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 McCaffreyIsaiah 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 FieldsJoe 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 McLaurinMichael 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 FreiermuthTyler Higbee, or Greg DulcichDavid 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 11

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

After having multiple chalky (and successful) RB gifts fall into our laps last week due to injury and COVID, this week we have a few returning RBs to murky the waters. Is it wrong of me to hope for more injuries or continued injuries to potentially returning, middling vets (yes, I am referring to you, CEH)? If not, then I guess it is back to paying up for running backs and bargain hunting elsewhere. Oh well, at least we get the gift of A.J. Dillon, wait, what do you mean he is fully priced? – Curses, foiled again! Help me, Jeff Wilson Jr. … you are my only hope.

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Ben Roethlisberger started Week 11 in the COVID protocol. As a vaccinated player, he still needs to be symptom-free and report two consecutive negative tests to play this week. If he clears the protocol, Mike Tomlin has already declared that he will start regardless of whether or not he gets in any practices. That is a pretty strong vote of confidence in a veteran who hasn’t really done much this season. Against a very good Los Angeles defense, I am not going to be in a hurry to start him. Of course, I am going to be even less excited to start Mason Rudolph.

I am also not jumping out of my skin to start a QB against the Steelers’ secondary. Both matchups on MNF are sexier than this one for Justin Herbert. Still, Herbert’s name alone has some swag compared to MNF starter Daniel Jones. I prefer Justin to Rudolph or Roethlisberger on this slate, but he is probably going to battle to best Jones’ production at a much higher price tag. I just don’t see the value here.

Najee Harris against one of the worst run defenses in football should be a mortal lock play. It helps that he has zero competition for carries.

Austin Ekeler is going to be harder to rank this week. Yes, he is very good, but he is going against an elite run defense. He has had a couple of strong finishes against upper-echelon run defenses already this year. Unfortunately, he also has back-to-back ho-hum games against bad run defenses. No team has allowed fewer total RB scores this season, so I cannot go any higher than RB3 on this board. His price won’t be given an appropriate discount, so I will likely fade him. Joshua Kelley has fallen behind Larry Rountree on the depth chart, but neither is worth using in a bad matchup.

Diontae Johnson remains the primary target for Pittsburgh, regardless of who is under center. Unfortunately, only four WR1s have reached double-digit PPR points against this defense, and three of them “split” WR1 duties on their respective teams. DeVonta Smith is the only “one-man show” to get it done against them. What this implies, is that Johnson could struggle if Chase Claypool is not active and the defense can truly dog Johnson. Still, Johnson’s volume of targets will always keep him in play at WR1. Speaking of Claypool, he hurt his toe in Week 9 and he remains questionable for this week. If he plays, he may have his snaps limited. That said, I truly believe his being on the field will help Johnson’s production. With the risk of reinjury, I will likely fade Claypool here. Ray-Ray McCloud was a target beast last week with Rudolph under center and Claypool out. In truth, he ranks behind James Washington in the Pittsburgh WR room. I believe that his output was more due to Rudolph’s familiarity with him from practice. Assuming Big Ben and Claypool both return, I would rather use Washington at WR3 than McCloud. If Rudolph starts, McCloud would be the preferred WR3 play regardless of Claypool’s status. Just know whoever starts at QB, we are likely looking at a ceiling of two passing TDs (one of which may end up in the lap of the TE).

Mike Williams has disappeared over the last month. Earlier this season, I opined about not having any shares of him in dynasty leagues. Perhaps, that was for the best. Only two bigger-bodied alpha WRs have had huge games against this defense. Possession and slot receivers have had slightly more success against Pittsburgh. This is why, if I choose one of the Chargers’ WRs, it will be Keenan Allen. He still will be no better than WR3 overall on the docket. That said, he is the safest WR play in this game for either side. Against a weaker defense, I could see punting with Jaylen Guyton or Josh Palmer. This matchup isn’t very inviting, though, so save them for Showdown contests with Palmer getting the slight edge there.

Pat Freiermuth fumbled away a Pittsburgh victory last week. That won’t keep me from using him here (especially if Chase Claypool remains out). Freiermuth’s usage of late, paired with the juicy matchup, makes him the clear TE1 on this slate, even if Rob Gronkowski returns.

