Tag: Daily Fantasy Football DFS picks sleepers

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 1

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 12 DFS fantasy football

Welcome back to the new streamlined DFS Dominator. Each week I will give you my favorite recommended lineups for the Sunday Main slate on DraftKings (DK), FanDuel (FD), and Fanball (FB) as well as the top four projected scorers at each position, regardless of price. I also will give you my two favorite sleepers at each position. Plus, I will provide you a brief behind-the-curtain look-see at my positional strategy each week.

Recommended DFS lineups

*Note – Both FanDuel and Fanball include the Sunday night game on their Main Slate

DK Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($5.6k), RB Zack Moss ($5.8k), RB Travis Etienne ($7.2k), WR Mike Evans ($7.3k), WR Joshua Palmer ($5.2k), WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba ($4.9k), TE Kyle Pitts ($4.6k), FLEX Kenneth Walker III ($6.1k), DST Atlanta Falcons ($3.3k)

FD Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($7.2k), RB Kenneth Walker III ($7.4k), RB Alvin Kamara ($7.1k), WR Mike Evans ($7.9k), WR Terry McLaurin ($6.2k), WR DJ Moore ($6.9k), TE Evan Engram ($6.2k), FLEX Travis Etienne ($7.5k), DST Atlanta Falcons ($3.6k)

FB Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($5.6k), RB Alvin Kamara ($6.4k) RB Kenneth Walker III ($5.9k), WR Mike Evans ($7.0k), WR Tyreek Hill ($8.4k), WR/TE Terry McLaurin ($5.3k), TE Evan Engram ($4.9k), FLEX Gus Edwards ($4.6k), SUPERFLEX Tua Tagovailoa ($6.4k)

*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

Weekly strategy – Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels get the “first-game discount”. They also face softer defenses. Baker Mayfield, Geno Smith, and Kirk Cousins (Achilles) are veterans who draw discount prices and easier matchups to start the season. Look at the Dolphins-Jaguars game for some pinball points. Considering their heightened prices and tough matchups, fade Joe Burrow, Dak Prescott, and C.J. Stroud. Both Will Levis and Sam Darnold are great bottom-of-the-ledger punt plays.

Fantasy four-pack

Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins vs. JAX ($7,000 DK, $7,700 FD) Two top-20 WRs facing a shaky defense that finished last season seventh-worst in both passing yards allowed and passing TDs allowed.

Josh Allen, Bills vs. ARI ($8,000 DK, $9,200 FD) Arizona allowed the second-highest opponent passer rating and third-most passing TDs last year. Plus, they finished bottom-eight in rushing yards and TDs allowed to QBs.

Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars @ MIA ($6,200 DK, $7,400 FD) Despite WR turnover, this will be a shootout between two bottom-eight passing defenses.

Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers vs. WAS ($5,600 DK, $7,200 FD) A strong preseason perfectly sets up Mayfield versus the worst pass defense (yards and TDs) in the league from last year that didn’t improve enough to make a big difference in Week 1.

Sleepers

Caleb Williams, Bears vs. TEN ($5,900 DK, $7,100 FD) Home cooking for his first start as Williams faces a Titans defense that allowed the sixth-highest opponent passer rating last year.

Geno Smith, Seahawks vs. DEN ($5,500 DK, $7,000 FD) Denver allowed the most road passing TDs and the second-highest opponent yards-per-passing attempt last season.

Running back

Weekly strategy – Target non-committee RB1s this week. Alvin Kamara, James Cook, Travis Etienne Jr., Aaron Jones, and Kenneth Walker III will all see the lion’s share of touches for their teams. At RB2, consider discount backs with limited competition, such as Jerome Ford, Zack Moss, Chuba Hubbard, and Najee Harris. Tyjae Spears and Gus Edwards are the cheap punt plays. Avoid the Houston-Indianapolis game, and the split Miami backfield. Prices are cheap enough to target your FLEX from this position.

Fantasy four-pack

Travis Etienne, Jaguars @ MIA ($7,200 DK, $7,500 FD) This game features the highest combined line on the early slate. Etienne will see increased aerial usage thanks to offseason departures. 

Alvin Kamara, Saints vs. CAR ($6,700 DK, $7,100 FD) With Kendre Miller (IR – hamstring) out, Kamara has a clear path to bell-cow status. Meanwhile, Carolina allowed more RB scores last season than any other team.

Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks vs. DEN ($6,100 DK, $7,400 FD) Denver allowed a league-worst 5 YPC last season, and change-of-pace back, Zach Charbonnet (undisclosed) is dealing with “tightness.”

Aaron Jones, Vikings @ NYG ($6,500 DK, $6,800 FD) Multiple injuries open additional targets for Jones. Sam Darnold ranked 48th in air yards on completed passes at 3.1 YPA, so expect several dump-offs.

Sleepers

Tyjae Spears, Titans @ CHI ($5,100 DK, $5,400 FD) Only eight RBs saw more targets than Spears last season. Meanwhile, Chicago allowed 231 more RB receiving yards than the next worst team.

Gus Edwards, Chargers vs. LV ($5,300 DK, $6,000 FD) The Chargers ran the ball a league sixth-most 39% of their plays. Jim Harbaugh should raise that percentage even higher. Last season, Vegas ranked bottom-nine in RB rushing yards and scores.

Wide receiver

Weekly strategy – Avoid the overpriced holdout WRs this week. Davante Adams and Mike Evans have great matchups and should see lower ownership. At WR2, run it back with Terry McLaurin or Joshua Palmer. Also, consider good receivers on poor teams, like Diontae Johnson, Calvin Ridley, and Courtland Sutton. Use one of the Bills or Jaxon Smith-Njigba at WR3. Injuries could open up a few punt choices, including Jalen Nailor, Jalen Tolbert, Adonai Mitchell, and Andrei Iosivas.

Fantasy four-pack

Tyreek Hill, Dolphins vs. JAX ($8,700 DK, $9,600 FD) Jacksonville allowed the fourth-most WR TDs last season. This included allowing seven of the last nine opposing WR1s to score at least once. 

Davante Adams, Raiders @ LAC ($7,600 DK, $7,500 FD) Only three teams allowed more WR scores in 2023 than the Chargers, including nine of 25 yards or more. In four games with Vegas against the Chargers, Adams is averaging 8.5-124-1.

Mike Evans, Buccaneers vs. WAS ($7,300 DK, $7,900 FD) Washington allowed seven WR1 touchdowns over their last six games of 2023. Plus, those WR1s averaged 6.5-102 against them.

Justin Jefferson, Vikings @ NYG ($8,400 DK, $9,000 FD) Jefferson proved he can do great with junk at QB last season. Jordan Addison (ankle) is questionable, so Jefferson could see an even greater target share. The Giants finished 2023 bottom-nine in both WR receiving yards and scores. 

Sleepers

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks vs. DEN ($4,900 DK, $5,200 FD) Massive turnover in the Denver secondary pairs with a dinged-up Tyler Lockett (leg) and Patrick Surtain shadowing DK Metcalf to give a recipe for huge numbers from Smith-Njigba.

Terry McLaurin, Commanders @ TB ($5,600 DK, $6,200 FD) Washington unloaded 47% of their WR targets from 2023, and McLaurin accounted for 36% of its WR targets. That number is going up, starting here.

Tight end

Weekly strategy – Lock in Evan Engram, Trey McBride, and Dalton Kincaid, despite their higher prices. If you want to take a cheaper flier, consider Cade Otton and Noah Fant. Give deep punt consideration to Dawson Knox, Jonnu Smith, Mike Gesicki, and Greg Dulcich.

Fantasy four-pack

Evan Engram, Jaguars @ MIA ($5,500 DK, $6,200 FD) Engram already led Jacksonville with 24% of their targets, and the team jettisoned an additional 33% of their total targets this offseason.

Dalton Kincaid, Bills vs. ARI ($5,800 DK, $6,800 FD) Arizona gave up eight TE scores over their last 10 games. With all the turnover in Buffalo, Kincaid will receive a massive target share.

Kyle Pitts, Falcons vs. PIT ($4,600 DK, $6,300 FD) Pitts (hamstring) gets his first game without Arthur Smith and with a competent QB. Plus, Pittsburgh finished the season allowing six TE scores over their last seven games.

Trey McBride, Cardinals @ BUF ($6,100 DK, $6,400 FD) Double-TE in Week 1? Don’t mind if I do. McBride may see lesser ownership as people target Marvin Harrison Jr. in their Arizona stacks.

Sleepers

Noah Fant, Seahawks vs. DEN ($4,000 DK, $5,000 FD) It’s a revenge game against the worst team at defending TEs from last season. Plus, Denver turned over 60% of their DB starters. Improvement could take time.

Cade Otton, Buccaneers vs. WAS ($3,800 DK, $5,200 FD) Sneaky TE pivot from Mike Evans as a stack with Baker Mayfield.

Fantasy Football DFS Daily Domination: Super Bowl LVIII

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Super Bowl LVII DFS fantasy football.

It is Super Bowl LVIII week, and this means there is only one game for our DFS enjoyment. Fortunately, all the major sites offer single-game (and even partial-game) contests, often referred to as Showdowns.

These contests introduce different strategies compared to regular full-slate DFS contests, so I will break them down for you besides analyzing the individual players in the game.

First up: The Rules

On DK, you are required to put together a six-man roster for $50k or less, and you must use at least one player from each team. In addition, we must identify one of those six players as your “captain.” The captain receives 1.5x of his total output (including potential negative points). This player also costs approximately 1.5x more when you place them in the captain slot, so you have to weigh the value difference between those extra points versus the extra cost.

On FD, they give you more money ($60k) for fewer spots (only five). You still select a Captain (or as they call it an MVP). The biggest difference, however, is your MVP costs the same as your non-MVPs. There is no penalty for putting a player in that slot. This means that you want the top scorer in your lineup in that slot, regardless of his price.

Second: The Usual Strategies

Much like in regular DFS, you can stack correlative players (QB-WR/TE) or (RB-DEF). The key thing to remember, though, is you need to have at least one player from both teams.

If you believe the game will be one-sided, stack your favored QB along with one of his receiving weapons, plus his RB1, and their defense, and then run it back with a passing game weapon of the opposition.

If you believe the game will be high-scoring and close, then you will probably want to do a stack, including both QBs and at least one receiving option for each team. This is the preferred strategy this week.

If you feel both teams will struggle to score, then you should use both defenses and one or both kickers.

Potential lineups for DK

Captain: Travis Kelce ($15.3k)
Roster: Patrick Mahomes ($10.6k), Brock Purdy ($10.0k), George Kittle ($6.4k), Jauan Jennings ($4.0k), Marquez Valdes-Scantling ($3.0k)

This lineup gives you both QBs and the elite tight end for each team. It also gives you two depth WRs who have seen an uptick in usage recently.

Captain: Christian McCaffrey ($18.0k)
Roster: Deebo Samuel ($9.2k), Brock Purdy ($10.0k), George Kittle ($6.4k), Jake Moody ($5.2k), Clyde Edwards-Helaire ($1.2k)

If you believe that the Chiefs’ luck is about to run out and that San Francisco will make this a cakewalk, this lineup gives you exposure to four of the top offensive pieces for San Fran, plus their kicker.

Captain: Rashee Rice ($11.4k)
Roster: Travis Kelce ($10.2k), Patrick Mahomes ($10.6k), Isiah Pacheco ($8.0k), Harrison Butker ($5.0k), Jauan Jennings ($4.0k)

Maybe you believe the Niners are paper tigers on defense. This lineup gives you the top four options for KC (including Mahomes), their kicker, and a lottery ticket WR for SF.

Captain: Isiah Pacheco ($12.0k)
Roster: Christian McCaffrey ($12.0k), Kansas City Defense ($3.4k), Marquez Valdes-Scantling ($3.0k), Travis Kelce ($10.2k), Rashee Rice ($7.6k)

Maybe you believe the Chiefs are going to roll into Arrowhead West and deliver a smackdown of epic proportions. This gives you the Chiefs defense, four top offensive weapons, and the unavoidable McCaffrey.

Captain: Christian McCaffrey ($18.0k)
Roster: Rashee Rice ($7.6k), Deebo Samuel ($9.2k), Isiah Pacheco ($8.0k), George Kittle ($6.4k), Kyle Juszczyk ($0.8k)

Despite the astronomical price, it is hard to envision not using CMC in the Captain position. This gives you that play and fills out the roster with non-QB options for both teams. If you choose to use CMC, this is my favorite build.

Captain: Noah Gray ($2.7k)
Roster: Travis Kelce ($10.2k), Rashee Rice ($7.6k), Brandon Aiyuk ($8.8k), Brock Purdy ($10.0k), Patrick Mahomes ($10.6k)

Unless you go deep diving at the Captain position, it is hard to fit all the stars into your lineup. This puts a reasonable depth piece into that slot and gives you both QBs and three of the top four passing-game weapons in this game.

Captain: George Kittle ($9.6k)
Roster: Brock Purdy ($10.0k), Travis Kelce ($10.2k), Rashee Rice ($7.6k), Deebo Samuel ($9.2k), Marquez Valdes-Scantling ($3.0k)

This will be one of the few ways to get a QB and four of the top receiving options into the lineup. This is my favorite non-CMC play on DK.

Potential lineups for FD

MVP: Patrick Mahomes ($15.0k) or Brock Purdy ($14.5k)
Roster: Travis Kelce ($13.0k), Rashee Rice ($11.0k), George Kittle ($10.0k), Brandon Aiyuk ($10.5k)

Mahomes or Purdy at MVP tied together with two of the top receiving options for each team.

MVP: Christian McCaffrey ($17.5k)
Roster: Patrick Mahomes ($15.0k), Brock Purdy ($14.5k), Marquez Valdes-Scantling ($7.5k), Kyle Juszczyk ($5.5k)

If you want exposure to CMC and both QBs, you need to take some risky backend options.

MVP: Christian McCaffrey ($17.5k)
Roster: Patrick Mahomes ($15.0k) or Brock Purdy ($14.5k), Rashee Rice ($11.0k), Brandon Aiyuk ($10.5k), Noah Gray ($5.5k)

The safer option, if you want exposure to CMC, involves using only one of the QBs. This is my favorite option this week.

MVP: Christian McCaffrey ($17.5k)
Roster: Travis Kelce ($13.0k), George Kittle ($10.0k), Isiah Pacheco ($12.5k), Jauan Jennings ($7.0k)

You could also use CMC and the TEs and skip the QBs.

MVP: Christian McCaffrey ($17.5k)
Roster: Travis Kelce ($13.0k), Deebo Samuel ($11.5k), Brandon Aiyuk ($10.5k), Marquez Valdes-Scantling ($7.5k)

This is another QB-free lineup I like this week.

MVP: Brock Purdy ($14.5k)
Roster: Deebo Samuel ($11.5k), Brandon Aiyuk ($10.5k), George Kittle ($10.0k), Travis Kelce ($13.0k)

This is an SF-leaning stack with Kelce for the Chiefs.

MVP: Patrick Mahomes ($15.0k)
Roster: Travis Kelce ($13.0k), Rashee Rice ($11.0k), Isiah Pacheco ($12.5k), Jauan Jennings ($7.0k)

This one loads up on the Chiefs and runs it back with Jennings.

MVP: Patrick Mahomes ($15.0k)
Roster: Brock Purdy ($14.5k), Travis Kelce ($13.0k), Marquez Valdes-Scantling ($7.5k), Harrison Butker ($9.5k)

Here is a KC-leaning lineup that allows you both QBs.

MVP: Brock Purdy ($14.5k)
Roster: Patrick Mahomes ($15.0k), Deebo Samuel ($11.5k), Brandon Aiyuk ($10.5k), Jauan Jennings ($7.0k)

Here is an SF-leaning lineup that allows you both QBs.

The Game

San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Brock Purdy had an up-and-down Conference Championship round. He had some amazing luck as a probable interception bounced off of the defender into Brandon Aiyuk’s arms. He also looked very Patrick Mahomes-esque, breaking off runs while under pressure. Ultimately, he still finished with an uninspiring 267-1 through the air. That was against the worst pass defense remaining in the playoffs. Now, he is facing an elite pass defense. This feels like a 225-1 game with fewer than 25 rushing yards.

Patrick Mahomes’ ending line versus the Ravens was less than the line posted by Purdy. Of course, Baltimore’s defense is light-years better than Detroit’s. The San Francisco pass defense falls somewhere in between those two extremes. The Niners also suffered shock and awe from Detroit for the first half before their defense seemed to wake up. A slow start by the defense here will be much harder to come back from. Mahomes should finish with 250-2, adding another 30 on the ground.

Christian McCaffrey continues to post galactic numbers. The sites have noticed and priced him somewhere in the Andromeda galaxy. There is no easy way to ignore him here. KC is much worse against the run than the pass. So, San Francisco will get McCaffrey the ball as often as he can handle it. Considering his price, seriously consider using him outside of the captain slot on DK. Elijah Mitchell saw four touches last week. He saved his line with a short TD while filling in for McCaffrey after a brief injury. Playing Mitchell isn’t about chasing another one-off score. It is about hoping that McCaffrey gets injured early and misses significant time. I fully support throwing out a lineup featuring him in this role. Just know that you need this to break perfectly to capture the tremendous reward. Jordan Mason hasn’t seen a touch in the playoffs. You can ignore him. Kyle Juszczyk seldom carries the ball, but he has made several crucial catches during his career. He has been very active in the postseason, recording three or more targets in five of his 13 career playoff games. Make him the last man in your build.

Despite playing while banged up, Isiah Pacheco just workhorsed his way to 82 total yards and a score versus Baltimore. The rushing yards came at an ugly 2.8 average. Surprisingly, both San Francisco and Baltimore rank in the bottom third of the league, allowing an average of 4.3 YPC. Despite this, opposing offenses are rushing the ball on a league-low 36.4% of their snaps versus the Niners. Andy Reid refuses to abandon the run. Over their three playoff contests, the Chiefs have run the ball on 46.5% of their snaps. If they keep this ratio here, Pacheco should have a better stat line. Clyde Edwards-Helaire saw three touches last week. He has proved valuable in the past as a fill-in. Much like Mitchell, consider using him in a lineup if you want coverage for a potential Pacheco injury. Making matters potentially more interesting, the Chiefs designated Jerick McKinnon (hernia) for return from IR this week. McKinnon has been a stud in the Super Bowl in the past. If he is active for the game, he makes a sneaky last-man play.

Both teams are top-heavy among their pass catchers. Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel are both premium WRs. Unfortunately, KC is a terror against the pass. If you have to choose one, go with Deebo. Jauan Jennings was great in the Divisional Round while Samuel was out. He reverted to pumpkin status last week (despite a ridiculous catch). He doesn’t offer enough of a discount to consider seriously. If you want a last-man dart throw, go with Ronnie Bell, Chris Conley (revenge game), or Ray-Ray McCloud instead.

Mahomes trusts Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice. The rest of this receiving corps leaves him pulling his hair out. Fortunately, Marquez Valdes-Scantling seems to have finally remembered how to catch a football. Rice’s price is less than Kelce’s, making him a favorite captain option. MVS is seeing just barely enough targets to keep relevant at his price. Consider him as a pivot from Rice in Chiefs-heavy lineups. Justin Watson and Richie James Jr. are great last-man plays. Kadarius Toney may return this week. He is talented, but you do not want to deal with that likely headache. We also can ignore Mecole Hardman Jr. and Justyn Ross.

George Kittle posted a dud versus Detroit. This game won’t be any easier. He has 11 games of playoff experience, but he has topped 40 yards in only three of them while scoring in just two of those games. With the WRs being strangled by KC’s corners, Kittle could see more targets this week. It still won’t make him a preferred player at his price point.

Twenty-one playoff games, 19 playoff TDs for Travis Kelce. He also has topped 70 receiving yards in 12 straight postseason games. When considering your roster build, you may find that you have to choose between Mahomes and Kelce. I’d go with the TE. Noah Gray has five catches on eight targets over the last two weeks. That usage suggests that Mahomes trusts him more than most of his WRs. His discount price makes him a borderline must-start in any Chiefs-heavy build. Blake Bell saw 43% and 44% snap counts in the first two rounds of the playoffs. Last week, he played only 13% of the snaps. Regardless, he has zero targets in any of the games. We can ignore him.

Since the flip of the calendar, Jake Moody has been shaky on FGs. He is only three out of six during his last three games. The extra points add up, but he is nothing more than a run-back play (and arguably too expensive of one) if you stack the Chiefs.

Meanwhile, Harrison Butker continues to show why he is one of the most reliable kickers in history, ranking second ever in field goal percentage. He should be reliable for a floor of eight points this week, but neither kicker makes a powerful play at their price.

The San Francisco 49ers defense should keep this game close, but you are chasing a Pick 6 if you play them.

The Kansas City Chiefs defense blitzed Lamar Jackson into oblivion last week. Purdy doesn’t have the physical or mental tools to overcome this heat, so it will all fall on the offensive game plan. KC should rack up at least three sacks and pick off Purdy multiple times.

The Player Pool

Player DraftKings Captain Salary DraftKings Regular Salary FanDuel Salary
Christian McCaffrey $18,000 $12,000 $11,000
Patrick Mahomes $15,900 $10,600 $15,000
Travis Kelce $15,300 $10,200 $13,000
Brock Purdy $15,000 $10,000 $14,500
Deebo Samuel $13,800 $9,200 $11,500
Brandon Aiyuk $13,200 $8,800 $10,500
Isiah Pacheco $12,000 $8,000 $12,500
Rashee Rice $11,400 $7,600 $11,000
George Kittle $9,600 $6,400 $10,000
Jake Moody $7,800 $5,200 $9,000
Harrison Butker $7,500 $5,000 $9,500
San Francisco 49ers $6,600 $4,400 $8,500
Jauan Jennings $6,000 $4,000 $7,000
Kansas City Chiefs $5,100 $3,400 $9,000
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,500 $3,000 $7,500
Elijah Mitchell $4,200 $2,800 $7,000
Justin Watson $3,600 $2,400 $6,500
Noah Gray $2,700 $1,800 $5,500
Mecole Hardman Jr. $2,400 $1,600 $5,500
Kadarius Toney $2,100 $1,400 $6,000
Clyde Edwards-Helaire $1,800 $1,200 $6,500
Kyle Juszczyk $1,200 $900 $5,500
Jordan Mason $900 $600 $5,000
Richie James Jr. $600 $400 $5,500
Blake Bell $300 $200 $5,000
Chris Conley $300 $200 $5,000
Jerick McKinnon $300 $200 $6,000
Justyn Ross $300 $200 $5,000
Ray-Ray McCloud III $300 $200 $5,500
Ronnie Bell $300 $200 $6,000

Daily Fantasy Domination: Conference Championship Round

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Conference Championships DFS fantasy football.

With only two weeks remaining in the NFL season, the time to pad your pocketbook is drawing to a close. With so few players to choose from nailing the correct sleepers becomes even more important. If you like to enter multiple-lineup GPP tourneys, you can lock up the QB and DST slots with 16 entries, but you still need to pick the correct RBs, WRs, and TEs. If you like to play superflex contests, where you choose to start two QBs, there are only six combinations to choose from. Just realize that a non-QB may outscore that second QB in your SF slot. Lastly, on a short slate such as this, double-TE or triple-TE is a very legitimate strategy.

DFS: The Main Slate: recommended lineups

DK Lineup: QB Brock Purdy ($6.4k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($9.0k), RB Justice Hill ($4.8k), WR Brandon Aiyuk ($6.9k), WR Nelson Agholor ($3.8k), WR Zay Flowers ($5.8k), TE George Kittle ($5.3k), FLEX Sam LaPorta ($5.4k), DST Detroit Lions ($2.6k)

FD Lineup: QB Brock Purdy ($7.7k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($11.0k), RB Justice Hill ($5.5k), WR Brandon Aiyuk ($7.8k), WR Jauan Jennings ($5.3k), WR Nelson Agholor ($5.1k), TE Sam LaPorta ($6.5k), FLEX Travis Kelce ($7.2k), DST Kansas City Chiefs ($3.8k)

FB Lineup: QB Brock Purdy ($6.1k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($8.8k), RB Isiah Pacheco ($6.2k), WR Brandon Aiyuk ($6.8k), WR Jauan Jennings ($4.0k), WR/TE Travis Kelce ($6.1k), TE George Kittle ($5.2k), FLEX Josh Reynolds ($3.8k), SUPERFLEX Lamar Jackson ($7.7k)

Player DraftKings FanDuel
Lamar Jackson $7,700 $8,800
Patrick Mahomes $6,900 $7,500
Brock Purdy $6.400 $7,700
Jared Goff $6,300 $7,200

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Thanks to his rushing ability, Lamar Jackson is once again the safe floor play. That said, there isn’t a poor play. Brock Purdy has the easiest path to 3x value.

