ers vs. SEA ($6,000 DK, $8,000 FD) Kittle has seven TDs over his last seven games. This includes a 5-58-2 against these Seahawks.
David Njoku, Browns @ NO ($5,500 DK, $6,600 FD) In the three games since Jameis Winston took over, Njoku has posted 20-166-2 on 28 targets. The Saints have struggled with the limited number of similarly talented TEs they have faced this season.
Brock Bowers, Raiders @ MIA ($5,800 DK, $7,200 FD) This isn’t a great matchup on paper, but Bowers has been matchup-proof this year. He ranks second among TEs in both receptions and targets, and he ranks first in receiving yards.
Sleepers
Mike Gesicki, Bengals @ LAC (N/A DK, $5,400 FD) Since Tee Higgins (quadriceps) went down to injury, Gesicki ranks top-four in every TE scoring category. As long as Higgins remains out, keep playing him. If Higgins plays, consider flipping to Pat Freiermuth at a similar price.
Dawson Knox, Bills vs. KC ($3,500 DK, $5,100 FD) With Dalton Kincaid (knee) on the wrong side of questionable, Knox will be a favorite target for Josh Allen. In six career games versus the Chiefs, Knox has scored three times. Plus, KC has allowed the most receiving yards to the position.