Jared Cook is no stronger than TE4 on this slate. His usage has been sporadic, and Pittsburgh has been considerably above average against the position. Plus, he has to split looks with Donald Parham and Stephen Anderson. Anderson is a depth piece, at best right now and can be ignored in all formats, but Parham is literally a huge red-zone threat. I’d almost consider starting him over Cook if I am TD mining at cost savings. In Showdown slates, Parham is always a must-start.

Two very good defenses facing off. The Chargers offense is a larger threat right now, especially if Ben Roethlisberger is out. I could see using either of them, but LA definitely gets the edge if Mason Rudolph starts.

On Monday, Daniel Jones gets to face off against a Tampa Bay secondary that was much-maligned to start the year due to injuries. A series of face-offs against so-so QBs have improved their lot in life significantly recently as they have given up only three total TDs to opposing QBs over the last four games. Tampa still remains shorthanded in the defensive backfield, so Jones could produce a medium-ish line. The big advantage that he has over some of the other also-ran QBs that Tampa has faced recently is that he has wheels. I’ll rank Jones as a QB2 or QB3 this week in a tight battle with Herbert for that rank.

Tampa Bay has had a rough go of things recently, but that really hasn’t hindered Tom Brady’s final line. Even in his second-worst start of the year last week, Brady finished with 220-2. A healthy returning Antonio Brown or Rob Gronkowski would certainly help him, but neither is guaranteed this week. Still, Brady is the consensus QB1 on the slate, and he will be in most of my lineups.

Tampa Bay has the second-stingiest run defense in the league, so starting a running back against them is never recommended. The only exceptions are if you have a true stud that you are never benching, or if you have pass-catching backs. They are really the only RBs to produce solid lines against them this year. Saquan Barkley is scheduled to return to the active roster this week. He won’t do much on the ground this week (especially if Devontae Booker gets some change-of-pace work) but Barkley is valuable enough in the passing game to jockey with Ekeler for the RB3 slot on the board. Booker can be avoided completely unless you want to take a deep flier that Barkley re-injures himself.

Leonard Fournette is my RB2 on this slate and in most of my lineups. The Giants have struggled against the position all season, and Lenny has established himself as the clear top back for Tampa. His usage in the passing game has been his biggest boon, and it has been fed by the absence of Rob Gronkowski. Earlier this season, Giovani Bernard had that role, but not anymore. He can be ignored now. The same goes for Ronald Jones as he would need a Fournette injury to have value.

This game features two WR rooms that are jam-packed with injuries. Kenny Golladay returned in Week 9 but did nothing. Tampa is bad enough against the pass to consider him as a WR2 or WR3 here. After a huge breakout earlier this year, Kadarius Toney has pulled a Travis Fulgham. Unlike Fulgham, Toney actually has talent. I love him to go ham here if Sterling Shepard doesn’t return. Even if Shepard plays, Toney needs to be in WR3/FLEX consideration. I actually like him better than Golladay. Coming off of the bye, I would’ve hoped that Shepard was ready to go, but he missed practice to start the week. This means that he is probably not going to be a go this week. If he plays, he deserves WR2/3 consideration. That said, the reinjury likelihood is almost too high for him. John Ross is always in play for Showdown contests, but with Toney and Golladay healthy, he just won’t see enough snaps to be tournament-worthy. The same goes for Collin Johnson.

Chris Godwin played last week despite an injury scare. He even led the WR room in targets and receptions. Against New York, both Godwin and Mike Evans deserve WR1 consideration. One (if not both) must be in your lineups, especially if Antonio Brown does not return here. Even if Brown takes the field, I love both Godwin and Evans to approach 6-75-1 with Evans the more likely to score and Godwin the more likely to lead in receptions. Brown’s return wouldn’t kill their value as he might actually open up more of the field for them. If AB plays, I see him more as a WR3 this week since his snap count will likely be limited. If Brown doesn’t play, Tyler Johnson will get another chance to showcase his wares in the starting lineup. He has averaged 5.5 targets over the last two games and at his price point, he becomes a must-start at WR3 or FLEX. Be wary, though, if Brown or Scotty Miller return this week. Miller has been battling turf toe all season, but he began practicing last week and is eligible to return off IR. I won’t use him in his first game back, but he could harm Johnson’s potential output by stealing snaps.