Pay to play

Lamar Jackson, Ravens vs. KC
($7,700 DK, $8,800 FD) KC is very good against the pass, but they were just gouged on the ground by Buffalo. This included allowing 72 yards and two rushing TDs to Josh Allen. This shouldn’t surprise anyone, since during the regular season, they ranked 23rd in rushing yards and rushing TDs allowed to opposing QBs. On a short slate like this, Jackson’s floor is higher than everyone else’s ceiling. 

Stay away

Jared Goff, Lions @ SF ($6,300 DK, $7,200 FD) I don’t hate Goff this week, but someone has to be the stay-away selection. He is facing a defense that allowed the eighth-fewest passing TDs during the regular season and that finished with more INTs than TDs allowed. Plus, Goff has averaged one less TD per game on the road than at home.   

Value play

Brock Purdy, Niners vs. DET ($6,400 DK, $7,700 FD) The potential absence of Deebo Samuel (shoulder) won’t help Purdy’s outlook. In each of the games that Samuel has missed (or not finished), Purdy has exactly one passing score. Even if he doesn’t play, this team has enough weapons to succeed against the worst passing defense on the docket. That ranking separation isn’t particularly close. The other three defenses rank first, third, and ninth in passing TDs allowed. Detroit ranks 28th. 

Player DraftKings FanDuel
Christian McCaffrey $9,000 $11,000
Isiah Pacheco $6,500 $7,800
Jahmyr Gibbs $6,400 $7,000
David Montgomery $5,600 $6,000
Gus Edwards $5,500 $5,800
Justice Hill $4,900 $5,500
Elijah Mitchell $4,600 $4,400
Clyde Edwards-Helaire $4,500 $4,600
Jordan Mason $4,300 $4,300
Dalvin Cook $4,200 $4,500
Kyle Juszczyk $4,000 $4,100

Running back

Weekly strategy – Christian McCaffrey gets a tougher matchup this weekend. Still, he always has the highest ceiling. Unfortunately, that ceiling may not equate to 3x value. Isaiah Pacheco and Jahmyr Gibbs are the pivot plays. Justice Hill and Dalvin Cook are potential punt options at RB2. 

Pay to play

Christian McCaffrey, Niners vs. DET
($9,000 DK, $11,000 FD) The potential absence of Deebo Samuel (shoulder) should boost McCaffrey’s production. In three of the four games that Samuel didn’t play or left early, McCaffrey scored multiple TDs. Detroit is tougher against the run than the pass. Only one team allows fewer rushing yards per game. Unfortunately for them, they are allowing over nine yards per reception to opposing RBs. This is where McCaffrey will eat. On a slate with four elite run defenses, McCaffrey’s TD upside makes him the safest play, regardless of his astronomical price. 

Stay away

David Montgomery, Lions @ SF ($5,600 DK, $6,000 FD) It is difficult to decipher who will be the Lions lead back on a week-to-week basis. Neither makes a great play on the ground versus the Niners. Only two teams allowed fewer rushing yards per game. The advantage for Jahmyr Gibbs is that he holds a 3-to-1 advantage in receptions between the pair. This is important since San Francisco allowed the seventh-most RB receiving yards and the fifth-most RB receptions during the regular season. If you have to play a Lions RB this week, make it Gibbs, not Montgomery. 

Value play

Justice Hill, Ravens vs. KC ($4,900 DK, $5,500 FD) I expected that the addition of Dalvin Cook to this offense would hurt Hill more than Gus Edwards. I was wrong. Hill led the team in carries and RB rushing yards last week versus the Houston Texans. Last week, Kansas City allowed 163 total yards to the Buffalo backfield. They were short-handed last week, still, they have allowed more rushing yards per game than any of the remaining teams. If you want McCaffrey in your lineup (and you do), then you have to find some discount options. Hill and Cook are those discount RB2 choices. 

Player DraftKings FanDuel
Amon-Ra St. Brown $7,900 $9,000
Deebo Samuel $7,300 $8,000
Brandon Aiyuk $6,900 $7,800
Rashee Rice $6,500 $7,100
Zay Flowers $5,800 $6,400
Jauan Jennings $4,600 $5,300
Odell Beckham Jr. $4,400 $5,200
Josh Reynolds $4,000 $5,600
Nelson Agholor $3,800 $5,100
Jameson Williams $3,700 $5,000
Rashod Bateman $3,600 $4,900
Skyy Moore $3,500 $4,400
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $3,400 $4,800
Justin Watson $3,300 $4,700
Kadarius Toney $3,200 $4,500
Ray-Ray McCloud III $3,200 $4,400
Kalif Raymond $3,100 $4,700
Ronnie Bell $3,100 $4,600
Devin Duvernay $3,000 $4,100
Donovan Peoples-Jones $3,000 $4,300
Justyn Ross $3,000 $4,200
Mecole Hardman Jr. $3,000 $4,600
Richie James Jr. $3,000 $4,300

Wide receiver

Weekly strategy – Deebo Samuel (shoulder) is questionable (at best) to play. This means Brandon Aiyuk becomes the top WR1 option on this slate. Amon-Ra St. Brown also is usable, but his price is high. Rashee Rice and Zay Flowers are the top WR2 choices. If Samuel is out, Jauan Jennings becomes the clear WR3. Josh Reynolds, Nelson Agholor, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Rashod Bateman, Jameson Williams, and Justin Watson are the other possibilities.

Pay to play

Brandon Aiyuk, Niners vs. DET ($6,900 DK, $7,800 FD) Last week, Aiyuk had a dud versus the Packers. This shouldn’t sway you from starting him this week. Green Bay’s secondary is light-years better than Detroit’s. Over their last five games, Detroit has allowed opposing WR1s to average 9.6-178-1. Assuming that Samuel remains out, this is the easiest play on the slate.

Stay away

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions @ SF ($7,900 DK, $9,000 FD) Since Week 10, San Francisco has allowed an average of 4.3-53-0.5 to opposing WR1s. St. Brown has scored in eight of his last 11 games, but he has topped 100 yards in only five of those contests. He will need both yardage and the TD to reach value as the highest-priced WR on both sites. Considering their prices, it will be a decision whether you choose to use St. Brown or McCaffrey. Fitting both will be nearly impossible. For less money, just use Aiyuk as your WR1 instead.

Value play

Jauan Jennings, Niners vs. DET ($4,600 DK, $5,300 FD) Jennings saw the biggest boost in usage last week after Samuel left the game. His five receptions and 61 receiving yards ranked second on the team. His six targets were also the second-most he has seen this year. The most targets he saw came back in Week 7 versus the Minnesota Vikings, when Samuel was also out. This defense is rotten enough to go full-on Voltron stack with Purdy, McCaffrey, Aiyuk, Jennings, and George Kittle.

  • Note – if Deebo Samuel plays, consider pivoting to Nelson Agholor or Josh Reynolds at a similar price point.
Player DraftKings FanDuel
Travis Kelce $6,600 $7,200
Sam LaPorta $5,400 $6,500
George Kittle $5,300 $6,600
Mark Andrews $5,000 $5,700
Isaiah Likely $4,300 $5,400
Zach Ertz $2,800 $X,XXX
Anthony Firkser $2,500 $4,100
Blake Bell $2,500 $4,200
Noah Gray $2,500 $4,600

Tight end

Weekly strategy – This week, you need to use a double- or triple-TE lineup. The activation of Mark Andrews (ankle) severely diminishes Isaiah Likely’s upside. Do not play Andrews this week.

Pay to play

Travis Kelce, Chiefs @ BAL
($6,600 DK, $7,200 FD) Kelce is now up to 18 touchdowns in 20 career postseason games. He has scored at least once in 12 of the 16 postseason games since Patrick Mahomes became the Chiefs starting QB. Amazingly, Kelce has never faced Baltimore in the postseason. He has faced them five times during the regular season, though. In those games, he has averaged 6.6-87 and scored a pair of TDs. 

Stay away

Mark Andrews, Ravens vs. KC ($5,000 DK, $5,700 FD) Andrews has been activated for this week’s game. Historically, he has been the entire Ravens offense. Now, the team has other weapons to throw to (including his understudy Isaiah Likely). This isn’t a great matchup anyway, as KC has allowed only two TEs to score in their last 12 games. Plus, neither site gives us a discount on Andrews in a game where he most assuredly will be on a snap count. Just look elsewhere this week. 

Value play

Isaiah Likely, Ravens vs. KC ($4,300 DK, $5,400 FD) If you start one of the Ravens tight ends, make it Likely. As detailed above, this isn’t a great matchup. Still, he will see the lion’s share of the snaps for Baltimore this week. He also has scored six times in his last six games. The enormous advantage that Likely provides is that his price on DK is considerably lower than Andrews.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 18

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 15 DFS fantasy football.

Week 18 is when daily fantasy becomes extra crazy. During Week 18, it is possible for coaches to limit the playing time of several starters and for some to opt out of the game completely. When this occurs, it is important to determine which players are most likely to play the entire game. The worst feeling in the world is to build your ultimate lineup and watch your stars kick butt in the first half and then end up spending the rest of the game on the bench.

One thing to note is that both FanDuel and FanBall are including the Sunday Night Football game in their regular slate.

DFS: The Saturday Slate

Saturday Afternoon

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens

Mason Rudolph (QB4) is performing considerably better than either Kenny Pickett or Mitch Trubisky. He still is the low man on this slate’s totem pole. Against a solid Baltimore defense, he is looking at no greater than 200-1.

Lamar Jackson (coach’s decision) is sitting out this game. This leaves Tyler Huntley (QB3) to lead this offense. He is serviceable, but don’t expect him to put up huge numbers.

We continue to see a split between Jaylen Warren (RB6) and Najee Harris (RB4). Harris is getting the larger share of the carries, but Warren is seeing far more of the targets. Neither did much in their earlier meeting. That said, if Baltimore plays their reserves this week, both could return RB2 value.

Gus Edwards (RB5) and Justice Hill (RB3) have been serving as the primary ball carriers for Baltimore. Each is a potential RB2. Melvin Gordon (RB8) would see a heavy workload if Hill and Edwards are rested.

When Rudolph took over as the starter, it became immediately clear that George Pickens (WR4) would be the beneficiary. He is one of the WR1 choices this week. Diontae Johnson (WR5) is still seeing a fair target share, but he has returned to TD irrelevance. His receptions are enough to make him WR2 eligible in DK format. Allen Robinson (WR13) is, at best, a Showdown play.

Zay Flowers (calf) is doubtful, while Odell Beckham Jr. won’t play. That leaves Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor, who would become an instant WR2 play. Bateman is less appealing.

I expected more from Pat Freiermuth (TE3) with Rudolph under the center. His production has been steady but not elite. On a small slate, he is no better than a flex play.

Isaiah Likely (TE1) has stepped right into Mark Andrews’ role as the alpha receiver in this offense. If he plays, he should be your starting TE. If he rests, Charlie Kolar (TE7) could be a sneaky pivot.

Saturday Night

Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts

C.J. Stroud (QB1) returned last week and continued to post quality numbers, despite further injuries to his WR corps. Pencil in Stroud for a floor of 265-2.

Based on his performance this season, Gardner Minshew (QB2) deserves to be an NFL starting QB in 2024. Houston has not allowed many passing TDs, but they are seventh-worst in passing yards allowed. They also have allowed a league-worst seven QB rushing scores. Minshew will score both ways and throw for just under 260 yards here.

Devin Singletary (RB2) bypassing Dameon Pierce (RB8) was not on my preseason bingo card. Indy ranks bottom-five in RB rushing yards, rushing TDs, and receiving yards allowed. Use Singletary as an RB1, but skip Pierce.

Johnathan Taylor (RB1) is back from his second injury absence of the season. This return has coincided with the reinjury of Zack Moss (RB7 – forearm). Taylor has now scored in six of the last seven games he has played, making him a near-lock to score here. Even if Moss (questionable) returns, he is no better than a Showdown dart throw. If Moss remains out, Trey Sermon (RB9) also would have Showdown value.

Noah Brown (hip, knee, back) won’t play, so we can more safely expect another huge showing from Nico Collins (WR2). He should be in your WR1 conversation. Robert Woods (WR12) will be the other starter for Houston, if he plays through a knee injury that has him questionable. He can be a WR3 flier, if active. Both Xavier Hutchinson (WR15) and John Metchie (WR16) will see increased targets this week, but neither deserves a start.

If you don’t use Collins at WR1, then use Michael Pittman Jr. (WR1), or better yet, start both of them. Josh Downs (WR6) and Alec Pierce (WR10) are both WR3 considerations.

This is a deep TE slate, but Dalton Schultz (TE2) remains one of the safest plays. Even Brevin Jordan (TE6) makes a sneaky flex play.

Indy is once again playing “Wheel of Tight Ends.” Good luck choosing between Kylen Granson (TE4), Will Mallory (TE5), and Mo Alie-Cox (TE8). One of them will score and all three will combine for four catches and 40 yards. Granson is the only one to trust.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Tyrod Taylor ($5.3k), RB Rachaad White ($7.6k), RB Ezekiel Elliott ($5.9k), WR A.J. Brown ($8.7k), WR Brandin Cooks ($5.2k), WR Darius Slayton ($4.0k), TE Evan Engram ($5.4k), FLEX Zach Charbonnet ($5.0k), DST Los Angeles Rams ($2.6k)

FD Lineup: QB Josh Allen ($9.5k), RB James Conner ($7.3k), RB Rachaad White ($7.7k), WR A.J. Brown ($8.2k), WR Darius Slayton ($5.7k), WR Brandin Cooks ($6.3k), TE Noah Gray ($4.8k), FLEX Ezekiel Elliott ($6.7k), DST Los Angeles Rams ($3.6k)

FB Lineup: QB Nick Mullens ($5.2k), RB Ezekiel Elliott ($5.7k) RB James Conner ($5.8k), WR CeeDee Lamb ($8.6k), WR A.J. Brown ($7.9k), WR/TE Justin Jefferson ($8.0k), TE Tanner Hudson ($3.3k), FLEX Darius Slayton ($3.0k), SUPERFLEX Dak Prescott ($7.3k)

Quarterback DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,300 $9,500
Jalen Hurts $8,100 $9,000
Dak Prescott $8,000 $8,700
Justin Fields $7,200 $8,100
Tua Tagovailoa $7,500 $7,600
Trevor Lawrence $6,800 $7,500
Jared Goff $6,700 $7,500
Jordan Love $6,600 $7,800
Kyler Murray $6,400 $8,000
Baker Mayfield $6,200 $7,200
Geno Smith $6,100 $7,300
Jake Browning $5,700 $7,400
Derek Carr $5,600 $6,800
Aidan O’Connell $5,400 $6,700
Tyrod Taylor $5,300 $7,000
Sam Darnold $5,200 $6,500
Sam Howell $5,200 $7,000
Nick Mullens $5,100 $7,100
Easton Stick $5,000 $6,600
Will Levis $5,000 $6,500
C.J. Beathard $4,900 $6,500
Jarrett Stidham $4,900 $6,400
Taylor Heinicke $4,900 $6,900
Trevor Siemian $4,900 $6,300
Blaine Gabbert $4,800 $6,400
Bryce Young $4,800 $6,400
Desmond Ridder $4,800 $6,900
Jaren Hall $4,800 $6,200
Ryan Tannehill $4,800 $6,500
Bailey Zappe $4,700 $6,300
Carson Wentz $4,500 $6,100
Jeff Driskel $4,000 $6,000

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Dak Prescott has the best matchup, and it is a must-win game. The enormous concern is that it is on the road. Josh Allen is pricey, but this game is also a must-win, so consider paying up for him on FD. Jalen Hurts and Justin Fields have good matchups and can be solid pivots. Jared Goff has an easy matchup, and the Lions should play their starters the whole game. You can also use Jordan Love in a game the Packers need. Tyrod Taylor, Nick Mullens, Carson Wentz, and Ryan Tannehill are cheap punts.

Fantasy Four-pack

Dak Prescott, Cowboys @ WAS ($8,000 DK, $8,700 FD) Dallas is playing for the division title, so they will be all-in. The biggest concern is that Prescott has struggled on the road this year. Fortunately, Washington is rotten enough that the road curse shouldn’t bother him this week. Back in Week 12, Prescott put up 311-4 against this defense. It won’t be four scores, but 300-3 is certainly in play. 

Josh Allen, Bills @ MIA ($8,300 DK, $9,500 FD) Assuming that both Allen (neck) and Tua Tagovailoa (shoulder) are ready to go as expected, this game could hit 80 combined points. Despite posting just three passing TDs over his last four games, Allen has added six rushing scores over that span. This sets up nicely as only four teams have allowed more QB rushing scores than Miami. Also, back in Week 4, Allen accounted for five total TDs against them.

Jalen Hurts, Eagles @ NYG ($8,100 DK, $9,000 FD) Another team in must-win mode is the Eagles. Much like Allen, Hurts also has been keeping relevant thanks to his legs. He has eight rushing TDs over his last six games. One of those came two weeks ago versus these Giants. This week, Hurts will post 235-1 to go along with 40-2 on the ground.

Justin Fields, Bears @ GB ($7,200 DK, $8,100 FD) Green Bay has been in free fall defensively. In the last four weeks, they have allowed eight passing TDs. This is amazing when you consider that they have faced a murderer’s row of Tommy DeVito, Baker Mayfield, Bryce Young, and Jaren Hall over that span. Fields has scored a rushing TD in three of his last four games. Chalk up another here, to go along with at least one through the air.

DFS Sleepers

Tyrod Taylor, Giants vs. PHI ($5,300 DK, $7,000 FD) Taylor (back) turned garbage time into a near-comeback victory last week. This week, he faces a Philly defense that has allowed the fifth-most passing yards and second-most passing TDs. Philly will have their feet firmly on the gas pedal, so Taylor will be a garbage-time hero again.

Nick Mullens, Vikings @ DET ($5,100 DK, $7,100 FD) Watching Mullens play may make you pull your hair out. Fortunately, only INTs count negatively against him in DFS. Even with their injuries, Minnesota still has a load of weapons to choose from. Plus, Detroit has been absolute trash against the pass. The Vikings have wafer-thin odds of making the postseason, so they will leave everything on the Ford Field turf. Expect Mullens to finish with 335-2 (and at least two INTs as well). 

Running Backs DraftKings FanDuel
Rachaad White $7,600 $7,700
Alvin Kamara $7,500 $7,200
Travis Etienne Jr. $7,300 $8,800
Raheem Mostert $7,000 $8,300
De’Von Achane $6,900 $8,200
Breece Hall $7,200 $7,500
Isiah Pacheco $7,000 $7,900
James Cook $7,100 $7,400
Saquon Barkley $6,900 $7,100
D’Andre Swift $6,800 $6,900
Jahmyr Gibbs $6,700 $8,100
Austin Ekeler $6,600 $6,400
Bijan Robinson $6,600 $6,900
Kenneth Walker III $6,500 $7,000
Tony Pollard $6,500 $7,600
David Montgomery $6,400 $8,000
Derrick Henry $6,400 $7,300
Aaron Jones $6,300 $6,800
Joe Mixon $6,300 $7,800
Josh Jacobs $6,200 $7,200
James Conner $6,100 $7,300
Zamir White $6,000 $6,500
Ezekiel Elliott $5,900 $6,700
Elijah Mitchell $5,800 $6,600
Khalil Herbert $5,700 $7,000
Jerome Ford $5,600 $7,100
Ty Chandler $5,600 $6,600
Chuba Hubbard $5,500 $6,200
Brian Robinson Jr. $5,400 $6,300
Javonte Williams $5,300 $6,200
Jamaal Williams $5,200 $6,000
Roschon Johnson $5,100 $5,400
Alexander Mattison $5,000 $5,400
Zach Charbonnet $5,000 $6,100
Clyde Edwards-Helaire $4,900 $6,500
Antonio Gibson $4,800 $5,200
D’Onta Foreman $4,800 $5,700
Kenneth Gainwell $4,800 $4,900
Tyler Allgeier $4,800 $5,900
Kareem Hunt $4,700 $5,800
Chase Brown $4,600 $4,900
Jordan Mason $4,600 $5,700
Matt Breida $4,600 $5,600
Rico Dowdle $4,600 $5,000
Tyjae Spears $4,600 $5,500
AJ Dillon $4,500 $5,600
Chase Edmonds $4,500 $5,300
Michael Carter $4,400 $5,200
Royce Freeman $4,400 $4,600
Jaleel McLaughlin $4,400 $5,500
La’Mical Perine $4,400 $5,000
Pierre Strong Jr. $4,000 $4,600

Running Back

Weekly strategy – Rachaad White is once again the safest play. De’Von Achane is in play on FD, if Raheem Mostert (shin) remains out. Otherwise, use Breece Hall, D’Andre Swift, or Saquon Barkley as pivots. Kenneth Walker III (shoulder) has a great matchup, but he might miss this game with a shoulder injury. His backup, Zach Charbonnet, is a fabulous punt option. Other RB2 choices include Ezekiel Elliott, James Conner, and Khalil Herbert. They all have easy matchups. You can also consider volume replacements for backs that are sitting this week. Elijah Mitchell, Jordan Mason, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, La’Mical Perine, Royce Freeman, and Pierre Strong Jr. could all see starter’s reps.

Fantasy Four-pack

Rachaad White, Buccaneers @ CAR ($7,600 DK, $7,700 FD) Carolina has allowed a league-worst 24 total TDs to the position. One of those went to White back in Week 13. This was part of a stretch where White had scored in seven of his last nine games.

Breece Hall, Jets @ NE ($7,200 DK, $7,500 FD) Over the last four weeks, Hall has averaged 25 PPR points per game. Meanwhile, the Patriots have allowed four double-digit PPR backs in their last three games. With no Dalvin Cook, Hall will get all the touches he can eat here.

D’Andre Swift, Eagles @ NYG ($6,800 DK, $6,900 FD) The Giants rank bottom-three in both rushing yards and rushing TDs allowed to the position. They also were only one of six teams to allow Swift to score this season. If Jalen Hurts lets him, Swift could score again. Either way, he should approach 100 total yards.

De’Von Achane, Dolphins vs. BUF ($6,900 DK, $8,200 FD) You can only use him on FD, but Achane (toe) is primed for another gigantic game, if Raheem Mostert (shin) remains out. Achane has played in only 10 games this season, but he has 10 TDs in those games. This includes the earlier meeting with Buffalo, where Achane posted 120 yards and two scores on just 11 touches.

DFS Sleepers

Ezekiel Elliott, Patriots vs. NYJ ($5,900 DK, $6,700 FD) Over their last four games, the Jets have allowed 472 total yards and NINE total TDs to opposing RBs. This includes six TDs allowed in just the last two weeks. Elliott has scored in three of his last four games and will score at least once here.

James Conner, Cardinals vs. SEA ($6,100 DK, $7,300 FD) Seattle is allowing the third-most total TDs to the RB position this year. Over their last four games, the Seahawks are allowing an average of 165 combo yards and 1.25 total TDs to the position. Meanwhile, since Week 13, Conner is averaging greater than 22 PPR points per game.

