Thank goodness the bye-pocalypse is done. That made for some ridiculous-looking lineups in regular fantasy leagues. The DFS landscape was also strained as so many stars were off of the main slate. This week, we have fewer teams on bye (two), but five of the best offenses in football are in primetime. So once again the DFS pool may seem shallow. I’d suggest wading in rather than cannonballing.
DFS: The Primetime Slate
Dallas is heading north to Minnesota. Dak Prescott has been a stud this year, throwing for three or more TDs in all but one contest. He did suffer a small calf injury back in Week 6, but the bye week should have offered him more than enough time to heal. Minnesota will be without their top CB, Patrick Peterson, making an already subpar secondary look even worse. On a slate loaded with offensive potential, Dak may be QB1, and he is no worse than QB2, presuming his injured calf doesn’t keep Prescott on the pine.
Dallas also has some serious deficiencies in its secondary. You hate to see that when you are about to attempt to defend Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. Kirk Cousins would be the QB1 on most slates. Not this time, however. I’m going to be forced to slot him at QB3 on a loaded board. His salary will be cheaper though, which may make him more appealing.
The Vikings’ run defense was supposed to be a strength this year. They haven’t shown out yet. Still, the matchup looks less appealing than some of the others (especially when you consider that Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard continue to split touches). If Saquon Barkley (ankle) returns, I will give Zeke the RB3 slot and Pollard the RB5 slot. Otherwise, Zeke can be used as your RB2, and Pollard could be a cost-savings pivot there or as a FLEX.
Dalvin Cook is the top RB on this slate. Dallas has actually been considerably better against the run than the pass, but they also haven’t faced much talent or a run-forward game script yet this year. Dalvin is a stud — don’t get cute, just set him and forget him. Alexander Mattison has returned to a supplemental role, so use him only as an injury pivot in Showdown lineups.
The likely return of Michael Gallup should open this offense up even more. He is going to be the WR7 or WR8 on the slate and should be cheap enough to consider at WR3 to get exposure to this passing game. Both Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb are in play for WR2. I prefer Lamb over Cooper, but it may come down to money considerations. Either would be a great play. If Gallup misses this game, Cedrick Wilson could have value. Otherwise, I will pass on him and Noah Brown.
In what should be a high-scoring contest, I love Adam Thielen to cross the stripe at least once. He joins Cooper and Lamb in the WR2 conversation (and I prefer him slightly to both of them). I also like Justin Jefferson, but I feel Thielen is the safer play this week, especially since Jefferson will likely draw INT-machine Trevon Diggs. K.J. Osborn has been a bargain basement stud recently. With so much cost tied up at RB and WR, you may have to consider him at WR3 or FLEX.
Dalton Schultz has produced strong value this year. On this slate, he will get the TE2 nod. That said, the matchup doesn’t scream success. Minnesota has allowed only one big TE game this season. Plus, the possible return of Gallup could cut into Schultz’s targets. Not to mention that Blake Jarwin is still in play as well. As for him, I won’t use Jarwin outside of Showdown.
Tyler Conklin has made many Vikings fans forget about Irv Smith. Dallas has allowed some big games to opposing TEs, but Conklin still ranks no higher than TE3 here. He could even be the fourth-best based on matchup.
Obviously, if Prescott misses this game due to his calf, then use the Vikings defense. Otherwise, pass on both of them.
Daniel Jones could put up big numbers against a rotten KC defense this week and still finish as the worst QB on this slate. At the price-point separation, he may actually be the right play for you. Still, he will rank as QB4 here.
Patrick Mahomes was knocked around last week by Tennessee. He should be fine for this game and ranks as QB1 or QB2 on the slate. The Giants defense has been nearly as bad as the Chiefs. This smells like a get-right game for Saint Patrick, and only Prescott has a similar ceiling.
Saquon Barkley is the second-best RB on this slate. Unfortunately, he still remains questionable, at best, to play the game. If he goes, he must be in your lineup. In the event that Barkley sits out one more game, Devontae Booker gets a great matchup, and he should be RB4 overall as a great FLEX play. KC is so rotten on defense, even if Saquon plays, Booker could have FLEX appeal.
Darrel Williams has been an effective fill-in for a KC offense that remains without Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The only RB to not go off against this defense was Chuba Hubbard last week. With so much money spent elsewhere, you seriously have to consider using Williams at RB2 or FLEX. That said, in reality, he is right around RB4 here. Jerick McKinnon isn’t used enough to play him.
Finding a healthy receiver on the Giants is like finding a needle in a haystack. Sterling Shepard gets the volume, but his hamstring held him out last week. If he plays, he is a great option at WR3 to save money. Kenny Golladay has also been a frequent visitor to the inactive list. Again, if he can suit up, he makes a great WR3 option as well. That said, I have more faith in Shepard playing. Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Kadarius Toney would make a great play this week if he can suit up. His injury is in an ankle, so he is even less likely than Shepard or Golladay to play. Darius Slayton returned from injury last week and led the team in targets and receiving yards. If the other three are all out again, Slayton needs to be played as a volume WR3. In that situation, Dante Pettis or John Ross could also be considered as a FLEX. Though neither offers the upside of any of the WRs in front of them on the depth chart. There was one week back in 2020 that I played Collin Johnson. That will remain the only week I will ever play Collin Johnson.