Evan Engram is the best TE that no one ever feels comfortable playing. He has scored in back-to-back contests but has only registered three receptions in both games. If Sterling Shepard misses this one, you can use him as the TE3 on the slate and maybe the TE2 if Rob Gronkowski doesn’t play, otherwise, I would only use him as a cost-savings play. Kyle Rudolph has also seen a bump in usage due to all of the injuries, but as the others have gotten healthy he becomes a less-athletic version of Parham … truly TD-dependent.

A returning Rob Gronkowski would be the clear TE2 on the board and perhaps even TE1. We just don’t have any reason to feel certain that he will return. That leaves Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard to once again share the routes. The two have truly split the workload since Gronk’s injury. I don’t love either of them, but if I had to choose it would be Brate.

Tampa’s defense has been shorthanded in the secondary, but Daniel Jones is mistake-prone enough to make them a decent choice this week. There is no way that I even consider the Giants here.

[lawrence-related id=462231]

The Main Slate: My recommended DFS lineups

At DK: $7.6k for Patrick Mahomes. $6.2k for AJ Dillon. $5.1k for Jeff Wilson. $8.4k for Davante Adams. $4.2k for Michael Gallup. $3.1k for Danny Amendola. $7.1K for Travis Kelce. $5.5k for David Montgomery at FLEX. $2.7k for the Carolina Panthers defense.

At FD: $8.3k for Mahomes. $9k for Nick Chubb. $6.6k for Michael Carter. $8.4k for Adams. $6.6k for Brandin Cooks. $5.1k for Albert Wilson. $7.3k for Kelce. $5k for J. Wilson at FLEX. $3.6k for the Cincinnati Bengals defense.

At Fanball (SuperFlex – includes Sun Night): Cam Newton, Mahomes at SF, Dillon, and Chubb, Najee Harris at FLEX, Adams, Cooks, and Robby Anderson, and Pat Freiermuth.

DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,100 $8,800
Lamar Jackson $8,000 $8,400
Kyler Murray $7,900 $8,200
Patrick Mahomes $7,600 $8,300
Dak Prescott $7,200 $8,400
Aaron Rodgers $7,000 $7,700
Jalen Hurts $6,800 $7,700
Ryan Tannehill $6,700 $7,800
Joe Burrow $6,600 $7,400
Russell Wilson $6,500 $7,300
Kirk Cousins $6,100 $7,400
Derek Carr $5,900 $7,200
Justin Fields $5,700 $6,800
Jimmy Garoppolo $5,600 $7,100
Carson Wentz $5,500 $6,900
Tua Tagovailoa $5,500 $7,000
Baker Mayfield $5,400 $6,800
Taylor Heinicke $5,300 $6,700
Trevor Siemian $5,300 $7,000
Case Keenum $5,200 $6,800
Trevor Lawrence $5,200 $6,500
Cam Newton $5,100 $7,500
Jared Goff $5,100 $6,400
Tyrod Taylor $5,000 $6,600
Colt McCoy $4,900 $6,300
Taysom Hill $4,900 $7,000
Joe Flacco $4,600 $6,300

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Obviously, I like Dak Prescott versus Patrick Mahomes. Both should easily return 3x value in the presumed shootout. I also like both QBs in the NFC North matchup between GB and MIN. Joe Burrow, Ryan Tannehill, and Derek Carr also have some appeal. So, as you can see, most of the higher-priced options are in play this week. The big issue I have this week is that there are very few options to punt with. Cam Newton has some pretty clear value, but he will be severely over-owned. If I do choose to go cheap, I may use Tyrod Taylor.

Fantasy Four-pack

Josh Allen, Bills vs. IND
($8,100 DK, $8,800 FD)
No team has allowed more passing scores than Indy. Meanwhile, Allen had a get-right game last week against the Jets. The Colts are more likely to keep this game competitive. So, Allen doesn’t have to worry about playing himself to an early exit with a strong showing.