Wide Receivers DraftKings FanDuel
Tyreek Hill $9,400 $9,500
CeeDee Lamb $9,300 $10,000
A.J. Brown $8,700 $8,200
Amon-Ra St. Brown $8,600 $8,800
Justin Jefferson $8,500 $9,000
Stefon Diggs $8,200 $7,600
Davante Adams $7,900 $7,700
Puka Nacua $7,800 $7,700
Amari Cooper $7,700 $7,400
Deebo Samuel $7,600 $8,300
Keenan Allen $7,500 $8,100
Mike Evans $7,400 $8,400
Ja’Marr Chase $7,300 $7,800
DK Metcalf $7,200 $7,600
Brandon Aiyuk $7,100 $7,900
DJ Moore $7,000 $8,000
DeVonta Smith $6,900 $7,000
Jaylen Waddle $7,700 $7,000
Rashee Rice $6,800 $7,800
Chris Olave $6,700 $7,300
Calvin Ridley $6,500 $6,900
Courtland Sutton $6,400 $6,800
Chris Godwin $6,300 $6,900
Tee Higgins $6,200 $6,600
DeAndre Hopkins $6,100 $6,800
Adam Thielen $6,000 $6,400
Gabe Davis $5,500 $6,400
Garrett Wilson $5,900 $6,600
Romeo Doubs $5,800 $6,100
Jayden Reed $5,700 $7,100
Tyler Lockett $5,600 $6,800
Terry McLaurin $5,500 $6,900
Jakobi Meyers $5,400 $6,700
Jordan Addison $5,300 $6,700
Brandin Cooks $5,200 $6,300
Jerry Jeudy $5,100 $5,800
Drake London $5,000 $6,200
Joshua Palmer $4,900 $6,000
Jaxon Smith-Njigba $4,800 $5,700
Christian Watson $4,700 $6,500
Rashid Shaheed $4,700 $6,000
Dontayvion Wicks $4,600 $5,500
Greg Dortch $4,600 $5,500
Demarcus Robinson $4,500 $6,500
Demario Douglas $4,400 $5,900
Michael Wilson $4,400 $5,600
Curtis Samuel $4,300 $5,600
Tyler Boyd $4,300 $5,500
Wan’Dale Robinson $4,200 $5,900
Cedrick Wilson Jr. $3,900 $5,400
Khalil Shakir $3,400 $5,200
K.J. Osborn $4,100 $5,000
Darius Slayton $4,000 $5,700
Quentin Johnston $4,000 $5,500
Cedric Tillman $3,900 $5,300
Darnell Mooney $3,900 $5,000
Jameson Williams $3,900 $5,300
Julio Jones $3,900 $5,100
Rondale Moore $3,900 $5,000
Jahan Dotson $3,800 $5,400
Jauan Jennings $3,800 $5,000
Zay Jones $3,800 $5,600
Alex Erickson $3,700 $5,300
DJ Chark Jr. $3,700 $5,700
Bo Melton $3,600 $5,200
Trey Palmer $3,600 $5,400
DeVante Parker $3,500 $5,200
Marvin Mims Jr. $3,500 $4,900
Xavier Gipson $3,500 $5,100
Brandon Johnson $3,400 $4,800
David Bell $3,400 $5,000
Justin Watson $3,400 $5,200
Malik Heath $3,400 $4,700 
Parker Washington $3,400 $4,900
Tre Tucker $3,400 $4,900
Treylon Burks $3,400 $5,000
Tyler Scott $3,400 $4,800
A.T. Perry $3,300 $4,600 
Jalin Hyatt $3,300 $4,900
Josh Reynolds $3,300 $5,400
Lil’Jordan Humphrey $3,300 $5,000
Tutu Atwell $3,300 $4,800
Kadarius Toney $3,200 $4,900 
Michael Gallup $3,200 $4,900 
Ronnie Bell $3,200 $4,800 
Braxton Berrios $3,300 $4,500
Ben Skowronek $3,000 $4,300
Christian Kirk $3,000 $4,000 
Isaiah Hodgins $3,000 $4,800 
Justyn Ross $3,000 $4,300 
Keelan Doss $3,000 $4,800
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $3,000 $4,900
Mecole Hardman Jr. $3,000 $4,600 
Ray-Ray McCloud $3,000 $4,200 
Richie James $3,000 $4,500 
Skyy Moore $3,000 $4,700

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – To quote one of the greatest New Year’s movies of all time, “Spend, Mortimer, spend.” They loaded the top of the board with some studs in great matchups. You should use two of A.J. Brown, CeeDee Lamb, Justin Jefferson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Tyreek Hill (FD only). The cheaper pivots would be Ja’Marr Chase (shoulder), DK Metcalf, DJ Moore, and Calvin Ridley. If you choose to spend up at WR3, use DeAndre Hopkins, Romeo Doubs, or Brandin Cooks. Other WR3 options to consider are Demarcus Robinson, Greg Dortch, Darius Slayton, Alex Erickson, and whoever suits up for San Francisco and Kansas City.

Fantasy Four-pack

A.J. Brown, Eagles @ NYG ($8,700 DK, $8,200 FD) Brown played the squeaky wheel card this past weekend. Combining this with the probability that DeVonta Smith (ankle) will not play this weekend, leaves Brown with a chance at 15 targets. 

CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys @ WAS ($9,300 DK, $10,000 FD) Lamb has scored and/or topped 100 total yards in 11 straight games. This includes topping 150 yards four times during that span. Washington has allowed the most WR receiving yards and the second-most WR receiving scores. Lamb is a lock for at least 125-1 here. 

Tyreek Hill, Dolphins vs. BUF ($9,400 DK, $9,500 FD) This game will feature very few punts. The last team to possess the ball will probably win. Both teams could approach 500 scrimmage yards and/or top 40 points. Hill will be the primary beneficiary of those yards and points, especially if Jaylen Waddle (ankle) remains out.

Justin Jefferson, Vikings @ DET ($8,500 DK, $9,000 FD) The Vikings need this victory to make the playoffs. Plus, Jefferson is within striking distance of the 1k receiving yardage mark. In the two earlier games with Nick Mullens at QB, Jefferson averaged 10 targets, 6.5 receptions, and 113 yards. This included a monster game against these same Lions. Mullens will pepper Jefferson all game. 

DFS Sleepers

Brandin Cooks, Cowboys @ WAS ($5,200 DK, $6,300 FD) Washington is awful enough against the pass to make both Lamb and Cooks startable. I wouldn’t recommend stacking all three, but if you cannot afford to squeeze Lamb into your lineup, use Cooks instead.

Greg Dortch, Cardinals vs. SEA ($4,600 DK, $5,500 FD) Dortch led all Cardinals in every receiving category last week. Most weeks, that role will fall to Trey McBride. A similar volume here should return a similar output to last week’s 7-82.

Tight Ends DraftKings FanDuel
Travis Kelce $6,600 $7,500
David Njoku $6,400 $7,000
Sam LaPorta $6,200 $7,300
Trey McBride $6,000 $6,700
Evan Engram $5,400 $6,800
George Kittle $5,200 $6,600
Dallas Goedert $5,100 $6,100
Jake Ferguson $4,900 $6,000
Dalton Kincaid $4,800 $5,700
Darren Waller $4,700 $5,600
Taysom Hill $4,600 $5,500
Cole Kmet $4,500 $6,300
Hunter Henry $4,100 $5,000
Kyle Pitts $4,000 $5,400
Gerald Everett $3,900 $5,200
Tucker Kraft $3,700 $5,300
Juwan Johnson $3,600 $5,400
Chig Okonkwo $3,500 $5,100
Tyler Conklin $3,300 $5,100
Logan Thomas $3,200 $5,000
Michael Mayer $3,200 $4,900
Cade Otton $3,100 $5,000
Tanner Hudson $3,100 $4,900
Durham Smythe $2,900 $4,800
Dawson Knox $2,800 $4,700
Johnny Mundt $3,000 $4,500
Jonnu Smith $2,900 $5,000
Josh Oliver $2,900 $4,600
Mike Gesicki $2,900 $4,800
Noah Fant $2,900 $4,900
Adam Trautman $2,800 $4,400
Austin Hooper $2,700 $4,600
Donald Parham Jr. $2,700 $4,300
Lucas Krull $2,700 $4,500
Colby Parkinson $2,600 $4,600
Blake Bell $2,500 $4,400
Davis Allen $2,500 $4,400
Harrison Bryant $2,500 $4,400
Noah Gray $2,500 $4,800
Ross Dwelley $2,500 $4,200

Tight End

Weekly strategy – Trey McBride and Evan Engram should each see a high target volume in middling matchups. Dalton Kincaid (FD only), Darren Waller, Gerald, Everett, and Tucker Kraft are the top pivots. Tanner Hudson has a juicy matchup at a bargain price. Also, consider punt options replacing sitting starters such as Ross Dwelley, Noah Gray, Davis Allen, and Harrison Bryant.

Fantasy Four-pack

Trey McBride, Cardinals vs. SEA ($6,000 DK, $6,700 FD) McBride has seven or more targets and five or more receptions in seven straight games. With Arizona continuing to be shorthanded on offense, McBride should continue to see a large target share.

Evan Engram, Jaguars @ TEN ($5,400 DK, $6,800 FD) Tennessee is very good against opposing TEs. That said, they have allowed a TE to score in back-to-back games. Meanwhile, Engram has five or more targets in every game this season. Plus, he has topped 60 receiving yards in four of his last five games. Much like Arizona, Jacksonville is severely shorthanded in their receiving corps. This means that Engram should continue to see just under 10 targets per game.

Dalton Kincaid, Bills @ MIA ($4,800 DK, $5,700 FD) After a pair of dud games, Kincaid exploded for 4-87 on seven targets last week. Miami has allowed three TE scores over their last two games. The stars are aligning here and Kincaid will finally net his third score of the year. 

Sam LaPorta, Lions vs. MIN ($6,200 DK, $7,300 FD) Minnesota is solid against the TE position, but LaPorta is within striking distance of a few plateaus including 1k receiving yards and double-digit TDs. Look for the Lions to push to get LaPorta to both goals.

DFS Sleepers

Tucker Kraft, Packers vs. CHI ($3,700 DK, $5,300 FD) Chicago has allowed the fifth-most receptions and the third-most receiving TDs to the position. Since the injury to Luke Musgrave (kidney), Kraft has seen a ton of opportunities. This includes six targets in four of his last five games.

Tanner Hudson, Bengals vs. CLE ($3,100 DK, $4,900 FD) In six of his last nine games, Hudson has at least four receptions. He also is coming off of his highest target output of the season last week. Over their last four games, Cleveland has forgotten how to cover the position. During that span, they have allowed a league-worst 35 receptions and four TDs to the position.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 2

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 2 DFS fantasy football

The first week is in the books and we already have a smaller player pool for Week 2 as the NFL has added a second Monday Night Football game. At least the byes aren’t here yet. Glasses up to another profitable week, and here’s hoping that your tight end makes it to Sunday.

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots

We knew Week 1 would be a shootout, but we did not know that Tua Tagovailoa (QB2) was going to go nuclear. Things get considerably tougher this week against the up-and-coming Patriots defense. Fortunately for him, the QB board is mid for this set.

Week 1 was a solid showing for Mac Jones (QB5). He spread the ball around, completing passes to eight different receivers on 54 attempts. This week, he will have to continue to throw the ball a lot to keep up with the Dolphins offense.

Raheem Mostert (RB11 – knee) didn’t need to do much last week. He still scored. Unfortunately, his playing status for this week is in serious doubt. De’Von Achane (RB8 – shoulder) is likely to return, so even if Mostert suits up, we may see even less of him. You can run on the Patriots, so there might be some meat on these bones. Pass on it though.

Rhamondre Stevenson (RB2) made it onto the field in Week 1 despite missing practices with the flu. His passing game usage suggests that he could have a colossal game here. Especially after seeing what Austin Ekeler did against them. Don’t love most of the second tier of RBs here, so consider spending up for him. You also can use Ezekiel Elliott (RB6) at RB2 if you wish to save some money.

Tyreek Hill (WR2) won’t repeat his Week 1 blowup. New England plots to take out the opposition’s top weapon. He still is a physical stud, so he should be in WR1 consideration. That said, save some money and use Jaylen Waddle (WR4 – oblique). Don’t be surprised if Waddle has a better outcome with lesser coverage. Braxton Berrios (WR17) and River Cracraft (WR20) each had five targets in Week 1. Consider one of them at WR3, but would prefer to leave them to Showdown contests.

Kendrick Bourne (WR7) had a monster game in Week 1. He seems to do that once or twice every year and then disappears for weeks on end. You can throw a dart at him at WR2. Instead, use JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR8) despite his presence in the team’s doghouse. DeVante Parker (WR15 – knee) missed Week 1. This led to a serviceable output from Demario Douglas (WR21). If Parker plays, consider him a WR3. We can skip Douglas, unless Parker misses another game. Even then, don’t be rushing to get him into a lineup.

Durham Smythe (TE7) had seven targets in Week 1. This week, he faces a defense that held Dallas Goedert without a catch and that (aside from last season) has always been masterful at stopping TEs. Just avoid him.

Apparently, Bill Belichick wants to establish a multi-TE offense again in New England. Hunter Henry (TE3) had the better line in Week 1 but Mike Gesicki (TE6) gets the revenge-game narrative. Miami was rotten against the position in 2022 and started off this season poorly as well.

Monday Night

New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers

Derek Carr (QB1) has so many weapons to work with in New Orleans. He also has the best matchup on this slate. Lock him in and stack him with your receiver(s) of choice.

It would be great if Bryce Young (QB6) could get his full complement of weapons healthy. Until that time, we can avoid him in DFS. On a weak slate, his outlook is the weakest.

Jamaal Williams (RB5) struggled against an elite Tennessee rushing defense last week. The matchup is much easier here. Cnsider him as an RB2/FLEX, especially if Kendre Miller (RB12 – hamstring) remains out. If Miller plays, he is still best left for Showdown.

There was more of a split in Week 1 between Miles Sanders (RB4) and Chuba Hubbard (RB7) than preferred. That said, Sanders still held a 2-to-1 advantage in touches. This isn’t a great matchup, so consider Sanders as only an RB2. Fade Hubbard.

That New Orleans’ air attack looked solid in Week 1. This week they face a Carolina secondary that allowed the third-most WR receptions and the fourth-most WR receiving yards last season. On paper, this secondary looks better than last season. Unfortunately, Jaycee Horn (hamstring) is out for the foreseeable future. Chris Olave (WR1) remains the play of the week. Michael Thomas (WR5) is back (at least for now). He is a great WR2 option if you fade Olave. Rashid Shaheed (WR9) is also in play at WR3/FLEX.

Things aren’t so bright for the Carolina passing game. Adam Thielen (WR10) played last week, but his line was thin. He is no better than a WR3. DJ Chark Jr. (WR12 – hamstring) missed last week, but he should return here. Unfortunately, he will probably lock horns with Marshon Lattimore. Want no part of that. Laviska Shenault Jr. (WR19) and Terrace Marshall Jr. (WR18) are both promising players, but we can ignore them outside of Showdown. Even if Chark remains out. Jonathan Mingo (WR22) has no business being in your lineup.

Carolina’s safeties are actually both very good. Don’t be overly excited about either Juwan Johnson (TE5) or Taysom Hill (TE8). Still, on a bad TE slate, they deserve minor consideration.

Hayden Hurst (TE4) had a great first game with the Panthers. A returning Chark may eat into some of his targets, but still like him on a weak slate.

Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Deshaun Watson (QB3) looked bad at throwing the ball last week. Attribute some of that to the weather, but it bears watching in the future. His ownership should be down here, making him a sneaky play.

Kenny Pickett (QB5) also looked off last week. Losing one of his top WRs didn’t help. Still, Cleveland isn’t the 49ers. Pickett should have a slightly better performance here.

Christian McCaffrey just gouged the Steelers’ run defense. Nick Chubb (RB1) is so far over and above the rest of the RBs on this slate. Even if Pittsburgh gets their act together, Chubb is still going off. Jerome Ford (RB9) looked serviceable with the scraps they fed him. Throw him into a Showdown lineup.

Najee Harris (RB3) didn’t look great with his limited touches. He actually had a 50-50 split with Jaylen Warren (RB10) in terms of touches. Chalk that up to the game script going pear-shaped early. This game should be more competitive, so Harris gets RB2 consideration. We could use Warren as a FLEX play.

I expected a decent number of touches for Elijah Moore (WR11) in Week 1. I didn’t expect him to out-touch Amari Cooper (WR3). Neither is a brilliant play here. Cooper has the better chance at a TD, but his price isn’t overly appealing. Moore at WR3 makes more sense. Consider taking a flier on Donovan Peoples-Jones (WR16) at WR3 to save some money, despite his poor Week 1 line.

Cleveland has a decent, but not spectacular, secondary. The weather made their numbers look better than they were. As such, don’t be afraid to consider the Pittsburgh WRs here. Diontae Johnson (hamstring) is almost assuredly out, so George Pickens (WR6) is the clear alpha this week. Use him at WR2. Consider me among the thousands who wrote off Allen Robinson (WR13) coming into the season. He led Pittsburgh in targets and receiving yards in Week 1. You can use both Robinson and Sterling Shepard (WR14) as WR3 if Johnson is out.

Rashee Rice (TE1) has scored in three straight games against Pittsburgh. He is the best play on an awfully weak board. Harrison Bryant (TE9) scored last week, but you can leave him to Showdown.

Pat Freiermuth (TE2 – chest) missed the end of last week after suffering an injury. He should be ready this week, but watch the injury reports. The player pool sucks at the position, so if he plays, consider him. If he can’t go, Darnell Washington (TE10) or Connor Heyward (TE11) would get the start. They can both be avoided.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Jared Goff ($6.2k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($8.9k), RB Dameon Pierce ($5.6k), WR Damien Harris ($7.8k), WR Nico Collins ($4.8k), WR Zay Flowers ($5k), TE Sam LaPorta ($3.9k), FLEX Zack Moss ($4.7k), DST New York Jets ($2.7k).

FD Lineup: QB Jared Goff ($7.3k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($9.5k), RB Derrick Henry ($8.3k), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown ($8.1k), WR Nico Collins ($6.2k), WR Puka Nacua ($5.8k), TE Sam LaPorta ($5.1k), FLEX Dameon Pierce ($6k), DST New York Jets ($3.7k).

FB Lineup: QB Patrick Mahomes ($7.4k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($7.7k) RB Bijan Robinson ($7k), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown ($6.9k), WR Zay Flowers ($5.2k), WR Keenan Allen ($6.1k), TE Darren Waller ($5k), FLEX Zack Moss ($3.8k), SUPERFLEX Jared Goff ($5.8k).

Quarterbacks DraftKings FanDuel
Patrick Mahomes $8,300 $9,000
Josh Allen $7,900 $9,200
Lamar Jackson $7,700 $7,600
Justin Fields $7,600 $8,000
Justin Herbert $7,000 $8,200
Joe Burrow $6,900 $7,400
Trevor Lawrence $6,700 $7,800
Dak Prescott $6,600 $7,400
Anthony Richardson $6,300 $7,500
Jared Goff $6,200 $7,300
Daniel Jones $6,000 $7,500
Geno Smith $5,900 $7,000
Russell Wilson $5,800 $7,100
Brock Purdy $5,700 $7,100
Matthew Stafford $5,600 $6,600
Jordan Love $5,500 $7,200
Sam Howell $5,400 $6,900
Jimmy Garoppolo $5,300 $6,700
Zach Charbonnet $5,200 $6,400
Baker Mayfield $5,100 $6,800
Desmond Ridder $5,000 $6,500
Joshua Dobbs $5,000 $6,300
Ryan Tannehill $5,000 $6,400
Zach Wilson $4,900 $6,200

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – For a second consecutive week, the bargains are few at QB. Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, and Trevor Lawrence are the obvious upper-tier choices. Beyond that, like Jared Goff and Geno Smith. If you want to go really cheap, consider Baker Mayfield, Ryan Tannehill, or C.J. Stroud.

Fantasy Four-pack

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs @ JAX ($8,300 DK, $9,000 FD) Mahomes did what he could in Week 1 considering that he didn’t have Travis Kelce. Kelce may return this week, but regardless, Mahomes will have more than two days to game-script with the rest of his weapons. Jacksonville was bottom-10 against the pass in every category last year and they just allowed Anthony Richardson to look serviceable. Expect a massive turnaround.

Justin Herbert, Chargers @ TEN ($7,000 DK, $8,200 FD) Last season, Tennessee allowed the most completions, the most passing yards, and the second-most passing TDs. Herbert threw for only one TD last week, but he didn’t have to do much more as his team ran for over 230 yards. Tennessee is stingy against the run, and Austin Ekeler (hamstring) is likely to miss the game. Herbert is going off.

Lamar Jackson, Ravens @ CIN
($7,700 DK, $7,600 FD) The injury to J.K. Dobbins (IR – Achilles) opens the door for the scrubs behind him to post a powerful day at RB for the Ravens. That said, Jackson is the real RB1 for Baltimore. Cincinnati allowed over 200 yards of rushing in Week 1, including 45 yards and a TD for Deshaun Watson. A healthy dose of that will go to Jackson, and the passing yardage is just cake.

Josh Allen, Bills vs. LVR ($7,900 DK, $9,200 FD) Allen was sloppy on MNF. Chalk that up to facing a beastly Jets defense. The Raiders defense will appear like a concierge in comparison. Don’t love the FD price, but much like Mahomes, both will have recency bias minimizing their ownership numbers.

DFS Sleepers

Jared Goff, Lions vs. SEA ($6,200 DK, $7,300 FD) Former Lion, Matthew Stafford, destroyed this defense in Week 1 despite throwing to a who’s who of nobodies. Goff at least has Amon-Ra St. Brown to go along with a cavalcade of background performers fresh from Central Casting. This hookup will be best stack of the week.   

Geno Smith, Seahawks @ DET ($5,900 DK, $7,000 FD) To keep up with Goff’s expected performance, Smith needs to be at his best. Smith has a stronger group of weapons than Goff. Don’t be shocked when they both post 300-2, allowing you to heavily correlate both teams in your stacks.

Running Backs DraftKings FanDuel
Christian McCaffrey $8,900 $9,500
Austin Ekeler $8,700 $9,200
Saquon Barkley $8,000 $8,800
Bijan Robinson $7,900 $8,100
Tony Pollard $7,500 $8,000
Derrick Henry $7,400 $8,300
Josh Jacobs $7,100 $7,500
Travis Etienne
 $6,900 $8,200
Aaron Jones $6,600 $7,600
Joe Mixon $6,500 $7,200
Jahmyr Gibbs $6,300 $5,800
James Conner $6,200 $6,400
James Cook $6,100 $6,600
Dalvin Cook $6,000 $6,800
AJ Dillon $5,900 $7,000
Breece Hall $5,900 $6,900
David Montgomery $5,800 $6,300
Kenneth Walker III $5,800 $6,700
Cam Akers $5,700 $5,900
Isiah Pacheco $5,700 $5,200
Dameon Pierce $5,600 $6,000
Javonte Williams $5,600 $6,400
Rachaad White $5,500 $6,200
Tyler Allgeier $5,500 $7,100
Damien Harris $5,400 $6,300
Khalil Herbert $5,400 $5,800
Gus Edwards $5,300 $5,900
Brian Robinson Jr. $5,200 $6,500
Samaje Perine $5,100 $6,200
Joshua Kelley $5,000 $6,300
Kyren Williams $5,000 $5,900
Deon Jackson $4,900 $5,700
Justice Hill $4,900 $6,100
Roschon Johnson $4,900 $4,600
Antonio Gibson $4,800 $5,600
Devin Singletary $4,700 $5,100
Tank Bigsby $4,700 $5,300
Zack Moss $4,700 $6,100
D’Onta Foreman $4,600 $5,600
Elijah Mitchell $4,600 $5,200
Tyjae Spears $4,600 $4,700
Cordarrelle Patterson $4,500 $5,200
Zach Charbonnet $4,500 $4,700
Melvin Gordon III $4,400 $5,500
Clyde Edwards-Helaire $4,300 $5,300

Running Back

Weekly strategy – None of the top-priced RBs are clear 3x performers this week. Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley, Bijan Robinson, and Derrick Henry are the safest options and you should choose one of them. Pair him with Dameon Pierce, Isiah Pacheco, or Rachaad White. You can also consider injury-replacement bargain options like Zack Moss, Gus Edwards, or Joshua Kelley.

Fantasy Four-pack

Christian McCaffrey, 49ers @ LAR ($8,900 DK, $9,500 FD) McCaffrey wasted no time posting 169 scrimmage yards against a supposedly decent Pittsburgh defense. The Rams defense still has Aaron Donald but not much else from their previous dominance. McCaffrey faced Los Angeles twice last year, scoring thrice and racking up 17 total receptions. At sub-$9k on DK, you should just play him.

Irv Smith, Giants @ ARI ($8,000 DK, $8,800 FD) New York’s O-line cannot be as bad as they looked in Week 1. Plus, Arizona is a lot worse than they showed in Week 1. Barkley scored and/or topped 100 total yards in 12 games last year. He will achieve both this week. 

Derrick Henry, Titans vs. LAC ($7,400 DK, $8,300 FD) The Chargers defense should’ve improved dramatically this season with everyone healthy. They sure didn’t look improved last week. Against a premium run defense, Henry still topped 100 yards. That feels like a floor for him every week.

Bijan Robinson, Falcons vs. GB ($7,900 DK, $8,100 FD) Green Bay allowed a whopping 11 receptions and 80 receiving yards to the Bears rushers. Regardless of the machinations of Arthur Smith, Robinson is the go-to guy out of the backfield, through the air for Atlanta. Eventually, the TDs will all go through him, too.

DFS Sleepers

Dameon Pierce, Texans vs. IND ($5,600 DK, $6,000 FD) Indy allowed the seventh-most RB rushing scores last year. This year they started out by allowing a pair of scores to the position. Pierce is due for reverse TD regression this season. It starts this week. 

Zack Moss, Colts @ HOU ($4,700 DK, $6,100 FD) Jonathan Taylor (IR – ankle), and Evan Hull (IR – hamstring) are both on the IR. Meanwhile, Deon Jackson was active, but he scored roughly the same number of fantasy points as you and I. Moss (forearm) is the only option this week. Houston remains abysmal against the run, allowing three RB scores in Week 1. If Moss is out there, he will score at least once. 

Wide receivers DraftKings FanDuel
Stefon Diggs $8,000 $8,000
Ja’Marr Chase $7,900 $8,400
Amon-Ra St. Brown $7,800 $8,100
CeeDee Lamb $7,700 $7,600
Davante Adams $7,600 $7,500
Garrett Wilson $7,500 $7,400
Calvin Ridley $7,200 $8,300
Keenan Allen $7,100 $7,800
DK Metcalf $7,000 $7,700
DeAndre Hopkins $6,700 $7,100
Jerry Jeudy $6,600 $6,700
Tee Higgins $6,400 $7,000
Michael Pittman Jr. $6,300 $7,200
Mike Evans $6,200 $7,100
Tyler Lockett $6,100 $6,500
Chris Godwin $6,000 $6,300
Christian Watson $5,900 $6,400
Brandon Aiyuk $5,800 $7,500
Gabe Davis $5,800 $6,500
Mike Williams $5,700 $6,700
Terry McLaurin $5,700 $6,400
Deebo Samuel $5,600 $6,900
DJ Moore $5,500 $6,100
Allen Lazard $5,400 $5,700
Courtland Sutton $5,400 $6,800
Jakobi Meyers $5,300 $6,600
Brandin Cooks $5,200 $6,000
Christian Kirk $5,100 $6,000
Rashod Bateman $5,100 $5,700
Drake London $5,000 $5,800
Isaiah Hodgins $5,000 $6,200
Zay Flowers $5,000 $6,600
Jahan Dotson $4,900 $6,100
Marquise Brown $4,900 $6,200
Puka Nacua $4,900 $5,800
Nico Collins $4,800 $6,200
Romeo Doubs $4,800 $6,300
Odell Beckham Jr. $4,700 $5,300
Tutu Atwell $4,700 $5,500
Zay Jones $4,700 $6,300
Kadarius Toney $4,600 $5,300
Robert Woods $4,600 $5,800
Jaxon Smith-Njigba $4,500 $5,200
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,500 $5,700
Treylon Burks $4,500 $5,400
Darius Slayton $4,400 $5,600
Darnell Mooney $4,400 $5,700
Van Jefferson $4,300 $5,400
Michael Gallup $4,200 $5,700
Skyy Moore $4,100 $5,200
Curtis Samuel $4,000 $5,900
Mecole Hardman
 $4,000 $5,500
Rondale Moore $4,000 $5,600
Hunter Renfrow $3,900 $5,100
Quentin Johnston $3,900 $5,100
Rashee Rice $3,800 $5,300
Tyler Boyd $3,800 $5,300
Noah Fant $3,700 $5,900
Khalil Shakir $3,700 $5,300
Mack Hollins $3,700 $5,500
Marvin Jones
 $3,600 $5,400
Alec Pierce $3,500 $5,100
Marvin Mims
 $3,500 $4,600
Parris Campbell $3,500 $5,700
Jayden Reed $3,400 $5,100
Josh Downs $3,400 $5,200
Joshua Palmer $3,400 $4,800
Richie James
 $3,400 $4,900 
Justin Watson $3,300 $5,100
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $3,300 $5,400
Chase Claypool $3,200 $5,200
Kalif Raymond $3,200 $4,700
Tank Dell $3,200 $4,800
Marquez Callaway $3,000 $4,700
Sterling Shepard $3,000 $5,300

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – Last week, I suggested starting either Tyreek Hill or Justin Jefferson. Turns out, I should’ve suggested starting both of them. Stefon Diggs and Amon-Ra St. Brown are the top two options this week. I would not blame you if you played them both. If you fade them both, consider Calvin Ridley, Keenan Allen, or DK Metcalf up top. At WR2, consider one of the Niners, Mike Williams, DJ Moore, or Courtland Sutton. Zay Flowers and Puka Nacua will be watched tightly to see if they can repeat their Week 1 heroics. Both should be in play at WR3, although both will have high ownership. Instead, pivot with Nico Collins, Romeo Doubs, Zay Jones, or Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Fantasy Four-pack

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions vs. SEA ($7,800 DK, $8,100 FD) If Puka Nacua can make fools of this defense, imagine what St. Brown will do. Triple-digit yards are a guarantee, double-digit receptions are a guarantee, and a TD is a guarantee.

Stefon Diggs, Bills vs. LV ($8,000 DK, $8,000 FD) The local Buffalo reporters will eat their words as Diggs buffets on the Vegas defense. The 10-102-1 Week 1 line is his floor here as he will play with an attitude.

Calvin Ridley, Jaguars vs. KC
($7,200 DK, $8,300 FD) The Chiefs have an improving young secondary. Unfortunately, the Jaguars have a deeper young passing offense. Ridley returned from his yearlong absence and proved that he hasn’t missed a beat. This game is the only one with a combined line of over 50 points (smash the over here). Ridley will account for at least seven of those.

Keenan Allen, Chargers @ TEN ($7,100 DK, $7,800 FD) Tennessee continues to struggle with covering WRs. Three different Saints reached double-digit PPR points. We could see double-digit receptions for Allen, and love Mike Williams here, too. Consider a three-way stack.

DFS Sleepers

Puka Nacua, Rams vs. SF ($4,900 DK, $5,800 FD) Sure the matchup sounds tough, but teams rather attempt to throw against SF than run on them. Heck, only two teams allowed more WR receptions in Week 1. Just expect huge ownership numbers.

Nico Collins, Texans vs. IND ($4,800 DK, $6,200 FD) Before succumbing to a season-ending injury, Collins averaged nine targets per game over his final four games of 2022. In Week 1, he picked right back up with a 6-80-0 line on 11 targets. He has a better QB this season. The breakout has begun.

Tight ends DraftKings FanDuel
Travis Kelce $7,600 $8,500
Mark Andrews $6,300 $8,000
Darren Waller $5,500 $6,600
George Kittle $5,300 $6,200
Evan Engram $4,800 $6,000
Tyler Higbee $4,600 $5,100
Cole Kmet $4,400 $5,200
Kyle Pitts $4,200 $5,700
Gerald Everett $4,100 $5,500
Dalton Schultz $4,000 $4,800
Sam LaPorta $3,900 $5,100
Zach Ertz $3,500 $4,900
Noah Gray $3,400 $4,700
Tyler Conklin $3,400 $5,000
Chigoziem Okonkwo $3,300 $4,700
Dalton Kincaid $3,300 $5,200
Jake Ferguson $3,300 $5,000
Irv Smith
 $3,200 $4,800
Isaiah Likely $3,200 $4,800
Luke Musgrave $3,200 $5,000
Cade Otton $3,100 $4,600
Dawson Knox $3,100 $5,400
Logan Thomas $3,100 $4,900
Adam Trautman $3,000 $4,600
Kylen Granson $3,000 $4,700
Donald Parham
 $2,900 $4,600
Noah Fant $2,900 $4,600
Austin Hooper $2,800 $4,600
C.J. Uzomah $2,800 $4,600
Trey McBride $2,800 $4,600
Blake Bell $2,700 $4,700
Michael Mayer $2,700 $4,500

Tight End

Weekly strategy – Travis Kelce (knee) should return this week. I wish he received an injury discount. George Kittle and Darren Waller also are set to go after clearing their own injuries. Both are safer and cheaper plays than Kelce. The midtier TEs are rough this week. The only two that don’t scare me are the rookies Sam LaPorta and Dalton Kincaid. Three bargain-basement punts are also in play: Logan Thomas, Adam Trautman, and Jake Ferguson.

Fantasy Four-pack

Darren Waller, Giants @ ARI
($5,500 DK, $6,600 FD) With a room packed with mid WRs, Daniel Jones should absolutely pepper Waller with targets. As expected, Arizona continued to punt TE coverage. Waller will take advantage to the tune of 6-75-1.

George Kittle, 49ers @ LAR ($5,300 DK, $6,200 FD) Paired with Brock Purdy over the final six weeks of 2022, Kittle averaged only 4-53. That said, he also smashed seven TDs over that stretch. A groin injury limited his usage last week. This week, he will be 100%.

Travis Kelce, Chiefs @ JAX
($7,600 DK, $8,500 FD) Don’t be paying this price for him but know that an 80% Kelce will produce more fantasy points than 80% of the rest of the TE options. In a shootout, expect him to score here but fall just short of 2.5x value. 

Evan Engram, Jaguars vs. DET ($4,800 DK, $6,000 FD) Engram joins Kelce as a scoring threat in this pinball affair. At two-thirds of the price, roster Engram. Triple-stack him with Calvin Ridley and Trevor Lawrence.

DFS Sleepers

Sam LaPorta, Lions vs. SEA ($3,900 DK, $5,100 FD) LaPorta passed the eye test last week. Meanwhile, Seattle allowed 60 yards to the Rams TEs. Love the triple-stack with LaPorta, Jared Goff, and Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Jake Ferguson, Cowboys vs. ARI ($3,300 DK, $5,000 FD) CeeDee Lamb will have to deal with Sauce Gardner. Brandin Cooks (MCL) is probably missing this game, and Michael Gallup is just a guy. Ferguson should end up leading the team in targets this week.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 14

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 14 DFS fantasy football.

It is Week 14 and we have six teams on bye. What are the schedule makers doing to us? Plus, we had a bunch of franchise-altering injuries sustained last week that will make setting the lineups even tougher here. Why don’t any of those teams get to be on bye here? At least the NFL moved the Broncos’ likely slaughter out of primetime. I’m not sure anybody wants to watch them anymore.

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

Miami @ Los Angeles Chargers

According to Mike McDaniel, Tua Tagovailoa (QB2 – ankle) suffered an injury in-game this past weekend. He gritted his way through it and kept the game closer than the final score would show. If Tua is out, Teddy Bridgewater (knee – QB5) could return as the starter. At his price, he would be a fabulous pivot. If neither of them can play, Skylar Thompson (QB6) would find himself back under center. He was serviceable earlier this year, but I wouldn’t trust him.

Justin Herbert (QB1) had a horrible start to last week’s game until he remembered he had Austin Ekeler and Keenan Allen on his team. Once he started targeting them, Herbert looked very good. Miami is middling against the pass, so comfortably start Herbert.

Facing their former team, both Jeff Wilson Jr. (RB3) and Raheem Mostert (RB5) did nothing last week. This matchup is light-years easier. Only two RB1s have not gone off against this defense. The problem is that we don’t know which of these two will be the RB1 going forward. Mostert scored in Weeks 9 and 10 and then was hurt, only to return to be the best of the worst this past week. Wilson scored in Weeks 10 and 11 and then did zilch this past week. I trust Wilson more, but neither is better than an RB2. If you want a fun dart throw for Showdown contests, use Alec Ingold (RB9). He seems to vulture a TD or two every season.

As mentioned above, Austin Ekeler (RB1) was woefully underutilized in the first half of Week 13. Once the team targeted him, they climbed their way back into the game. I doubt the coaching staff makes the same mistake this week. Isaiah Spiller (RB8) and Joshua Kelley (RB7) will split reserve snaps. We can ignore them.

Tyreek Hill (WR1) proved last week that he is truly matchup-proof. Regardless of who starts at QB, you can trust him as one of three potential WR1s on the board. Jaylen Waddle (leg – WR4) left the game Sunday, but he was able to jog off the field. This suggests that the leg injury couldn’t have been too severe. Both are usable if Tua starts. I’d feel less secure about Waddle if Thompson or Bridgewater starts. If Waddle ends up missing time, reserve WRs Trent Sherfield (WR14) and River Cracraft (WR15) could have WR3 value. Meanwhile, the more talented Cedrick Wilson (WR16) has been nowhere to be found.

Keenan Allen (WR5) salvaged his slow start with a long TD in the second half. He will be my favorite WR2 option on this slate. Joshua Palmer (WR6) continues to produce regardless of who is healthy here. He could also be a WR2 or a third leg of a Herbert-Allen stack. Mike Williams (ankle – WR7) has missed a pair of games. He returned too early from an injury earlier this season, leading to this absence. I doubt LA will use him until he is 100%. That said, he put in a full practice on Thursday, so he might be there. I’d be cautious about relying on him as anything more than a WR2. DeAndre Carter (WR9) had a strong Week 12, but he was M.I.A. in Week 13. Versus MIA, he may be M.I.A. again here. He is a punt WR3.

Mike Gesicki (TE5) has two or fewer catches in eight games this season, including each of his last four. Durham Smythe (TE4) has basically surpassed him. The matchup is positive this week, but trusting either of them is risky.

Gerald Everett (TE1) took advantage of a soft opponent last week. This week’s opponent is even softer. The matchup is so juicy that even Tre’ McKitty (TE6) could garner some flex love.

Monday Night

NEW ENGLAND @ ARIZONA

Mac Jones (QB4) has one game with more than one total score all season. Don’t start him. Just don’t.

Kyler Murray (QB3) has eight scores over his last three starts. He also has only three games this year where he has not scored at least twice. Unfortunately, the matchup isn’t great here.

With Damien Harris (thigh – RB6) out last week, Rhamondre Stevenson (RB2) had another solid week. Stevenson has been very good through the air, but he failed to score for the fourth time in his last five games. If Harris remains out, Stevenson will be a solid RB2. If Harris plays, they are both closer to flex plays.

James Conner (RB4) appears fully healthy. He has four scores over the last three games. Unfortunately, New England is elite against the run. If he finishes with 80 total yards and a score, be happy. That should be strong enough to use as an RB2. Keaontay Ingram (RB10) has zero value with Conner healthy.

Jakobi Meyers (WR8) will be one of my favorite WR3 plays. The other Patriots WRs are more dart throws at flex. This includes Nelson Agholor (WR11), DeVante Parker (WR10), Kendrick Bourne (WR17), Marcus Jones (WR18), and Tyquan Thornton (WR19). Frankly, Agholor is the only one to consider.

Arizona has more reliable options for the position. Either Marquise Brown (WR3) or DeAndre Hopkins (WR2) could be your WR1. Plus, either Rondale Moore (groin – WR12) or Greg Dortch (thumb – WR13) could be used at WR3, if they return from injury. If both remain out, A.J. Green (WR20) or Robbie Anderson (WR21) would still have only minimal value.

Hunter Henry (TE2) being ranked this high is because of the matchup and because the position is devoid of talent. Heck, against Arizona, even Jonnu Smith (TE6) could be used.

New England has actually struggled against TEs this year. It is one of the few positions that you can feel ok using against them. Trey McBride (TE3) has done little since taking over for the injured Zach Ertz. Still, on a weak slate, think about it. The team also promoted Maxx Williams (TE8) from their practice squad. He had some solid games last season when pressed into duty. I like him as a Showdown play.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Jared Goff ($5.6k), RB D’Onta Foreman ($5.4k), RB Tony Pollard ($6.7k), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown ($7.8k), WR CeeDee Lamb ($7.5k), WR Zay Jones ($4.7k), TE T.J. Hockenson ($5.1k), FLEX Greg Dulcich ($3.4k), DST Dallas Cowboys ($3.8k)

FD Lineup: QB Jared Goff ($7.1k), RB D’Onta Foreman ($6.9k), RB Tony Pollard ($7.5k), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown ($8.6k), WR Zay Jones ($6.3k), WR Michael Gallup ($6k), TE T.J. Hockenson ($6.5k), FLEX Isaiah McKenzie ($5.6k), DST Dallas Cowboys ($5.2k)

FB Lineup: QB Tua Tagovailoa ($6.5k), RB D’Onta Foreman ($5.1k), RB Tony Pollard ($6.3k), WR Tyreek Hill ($7.6k), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown ($6.9k), WR K.J. Osborn ($3.2k), TE T.J. Hockenson ($4.8k), FLEX Jeff Wilson Jr. ($5.4k), FLEX Gerald Everett ($4k)

Quarterbacks DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,300 $8,700
Jalen Hurts $8,100 $8,700
Patrick Mahomes $8,000 $8,800
Pat Freiermuth $7,000 $8,300
Dak Prescott $6,500 $8,000
Deshaun Watson $6,400 $7,000
Geno Smith $6,200 $7,700
Kirk Cousins $6,100 $7,500
Trevor Lawrence $5,700 $7,200
Jared Goff $5,600 $7,100
Tom Brady $5,600 $7,100
Mike White $5,500 $6,800
Tyler Huntley $5,500 $7,000
Daniel Jones $5,400 $6,900
Kenny Pickett $5,200 $6,600
Ryan Tannehill $5,200 $6,700
Sam Darnold $5,200 $6,600
Brock Purdy $5,100 $6,500
Russell Wilson $5,100 $6,500
Noah Brown $5,000 $6,300
C.J. Beathard $4,800 $6,100

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – This is the week to consider spending down here. Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts both seem overpriced. Dak Prescott is the only high-priced option I really trust. Still, Kirk Cousins, Jared Goff, Trevor Lawrence (foot), and Mike White make more sense based on price. Tyler Huntley, Ryan Tannehill, and Sam Darnold are potential punt choices.

Fantasy Four-pack

Jalen Hurts, Eagles @ NYG
($8,100 DK, $8,700 FD) Since Week 5, Hurts has posted at least two total TDs every game. He also has been getting the job done both on the ground and through the air, whichever way the game commanded. The Giants have been solid against the pass, but they have given up rushing yards to the two “running” QBs they have faced.

Dak Prescott, Cowboys vs. HOU ($6,500 DK, $8,000 FD) Houston has also been solid against the pass. This is primarily because teams don’t bother to throw against them. Of course, their stats have also been aided by facing some stiff QBs. The Cowboys will run the ball this week, but they should also throw for a few scores, too. Prescott has 13 total scores over his last five games. I like him to add another pair here.

Josh Allen, Bills vs. NYJ
($8,300 DK, $8,700 FD) Over his last six games, Allen has been on a passing yardage and TD slide. Fortunately, he is still thrashing the opposition with his rushing skills. The Jets are stingy against the pass, so don’t expect a magical boost in passing numbers for Allen. He ran for 86 yards and a pair of scores against them back in Week 9. That is what he will need to replicate this week to approach value.

Kirk Cousins, Vikings @ DET
($6,100 DK, $7,500 FD) Detroit has allowed the sixth-most passing yards per game. When you pair that with a Minnesota defense that has allowed the most passing yards per game, you get the script for a shootout. Just remember that Jeff Okudah has shut down Garrett Wilson in the two career games that they have faced off against each other.

DFS Sleepers

Jared Goff, Lions vs. MIN
($5,600 DK, $7,100 FD) As mentioned above, both teams are abysmal against the pass. Goff actually gets the better matchup and, since he is cheaper, use him more often this week. Stack him with either Amon-Ra St. Brown or DJ Chark Jr. and then run it back with T.J. Hockenson or K.J. Osborn.

Mike White, Jets @ BUF ($5,500 DK, $6,800 FD) Buffalo hasn’t been the untouchable pass defense of prior seasons. Meanwhile, White is coming off of back-to-back 300-plus-yard passing games. He may not hit that number this week, but he should have a reasonable volume-led performance.

Running Backs DraftKings FanDuel
Christian McCaffrey $8,500 $8,500
Saquon Barkley $8,000 $8,200
Derrick Henry $7,900 $9,000
Nick Chubb $7,800 $8,400
Dalvin Cook $7,300 $8,700
Joe Mixon $6,900 $8,500
Kenneth Walker III $6,800 $7,600
Tony Pollard $6,700 $7,500
Travis Etienne Jr. $6,400 $7,400
Samaje Perine $6,300 $7,800
Miles Sanders $6,200 $7,100
Ezekiel Elliott $6,100 $8,000
Dameon Pierce $6,000 $6,500
Jamaal Williams $5,900 $7,000
D’Andre Swift $5,800 $7,200
Najee Harris $5,800 $6,700
Devin Singletary $5,700 $6,600
Isiah Pacheco $5,700 $7,300
Leonard Fournette $5,600 $6,800
Rachaad White $5,500 $6,800
D’Onta Foreman $5,400 $6,900
Michael Carter $5,300 $6,300
Gus Edwards $5,200 $6,200
Latavius Murray $5,200 $6,200
Kenyan Drake $5,100 $5,600
Zonovan Knight $5,100 $6,300
Kenneth Gainwell $5,000 $5,300
Travis Homer $5,000 $5,800
Alexander Mattison $4,900 $5,500
DeeJay Dallas $4,900 $6,000
Ty Johnson $4,900 $5,200
Chuba Hubbard $4,800 $5,500
Darrell Henderson $4,800 $5,000
Tony Jones Jr. $4,800 $5,500
JaMycal Hasty $4,700 $5,200
James Cook $4,600 $6,100
Jerick McKinnon $4,600 $5,400
Kareem Hunt $4,600 $5,700
Dontrell Hilliard $4,600 $5,000
James Robinson $4,500 $5,400
Jaylen Warren $4,500 $5,000
Jordan Mason $4,400 $5,200
Melvin Gordon $4,300 $5,000
J.K. Dobbins $4,000 $6,000
Justice Hill $4,000 $4,900

Running Back

Weekly strategy – A returning Joe Mixon (concussion) would be an easy start. If he doesn’t clear protocol, Samaje Perine should be locked in as your RB2. There are many other questions up top. I like both Nick Chubb and Derrick Henry, but I feel more comfortable with Dalvin Cook or one of the Cowboys at RB1. Dameon Pierce or one of the Lions makes cheaper pivots. D’Onta Foreman is my favorite option at RB2. You could also roll out whoever starts for the Jets or Seahawks.

Fantasy Four-pack

Nick Chubb, Browns @ CIN
($7,800 DK, $8,400 FD) Earlier this season Chubb went off against Cincy for 23-101-2. That was the third time in his last four meetings with the Bengals that he scored multiple TDs. If he can score twice again, he will finish as a top-three back this week.

Derrick Henry, Jaguars vs. JAX ($7,900 DK, $9,000 FD) The matchup suggests a gigantic game for Henry. Unfortunately, Henry has produced back-to-back duds. I hope that this keeps his ownership number down since Henry has posted 345-5 against Jacksonville in his last two games against them.

Christian McCaffrey, 49ers vs. TB
($8,500 DK, $8,500 FD) Obviously, the rushing numbers won’t be great here. The reason you are starting McCaffrey this week is that he will get all the rushing volume he can handle and will add close to double-digit receptions. Tampa has allowed 15 RB receptions over the last three weeks. So, this is a strategy that just might work.

Dalvin Cook, Vikings @ DET
($7,300 DK, $8,700 FD) Detroit is allowing a league second-worst 5.2 YPC and 1.5 rushing TDs per game. Cook’s yardage hasn’t been huge this season, but he has scored in six of his last eight games. The yardage will finally be there this week.

DFS Sleepers

D’Onta Foreman, Panthers @ SEA ($5,400 DK, $6,900 FD) Since taking over as the lead back in Week 7, Foreman has the fifth-most rushing yards among RBs. Meanwhile, only one team has allowed more rushing yards per game than Seattle. This includes allowing 615 rushing yards over their last three games.