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs vs. DAL
($7,600 DK, $8,300 FD)

Anytime you can get Mahomes for under $8k, it is a great chance to use him. Coming off of his own get-right game is just icing on the cake. Dallas’ pass defense has appeared to improve as the season has progressed, but in truth, their competition has gotten worse. Kirk Cousins is the only quality QB they have faced since Week 2, and the entire Vikings offense took that week off. I like both teams to score big here, so give me as much action in this game as possible.

Aaron Rodgers, Packers @ MIN
($7,000 DK, $7,700 FD

Minnesota will get back a few of their injured secondary pieces this week. Unfortunately, they are still shorthanded up front, which should provide Rodgers all the time he needs to pick apart the returning corners and safeties. Davante Adams has made the Vikings his whipping boy in recent meetings. Stack away happily.

Dak Prescott, Cowboys @ KC
($7,200 DK, $8,400 FD)
I prefer Mahomes in this game, but Dak will be forced to throw the ball frequently to keep up with the Chiefs. The return of Michael Gallup improves Prescott’s output as it gives him another reliable target. At his price, he also makes my favorite stack with Dak. Prescott will finish the game with three scores, one of which may come on the ground. The only way he fails this week is if his receivers keep getting tackled inside the 5-yard line, leading to Ezekiel Elliott scores.

DFS Sleepers

Cam Newton, Panthers vs. WAS
($5,100 DK, $7,500 FD)
Washington is miserably bad against the pass. Only one team has allowed more passing scores this season. If you include rushing TDs allowed to opposing QBs, no team has allowed more total scores to the position. We haven’t seen enough yet to determine if Newton’s arm is any better than the noodle it appeared to be last season, but he is always a huge threat to score a rushing TD. Plus, with an RB like Christian McCaffrey and a speedy YAC receiver like D.J. Moore, you don’t have to throw the ball very far down the field.

Tyrod Taylor, Texans @ TEN
($5,000 DK, $6,600 FD)
Over the last four weeks, Tennessee has allowed the most passing completions and the third-most passing yards to opposing QBs. Those numbers seem unfathomable when you consider they include a complete bomb by Mahomes. Taylor did next to nothing in his return to the field last week. That said, he was clearly rusty, and Miami blitzed on nearly every play. It won’t take much for him to reach 3x on DK. In a slate with few true punt options. He may be the smartest one of all as his ownership should be way down after last week.

DraftKings FanDuel
Christian McCaffrey $8,900 $10,000
Jonathan Taylor $8,300 $8,800
Dalvin Cook $8,200 $8,400
Alvin Kamara $8,100 $8,600
Nick Chubb
$7,800 $9,000
Ezekiel Elliott $7,700 $8,500
Joe Mixon $7,600 $7,600
D’Andre Swift $7,000 $7,500
James Robinson $6,400 $7,100
AJ Dillon $6,200 $7,000
James Conner $6,100 $7,200
Josh Jacobs $6,000 $6,900
Antonio Gibson $5,900 $6,700
Eli Mitchell $5,800 $7,000
Michael Carter $5,800 $6,600
Myles Gaskin $5,700 $6,200
Chris Carson $5,600 $6,500
D’Ernest Johnson $5,600 $8,000
David Montgomery $5,500 $6,800
Darrel Williams $5,400 $6,300
Mark Ingram $5,400 $6,800
Chuba Hubbard $5,300 $6,000
Jeremy McNichols $5,300 $5,500
Latavius Murray $5,300 $5,700
Clyde Edwards-Helaire $5,200 $6,300
Kenyan Drake $5,200 $5,900
Devonta Freeman $5,100 $5,700
Jeff Wilson $5,100 $5,000
Alex Collins $5,000 $5,600
J.D. McKissic $5,000 $5,200
Miles Sanders $5,000 $6,000
Zack Moss $5,000 $5,800
Boston Scott $4,900 $5,700
D’Onta Foreman $4,900 $6,200
Adrian Peterson $4,800 $5,700
Jordan Howard $4,800 $5,900
Tony Pollard $4,700 $5,600
Devin Singletary $4,600 $5,800
Ty Johnson $4,600 $5,200
David Johnson $4,400 $5,500
Jamaal Williams $4,400 $5,300
Matt Breida $4,400 $5,400
Nyheim Hines $4,300 $5,200
Eno Benjamin $4,200 $5,100
Rex Burkhead $4,200 $5,000
Phillip Lindsay $4,100 $5,400

Running Back

Weekly strategy – Dalvin Cook, Nick Chubb, and Christian McCaffrey are the three best choices among the high-priced RBs. If Alvin Kamara returns, he could reach value since the competition is weak against pass-catching backs. One of these four will be my probable RB1. I may also pivot to D’Andre Swift if Jamaal Williams is ruled out. There are five options I like at RB2. AJ Dillon, James Conner, Michael CarterDavid Montgomery, and Myles Gaskin all make a strong group to choose from. I could also use two of them if I wish to save money for WRs. Any of them could also be my FLEX. The punt options at RB this week are almost as bad as the punt options at QB. If Eli Mitchell misses this game due to his finger injury, Jeff Wilson becomes a must-start. I could also see using one of the Titans, or Ty Johnson. Neither excites me, but if you need to save money, you need to save money. We don’t have the gimmes that we were gifted last week.

Fantasy Four-pack

Dalvin Cook, Vikings vs. GB
($8,200 DK, $8,400 FD)
Over the last two seasons, Cook has faced the Packers three times. These are his lines: 191 total yards and a TD, 48 total yards and two touchdowns, and 226 total yards with four touchdowns. Obviously, we would have liked to have seen more yardage in that middle game, but the pair of scores made up for the down day yardage-wise. If the Vikes want to win this game, they should lean early and often on Dalvin.

Nick Chubb, Browns vs. DET
($7,800 DK, $9,000 FD
Chubb missed last week with COVID. Assuming he can clear protocols by this weekend (and I have no reason to believe otherwise since he was supposedly close to playing last week), Chubb gets a cakewalk game. Of course, if Chubb cannot go, then D’Ernest Johnson gets another blowup opportunity (despite a less appealing FD price). The Lions have allowed 16 total RB touchdowns over their nine games played.

Christian McCaffrey, Panthers vs. WAS
($8,900 DK, $10,000 FD)

Historically speaking, McCaffrey has done more damage in games that were not started by Cam Newton. That said, it has been a few years now. Cam doesn’t have the arm he once did, and how eager is he to absorb quite as many punishing blows at the stripe? The team would be wise to limit Newton’s carries in this contest if they want him to last the rest of the season. C-Mac proved last week that he can still approach 30 points even without scoring. If he scores, it is just a bonus.

D’Andre Swift, Lions @ CLE
($7,000 DK, $7,500 FD)
Over the last four weeks, only one team has allowed more total RB scores than Cleveland. Meanwhile, D’Andre Swift has scored in three of his last five games. He is also leading all RBs in receptions and receiving yards. It may need to come through the air, but 100 total yards and a score have become Swift’s weekly floor.

DFS Sleepers

Michael Carter, Jets vs. MIA
($5,800 DK, $6,600 FD)
Carter doesn’t get Captain Checkdown Mike White at QB anymore, but that may be advantageous for him since that should limit some of the snaps that Ty Johnson steals. Plus, Miami is hardly a shutdown defense against the run. Joe Flacco will have very little success if the Jets cannot establish the run. So, I expect them to feed Carter the ball as much as he can handle.

Myles Gaskin, Dolphins @ NYJ
($5,700 DK, $6,200 FD)
This game should provide opportunities for both sides to run the ball effectively. Gaskin has done very little with a plethora of carries recently. This week he could accrue a ton of points with even just a few touches. It may seem mathematically impossible, but the Jets have allowed 14 running back touchdowns over just their last four games. Heck, even I could score twice against this slump-buster of a defense.