Dameon Pierce, Texans @ DAL ($6,000 DK, $6,500 FD) Houston’s offense hasn’t been good this year. Their only saving grace has been Pierce. His 1,026 total yards are nearly doubles that of the next offensive player on the team. Dallas will not be a cakewalk, but Pierce should be a volume play.

Wide receivers DraftKings FanDuel
Justin Jefferson $9,000 $9,300
Stefon Diggs $8,300 $8,500
A.J. Brown $8,000 $8,400
Ja’Marr Chase $7,900 $8,700
Amon-Ra St. Brown $7,800 $8,600
Jamal Agnew $7,500 $8,200
DK Metcalf $7,100 $7,900
Tee Higgins $7,000 $7,800
Chris Godwin $6,700 $7,500
Christian Kirk $6,600 $7,600
Tyler Lockett $6,500 $7,700
Mike Evans $6,400 $7,000
DeVonta Smith $6,300 $7,000
Amari Cooper $6,200 $7,300
Deebo Samuel $6,100 $7,100
Garrett Wilson $5,900 $7,200
Brandon Aiyuk $5,800 $6,700
JuJu Smith-Schuster $5,600 $6,600
DJ Moore $5,500 $6,900
Jerry Jeudy $5,400 $6,500
Gabe Davis $5,300 $6,200
Courtland Sutton $5,200 $6,800
Darius Slayton $5,100 $6,300
Diontae Johnson $5,100 $6,500
George Pickens $5,000 $6,300
Tyler Boyd $5,000 $5,900
Adam Thielen $4,900 $6,400
Donovan Peoples-Jones $4,900 $6,100
Kadarius Toney $4,800 $5,900
Treylon Burks $4,700 $6,000
Zay Jones $4,700 $6,300
Michael Gallup $4,600 $6,000
Robert Woods $4,500 $5,800
Devin Duvernay $4,400 $5,600
Jameson Williams $4,400 $4,500
Nico Collins $4,400 $5,900
DJ Chark Jr. $4,300 $5,700
Corey Davis $4,200 $5,700
Isaiah McKenzie $4,200 $5,600
Mecole Hardman $4,200 $5,500
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,100 $5,800
Demarcus Robinson $4,000 $5,900
Julio Jones $4,000 $5,400
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $4,000 $5,500
Marvin Jones
 $3,800 $5,400
Quez Watkins $3,800 $5,400
Russell Gage Jr. $3,700 $5,300
Terrace Marshall Jr. $3,600 $5,500
Elijah Moore $3,500 $5,400
Isaiah Hodgins $3,500 $5,500
K.J. Osborn $3,500 $5,300
Marquise Goodwin $3,500 $5,200
Noah Brown $3,500 $5,100
Chris Moore $3,400 $5,300
DeSean Jackson $3,400 $5,000
Josh Reynolds $3,400 $5,500
Kendall Hinton $3,400 $5,100
Kalif Raymond $3,300 $5,200
Laviska Shenault Jr. $3,300 $5,200
Jamal Agnew $3,200 $5,100
Kenny Golladay $3,200 $5,000
Skyy Moore $3,200 $5,100
Justin Watson $3,100 $4,900
Braxton Berrios $3,000 $4,700
James Washington $3,000 $5,000
Jauan Jennings $3,000 $5,500
Phillip Dorsett
 $3,000 $4,900

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – Justin Jefferson gets a tough rematch with Detroit. The game will be high scoring, but I don’t want to risk it with him. His opponent, Amon-Ra St. Brown, will be my top WR1 option. I don’t mind Stefon Diggs, A.J. Brown, CeeDee Lamb, or Tee Higgins as a pivot. Below them is a crapshoot of WR2s. I don’t love anyone in that mid-price range except Christian Kirk (assuming Trevor Lawrence plays). If you don’t use Kirk, I’d suggest using one of the other Jaguars. Michael Gallup is another potential WR2 if you don’t use Lamb. For WR3, consider one of the Ravens, Nico Collins, DJ Chark Jr., K.J. Osborn, or Isaiah McKenzie.

Fantasy Four-pack

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions vs. MIN
($7,800 DK, $8,600 FD) Facing a potentially shorthanded Minnesota secondary, St. Brown should feast this Sunday. This game should be a shootout, so start everyone on both sides.

A.J. Brown, Eagles @ NYG ($8,000 DK, $8,400 FD) The Giants’ pass defense has posted some solid numbers this season. Unfortunately, those numbers have been padded by facing a growing list of midcard-level talent. The few legit offenses to face New York have posted solid lines. Brown should be safe for 7-80-1 as a floor.

Stefon Diggs, Bills vs. NYJ
($8,300 DK, $8,500 FD) The Jets upset the Bills back in Week 9. Diggs finished that game with a scoreless line of 5-93 on 10 targets. The yardage was satisfactory, but you know he wants the TDs and more receptions. With Mike White under center for New York, this game could be a sneaky source of points as he can at least try to keep up with Josh Allen. Plus, I suspect that ownership rates will be minimal for the skill position players here, making this an excellent pivot game to target.

CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys vs. HOU
($7,500 DK, $8,200 FD) I’m slightly concerned about Dallas only running the ball. Still, Lamb is the type of receiver who demands his share of the spoils. This is clear as his 111 targets trail only four other WRs. Lamb also has four TDs over his last five games. Chalk him up for a minimum of 7-70-1. 

DFS Sleepers

Zay Jones, Jaguars @ TEN ($4,700 DK, $6,300 FD) For some absurd reason, Jacksonville ignored both Zay and Marvin Jones for the first half of last week’s game against Detroit. Despite the slow start, Zay ended up tied for second on the team with seven targets. This gives him 31 targets over his last three games. Assuming Trevor Lawrence (foot) plays this week, I expect the coaching staff to use the full complement of passing-game weapons from the get-go. 

K.J. Osborn, Vikings @ DET ($3,500 DK, $5,300 FD) Detroit has figured out a way to stifle Justin Jefferson by bodying him on the line and then shadowing him with Jeff Okudah. This strategy has opened the door for Osborn to take advantage and score in back-to-back meetings. I like him to record the hat trick here.

Tight ends DraftKings FanDuel
Travis Kelce $7,600 $8,000
Mark Andrews $6,500 $6,800
T.J. Hockenson $5,100 $6,500
Pat Freiermuth $4,500 $5,800
Dalton Schultz $4,400 $6,200
George Kittle $4,300 $5,900
David Njoku $3,900 $5,600
Dawson Knox $3,800 $5,000
Greg Dulcich $3,400 $5,400
Daniel Bellinger $3,300 $4,800
Evan Engram $3,300 $5,100
Noah Fant $3,100 $5,200
Tyler Conklin $3,100 $4,900
Cameron Brate $3,000 $4,500
Austin Hooper $2,900 $4,900
Brock Wright $2,900 $4,600
Cade Otton $2,800 $4,700
Harrison Bryant $2,800 $4,900
Jack Stoll $2,800 $4,700
Jake Ferguson $2,800 $4,500
Jordan Akins $2,800 $4,700
Chigoziem Okonkwo $2,700 $4,800
Ian Thomas $2,700 $4,500
Mitchell Wilcox $2,700 $4,600
Will Dissly $2,700 $4,600
C.J. Uzomah $2,500 $4,400

Tight End

Weekly strategy – I don’t dislike Travis Kelce or Mark Andrews this week. That said, they both seem overpriced. Plus, T.J. Hockenson is in a smash spot. If you want to fade the Hockenson chalk, use Pat Freiermuth, Dalton Schultz, or David Njoku (knee). There are several punt options, including Greg Dulcich, Evan Engram, Jordan Akins, or one of the Titans.

Fantasy Four-pack

T.J. Hockenson, Vikings @ DET
($5,100 DK, $6,500 FD) Hockenson finally gets his revenge game against Detroit. The Lions have allowed three TE scores over their last four games. Minnesota will make sure that Hockenson gets one here.

Travis Kelce, Chiefs @ DEN
($7,600 DK, $8,000 FD) This isn’t a great matchup for Kelce. At this price, I don’t blame you for fading him. Still, there isn’t any other TE on the board who can break a slate any given Sunday. Throw out a couple of lineups with Kelce and Patrick Mahomes just for the variance factor.

Mark Andrews, Ravens @ PIT
($6,500 DK, $6,800 FD) The same logic used on Kelce can be used on Andrews here. Plus, Pittsburgh’s defense is nowhere near as strong as Denver’s. Throw out a lineup or two with Andrews stacked with Tyler Huntley and one of the Ravens WRs. This will free up enough salary to roster a pair of high-dollar RBs.

Pat Freiermuth, Steelers vs. Ravens ($4,500 DK, $5,800 FD) Considering their respective prices, I actually feel better using Freiermuth over Andrews this week. Baltimore struggled earlier this season with quality TEs. They then went on a brief run of competency against some scrubs. Of course, Greg Dulcich exposed the cracks last week. Since Week 7, only Travis Kelce has more receiving yards among TEs. Don’t be surprised to see Freiermuth end up with 6-70-1.

DFS Sleepers

Greg Dulcich, Broncos vs. KC ($3,400 DK, $5,400 FD) Dulcich had a mini breakout in Week 13. If Courtland Sutton (hamstring) remains limited this week, be prepared for Denver to continue to pepper their young TE. The Chiefs defense isn’t particularly good and Denver will play from behind, so the game script will be in Dulcich’s favor.

David Njoku, Browns @ CIN ($3,900 DK, $5,600 FD) Njoku continues to be limited in practice. This stinks, as everyone is excited to see what sort of connection he can develop with Deshaun Watson. Cincy has allowed Njoku to score in four of their last seven meetings. If Njoku is ruled out, get Harrison Bryant into your lineup.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 12

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 12 DFS fantasy football.

Hopefully, everyone had a fun and profitable Thanksgiving day. At the very least, I hope that you were able to spend some drama-free time with your loved ones. So heat up a plate of leftovers and kick back, because we have some lineups to set!

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

GREEN BAY @ PHILADELPHIA

Aaron Rodgers (QB3) has to be happy to have another reliable WR at his disposal. Unfortunately, he has to face the stingiest pass defense on the slate. If you use Rodgers, consider stacking him with Randall Cobb or Allen Lazard instead of the obvious Christian Watson.

Green Bay has a decent pass defense, but it isn’t going to keep up with Jalen Hurts (QB1). Hurts will throw the ball at will and run rampant against the Pack. Expect 350 total yards and three total scores from the top option on the board.

Philly needed to improve their run defense so they went out and gave mercenary money to Linval Joseph and Ndamukong Suh. After two weeks of practice, they should be more heavily involved. Their presence drops Aaron Jones (RB4) and AJ Dillon (RB6) slightly in presumed production. Jones still deserves RB2 consideration, and Dillon could be a punt flex play.

Miles Sanders (RB3) has established himself as the alpha in the Philly backfield. If he didn’t have to cede some TDs to Hurts, I would’ve ranked him second here. He is my preferred RB2 this slate. Kenneth Gainwell (RB8) and Boston Scott (RB9) are both splitting the scraps now. You could use either in Showdown but leave them out of your main lineup.

Christian Watson (WR6) will be way over-owned this week. The Eagles have a pair of legit shutdown corners. I feel better starting the more reliable, Allen Lazard (WR4), and the better matchup, Randall Cobb (WR9). The calendar has changed from September, so Sammy Watkins (WR12) can be ignored.

With two of the top-three options this week in A.J. Brown (WR1) and DeVonta Smith (WR3), the three-leg stack with Hurts is definitely in play. Brown needs to be your WR1, and Smith should at least be in the conversation for WR2. I also feel comfortable playing Quez Watkins (WR11) as a WR3. You can ignore Zach Pascal (WR15).

The primetime slate is devoid of TE talent. Robert Tonyan (TE2) should be a reliable option against one of the few areas where you can attack Philadelphia. If you just decide to punt the position you could consider either Josiah Deguara (TE7) or Marcedes Lewis (TE10) based on the matchup. I wouldn’t, but you can.

Jack Stoll (TE6) has been the only TE to record a catch for Philly since the Dallas Goedert injury. Personally, I feel more confident taking a shot on Tyree Jackson (TE8) if I punt here.

Monday Night

PITTSBURGH @ INDIANAPOLIS

Indy has a stingy pass defense, but they have been bothered by running QBs. Kenny Pickett (QB4) has done little as a passer so far. However, he has put up modest numbers on the ground. Still, I’m not touching him on this slate.

Matt Ryan (QB2) has looked reasonable since returning to the starting lineup. It helps that he has almost all of his weapons healthy. Pittsburgh has allowed four passing TDs in three of their last six games. Chalk him up for a floor of 275-2.

Najee Harris (RB2) was promised the lion’s share of the workload in Week 11. He was gifted it, and he delivered a great performance. It helped that Jaylen Warren (hamstring – RB5) left early with the injury. Harris will be my RB2 in most lineups. If Warren plays, you can roll him out as a dart throw flex play.

Jonathan Taylor (RB1) is fully healthy, and he has Jeff Saturday’s confidence. This returns him to dynasty RB1 territory. On a weak overall slate, there is no excuse for not fitting both Harris and Taylor into your RB slots. Deon Jackson (RB7) will catch a few passes as a COP back for Indy, but he can be left for Showdown.

George Pickens (WR5) has surpassed Diontae Johnson (WR7) as the featured WR for Pittsburgh. Neither is a great play here. You probably have to consider one of them as a WR2/WR3 based on volume, just know they both have low ceilings. The matchup is so negative that the depth receivers, Gunner Olszewski (WR14) and Steven Sims (WR16) can be ignored in all formats.

Indy has involved all three of their top WRs recently. Michael Pittman Jr. (WR2) deserves No. 1 consideration as Pittsburgh has been absurdly bad against WR1s all year. I also like both Parris Campbell (WR8) and Alec Pierce (WR10) as WR3 plays based on their continued growth and involvement in the offense. Ashton Dulin (WR13) saw a lot of action earlier this year when everyone was hurt. Now, he is just a depth WR that can be left to Showdown contests.

How bad is the TE slate here? Pat Freiermuth (TE1) is the top option and it really isn’t close. He is coming off a blowup game, but don’t let that dissuade you from using him again. Zach Gentry (TE5) doesn’t see enough opportunities to return value. Still, he could be a TD-dependent punt play, if you spend too much elsewhere.

In Indy, they are playing “Wheel of Tight Ends.” Jelani Woods (shoulder – TE9) will eventually be the main guy. Right now, he has to shake off a shoulder injury and get back out on the field. With Woods likely out again, Mo Alie-Cox (TE3) and Marquise Goodwin (TE4) will need to continue to step up. Both would be ignored most weeks. On this slate, they are the TE3 and TE4 respectively. I’m okay with using one as a punt here, but I don’t love it.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Joe Burrow ($6.7k), RB Kenneth Walker III ($6.9k), RB Rachaad White ($5.1k), WR Tee Higgins ($6.9k), WR Jaylen Waddle ($7.3k), WR Garrett Wilson ($4.3k), TE Hayden Hurst ($3.3k), FLEX Jeff Wilson Jr. ($5.9k), DST Kansas City Chiefs ($2.8k)

FD Lineup: QB Geno Smith ($7.6k), RB Jeff Wilson Jr. ($7.7k), RB Antonio Gibson ($6.1k), WR Tee Higgins  ($8.2k), WR Jaylen Waddle ($8.1k), WR DK Metcalf ($7.2k), TE Austin Hooper ($5k), FLEX Latavius Murray ($6.2k), DST Denver Broncos ($3.9k)

FB Lineup: QB Joe Burrow ($6.7k), RB Jeff Wilson Jr. ($5.4k), RB Latavius Murray ($5k), WR Tee Higgins ($6.3k), WR Jaylen Waddle ($6.5k), WR Randall Cobb ($3.5k), TE Austin Hooper ($3.1k), FLEX Austin Ekeler ($7.2k), FLEX Kenneth Walker III ($6.3k)

Quarterbacks DraftKings FanDuel
Patrick Mahomes $8,200 $9,000
Lamar Jackson $8,000 $8,200
Justin Fields $7,400 $8,500
Justin Herbert $7,000 $7,900
Tua Tagovailoa $6,900 $8,300
Kyler Murray $6,800 $7,800
Joe Burrow $6,700 $8,600
Geno Smith $6,000 $7,600
Tom Brady $5,800 $7,400
Derek Carr $5,700 $7,300
Jimmy Garoppolo $5,600 $6,800
Marcus Mariota $5,500 $7,000
Trevor Lawrence $5,500 $6,900
Jacoby Brissett $5,400 $6,900
Russell Wilson $5,400 $6,700
Ryan Tannehill $5,400 $7,100
Andy Dalton $5,300 $6,700
Matthew Stafford $5,300 $6,600
Taylor Heinicke $5,300 $6,500
Colt McCoy $5,100 $6,400
Bryce Perkins $5,000 $6,600
John Wolford $5,000 $6,600
Mike White $4,900 $6,200
Sam  Darnold $4,900 $6,400
Trevor Siemian $4,900 $6,300
Kyle Allen $4,800 $6,100
Taysom Hill $4,800 N/A
Trace McSorley $4,000 $6,200

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Joe Burrow, Geno Smith, and Tua Tagovailoa are my favorite QB plays of the week. I don’t mind Justin Herbert or Tom Brady as pivots. Consider Jimmy Garoppolo or Trevor Lawrence to save even more money.

Fantasy Four-pack

Joe Burrow, Bengals @ TEN
($6,700 DK, $8,600 FD) Only two teams are allowing more passing yards per game, and only three teams are allowing more passing TDs per game than Tennessee. Burrow is coming off a monster game, and he may be without his top RB again. We should see him air it out here repeatedly.

Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins vs. HOU
($6,900 DK, $8,300 FD) Houston doesn’t give up a ton of passing yards or passing scores, but that isn’t due to some elite defense. It is due solely to teams not having to throw the ball against them. Dolphins RBs will eat this week, but Tua should still throw for a ton of points, too. You don’t actually think that Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle will just cede their points to the RB room, do you?

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs vs. LAR ($8,200 DK, $9,000 FD) The Rams have some defensive weapons to limit Mahomes this week. That said, their pass defense has actually struggled recently, especially on the road, where they have allowed the seventh-most passing yards per game. Bump Mahomes up even higher, if JuJu Smith-Schuster can go.

Justin Herbert, Chargers @ ARI
($7,000 DK, $7,900 FD) I don’t usually give too much cadence to home/road splits. However, Arizona is allowing only 202 passing yards per game on the road compared to 298 passing yards per game at home. This isn’t a small sample size, either. Plus, only one of six QBs traveling to Arizona has failed to score multiple TDs against them. Herbert is an elite enough talent to do serious damage here.

DFS Sleepers

Geno Smith, Seahawks vs. LV
($6,000 DK, $7,600 FD) Smith has two or more total TDs in seven of his last eight games. Meanwhile, the Raiders have allowed two or more total QB scores in all but two games this season. Plus, they have been particularly susceptible to QB rushing scores. Smith will score both ways this week.

Tom Brady, Buccaneers @ CLE
($5,800 DK, $7,400 FD) Much like teams facing Houston, Cleveland’s pass defense numbers look better than they are since no one throws on them. Enter Tampa Bay, who throw the ball on a league-leading 66% of their plays. Even the Tampa RBs spend as much time catching passes as they spend toting the rock. Brady will have at least his top-three and perhaps his top-four WRs healthy for this one. I expect the GOAT to go off.

Running Backs DraftKings FanDuel
Christian McCaffrey $8,800 $9,200
Austin Ekeler $8,500 $8,800
Derrick Henry $8,300 $9,500
Nick Chubb $7,800 $8,100
Josh Jacobs $7,700 $8,700
Alvin Kamara $7,300 $7,100
Joe Mixon $7,000 $8,000
Kenneth Walker III $6,900 $8,400
Travis Etienne Jr. $6,700 $8,000
James Conner $6,600 $7,000
David Montgomery $6,400 $7,500
Dameon Pierce $6,100 $6,900
Cordarrelle Patterson $6,000 $6,800
Jeff Wilson Jr. $5,900 $7,700
Leonard Fournette $5,800 $7,200
Kenyan Drake $5,700 $6,500
Raheem Mostert $5,700 $6,300
Gus Edwards $5,600 $6,500
Samaje Perine $5,600 $6,600
D’Onta Foreman $5,500 $6,700
Isiah Pacheco $5,500 $6,300
Antonio Gibson $5,400 $6,100
Michael Carter $5,400 $6,200
James Robinson $5,200 $6,200
Brian Robinson Jr. $5,100 $6,100
Rachaad White $5,100 $6,400
Latavius Murray $5,000 $6,200
Cam Akers $4,900 $5,900
Elijah Mitchell $4,900 $6,500
Kareem Hunt $4,900 $5,800
Kyren Williams $4,900 $5,300
Tyler Allgeier $4,900 $5,900
Dontrell Hilliard $4,800 $5,100
Keaontay Ingram $4,800 $5,400
Chuba Hubbard $4,700 $5,300
Jerick McKinnon $4,700 $5,500
Justice Hill $4,400 $5,200
Trestan Ebner $4,300 $4,900
Isaiah Spiller $4,100 $4,800
Caleb Huntley $4,000 $4,900

Running Back

Weekly strategy – Austin Ekeler is the safest high-priced option. Still, I am likely to spend down and go with two of the following: Kenneth Walker III, James Conner, David Montgomery, one of the Commanders, and Jeff Wilson Jr. Injuries to other RBs could keep Kenyan Drake, Rachaad White, and Samaje Perine as viable RB2 plays. Finally, consider Latavius Murray based on volume.

Fantasy Four-pack

Austin Ekeler, Chargers @ ARI
($8,500 DK, $8,800 FD) Multi-function backs such as Christian McCaffrey (2x), Kenneth Walker III (2x), Alvin Kamara, and Dalvin Cook have all feasted on this defense. Ekeler definitely fits the mold of a multi-function back. This feels like a 150-1 game with at least six receptions.

Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks vs. LV ($6,900 DK, $8,400 FD) Over their last four games, Vegas has allowed seven total RB scores. Meanwhile, Walker has been on a roll scoring seven times in his last six games. The TDs will definitely be here, as will the yards. What would make this great, is if we continue to see Walker involved more in the passing game (as he was in Week 10).

Derrick Henry, Titans vs. CIN
($8,300 DK, $9,500 FD) Henry at home should never be completely ignored. That FD price is high, but he can score multiple TDs on any given Sunday. This is important to know, because Cincy has allowed an RB to post multiple rushing TDs in two of their last three games.

James Conner, Cardinals vs. LAC
($6,600 DK, $7,000 FD) Conner’s value comes from his nose for the end zone. He has scored three times in the last two weeks. This matches nicely with the Chargers, who are allowing more than one rushing TD per game this season and a league fourth-worst 1.6 rushing TDs per game on the road. You aren’t going to get huge yardage numbers here, but two TDs will go a long way.

DFS Sleepers

Jeff Wilson Jr., Dolphins @ HOU ($5,900 DK, $7,700 FD) The only question here is will Wilson score more TDs than Raheem Mostert? Heck, I might throw out a lineup with both of them. Together they will split 200 total yards and at least two TDs. 

Antonio Gibson, Commanders vs. ATL ($5,400 DK, $6,100 FD) This is another split backfield where both backs should eat this week. Since Week 4, only one team failed to gouge this defense with their RBs. I’m not bullish enough on this offense to start both of them, so I’ll go with the one more involved in the passing game.