DraftKings FanDuel
Davante Adams $8,400 $8,400
Tyreek Hill $8,200 $8,500
Justin Jefferson $8,100 $7,900
Stefon Diggs $7,900 $8,100
Deebo Samuel $7,800 $7,600
A.J. Brown $7,700 $7,200
CeeDee Lamb $7,600 $8,000
Ja’Marr Chase $7,200 $7,700
Marquise Brown $7,100 $7,300
Terry McLaurin $7,000 $7,000
DK Metcalf $6,800 $7,500
Adam Thielen $6,600 $7,100
DeAndre Hopkins $6,500 $7,100
DeVonta Smith $6,400 $6,600
 Amari Cooper $6,200 $7,300
Michael Pittman $6,100 $6,900
Brandin Cooks $6,000 $6,600
Tyler Lockett $6,000 $6,800
DJ Moore $5,900 $6,700
Hunter Renfrow $5,800 $6,100
Christian Kirk $5,700 $6,500
Jaylen Waddle $5,600 $6,700
Julio Jones $5,500 $6,500
Tee Higgins $5,400 $6,500
Emmanuel Sanders $5,300 $5,800
Darnell Mooney $5,200 $6,000
Marvin Jones $5,200 $5,700
Jarvis Landry $5,100 $6,300
Marquez Callaway $5,100 $5,800
Brandon Aiyuk $5,000 $6,000
Corey Davis $5,000 $6,400
Kalif Raymond $5,000 $5,300
Allen Robinson $4,900 $5,700
Elijah Moore $4,900 $5,900
Cole Beasley $4,800 $5,700
Tyler Boyd $4,800 $5,600
Jamal Agnew $4,700 $5,300
Jamison Crowder $4,700 $5,700
A.J. Green $4,600 $5,400
Robby Anderson $4,600 $5,600
Donovan Peoples-Jones $4,500 $5,700
Rashod Bateman $4,500 $5,800
Randall Cobb $4,400 $5,400
Tre’Quan Smith $4,400 $5,700
Amon-Ra St. Brown $4,300 $5,500
T.Y. Hilton $4,300 $5,700
Deonte Harris $4,200 $5,400
Michael Gallup $4,200 $5,400
Rondale Moore $4,200 $5,200
Allen Lazard $4,100 $5,300
Bryan Edwards $4,100 $5,500
Laviska Shenault $4,100 $5,400
Mecole Hardman $4,000 $5,500
Sammy Watkins $4,000 $5,300
Zach Pascal $4,000 $5,400
Gabriel Davis $3,900 $5,000
Devin Duvernay $3,800 $5,100
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $3,700 $5,200
Quez Watkins $3,700 $5,300
Chester Rogers $3,500 $5,000
Marcus Johnson $3,500 $5,600
Byron Pringle $3,400 $5,300
Chris Conley $3,400 $5,000
DeSean Jackson $3,400 $5,300
K.J. Osborn $3,400 $5,200
DeAndre Carter $3,300 $5,500
Jalen Reagor $3,300 $5,000
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $3,300 $5,300
Nico Collins $3,300 $5,200
Adam Humphries $3,200 $5,000
Cedrick Wilson $3,200 $4,900
Rashard Higgins $3,200 $5,000
Albert Wilson $3,100 $5,100
Danny Amendola $3,100 $5,100
Demarcus Robinson $3,100 $5,100
Keelan Cole $3,100 $5,200
Terrace Marshall $3,100 $4,700
Denzel Mims $3,000 $5,000
Isaiah Ford $3,000 $5,300
Isaiah McKenzie $3,000 $4,700
Jeff Smith $3,000 $4,700
Josh Reynolds $3,000 $4,800
Kenny Stills $3,000 $4,800

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – Davante Adams should be a set-it-and-forget-it lock at WR1. The only question is do you also roster Tyreek Hill or use him as the only true pivot from Adams. Justin Jefferson could also be used as long as Jaire Alexander remains out. He just lacks the exponential ceiling difference of the top two. If you do choose to not use Adams and/or Hill, I would actually suggest skipping Jefferson and using any of the other top-priced options (Stefon Diggs, Deebo Samuel, A.J. Brown, CeeDee Lamb, or Ja’Marr Chase) for cheaper since they all have great matchups as well. If I go cheap at RB, I could use two of that above group. In reality, I am probably limited to just one of them (and that will likely be Adams). There are several legit options at WR2. I really like both Hunter Renfrow and Brandin Cooks. Cole Beasley could also be in play if you don’t use Diggs. At WR3, I love Michael Gallup and Rashod Bateman. There are not any real pivots that I like there. There are three punt plays I can get behind if you choose to use two expensive WRs up top. Albert WilsonDanny Amendola, and Josh Reynolds all have slate-breaking opportunities at their prices. If you play any Showdown contests featuring their respective teams, you absolutely need to use each of them.

Fantasy Four-pack

Davante Adams, Packers @ MIN
($8,400 DK, $8,400 FD)
Last year, Adams faced Minnesota twice. In those two games, he recorded 21 receptions, 209 yards, and five touchdowns. Give me another round of that juice.

Tyreek Hill, Chiefs vs. DAL
($8,200 DK, $8,500 FD)
Trevon Diggs has done a fine job of jumping routes and picking off passes. That said, jumping the route would not be a good idea when he is guarding a player as speedy as the Cheetah. Hill has remained a home run threat even during the Chiefs’ October struggles. Now that Patrick Mahomes seems to have righted the ship, the sky is the limit for Hill. He will burn Diggs at least once this week and quite likely multiple times.

Deebo Samuel, Niners @ JAX
($7,800 DK, $7,600 FD)
Jacksonville has limited a pair of solid WR1s in back-to-back weeks, but before that, they were getting scorched like a bag of marshmallows at a boy scout retreat. What makes Deebo even more of an imposing play this week is if Eli Mitchell is out, Samuel may get a few snaps at tailback. Whatever happens with the potential carries, Deebo will finish with some combination of 125 total yards and at least one score.

Stefon Diggs, Bills vs. IND
($7,900 DK, $8,100 FD)
No team has allowed more WR scores than Indy. Among opponents’ top WRs to face them, only two have not scored. One was A.J. Brown earlier in the year in a game he got hurt and left early. The other was Brandin Cooks, who still finished the game with 9-89. Not to mention, that three different of those top WRs scored multiple TDs against this defense. I am slightly concerned about Dawson Knox stealing red-zone targets again now that he is healthy, but truthfully they should both go off here.

DFS Sleepers

Brandin Cooks, Texans @ TEN
($6,000 DK, $6,600 FD)
Cooks was not slowed down by the return of Tyrod Taylor in Week 9. In fact, he was back up to 14 targets after a bit of a slow run with Davis Mills under center. Cooks only caught six of those targets, but it was clear that Taylor was trusting his veteran WR. Earlier this year, Cooks posted 14-210-1 on 21 targets in Taylor’s two starts before the QB was hurt. Tennessee has allowed 16 different WRs to post double-digit PPR points. This is why I like stacking Cooks with Taylor and perhaps even Danny Amendola.

Hunter Renfrow, Raiders vs. CIN
($5,800 DK, $6,100 FD)
Cincy has been mediocre against the pass this year. They have had particular difficulties with possession receivers. Renfrow (and to a different degree, Darren Waller) are easily the possession receivers for Vegas. In a PPR format, Renfrow should continue the recent uptick he has seen since Henry Ruggs’ arrest. Over the last two weeks, only two WRs have more TDs and only three have more receptions.

DraftKings FanDuel
Travis Kelce $7,100 $7,300
George Kittle $6,300 $6,800
Darren Waller $6,100 $6,700
Mark Andrews $6,000 $7,000
T.J. Hockenson $5,700 $5,900
Mike Gesicki $5,200 $6,300
Zach Ertz $4,800 $5,000
Dalton Schultz $4,600 $6,000
Dallas Goedert $4,400 $5,700
Dan Arnold $4,100 $5,400
Dawson Knox $4,000 $5,600
Logan Thomas $3,900 $5,500
Tyler Conklin $3,900 $5,500
Ricky Seals-Jones $3,800 $5,000
C.J. Uzomah $3,500 $5,200
Cole Kmet $3,400 $5,100
Adam Trautman $3,300 $4,800
Austin Hooper $3,200 $5,300
Gerald Everett $3,100 $5,000
Jack Doyle $3,000 $4,600
David Njoku $2,900 $4,900
Jack Stoll $2,900 $4,400
Geoff Swaim $2,800 $4,600
Jordan Akins $2,700 $4,700
Mo Alie-Cox $2,700 $4,700
Marcedes Lewis $2,600 $4,300
Brevin Jordan $2,500 $4,500
Ryan Griffin $2,500 $4,600
Tyree Jackson $2,500 $4,200