Wide receivers DraftKings FanDuel
Tyreek Hill $8,800 $9,200
Davante Adams $8,600 $9,000
DeAndre Hopkins $7,700 $8,400
Ja’Marr Chase $7,600 $8,800
Jaylen Waddle $7,300 $8,100
Tee Higgins $6,900 $8,200
Deebo Samuel $6,800 $6,900
Mike Evans $6,700 $7,600
Chris Olave $6,600 $7,300
Christian Kirk $6,500 $7,700
DK Metcalf $6,500 $7,200
Amari Cooper $6,400 $7,800
Brandon Aiyuk $6,400 $6,700
Mike Williams $6,300 $6,900
Tyler Lockett $6,200 $7,400
Keenan Allen $6,100 $7,300
Chris Godwin $6,000 $7,000
Tyler Boyd $5,900 $6,700
Terry McLaurin $5,800 $7,500
Jerry Jeudy $5,700 $6,000
JuJu Smith-Schuster $5,700 $6,600
Courtland Sutton $5,600 $7,100
Allen Robinson II $5,500 $6,800
Joshua Palmer $5,400 $6,800
Marquise Brown $5,300 $7,000
Brandin Cooks $5,200 $6,400
Darnell Mooney $5,100 $6,100
Rondale Moore $5,100 $6,000
Curtis Samuel $5,000 $6,500
DJ Moore $5,000 $6,200
Drake London $4,900 $6,100
Kadarius Toney $4,900 $6,100
Donovan Peoples-Jones $4,800 $6,300
Devin Duvernay $4,700 $5,600
Robert Woods $4,700 $5,700
Zay Jones $4,600 $5,700
Van Jefferson $4,500 $5,600
Jarvis Landry $4,400 $5,800
Mack Hollins $4,400 $5,600
Demarcus Robinson $4,300 $6,200
Garrett Wilson $4,300 $6,000
Corey Davis $4,200 $5,500
Treylon Burks $4,200 $5,900
Marvin Jones Jr. $4,100 $5,400
Nico Collins $4,100 $6,000
Jahan Dotson $4,000 $5,800
Julio Jones $4,000 $5,400
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,000 $5,800
Chase Claypool $3,900 $5,500
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $3,900 $5,400
Terrace Marshall Jr. $3,900 $5,700
Chris Moore $3,800 $5,500
KJ Hamler $3,800 $5,000
DeAndre Carter $3,700 $5,900
Kendall Hinton $3,700 $5,400
Olamide Zaccheaus $3,600 $5,300
Elijah Moore $3,500 $5,300
Marquise Goodwin $3,500 $5,400
A.J. Green $3,400 $5,300
Ben Skowronek $3,400 $5,100
Laviska Shenault Jr. $3,300 $5,300
Trent Sherfield $3,200 $5,400
Robbie Anderson $3,100 $5,100
Cedrick Wilson Jr. $3,000 $4,800
Justin Watson $3,000 $5,000
Skyy Moore $3,000 $5,400

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy –  I will build at least one lineup with both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Davante Adams and Tee Higgins are the other WR1 choices for me. Christian Kirk, Mike Evans, Terry McLaurin, and the Seahawks could also be used there. I will probably use one of them at WR2. If Mike Williams is out again, Joshua Palmer is a must-start. Other WR3 options include the Texans, Curtis Samuel, Treylon Burks, Garrett Wilson, and Donovan Peoples-Jones. The only punt plays I like are Julio Jones and whoever starts for KC if JuJu Smith-Schuster remains out.

Fantasy Four-pack

Davante Adams, Raiders @ SEA
($8,600 DK, $9,000 FD) Adams leads the league in WR targets and WR touchdowns. He also has been on an absurd streak posting 26-413-5, over his last three games. Not that you need any more prodding to start him, but every WR1 to face Seattle this season has reached double-digit PPR points.

Tyreek Hill, Dolphins vs. HOU ($8,800 DK, $9,200 FD) As I mentioned above, Houston’s defense against the pass looks better than it is because no one has to throw it against them. That said, while Miami doesn’t have to throw the ball against them, we know they are going to. Hill holds a narrow lead on the field in WR receptions and receiving yards, plus he has scored in back-to-back games. He won’t score as much as the RBs, but he should still have a tidy 10-100-1 line.

Tee Higgins, Bengals @ TEN
($6,900 DK, $8,200 FD) Twenty different WRs have reached double-digit PPR points against the Titans. This includes such luminaries as Dyami Brown, Mack Hollins, and Jalen Virgil. Higgins is coming off a beast-mode game, and he should be seeking at least one more monster line before Ja’Marr Chase returns at full game speed. Chase reportedly wants to play this week, if he does, it won’t be at full speed.

Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins vs. HOU
($7,300 DK, $8,100 FD) Tyreek Hill holds the advantage in yardage and receptions, but Waddle has scored more TDs. This includes three scores over the last three games. Obviously, I like both of these studs. I just like Waddle a little bit more because of the price difference. 

DFS Sleepers

Terry McLaurin, Commanders vs. ATL
($5,800 DK, $7,500 FD) Only three teams are allowing more passing yards per game than Atlanta. Plus, only two WR1s have failed to go berserk against them. McLaurin has been solid all season, but he seems to have stepped it up even more since Taylor Heinicke became the QB averaging 5.6-85.

Treylon Burks, Titans vs. CIN
($4,200 DK, $5,900 FD) Someone has to catch the ball for Tennessee. Well, it now appears that Burks will be gifted the opportunity to be that someone. Cincy has been solid against WRs this year, but their biggest deficiency has come against big-bodied possession receivers that don’t mind going across the field. Burks has shown that attribute, in the last few weeks, since his and Ryan Tannehill‘s return from injury.

Tight ends DraftKings FanDuel
Travis Kelce $7,700 $8,200
Mark Andrews $6,500 $7,300
Taysom Hill N/A $6,500
George Kittle $5,300 $6,200
Gerald Everett $4,400 $5,200
Tyler Higbee $4,200 $5,700
Cole Kmet $3,900 $5,300
Greg Dulcich $3,700 $5,300
David Njoku $3,600 $5,600
Mike Gesicki $3,500 $5,000
Foster Moreau $3,400 $5,400
Juwan Johnson $3,400 $5,500
Cade Otton $3,300 $4,900
Hayden Hurst $3,300 $5,100
Evan Engram $3,200 $4,900
Noah Fant $3,200 $5,100
Trey McBride $3,100 $4,800
Tyler Conklin $3,100 $4,800
Austin Hooper $3,000 $5,000
Harrison Bryant $3,000 $4,900
Logan Thomas $3,000 $5,200
Cameron Brate $2,900 $4,600
Isaiah Likely $2,900 $4,500
Will Dissly $2,900 $4,600
Tre’ McKitty $2,800 $4,500
Jordan Akins $2,700 $4,600
Chigoziem Okonkwo $2,600 $4,500
Adam Trautman $2,500 $4,500

Tight End

Weekly strategy – If you want to pay up, go ahead. Both Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews are solid plays. That said, I am gonna pay less for Greg Dulcich, David Njoku, Foster Moreau, or Gerald Everett (groin) if he plays. If you choose to punt, use one of the Seahawks, Evan Engram, Austin Hooper, Logan Thomas, or Hayden Hurst.

Fantasy Four-pack

Travis Kelce, Chiefs vs. LAR
($7,700 DK, $8,200 FD) I don’t love the price. I don’t love the opponent. I don’t love the fact that he will be chalk after last week. That said, this is Travis Kelce, and the rest of the field is not Travis Kelce, I rest my case.

Mark Andrews, Ravens @ JAX
($6,500 DK, $7,300 FD) Andrews is the closest thing on the docket to Kelce’s reign. I will likely have more exposure here based on the easier matchup and the cheaper price. Still, both seem a bit overpriced. 

Gerald Everett, Chargers @ ARI
($4,400 DK, $5,200 FD) Everett (groin) missed Week 11, but his early week practices suggest he will suit up this week. The matchup against the Cardinals, along with Mike Williams‘s (ankle) reinjury, is just begging Everett to step in and go off.

Greg Dulcich, Broncos @ CAR ($3,700 DK, $5,300 FD) Perhaps, the only positive coming out of Denver right now is the play of Dulcich. With Jerry Jeudy (ankle) remaining questionable, Dulcich should continue to receive a healthy dose of targets. Comparable TEs have posted solid lines against Carolina already this year. I like Dulcich for 5-60 and maybe a score.

DFS Sleepers

Austin Hooper, Titans vs. CIN
($3,000 DK, $5,000 FD) Hooper has to be cheering for the return of Ryan Tannehill. He went from an afterthought on a team that doesn’t throw at all to an end-zone threat on a team that throws only a smidgen of the time.

Logan Thomas, Commanders vs. ATL ($3,000 DK, $5,200 FD) Thomas has actually produced this year when he has been on the field. Unfortunately, this has been few and far between. Several scrub TEs have posted solid lines against the Falcons already. I see no reason why Thomas cannot add his name to the list.

Daily Fantasy Domination: 2022 Thanksgiving Edition

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 12 Thanksgiving Day Slate DFS fantasy football

It is time once again to gobble up some bonus DFS action as we enter the Turkey Day slate. There is nothing better than stuffing your belly and then stuffing your wallet. Then you can go out the next morning and blow all that newly begotten wealth on Black Friday deals!

Buffalo Bills @ Detroit Lions

So, will Buffalo go home between Week 11 and Thanksgiving Day? The Lions haven’t played at Ford Field since Week 9, so the Bills will have actually spent more time in this stadium recently than the Motor City Kitties have.

On this slate, Josh Allen (QB1) has the best combination of arm strength and running ability, and he is no worse than second in surrounding talent on offense. Stack him with either Stefon Diggs or Gabe Davis.

Jared Goff (QB4) doesn’t have the natural talent of Allen, but he does have an elite WR. He also is not afraid to throw the ball 40-plus times a game to keep up with a higher-octane offense. Buffalo’s passing defense is nowhere near as fierce as they were earlier this season, and I like Goff as a bargain-priced pivot here.

Detroit has no clue how to stop the run. It has been a battle to the bottom between them and Houston all year (with Cleveland and the Chargers making a late charge, too). Unfortunately for Buffalo, Devin Singletary (RB3) typically doesn’t get the workload needed to really take advantage of this. I still think he is the safest RB2 on the board. Nyheim Hines (RB12) hasn’t done anything since his arrival. He can be left to Showdown. James Cook (RB10), on the other hand, has seen his role continue to grow. He could be a nice flex play.

Buffalo isn’t great against the run, either. Jamaal Williams (RB4) has been a TD machine. He needs to be in consideration for your RB2 slot. D’Andre Swift (RB7) finally scored last week. He also had fewer touches and yards than Justin Jackson (RB12). Against a worse defense, I might advocate for one of them. Here, neither is more than a desperation flex play.

Detroit is just as bad against the pass as the run. WR1s in particular have posted huge games against them. This is why Stefon Diggs (WR1) gets the top spot on the slate. His price will be high, but he will be worth it. If you want to save some money use his running mate, Gabe Davis (WR5). Just know that Diggs is a much safer play. Isaiah McKenzie (WR13) also is in play as a WR3. Khalil Shakir (WR17) should probably be left to Showdown.

Since Week 7, Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR3) has nearly as many targets as all of the other WRs on Detroit’s active roster. This sets up nicely for him as it has been possession WRs that have done the most damage against Buffalo this season. DJ Chark Jr. (WR16) finally returned in Week 11. Everyone in attendance at your family’s dinner had as many catches and yards as he did. His presence creates more operating room for St. Brown, but Chark is still looking like a bust. Josh Reynolds (back – WR9) has missed a month with a back injury. When he was healthy, he was a reliable WR3. If he can finally return, I’d gladly play him in that spot. If Reynolds remains out, Kalif Raymond (WR14) could be a sneaky WR3 play. Tom Kennedy (WR20) is certainly a fake name, but that name is on the player list, so I have to at least rank him. You can leave him for Showdown.

Despite having multiple other weapons, Buffalo has kept Dawson Knox (TE3) involved all season. Like every other position, Detroit cannot seem to cover TEs, either. Knox at a discounted price might be a nice third leg to an Allen-Diggs stack.

Detroit had an elite TE and they traded him away. Now they have two guys who are just serviceable at best. At least the matchup isn’t awful. Brock Wright (TE7) and James Mitchell (TE8) probably should be ignored, but I have a sneaking feeling that one of them will score this week.

New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys

This NFC East rivalry has a little extra gravy this week as these two teams battle for wild-card positioning behind division leader Philadelphia.

Daniel Jones (QB5) will have his work cut out for himself this week. Normally, I like him as a sleeper, but this time I’m not going to go out of my way to use him. That said, running QBs (including Jones in Week 3) have had some success against this defense, so he has that going for him.

As for Dallas, Dak Prescott (QB2) gets a solid but not spectacular matchup. Still, on a mediocre QB slate, his floor is higher than most of the rest. Stack him with CeeDee Lamb.

Saquon Barkley (RB1) doesn’t have the cream-puff matchups that he has faced the last two weeks. Still, it is always easier to run against Dallas, than throw against them. Matt Breida (RB13) scored last week, but he remains strictly a handcuff. Barring an injury, he has zero value this week.

Ezekiel Elliott (RB5) and Tony Pollard (RB6) are both healthy. Unfortunately, this means a split backfield and split production. If either was alone this week, they would be a top-three option. Still, each can be used as an RB2 or flex play. Elliott has scored in seven of the last eight games he has played against the Giants, so I’ll give him a small edge. Malik Davis (RB15) returns to irrelevancy with both Pollard and Zeke healthy.

The Giants’ WR room was maligned most of the year. Now, they are back to having only one solid option in Darius Slayton (WR10) as Wan’Dale Robinson (ACL) is out for the year. When he has played, Slayton has been reliable this year. Unfortunately, he will likely be saddled by Trevon Diggs. I guess Slayton still deserves WR3 consideration. The team also has Kenny Golladay (WR20). He used to be reliable. Now, it is a victory when he gets more than one target in a game. Bigger-bodied outside WRs have actually fared well against Dallas this season, so he could be a deep dart throw at flex. That said, I’d rather leave him to Showdown. With Robinson out, Richie James (knee – WR16) will start in the slot. He could also be a WR3 option.

CeeDee Lamb (WR4) is one of the few WR1 pivots that I like from Stefon Diggs and Justin Jefferson. Lamb actually has more targets than the rest of the Cowboys’ WR room combined. It helped that Michael Gallup (WR8) missed the start of the season. Gallup gets a lot of volume, but his final stat line leaves a lot to be desired. He is best left as a WR3. Noah Brown (WR12) has disappeared since the return of Gallup. In a better spot, I would consider him. This isn’t that spot.

Daniel Bellinger (eye – TE11) has missed a month now. He promised that he would return at some point this season. I don’t think it will be this week. If he plays, bump him up to TE5. Assuming Bellinger remains out, Tanner Hudson (TE6) or Lawrence Cager (WR23/TE9) could be a nice sleeper in a double-TE lineup.

Dalton Schultz (TE2) is a great option this week as the Giants have been a sieve of late against the position. Plus, Schultz has been a top-six TE since returning from his early-season injury. I highly recommend using both Schultz and T.J. Hockenson in a double-TE lineup.

New England Patriots @ Minnesota Vikings

I love the story of Thanksgiving. Especially the part where the American revolutionaries traveled westward to do battle with the Norse boatsmen. If for some crazy reason you are still hungry when this game comes on, make sure to watch my Twitter feed for our #Week12 #MatchupMeal featuring New England cranberry goat cheese stuffed Swedish meatball Juicy Lucys and red flannel hash.

Mac Jones (QB6) is the thanksgiving QB turkey this week. The matchup is actually positive, but he just lacks the talent. If you want to get crazy build a stack with him and Jakobi Meyers and then fall asleep early so you don’t have to watch that money go up in smoke.

Coming into this season, Kirk Cousins (QB3) was maligned for his failures in primetime. He has played admirably this season to erase some of that trend, but with his LT, Christian Darrisaw, doubtful with a concussion, he is in trouble here. Certainly, Kirk has the weapons, but he needs time to get the ball to those weapons. If Darrisaw plays, I will use Cousins. Otherwise, I will pass.

Rhamondre Stevenson (RB8) and Damien Harris (RB9) were back to splitting the load last week. The Vikes are actually solid against the run, so neither should be more than an RB2 dart throw. I’d lean toward Stevenson since Minnesota has historically struggled with pass-catching backs.

The Vikings have to get their running game going this week. Dalvin Cook (RB2) had scored in five straight games prior to getting the game scripted away from him in last week’s contest. Unfortunately, the Patriots are neutral, at worst, against the run. Alexander Mattison (RB11) is purely a handcuff these days. He can be left to Showdown contests.

There are a lot of WRs in the room for the Patriots, but very few you can truly trust. Jakobi Meyers (WR6) is worth a WR2 slot. He has been the one consistent asset all year. DeVante Parker (WR11) came back from injury in Week 11 and didn’t do much. I don’t love the matchup for him. Nelson Agholor (WR21) has had six targets since Week 4. Still, he is one of the types of WRs that Minnesota historically struggles with. Tyquan Thornton (WR18) has seen more targets, but he has done just as little with them. Either of these two could be a punt WR3 at best. Kendrick Bourne (WR22) has done nothing over the last two months. He can be ignored.

Opposing WR1s have done little versus New England over the last month. That said, they haven’t faced anyone like Justin Jefferson (WR2) recently. The few higher-end WR1s they faced earlier this year did just fine against this defense. Jefferson will have a great game here, and he deserves WR1 consideration. Adam Thielen (WR7) had seven or more targets in eight straight contests before Week 11. The numbers haven’t been great, but he can be used as a WR2. K.J. Osborn (WR13) was featured in Week 10 and then he was ignored last week. The matchup isn’t strong enough to consider him as anything more than a punt play at WR3.

Jonnu Smith (TE4) has outproduced Hunter Henry (TE5) in recent weeks. I’d consider a pivot with either, but there is no clear advantage to using them considering the price differences aren’t huge between them and the highest-priced guys.

Quality TEs have feasted on New England this season. T.J. Hockenson (TE1) definitely qualifies in that category. Ironically, he was held to just 1-6-0 versus New England back in Week 4 when he was still with Detroit. That is more of a testament to the Detroit offense than Hockenson. I like him for 6-70-1 here. Johnny Mundt (TE10) can be ignored.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Josh Allen ($8k), RB Devin Singletary ($5.7k), RB Jamaal Williams ($5.9k), WR Stefon Diggs ($8k), WR Jakobi Meyers ($5.1k), WR Kalif Raymond ($4.1k), TE Dawson Knox ($3.5k), FLEX Tony Pollard ($6.6k), DST New England Patriots ($3k)

FD Lineup: QB Josh Allen ($9.5k), RB Devin Singletary ($6.9k), RB Jamaal Williams ($7.1k), WR Stefon Diggs ($9.3k), WR Michael Gallup ($5.7k), WR Kalif Raymond ($5.5k), TE Dawson Knox ($5.5k), FLEX T.J. Hockenson ($6.3k), DST New England Patriots ($4.2k)

FB Lineup: QB Josh Allen ($7.4k), RB Saquon Barkley ($7.2k), RB Jamaal Williams ($5.6k), WR Stefon Diggs ($7.2k), WR Michael Gallup ($4.1k), WR K.J. Osborn ($3.3k), TE Dawson Knox ($3.7k), FLEX Tony Pollard ($6.3k), FLEX Devin Singletary ($5.2k)

Quarterback

DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,000 $9,500
Dak Prescott $6,200 $8,000
Kirk Cousins $5,600 $7,400
Daniel Jones $5,500 $7,500
Jared Goff $5,200 $6,900
Mac Jones $5,100 $6,500

Weekly strategy – Josh Allen and Dak Prescott are the safest plays. Mac Jones and Kirk Cousins are the only two to fully fade.

Pay to Play

Josh Allen, Bills @ DET ($8,000 DK, $9,500 FD)
Best offense on the slate versus the worst defense on the slate. Simply put, get Allen in there and stack him with as many players as you can fit under the cap.

Stay Away

Kirk Cousins, Vikings vs. NE ($5,600 DK, $7,400 FD) Cousins is a decent starting QB and he has some elite weapons, but if he doesn’t have Christian Darrisaw blocking his blindside, he is in a world of trouble. The Patriots’ edge rushers have to be licking their chops while watching footage from last week’s game.

Value Play

Jared Goff, Lions vs. BUF ($5,200 DK, $6,900 FD)
Detroit will be playing from behind, so expect Goff to be forced to throw the ball a ton. Obviously, this means cue up the stacks with Amon-Ra St. Brown and perhaps Kalif Raymond or Josh Reynolds (back) if he can return from his injury.

Running Back

DraftKings FanDuel
Saquon Barkley $8,000 $8,800
Dalvin Cook $7,400 $7,800
Tony Pollard $6,600 $8,500
Rhamondre Stevenson $6,400 $7,200
Jamaal Williams $5,900 $7,100
Ezekiel Elliott $5,800 $7,000
Devin Singletary $5,700 $6,900
D’Andre Swift $5,600 $6,200
Damien Harris $5,500 $6,400
Alexander Mattison $4,800 $5,000
Nyheim Hines $4,500 $4,900
James Cook $4,400 $5,500
Matt Breida $4,300 $5,100
Justin Jackson $4,100 $5,200

Weekly strategy – Saquon Barkley and Dalvin Cook are both usable at RB1. If you can afford them. That said, I’m likely fading both due to their salaries. I’d prefer to pivot with two or three of this group: Jamaal Williams, one of the Patriots, Devin Singletary, or one of the Cowboys.

Pay to Play

Saquon Barkley, Giants @ DAL ($8,000 DK, $8,800 FD)
I am going to have a hard time fitting Barkley under my cap, but he deserves to be there. He posted 126 total yards and a score in their earlier matchup. Plus, Dallas has allowed some big RB lines over the last month or so. I’m just scared of a repeat of last week’s fiasco versus Detroit where Daniel Jones and Matt Breida vultured Barkley’s TDs.

Stay Away

D’Andre Swift, Lions vs. BUF ($5,600 DK, $6,200 FD)
Buffalo isn’t very good against the run, but Swift actually played less than Justin Jackson last week. On a small slate, you can’t have this big of a goose egg risk in your lineup.

Value Play

Devin Singletary, Bills @ DET ($5,700 DK, $6,900 FD)
Despite slowing down Saquon Barkley last week, Detroit continues to be an RB whipping boy. James Cook could eat into some of Singletary’s touches again, but if Devin is fed like last week, he will score for a third-straight week.

Wide Receiver

DraftKings FanDuel
Justin Jefferson $8,200 $8,600
Stefon Diggs $8,000 $9,300
CeeDee Lamb $7,100 $7,900
Amon-Ra St. Brown $6,600 $7,600
Gabe Davis $5,300 $7,200
Jakobi Meyers $5,100 $6,700
Darius Slayton $5,000 $6,400
Adam Thielen $4,900 $5,900
Michael Gallup $4,600 $5,700
Josh Reynolds $4,200 $5,600
Kalif Raymond $4,100 $5,500
Isaiah McKenzie $4,000 $5,200
DeVante Parker $3,900 $5,400
DJ Chark Jr. $3,800 $5,000
Kenny Golladay $3,700 $5,300
K.J. Osborn $3,600 $5,300
Noah Brown $3,500 $5,200
Kendrick Bourne $3,400 $4,900
Lawrence Cager N/A $4,800
Richie James $3,400 $5,400
Tyquan Thornton $3,300 $5,300
Nelson Agholor $3,100 $5,100
Khalil Shakir $3,000 $4,600

Weekly strategy – Your WR1 should be either Stefon Diggs or Justin Jefferson. You cannot afford both. Gabe Davis, CeeDee Lamb, and Amon-Ra St. Brown are the WR1 pivot options. Use two of Darius Slayton, Jakobi Meyers, Michael Gallup, Kalif Raymond, or Adam Thielen as your WR2 and WR3. K.J. Osborn and Richie James are the only two possible punt play here.

Pay to Play

Stefon Diggs, Bills @ DET ($8,000 DK, $9,300 FD)
Diggs has scored and/or topped 90 yards in each of his last six games. Meanwhile, Detroit has allowed a big game by virtually every alpha WR to face them. You need either Diggs or Gabe Davis in your lineup, good luck getting both of them under the cap.

Stay Away

Justin Jefferson, Vikings vs. NE ($8,200 DK, $8,600 FD) The Patriots go out of their way to take out an opponent’s top weapon. Well, Jefferson is clearly the top option on this offense. I know Bill Belichick is adept at this strategy, and he has last week’s game to pull from.

Value Play

Kalif Raymond, Lions vs. BUF ($4,100 DK, $5,500 FD) or Josh Reynolds, Lions vs. BUF ($4,200, $5,600) This comes down to whether or not Reynolds (back) can play. If Reynolds is out once again, fire up Raymond. If Reynolds returns, fire up Reynolds. Both could have value as Buffalo is forced to deal with Amon-Ra St. Brown and DJ Chark Jr. on the outsides.