Tight End

Weekly strategy – Travis Kelce at home versus the Cowboys, yes, please. George Kittle versus Jacksonville, yes please, too! Darren Waller versus Cincy makes it a fantasy

among the expensive tight ends. At a slightly lower price point, Dalton Schultz is in play as is Dawson Knox. Cole Kmet could also be an even cheaper option. That said, if I don’t pay up for one of the big three, I will likely just punt with Adam Trautman, Geoff Swaim, or Ryan Griffin.

Fantasy Four-pack

Travis Kelce, Chiefs vs. DAL
($7,100 DK, $7,300 FD)
Last week, Kansas City made a quantifiable effort to get Kelce more involved in the offense once again. It worked out as the Chiefs offense got itself back on track. Dallas hasn’t been tested by many elite TEs this year, and Kyle Pitts actually was the only part of Atlanta to do anything against them last week. I expect KC to continue to focus their attack with Kelce as he tops 100 yards for a second straight game while scoring at least once. The best part about Kelce this week is he is cheaper than Tyreek Hill if you are looking to put together a game stack.

George Kittle, Niners @ JAX
($6,300 DK, $6,800 FD)
In the two games since his return from injury, Kittle has led San Fran in targets, receptions, and receiving TDs. He also is only nine receiving yards behind Deebo Samuel. Jacksonville has dominated the position the last three weeks, but they have faced talent the equivalent of Larry, Mo Alie, and Curly. Those stooges aside, Jacksonville got destroyed earlier this year by every quality TE (and a few so-so ones, too) that faced them.

Darren Waller, Raiders vs. CIN
($6,100 DK, $6,700 FD)
The Bengals have been decent against opposing TEs this year, but over their last four games, they have allowed an average of 5-57-0.5. That is typically Waller’s floor. His numbers are a little down on the year, but he is still averaging nine targets per game started. If he can finally get into the end zone, the 3x will hit. It just isn’t as certain as Kittle or Kelce.

T.J. Hockenson, Lions @ CLE
($5,700 DK, $5,900 FD)
Hockenson has been a victim of being surrounded by a bunch of chaff. Opposing defenses are keying on him because the other Detroit WRs don’t scare anyone. The addition of Josh Reynolds this week might finally open a little wiggle room for the big tight end. On the year, only one team has allowed more TE touchdowns than Cleveland, including three over the last four weeks. Despite a few subpar performances, Hockenson is still first or second in every receiving category for Detroit. I like him to post a floor of 6-70 here.

DFS Sleepers

Cole Kmet, Bears vs. BAL
($3,400 DK, $5,100 FD)
Over their last four games, Kmet leads the Bears in receptions and receiving yards, and he is trailing only Darnell Mooney in targets. Meanwhile, Baltimore has been among the worst teams at defending TEs all season. More than half of the teams to face them have had a double-digit PPR tight end performances. They did hold Mike Gesicki in check last week, but Durham Smythe and Adam Shaheen still posted a respectable 4-57 against them. It won’t take much for Kmet to reach 3x on DK, especially if he continues to be featured in the Bears’ offensive strategy.

Adam Trautman, Saints @ PHI
($3,300 DK, $4,800 FD)
No team has been as rotten against TEs this year as Philly. They have allowed 25 percent more receptions to the position than the next-worst team. They have also allowed the most receiving yards and TDs to the position. It has gotten so bad that, over the last four weeks, Philly is allowing an atrocious 9-103-0.75 to the position. This comes despite facing three of four mediocre to downright bad offenses. Since Trevor Siemian has taken over at QB, Trautman is tied for the team lead in targets and ranks second in receptions. If he continues to get the increased volume, he should be in for a big week at a bargain-basement price.