Tight End

DraftKings FanDuel
T.J. Hockenson $5,000 $6,300
Dalton Schultz $3,800 $5,800
Dawson Knox $3,500 $5,500
Daniel Bellinger $3,200 $4,600
Hunter Henry $3,100 $4,900
Jonnu Smith $3,000 $4,700
Brock Wright $2,900 $4,600
James Mitchell $2,700 $4,200
Lawrence Cager $2,700 N/A
Johnny Mundt $2,700 $4,200
Tanner Hudson $2,500 $4,300

Weekly strategy – T.J. Hockenson is the safest play. I’d also consider Dalton Schultz or Dawson Knox.

Pay to Play

T.J. Hockenson, Vikings vs. NE ($5,000 DK, $6,300 FD)
Since landing with the Vikings, Hockenson has been peppered with 28 targets in three games. That is the fifth-most targets in the league during this three-game stand. Meanwhile, the Patriots rank near the bottom in points allowed to the TE. I can do the math, and it adds up to this being the best TE play on the board.

Stay Away

Hunter Henry, Patriots @ MIN ($3,100 DK, $4,900 FD)
Henry has begun to accrue fewer stats than Jonnu Smith. If I have to fade someone this week, it would be him.

Value Play

Dawson Knox, Bills @ DET ($3,500 DK, $5,500 FD)
Knox has shed his TD-dependent label and started to post reasonable counting stats. Against Detroit, he should be able to do both. I love Knox as the third leg of an Allen-Diggs stack. He can also be the second option in a double-TE lineup with Hockenson.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 11

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 11 DFS fantasy football

As we inch closer to the winter season, we are forced to start weighing weather into our start/sit decisions. There are four games being played outdoors out east and a game being played outside in Denver. The NFL even moved the Cleveland-Buffalo game to a neutral site because of an impending snowpocalypse.

The key thing to remember is that impact winds, rain, snow, and/or freezing rain will negatively affect mediocre QBs and some WRs (particularly field-stretching WRs). Still, elite QBs (particularly those who play in these environments regularly) will only see a slight reduction in value. Also remember, if the weather gets too sloppy it should benefit defenses, RBs, and potentially TEs.

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

KANSAS CITY @ LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Patrick Mahomes (QB1) gets the benefit of facing the softest defense on this slate. Oh yeah, Mahomes is actually pretty good, too. Just Sharpie him in for 350-3.

The Chiefs’ pass defense has improved in recent weeks. Still, they can be beaten by vertical-threat WRs. That is all the Chargers have had healthy for the last month. This will keep Justin Herbert (QB2) as the second-best option here and a great pivot from the chalky Mahomes.

The three-headed RB monster that KC has been utilizing watched one of its heads get guillotined last week. Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB7) only saw two targets and ended up with zero counting stats. This is amazing because Jerick McKinnon (RB6) was a true game-time decision with three different maladies carried into Sunday morning. Isiah Pacheco (RB3) drew the start and looked very good. At this point, the job is his to lose. Of course, Andy Reid may not feature the running game as much this week. Consider Pacheco an RB2 option and McKinnon as a flex play. After the last two games, I don’t think you can reliably start CEH unless someone gets injured in practice.

The Chargers backfield is much less confusing. It is 100 percent Austin Ekeler (RB2). He should be one of the two backs you consider at RB1 this week. Frankly, I’d just use both him and Christian McCaffrey. Isaiah Spiller (RB8) has usurped Sony Michel (RB11) as the primary backup to Ekeler. Spiller is usable in Showdown and Michel can be ignored.

Injuries to both Mecole Hardman (abdomen – IR) and JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR4 – concussion) leave the Chiefs shorthanded out wide.  JuJu would earn WR2 consideration if he can return. With Hardman out, Kadarius Toney (WR9) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR10) each have WR2 projections. Even with the injuries, Skyy Moore (WR13) didn’t see an uptick in targets. You cannot trust him here. I’d rather use Justin Watson (WR17) as he could be a TD-dependent punt play.

Once again we are presented with a Chargers’ WRs room that will feature multiple questionable tags. Mike Williams (WR3 – ankle) and Keenan Allen (WR6 – hamstring) are both practicing this week and each would be a huge Band-Aid to the passing game. Unfortunately, both have injuries that could be easily aggravated in-game. Unless they are full participants Friday, I will not feel good about starting them. If they both remain out, Joshua Palmer (WR7) remains a must-start WR2. Even if they play, consider him at WR3. DeAndre Carter (WR11) will have WR3 value if Allen is out. Michael Bandy (WR12) was riding a two-game success streak prior to his SNF goose egg. I’ll give him one more shot as punt flex.

Travis Kelce (TE1) is a stud. He also is expensive. If Smith-Schuster is out, I’ll consider him, but otherwise I’ll likely opt for a cheaper option. Both Jody Fortson (TE7) and Noah Gray (TE6) can be ignored outside of Showdown.

Gerald Everett (groin – TE3) has returned to usefulness with all of the WR injuries. His price, and the matchup, will make him a great pivot from the higher-priced options if he takes the field. Should Everett miss this game, Tre’ McKitty (TE5) will get the start. Volume alone could put him into play.

Monday Night

SAN FRANCISCO @ ARIZONA

In Week 10, Jimmy Garoppolo (QB3) battled with Justin Herbert for the QB2 and QB3 slots in primetime. They get to repeat that battle this week, just not directly against each other. Herbert’s matchup is more appealing once again, but Garoppolo could be a pivot.

Kyler Murray (QB4 – hamstring) missed Week 10 with an injury. His replacement, Colt McCoy (QB5 – lower body) left that game with an injury of his own. This left the Cardinals with Trace McSorley (QB6) to finish the game. A return from Murray would seriously help this offense. Unfortunately, a running QB with a hamstring injury concerns me. Neither McCoy nor McSorley should approach your lineup card. Heck, I’d rather start McDonald (as in Ronald) than either of those clowns.

Christian McCaffrey (RB1) didn’t have the monster game that I expected last week. It particularly stunk to watch him get boxed up inside the 5-yard line multiple times. Multi-function RBs have lambasted Arizona this season, including McCaffrey, back in Week 4, with Carolina. So, I’m still trusting CMC here. Elijah Mitchell (RB5) returned in Week 10, and he immediately drew a chunk of the carries. His presence should be just to spell McCaffrey, but he was used akin to Tony Pollard. This sort of usage would keep him in play as a punt RB2.

The lack of a capable QB last week led Arizona to give James Conner (RB4) a healthy dose of touches. He scored twice, but his efficiency was once again pathetic. Facing San Fran will not improve his YPC average. The best you can hope for here is that he gets a short TD. Eno Benjamin was held off the stat sheet in Week 10. He was then removed from the active roster on Monday morning. This opens the backup role for Keaontay Ingram (RB9). The matchup is rotten, and he won’t see enough touches to have any value.

For a second-straight week, Deebo Samuel (WR1) is one of the top WRs on this slate. With so much money devoted to RB, I will probably fade him. Opposing WR1s have actually struggled against Arizona anyways. This puts Brandon Aiyuk (WR5) into my WR1/WR2 range. Neither Jauan Jennings (WR16) nor Ray-Ray McCloud (WR19) does enough to draw interest outside of Showdown. In a less neutral situation, I might throw a dart at one of them, but there isn’t enough upside there for me.

It didn’t matter who was under center as DeAndre Hopkins (WR2) and Rondale Moore (WR8) both showed out in Week 10. Hopkins is the better threat to score, so he gets WR1 consideration. Moore could be used at WR2 if you don’t use Hopkins. Each should see more targets with Zach Ertz out for the season. Robbie Anderson (WR14) is technically the WR3 on this roster right now. He has done jack squat since Arizona acquired him. A.J. Green (WR15) scored last week, but his usage has been scarce as well. He is a Showdown play, at best. Greg Dortch (WR18) had a few very good games earlier this year. Since Hopkins returned, he has been a ghost.

The weapon volume in San Fran may limit George Kittle‘s (TE2) personal stat line. Still, he is a beast when the Niners get him the ball, so consider him to save costs from Travis Kelce. It helps that he is facing an Arizona defense that ignores the position.

Zach Ertz (knee) left last week’s game on a cart. He will miss the rest of the season with the injury. This leaves Trey McBride (TE4) as a sneaky sleeper play. He was highly lauded among this draft class and has the tools to succeed, given the opportunity. I could easily see building a double-TE lineup featuring him.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Joe Burrow ($6.8k), RB Saquon Barkley ($8.9k), RB Antonio Gibson ($5.6k), WR Tee Higgins ($7.1k), WR Darnell Mooney ($5.4k), WR Laviska Shenault Jr. ($3.7k), TE Greg Dulcich ($3.8k), FLEX Devin Singletary ($5.8k), DST New York Jets ($2.8k)

FD Lineup: QB Joe Burrow ($8.3k), RB Saquon Barkley ($9.7k), RB Antonio Gibson ($6.6k), WR Tee Higgins ($7.6k), WR Tyler Boyd ($6.8k), WR Laviska Shenault ($5.3k), TE Greg Dulcich ($5.5k), FLEX Devin Singletary ($6.4k), DST Chicago Bears ($3.7k)

FB Lineup: QB Patrick Mahomes ($7.4k), RB Saquon Barkley ($7.3k), RB D’Onta Foreman ($5.2k), WR Tyler Boyd ($5.6k), WR Mecole Hardman ($4.2k), WR Joshua Palmer ($4.6k), TE Cole Kmet ($3.8k), FLEX Travis Kelce ($6.6k), FLEX Devin Singletary ($5.2k)

Quarterbacks DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,500 $9,200
Lamar Jackson $8,400 $8,400
Jalen Hurts $8,200 $8,800
Justin Fields $7,600 $8,700
Joe Burrow $6,800 $8,300
Dak Prescott $6,600 $7,500
Kirk Cousins $6,100 $7,600
Russell Wilson $5,800 $6,900
Daniel Jones $5,700 $7,800
Derek Carr $5,600 $7,000
Marcus Mariota $5,500 $7,200
Matthew Stafford $5,500 $6,700
Jacoby Brissett $5,400 $6,700
Jared Goff $5,400 $6,800
Andy Dalton $5,300 $6,600
Jameis Winston $5,300 $6,600
Kenny Pickett $5,300 $6,900
Taylor Heinicke $5,300 $6,800
Davis Mills $5,200 $6,500
Matt Ryan $5,200 $7,100
Mac Jones $5,100 $6,500
Baker Mayfield $5,000 $6,400
Taysom Hill $5,000 N/A
Zach Wilson $5,000 $6,700
John Wolford $4,900 $6,300

Quarterback

Weekly strategy –Watch the weather reports, but I’m looking all the way down to Justin Fields, Joe Burrow, or Dak Prescott. Also, consider Jared Goff or Daniel Jones against each other.  Taylor Heinicke and Davis Mills are both bottom-of-the-barrel punt options.

Fantasy Four-pack

Joe Burrow, Bengals @ PIT
($6,800 DK, $8,300 FD) Pittsburgh has struggled with quality QBs all year, including Burrow back in Week 1. Another 300-2 performance is due here, with both Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd getting in on the fun.

Justin Fields, Bears @ ATL
($7,600 DK, $8,700 FD) Fields has been electric over the last four weeks. How does he get rewarded? The NFL gives him a matchup against a team that is rotten against both the run and the pass. This could get ugly fast for Atlanta as they have not faced a running QB yet this year.

Josh Allen, Bills vs. CLE (in Detroit) ($8,500 DK, $9,200 FD) The NFL gave the Bills offense a slight boost by moving the game out of the snowpocalypse and into a domed stadium. With the weather a nonfactor, Allen should put up his usual elite numbers against a soft defense. Plus, remember, Cleveland is bad against the run, too. We could see Allen score on the ground this week as well.

Jalen Hurts, Eagles @ IND
($8,200 DK, $8,800 FD) Hurts is coming off his first loss. He will also be without at least one of his top-three weapons. Meanwhile, Indy played hard for their new coach last week. Of course, that was against a discombobulated Raiders offense. This game will be played indoors (so no potential weather issues). Plus, Hurts can get it done even if he doesn’t have to throw the ball.

DFS Sleepers

Daniel Jones, Giants vs. DET
($5,700 DK, $7,800 FD) Jones is not an elite QB. Still, he does well enough against the poor competition to keep himself relevant. Detroit is an equal-opportunity failure when it comes to dealing with QBs. They are the worst in the league against the pass, and they have been abused by mobile QBs all season (including a monster game by Justin Fields last week. Jones will score both a passing and rushing TD this week with roughly 50 yards rushing on top of his passing stats.

Davis Mills, Texans vs. WAS
($5,200 DK, $6,500 FD) Houston may be en route to a first-round QB pick next season, but Mills is at least producing reasonable fantasy lines for the time being. This includes two 300-plus-yard passing games and two multiple-TD games over their last four contests, so 250-2 is certainly in play once again here.

Running Backs DraftKings FanDuel
Saquon Barkley $8,900 $9,700
Nick Chubb $8,000 $8,400
Dalvin Cook $8,000 $8,300
Jonathan Taylor $7,800 $8,700
Alvin Kamara $7,600 $7,500
Josh Jacobs $7,500 $8,500
Joe Mixon $7,400 $9,000
Miles Sanders $6,900 $7,300
Rhamondre Stevenson $6,700 $8,100
Dameon Pierce $6,500 $7,600
Tony Pollard $6,500 $8,000
Cordarrelle Patterson $6,200 $6,700
D’Andre Swift $6,100 $6,700
David Montgomery $6,100 $6,200
Ezekiel Elliott $6,000 $7,000
Jamaal Williams $6,000 $7,000
D’Onta Foreman $5,900 $7,100
Kenyan Drake $5,900 $6,800
Damien Harris $5,800 $6,300
Devin Singletary $5,800 $6,400
Melvin Gordon $5,700 $5,900
Antonio Gibson $5,600 $6,600
Khalil Herbert $5,600 $6,200
Gus Edwards $5,500 $6,800
Najee Harris $5,500 $6,500
Michael Carter $5,400 $6,300
Brian Robinson Jr. $5,300 $6,600
Darrell Henderson $5,200 $6,100
James Robinson $5,200 $6,300
Kenneth Gainwell $5,200 $6,000
Kareem Hunt $5,100 $5,800
Chuba Hubbard $5,000 $5,600
Latavius Murray $5,000 $5,600
Nyheim Hines $5,000 $5,000
Jaylen Warren $4,900 $5,700
Tyler Allgeier $4,900 $6,000
Kyren Williams $4,800 $4,900
J.D. McKissic $4,600 $4,700
Justice Hill $4,500 $4,800
Caleb Huntley $4,400 $5,400
Cam Akers $4,400 $5,400
Chase Edmonds $4,400 $5,100
James Cook $4,400 $5,300
Rex Burkhead $4,400 $4,800

Running Back

Weekly strategy – It is another cakewalk for Saquon Barkley this week. Lock him in as your RB1. Nick Chubb or Dalvin Cook could make nice pivots. Chubb could be especially valuable if the weather is horrific in Buffalo. David Montgomery will dominate this week with Khalil Herbert out. You should probably use him, D’Onta Foreman, one of the Commanders, or one of the Falcons at RB2. With the potential weather concerns in Buffalo, consider Devin Singletary or Kareem Hunt at flex.

Fantasy Four-pack

Saquon Barkley,  Giants vs. DET
($8,900 DK, $9,700 FD) This matchup isn’t as sweet as last week’s cream puff. It still is a great opportunity for a slate-breaking performance. Detroit has struggled mightily against multipurpose backs, like Barkley, all year. Expect 150 combo yards and at least one score here.

Nick Chubb, Browns @ BUF (in Detroit)
($8,000 DK, $8,400 FD) Who needs snow? Chubb will just plow through a soft Buffalo run defense instead. Over their last three games, Buffalo has allowed opposing RBs to rack up 544 total yards and four total TDs. Chalk up two scores for Chubb this week.

Dalvin Cook, Vikings vs. DAL ($8,000 DK, $8,300 FD) Passing against Dallas is tough. Fortunately, they are not as good against the run. Over the last three games, Dallas is allowing a league sixth-worst 5.3 YPC. The Vikings should feature Cook more this week. Expect a total of 125 combo yards and a score.

David Montgomery, Bears @ ATL
($6,100 DK, $6,200 FD) With Khalil Herbert (hip – IR) out, expect Montgomery to revert to his early season lead-back role with well over 100 total yards and a touchdown. Only four teams are allowing more rushing TDs this season than Atlanta. This includes allowing six over the last three games.

DFS Sleepers

Devin Singletary, Bills vs. CLE (in Detroit)
($5,800 DK, $6,400 FD) Cleveland has allowed 12 total TDs to opposing RBs over their last six games. Last week, Singletary scored a pair of TDs. This was double his total for the full season coming in. He’ll add another here.

Antonio Gibson, Commanders @ HOU ($5,600 DK, $6,600 FD) Brian Robinson Jr. outproduced Gibson last week. They also both scored. Against Houston, they will both score again. Gibson has seen far more work in the passing game than Robinson, and Gibson has scored in three of his last four games. This makes him a slightly safer play.

Wide receivers DraftKings FanDuel
Justin Jefferson $9,100 $9,100
Davante Adams $8,700 $8,500
Stefon Diggs $8,300 $9,400
A.J. Brown $8,000 $8,400
CeeDee Lamb $7,500 $8,100
Cole Kmet $7,200 $7,800
Tee Higgins $7,100 $7,600
Chris Olave $6,800 $6,900
Tyler Boyd $6,500 $6,800
Amari Cooper $6,400 $7,200
Gabe Davis $6,300 $7,100
DeVonta Smith $6,200 $6,400
Michael Pittman Jr. $6,100 $6,700
Courtland Sutton $6,000 $7,000
Terry McLaurin $5,900 $7,300
Diontae Johnson $5,800 $6,300
DJ Moore $5,700 $6,700
Jerry Jeudy $5,700 $6,000
Allen Robinson $5,600 $6,600
Adam Thielen $5,500 $6,000
Jakobi Meyers $5,500 $6,500
Brandin Cooks $5,400 $6,100
Darnell Mooney $5,400 $6,000
Curtis Samuel $5,300 $6,100
George Pickens $5,200 $6,000
Drake London $5,100 $5,700
Michael Gallup $5,100 $5,600
Darius Slayton $5,000 $6,300
Devin Duvernay $5,000 $6,000
Garrett Wilson $4,900 $6,200
Chase Claypool $4,800 $5,600
Josh Reynolds $4,700 $5,700
Donovan Peoples-Jones $4,600 $5,900
Wan’Dale Robinson $4,600 $5,700
Jarvis Landry $4,500 $5,400
Kalif Raymond $4,500 $5,300
Mack Hollins $4,500 $5,400
Van Jefferson $4,500 $5,600
Isaiah McKenzie $4,400 $5,300
Jahan Dotson $4,400 $5,900
Terrace Marshall Jr. $4,400 $5,800
Parris Campbell $4,300 $5,800
Corey Davis $4,200 $5,500
DeVante Parker $4,100 $5,200
Nico Collins $4,100 $5,900
Demarcus Robinson $4,000 $5,800
Elijah Moore $4,000 $5,000
K.J. Osborn $4,000 $5,300
Olamide Zaccheaus $4,000 $5,200
Alec Pierce $3,900 $5,400
Ben Skowronek $3,900 $5,300
James Proche $3,800 $5,100
KJ Hamler $3,800 $5,000
Laviska Shenault Jr. $3,700 $5,300
Noah Brown $3,700 $5,100
Kendrick Bourne $3,500 $5,200
Damiere Byrd $3,400 $5,100
Kenny Golladay $3,400 $5,200
Tyquan Thornton $3,300 $5,500
Nelson Agholor $3,200 $5,000
DeSean Jackson $3,000 $4,700

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy –  This looks to be the week to spend down here. CeeDee Lamb, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Tee Higgins are the only high-priced options I trust. Tyler Boyd would be an obvious pivot from Higgins. DeVonta Smith could also get pivot love if A.J. Brown (ankle) remains limited. At WR2, I like Terry McLaurin, Michael Gallup, Wan’Dale Robinson, one of the Bears, or one of the Texans. At WR3, roll out one of the Panthers’ or Colts’ subordinate WRs. You could also do the revenge-game punt with Kenny Golladay.

Fantasy Four-pack

Tee Higgins, Bengals @ PIT ($7,100 DK, $7,600 FD) Chris Olave, and Mike Evans are the only WR1s to not absolutely wreck this defense. Back in Week 1, Ja’Marr Chase went absolutely ham against them. This week, that 10-129-1 line will fall to Higgins barring a weather barrage.

CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys @ MIN
($7,500 DK, $8,100 FD) Over their last four contests, Minnesota has allowed eight double-digit PPR WRs. This includes allowing three of the last four WR1s to post 12 catches and at least 128 yards. Meanwhile, Lamb has been on fire since Michael Gallup‘s return, including three TDs over the last two games. 

A.J. Brown, Eagles @ IND
($8,000 DK, $8,400 FD) Brown suffered a rolled-up ankle in Week 10 limiting his final line. Prior to that, Brown had been on a tear, scoring five times over his prior three games. Indy ranks high among the best at limiting WRs, but a deeper dive shows that outside alpha WRs have been solid all year against them. Heck, even the corpse of what was Robert Woods scored on them in Week 4. Watch his practice status this weekend, but I expect him out there.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions @ NYG
($7,200 DK, $7,800 FD) I must admit, I preferred St. Brown when his price was in the mid $6k range. Still, you knew the price increase would happen following his return from injury. Six of the last eight WR1s to face the Giants have either scored and/or topped 90 receiving yards. St. Brown could achieve both here.

DFS Sleepers

Parris Campbell, Colts vs. PHI
($4,300 DK, $5,800 FD) Prior to last week, Philly had looked impenetrable against the pass. Still, they had allowed multiple fantasy-relevant games to non-WR1s. Michael Pittman Jr. is the clear WR1 for Indy, so he may struggle here, but look for Campbell to succeed. Over the last three games that Matt Ryan has started, Campbell is averaging 8-68-1 on 11 targets per game.

Darnell Mooney, Bears @ ATL
($5,400 DK, $6,000 FD) Atlanta ranks dead last against the pass. Only two WR1s have not blown up against them this season. Plus, Mooney has been trending upwards, ranking 13th in receiving yards, since Week 4.

Tight ends DraftKings FanDuel
Mark Andrews $6,800 $7,700
T.J. Hockenson $5,300 $6,500
Taysom Hill N/A $6,000
Kyle Pitts $4,400 $5,500
Dalton Schultz $4,300 $5,900
Pat Freiermuth $4,200 $5,400
Cole Kmet $4,100 $5,700
Tyler Higbee $4,000 $6,200
David Njoku $3,900 $5,800
Greg Dulcich $3,800 $5,500
Foster Moreau $3,700 $5,600
Isaiah Likely $3,600 $5,400
Hayden Hurst $3,500 $5,200
Tyler Conklin $3,400 $5,000
Hunter Henry $3,300 $4,900
Dawson Knox $3,200 $5,100
Harrison Bryant $3,100 $5,000
Juwan Johnson $3,100 $5,100
Brock Wright $3,000 $4,600
Jonnu Smith $3,000 $4,500
Kylen Granson $2,900 $4,700
Tanner Hudson $2,900 $4,400
Logan Thomas $2,800 $5,000
James Mitchell $2,700 $4,200
Mo Alie-Cox $2,700 $4,400
Jordan Akins $2,600 $4,700
Jack Stoll $2,500 $4,400
Tyree Jackson $2,500 $4,000

Tight End

Weekly strategy – Pray that no more TEs get lost to season-ending injuries this week. But seriously, T.J. Hockenson and Cole Kmet are the obvious plays. You can also consider Pat Freiermuth, Tyler Higbee, or Greg Dulcich. David Njoku (ankle) could also be in play if he returns from his injury. The other player to keep an eye on is Isaiah Likely. He could hit 3x value easily if Mark Andrews (shoulder) is limited or out again. If you are looking at punting the position this week use Juwan Johnson or Tanner Hudson.

Fantasy Four-pack

T.J. Hockenson, Vikings vs. DAL
($5,300 DK, $6,500 FD) In two games with his new team, Hockenson has posted 16-115 on 19 targets. The only thing he hasn’t done is get into the end zone. That will change this week as he is finally fully up to snuff on the Vikings’ playbook.

Mark Andrews, Ravens vs. CAR
($6,800 DK, $7,700 FD) Coming off of the bye, Andrews should be closer to 100 percent, but he has still been somewhat limited in practice. Still, at this price, and coming off of the injury, he should have low ownership. This is perfect, because Andrews can break a slate on any given Sunday. Of course, if he is out, fire up Isaiah Likely.

Tyler Higbee, Rams @ NO
($4,000 DK, $6,200 FD) Higbee is the pass-catcher most likely to absorb a large number of Cooper Kupp‘s vacated targets. He also may be the only receiving threat that Matthew Stafford trusts out there.

Cole Kmet, Bears @ ATL ($4,100 DK, $5,700 FD) Over the last three weeks, no player in the NFL has scored more TDs than Kmet. Meanwhile, Atlanta hasn’t allowed a TE to score since Week 3. Unfortunately for them, every non-Carolina TE to face them has put up a big yardage and/or reception line. 

DFS Sleepers

Juwan Johnson, Saints vs. LAR
($3,100 DK, $5,100 FD) Johnson is basically a dollar store equivalent of Marques Colston. He is big and physical and can play both at TE and as a WR. He also has found a nose for the end zone, scoring four times in his last four games. At this price, the TD hits his 3x DK value, any yardage is cake.

Tanner Hudson, Giants vs. DET ($2,900 DK, $4,400 FD) The Lions have allowed an average of 5.4-64 to the position this season to go along with seven TDs against, including three in the last three games. Hudson has not scored yet, but he does have six catches on eight targets in the two games since Daniel Bellinger‘s (eye) injury.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 10

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 10 DFS fantasy football

Am I the only person who finds it odd that we have early Sunday European football games on both of the weeks surrounding Daylight Savings Time but not on the day we all got up early anyhow? With Tom Brady planning a blitzkrieg versus Seattle in Munich and four teams on bye, we are once again left with 20 teams for the main slate. Hopefully, my recommendations this week are better than those of my namesake Sgt. Schultz. I hear that he claims to know nothing.

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS @ SAN FRANCISCO

Justin Herbert (QB2) has another tricky matchup. The injuries to his top WRs have really put a kibosh on my preseason prediction of NFL MVP for him. I still like him to throw for 250-2 here, which should push for QB2.

Jimmy Garoppolo (QB3) will push with Herbert — posting roughly the same final line — for a lot less cost. This is why I’d rather start Garoppolo despite the mildly lower ceiling.

Running against the Niners is difficult. Only four RBs have scored a TD against them. Austin Ekeler (RB3) gets enough volume and opportunities to remain an RB1 option, just reduce your expectations. Isaiah Spiller (RB9) should only be used in Showdown contests. Sony Michel (RB11) can be ignored.

In contrast to San Francisco, the Chargers can be run through like a papier-mache wall. Christian McCaffrey (RB1) will have one of the best offensive box scores of the season. He is a must-start. Elijah Mitchell (knee – RB6) could even have flex value against Los Angeles, if he returns as expected.

Mike Williams (ankle – WR6) is still officially not on IR. I doubt he plays, but if he does, give him WR2 consideration. Keenan Allen (hamstring – WR4) suffered a setback last week and ended up missing an easy game against Atlanta. The Niners can be beaten through the air, so he could also draw WR2 value if he suits up. All this said we will likely be treated to another game where Joshua Palmer (WR7) and DeAndre Carter (WR10) lead this aerial attack. If both Allen and Williams remain out, I love Palmer at WR2, and Carter deserves WR3 consideration. Palmer could also be used at WR3 if either Allen or Williams plays. Michael Bandy (WR12) has 14 targets over his last two games. He would also make a very sneaky WR3 option if the team remains shorthanded.

Deebo Samuel (hamstring – WR2) received two weeks off to rest his injured hamstring. Signs point to his return here in a great spot to go off. He is one of my two choices for WR1 if he plays. Brandon Aiyuk (WR3) could also draw WR1 value if Samuel is out. If they both play use just one of them. Ray-Ray McCloud (WR14) and Jauan Jennings (hamstring – WR17) should be left for Showdown contests despite the positive matchup.

Gerald Everett (TE3) did not have the blow-up game I expected last week. San Fran has limited every TE not named Travis Kelce they have faced this year to minimal production. Everett won’t move the needle in that regard here.

Despite struggling against every other position, the Chargers amazingly have been stingy with the TE position. This will keep George Kittle (TE2) as the second option for the position this week. I like him to score a TD, but his yardage will be small.

Monday Night

WASHINGTON @ PHILADELPHIA

Taylor Heinicke (QB4) has been an effective game manager while Carson Wentz (finger – IR) has been out. We don’t have a QB controversy yet, but we may when Wentz returns. This is an awful matchup for a QB, so don’t reach here.

This is NOT an awful matchup for a QB. This is the absolute opposite of that. Jalen Hurts (QB1) has the easiest matchup on this slate. Three total TDs are incoming.

Brian Robinson Jr. (RB5) and Antonio Gibson (RB4) continue to split the backfield touches for Washington. Gibson is the more talented back and gets the red-zone work, so I prefer him as an RB2 play. That said, either could fill your flex slot. J.D. McKissic (neck – RB8) missed last week with a neck injury. If he suits up, I’d leave him to Showdown for the risk of reinjury.

Washington is much tougher against the run than the pass. Still, this backfield poses headaches because of the collection of backs that Philly rolls out. Miles Sanders (RB2) is the strongest RB2 option on the board, having scored five times in the last five games. Kenneth Gainwell (RB7) doesn’t get the volume to be reliable most weeks. That said, I’d consider him a TD-dependent flex play here and a great Showdown option. Boston Scott (RB10) has had sporadic usage all season. I’m gonna pass on him here.

The Commanders hope to get Jahan Dotson (hamstring – WR13) back this week. It won’t help against this defense, which strangles outside WRs. Even if he plays, I wouldn’t use him outside of a dart throw on Showdown. This defense will also frustrate Terry McLaurin (WR8). The volume alone keeps him as a WR2/WR3 play, but I don’t like it considering his price. Curtis Samuel (WR9) is the best play here as Philly can be beaten by slot WRs. If Dotson remains out, you can maybe consider Cam Sims (WR16) or Dyami Brown (WR18) as a Showdown play. I wouldn’t, but you can.

The Brown that you want to play this slate is A.J. Brown (WR1). He is one of only two WRs that I would consider as my WR1 this week. DeVonta Smith (WR5) went ham in their earlier meeting. He won’t repeat that line, but I still love him as a WR2, if you pivot away from A.J. There is even an argument for playing both of them. Quez Watkins (WR11) could be a flex play if you need to save some money. I wouldn’t waste a spot on Zach Pascal (WR15), though.

Logan Thomas (calf – TE5) is supposedly back. That’s funny because his stat line looks like he belongs on a milk carton. The Eagles are easier to beat over the middle, but I don’t trust him here. If you need to start a Washington TE, consider John Bates (TE4) or Armani Rogers (TE6) as a punt.

Dallas Goedert (TE1) is the best choice on this slate. Build your stack around Hurts, Brown, and him, and then run it back with Samuel.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Trevor Lawrence ($5.4k), RB Saquon Barkley ($8.6k), RB Dalvin Cook ($8k), WR Tyreek Hill Jr. ($4.3k), WR Mecole Hardman ($4.5k), WR Amari Cooper ($6.5k), TE Cole Kmet ($3.4k), FLEX David Montgomery ($6k), DST Denver Broncos ($3k)

FD Lineup: QB Trevor Lawrence ($7k), RB Saquon Barkley ($9.5k), RB Khalil Herbert ($5.8k), WR Marvin Jones Jr. ($5.4k), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown ($6.9k), WR Darnell Mooney ($6.2k), TE T.J. Hockenson ($6k), FLEX Travis Kelce ($8.5k), DST Denver Broncos ($4.7k)

FB Lineup: QB Patrick Mahomes ($7.3k), RB Saquon Barkley ($7.3k), RB AJ Dillon ($5.1k), WR JuJu Smith-Schuster ($5.4k), WR Marvin Jones Jr. ($3.8k), WR Phillip Dorsett ($3k), TE Travis Kelce ($6.8k), FLEX Christian McCaffrey ($7.5k), FLEX Tyler Higbee ($3.7k)

Quarterbacks DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,600 $9,200
Patrick Mahomes $7,900 $8,500
Kyler Murray $7,200 $7,800
Tua Tagovailoa $6,700 $8,100
Dak Prescott $6,600 $7,400
Justin Fields $6,500 $8,300
Kirk Cousins $6,000 $7,300
Russell Wilson $5,900 $6,900
Daniel Jones $5,700 $7,500
Derek Carr $5,600 $7,100
Matthew Stafford $5,600 $6,700
Andy Dalton $5,500 $6,800
Jared Goff $5,500 $7,200
Jacoby Brissett $5,400 $7,000
Trevor Lawrence $5,400 $7,000
Ryan Tannehill $5,200 $6,700
Davis Mills $5,100 $6,500
Kenny Pickett $5,100 $6,600
Case Keenum $5,000 $6,100
Malik Willis $5,000 $6,700
Sam Ehlinger $5,000 $6,400
Taysom Hill $5,000 N/A
Colt McCoy $4,900 $6,100
John Wolford $4,900 $6,100

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Injury concerns limit Josh Allen‘s appeal despite a decent matchup. This makes Patrick Mahomes and Tua Tagovailoa the top two choices at QB this week. If you don’t opt for those two consider Derek Carr, Andy Dalton, Jacoby Brissett, or my favorite play, Trevor Lawrence.

Fantasy Four-pack

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs vs. JAX
($7,900 DK, $8,500 FD) Jacksonville allows the fourth-most passing yards per game on the road. That sets up nicely for Mahomes, who leads the league in passing TDs and passing yards despite already having had his bye.

Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins vs. CLE
($6,700 DK, $8,100 FD) The Browns are competent against the pass, but they are by no means elite. They will struggle to face off against both Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. Tagovailoa is coming off of a pair of 300-plus-yard, three-TD performances. He could get the hat trick here.

Justin Fields, Bears vs. DET ($6,500 DK, $8,300 FD) I don’t fully trust Fields as a passer, just yet. What I do trust, is that Detroit has no defense whatsoever. I also trust the numbers in front of my eyes that say that Fields is averaging over 100 rushing yards per game since Week 6. That rushing yardage should keep Fields very relevant this week.

Dak Prescott, Cowboys @ GB
($6,600 DK, $7,400 FD) It took a full game plus for Prescott to get his game legs back. Now, he faces a Green Bay defense that has a defensive injury list that reads like War and Peace. With 250-2 seeming like his floor here, Dalton Schultz is my favorite stack piece.

DFS Sleepers

Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars @ KC
($5,400 DK, $7,000 FD) We know that Jacksonville will be forced to throw the ball to stay close to KC. Fortunately, Lawrence has enough weapons to choose from. I suggest stacking him with Marvin Jones, Zay Jones, or Evan Engram because everyone else will be stacking him with Christian Kirk. 

Jacoby Brissett, Browns @ MIA
($5,400 DK, $7,000 FD) Miami has an elite passing offense. They also have a vulnerable passing defense and a downright bad defense against QBs that like to run. If you want exposure to this game without using Tua Tagovailoa, consider stacking Brissett with Amari Cooper and running it back with one of the Dolphins WRs.

Running Backs DraftKings FanDuel
Saquon Barkley $8,600 $9,500
Derrick Henry $8,300 $9,400
Nick Chubb $8,100 $9,000
Dalvin Cook $8,000 $7,500
Josh Jacobs $7,600 $8,400
Jonathan Taylor $7,500 $7,000
Alvin Kamara $7,400 $8,600
Aaron Jones $7,200 $7,200
Travis Etienne $7,100 $8,000
AJ Dillon $6,700 $7,000
Tony Pollard $6,500 $7,000
D’Andre Swift $6,400 $6,800
Dameon Pierce $6,300 $7,700
James Conner $6,200 $6,300
Raheem Mostert $6,100 $5,900
David Montgomery $6,000 $6,700
Ezekiel Elliott $6,000 $7,000
Jamaal Williams $5,900 $7,400
Khalil Herbert $5,900 $5,800
Clyde Edwards-Helaire $5,800 $6,200
Eno Benjamin $5,700 $5,500
Melvin Gordon $5,700 $5,700
Alexander Mattison $5,600 $5,200
Devin Singletary $5,600 $5,600
Jeff Wilson Jr.  $5,500 $6,500
Najee Harris $5,500 $6,400
Deon Jackson $5,400 $5,500
Nyheim Hines $5,400 $5,500
Kareem Hunt $5,300 $5,800
Latavius Murray $5,200 $5,700
Darrell Henderson $5,100 $6,100
Isiah Pacheco $5,000 $6,200
Dwayne Washington $4,800 $5,500
James Cook $4,800 $5,200
Jerick McKinnon $4,800 $5,500
Chase Edmonds $4,700 $5,100
Dontrell Hilliard $4,700 $5,700
Zack Moss $4,600 $5,600
Cam Akers $4,500 $5,500
Jordan Wilkins $4,000 $5,400
Phillip Lindsay $4,000 $5,300

Running Back

Weekly strategy – Saquon Barkley should approach 100% ownership, and rightfully so. Nick Chubb and Dalvin Cook are my pivots. I expect Travis Etienne to post a huge game through the air. AJ Dillon could also have a solid game if Aaron Jones (ankle) is limited or out. If you want to go cheap use one of the Bears or one of the Dolphins.

Fantasy Four-pack

Saquon Barkley,  Giants vs. HOU
($8,600 DK, $9,500 FD) We will consider it a failure if Barkley doesn’t top 170-2 against this defense. Five different individuals have already topped 25 PPR points against Houston and three have topped 30 points. Barkley will pass both of those marks, too.

Nick Chubb, Browns @ MIA
($8,100 DK, $9,000 FD) I wish Chubb was more involved in the passing offense. He will post his standard floor of 120-1. Of course, if he wasn’t a passing-game afterthought, he could produce a slate-breaking line this week. We know the Browns will also use Kareem Hunt in this game. He could even earn some flex appeal. 

Dalvin Cook, Vikings @ BUF ($8,000 DK, $7,500 FD) In the matchup of Cook versus Cook, we can only recommend one of the Cooks, Dalvin. Over the last two games, both Green Bay and the Jets have rattled the Buffalo defense with their RBs. Plus, if Josh Allen is limited or out, the Vikes will have an even better chance at implementing a ball-control offense here. Oh yeah, Cook also gets the FD discount, which always gets me salivating.

Derrick Henry, Titans vs. DEN
($8,300 DK, $9,400 FD)  Throwing against Denver is impossible. That is a good trend for Tennessee, since they curmudgeonly refuse to adopt the new concept known as the forward pass. Only five teams are allowing more yards per carry than Denver. Meanwhile, Henry has scored and/or topped 100 yards in each of his last seven games. His 130-1 floor is safe here. 

DFS Sleepers

David Montgomery, Bears vs. DET
($6,000 DK, $6,700 FD) Khalil Herbert has actually been more efficient with his touches than Montgomery. It won’t matter here as both will approach 100-1 — that is assuming that Justin Fields is willing to share. Since Week 5, Montgomery has a 67% vs 32% opportunity advantage over Herbert, so his floor is the safest.

Jeff Wilson Jr., Dolphins vs. CLE ($5,500 DK, $6,500 FD) Wilson split carries with Raheem Mostert last week. Still, it was Wilson that averaged 5.7 yards per carry versus only 2.9 yards per carry for Mostert. Wilson was also more efficient with his targets. Both backs are in play here, but Wilson seems like the safer choice. Cleveland has allowed the second-most rushing TDs this season. Don’t be surprised if they both score once again.  

Wide receivers DraftKings FanDuel
Tyreek Hill $9,100 $9,000
Cooper Kupp $9,000 $9,200
Justin Jefferson $8,800 $8,600
Davante Adams $8,700 $8,500
Stefon Diggs $8,300 $9,100
DeAndre Hopkins $8,000 $8,300
Jaylen Waddle $7,600 $8,200
CeeDee Lamb $7,000 $7,600
Amon-Ra St. Brown $6,900 $6,900
Chris Olave $6,800 $7,500
Amari Cooper $6,500 $7,800
Gabe Davis $6,400 $6,500
Michael Pittman Jr. $6,200 $6,300
Allen Lazard $6,100 $6,700
JuJu Smith-Schuster $6,000 $7,000
Christian Kirk $5,900 $6,800
Diontae Johnson $5,800 $6,600
Jerry Jeudy $5,700 $6,400
Courtland Sutton $5,600 $6,200
Darnell Mooney $5,500 $6,200
Adam Thielen $5,400 $5,900
Brandin Cooks $5,300 $6,100
Romeo Doubs $5,200 $6,000
Rondale Moore $5,200 $5,800
George Pickens $5,000 $5,600
Kadarius Toney $5,000 $5,500
Michael Gallup $4,900 $5,700
Robert Woods $4,900 $5,600
Allen Robinson $4,800 $5,700
Chase Claypool $4,800 $5,800
Isaiah McKenzie $4,700 $5,200
Wan’Dale Robinson $4,700 $5,600
Darius Slayton $4,600 $5,800
Josh Reynolds $4,600 $5,700
Jarvis Landry $4,500 $5,500
Mecole Hardman $4,500 $6,000
Kalif Raymond $4,400 $5,300
Zay Jones $4,400 $5,500
Donovan Peoples-Jones $4,300 $5,700
Marvin Jones $4,300 $5,400
Tre’Quan Smith $4,300 $5,200
Mack Hollins $4,200 $5,500
Alec Pierce $4,100 $5,500
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,100 $5,400
Noah Brown $4,100 $5,200
K.J. Osborn $4,000 $5,200
Nico Collins $4,000 $5,500
Sammy Watkins $4,000 $5,100
Chris Moore $3,900 $5,300
Parris Campbell $3,900 $5,400
Samori Toure $3,900 $5,000
KJ Hamler $3,800 $5,000
Christian Watson $3,700 $5,400
Rashid Shaheed $3,700 $5,300
Marquez Callaway $3,600 $5,000
Phillip Dorsett $3,600 $5,200
Van Jefferson $3,500 $5,100
Greg Dortch $3,400 $4,800
Ben Skowronek $3,300 $5,400
Robbie Anderson $3,200 $4,900
Cedrick Wilson $3,100 $5,000
Amari Rodgers $3,000 $4,700

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – The Dolphins’ dynamic duo can each be considered at WR1. I’d also look at Justin Jefferson or Davante Adams. Unfortunately, I am spending a lot of money on RBs this week. This means that I will price down at WR1 using either Amon-Ra St. Brown or Amari Cooper. For WR2 choose one of the Chiefs, Christian Kirk, or Darnell Mooney. If you don’t use Kirk, use one of the other Jaguars at WR3. You can also roll out one of the Giants or Texans against each other.

Fantasy Four-pack

Justin Jefferson, Vikings @ BUF
($8,800 DK, $8,600 FD) Buffalo is very good against the pass, but they are dealing with some DB injuries. Pair this with Adam Thielen (ankle) dealing with an injury of his own and we could see the perfect storm for Jefferson to be peppered. Plus, we get another case of FD pricing being below DK, which is always a pleasant find.

Tyreek Hill, Dolphins vs. CLE
($9,100 DK, $9,000 FD) The price is approaching absurdity for Hill. Still, he keeps on delivering. Hill now has topped 140 receiving yards in five of nine games. I’d like to see more TDs from him, but who is seriously complaining?

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions @ CHI
($6,900 DK, $6,900 FD) St. Brown has established himself as a legit alpha WR. He can produce as the only weapon for this offense or when sharing the field with other talents. Neither of these teams cares much for the concept of defense, so this game could end up with higher scoring. This would secure the “sun god” a heavenly final line.

Davante Adams, Raiders vs. IND
($8,700 DK, $8,500 FD) What is up with FD this week? Three of the top WRs have prices below their DK equivalents. Indy ranks among the elite against the pass, but they haven’t been tested at all this season. Adams will once again be without Darren Waller (IR – hamstring) and Hunter Renfrow (IR – oblique), so his already gaudy target share will go through the roof.

DFS Sleepers

Marvin Jones, Jaguars @ KC
($4,300 DK, $5,400 FD) KC has struggled all season with big-bodied outside WRs, such as Jones. With most of the DFS world playing Christian Kirk, I recommend pivoting and using Marvin or Zay Jones in my stacks with Trevor Lawrence. 

Darnell Mooney, Bears vs. DET
($5,500 DK, $6,200 FD) Despite his early season struggles, Mooney has seen five or more targets in every game since Week 3. He also finally made it into the end zone last week. Meanwhile, Detroit has allowed four of their last five opponents’ WR1s to go berserk.

Tight ends DraftKings FanDuel
Travis Kelce $7,800 $8,500
Taysom Hill N/A $6,500
T.J. Hockenson $5,300 $6,000
Zach Ertz $5,200 $6,300
Pat Freiermuth $4,200 $5,600
David Njoku $4,100 $5,800
Dalton Schultz $3,800 $5,500
Robert Tonyan $3,700 $5,000
Tyler Higbee $3,600 $6,000
Mike Gesicki $3,500 $5,100
Cole Kmet $3,400 $5,300
Greg Dulcich $3,400 $5,900
Dawson Knox $3,300 $5,000
Evan Engram $3,300 $4,900
Foster Moreau $3,200 $5,200
Juwan Johnson $3,000 $4,800
Mo Alie-Cox $2,800 $4,600
Brock Wright $2,700 $4,500
Harrison Bryant $2,700 $4,800
James Mitchell $2,700 $4,300
Brevin Jordan $2,600 $4,500
Adam Trautman $2,500 $4,500
Austin Hooper $2,500 $4,600
Chigoziem Okonkwo $2,500 $4,400
Teagan Quitoriano $2,500 $4,300
Josiah Deguara $2,600 $4,700
Dan Arnold $2,500 $4,400

Tight End

Weekly strategy – Finally, we get Travis Kelce back in the main slate. The price is high, but he is worth it. T.J. Hockenson and Tyler Higbee are the best pivots up top. I also love the idea of punting with either Greg Dulcich or Cole Kmet on DK.

Fantasy Four-pack

Travis Kelce, Chiefs vs. JAX
($7,800 DK, $8,500 FD) Kelce versus a defense that has faced only two top-10 TEs this season? Yes, Please. The price is high, but you are guaranteed 8-100-1.

T.J. Hockenson, Vikings @ BUF
($5,300 DK, $6,000 FD) Hockenson caught all nine of his targets just five days after arriving with Minnesota. Now, he has had a full week of practice to get in sync with Kirk Cousins. The easiest place to attack Buffalo is in the middle of the field, so another big target game is pending.

Tyler Higbee, Rams vs. ARI
($3,600 DK, $6,000 FD) The concussion for Matthew Stafford concerns me, as does Higbee’s recent decline in usage. Still, Higbee has had some monster games this season. Plus, backup QBs historically tend to lean on their TEs. Higbee will make a great target to lean on as Arizona has no clue how to cover the position.

Zach Ertz, Cardinals @ LAR ($5,200 DK, $6,300 FD) The same backup QB logic could come into play here if Colt McCoy is forced to start. Whoever is at the helm will want to keep Ertz involved. Ertz’s targets and yards have slipped since the return of DeAndre Hopkins, but he has scored in each of the last two games. I’d settle for 5-50-1.

DFS Sleepers

Cole Kmet, Bears vs. DET
($3,400 DK, $5,300 FD) Don’t look now but Kmet has scored in back-to-back games as Chicago has opened up their passing offense. Meanwhile, Detroit has surrendered four TE scores in their last five contests. You shouldn’t go crazy and triple-stack this offense, but do up two separate lineups with one stacking Justin Fields and Kmet and one with Fields and Darnell Mooney.

Greg Dulcich, Broncos @ TEN ($3,400 DK, $5,900 FD) Dulcich has emerged as my favorite sleeper TE over the last few weeks. During Weeks 6 through 8, Dulcich was ninth in targets, seventh in receptions, and third in receiving yards at the position. Tennessee’s pass defense is shaky, at best, and Dulcich will finish with another top-five showing here.