Tyreek Hill will lock horns with James Bradberry this week. Despite his frequent shadow coverage, opposing WR1s have had success against this defense. Cost may force me to pivot away from him, more so than Bradberry’s coverage. If I don’t use him, I will put two of the Vikings and Cowboys up top. To gain exposure to this game, Mecole Hardman and Byron Pringle make slightly more sense, since they will be considerably cheaper. Either could be slid into your WR3 or FLEX slot. Demarcus Robinson isn’t getting the volume to rely upon. He is best left for Showdown slates. As for Josh Gordon, he has not played more than 11 snaps in any game since signing and he has a total of two targets over that span. Don’t even consider it.
The Chiefs have been awful against opposing TEs. Meanwhile, Evan Engram has actually seen an uptick in targets thanks to all of the injuries at WR. He deserves the TE3 tag here, and at his price, you should definitely consider using him. Kyle Rudolph remains strictly a depth piece and should be avoided.
Travis Kelce is the TE1 here. He remains the safest play among all of the KC pass-catchers, but good luck fitting his salary onto your roster.
In reality, KC’s defense is severely flawed. That said, on a slate full of bad defenses, always consider the one facing the worst offense. As for the Giants, you can chase some Mahomes INTs here if you want. They should be cheap.
[lawrence-related id=461624]
The Main Slate: My recommended DFS lineups
At DK: $5.4k for Teddy Bridgewater. $6.5k for Darrell Henderson. $6.9k for Joe Mixon. $5.3k for Michael Pittman. $4.9k for Jerry Jeudy (if he plays) otherwise $4.7k for Tim Patrick. $9k for Cooper Kupp. $2.9K for Tommy Sweeney. $6.6k for Alex Collins at FLEX. $3.6k for the Cincinnati Bengals defense.
At FD: $7k for Bridgewater. $7.6k for Mixon. $7.7k for Henderson. $7.5k for Diontae Johnson. $6.6k for Pittman. $6k for Jeudy (or $5.8k for Patrick). $6.2k for T.J. Hockenson. $5.9k for Kenneth Gainwell at FLEX. $4.9k for the Cincinnati Bengals defense.
At Fanball (SuperFlex – includes Sun Night): Bridgewater, Dak Prescott at SF, Mixon, Henderson, Collins at FLEX, CeeDee Lamb, Adam Thielen, Jeudy/Patrick, and Hunter Henry.
|
DraftKings |
FanDuel |
| Josh Allen |
$8,100 |
$8,800 |
| Matthew Stafford |
$7,600 |
$8,200 |
| Tom Brady |
$7,400 |
$8,300 |
| Justin Herbert |
$7,300 |
$7,900 |
| Jalen Hurts |
$7,200 |
$8,400 |
| Joe Burrow |
$7,100 |
$7,800 |
| Ryan Tannehill |
$6,600 |
$7,500 |
| Jameis Winston |
$6,000 |
$7,400 |
| Matt Ryan |
$5,900 |
$7,200 |
| Carson Wentz |
$5,700 |
$7,200 |
| Jimmy Garoppolo |
$5,600 |
$6,900 |
| Sam Darnold |
$5,600 |
$7,300 |
| Baker Mayfield |
$5,500 |
$6,500 |
| Trevor Lawrence |
$5,500 |
$6,700 |
| Tua Tagovailoa |
$5,500 |
$7,100 |
| Ben Roethlisberger |
$5,400 |
$6,600 |
| Teddy Bridgewater |
$5,400 |
$7,000 |
| Geno Smith |
$5,300 |
$7,000 |
| Taylor Heinicke |
$5,300 |
$7,000 |
| Jared Goff |
$5,200 |
$6,800 |
| Mac Jones |
$5,200 |
$6,900 |
| Justin Fields |
$5,000 |
$6,400 |
| Mike White |
$5,000 |
$6,300 |
| Case Keenum |
$4,900 |
$6,400 |
| Tyrod Taylor |
$4,900 |
$6,300 |
| Davis Mills |
$4,800 |
$6,300 |
Quarterback
Weekly strategy – Josh Allen and Matthew Stafford are the two best options this week. If I pivot off of them, it would be for Jalen Hurts, Ryan Tannehill, Jameis Winston, or Carson Wentz. Still, this feels like the week to spend down at the position. I really like both Teddy Bridgewater and Trevor Lawrence. I could also see putting out a few lineups with Geno Smith. Talk about a Halloween horror story.
Fantasy Four-pack
Matthew Stafford, Rams @ HOU
($7,600 DK, $8,200 FD)
In the only contest that Stafford did not throw for multiple TDs this season, he still finished with 365 passing yards. Meanwhile, Houston has remained middle-of-the-pack against the pass all season. They have given up 16 total scores to the position. That number may reach 20 after this game.
Josh Allen, Bills vs. MIA
($8,100 DK, $8,800 FD)
Allen faces a defense that has allowed a league-worst 358 passing yards per game over their last three. The Bills faced Miami earlier this season and Allen was held under 200 yards and to only two passing TDs. Those numbers were kept in check, though, because Buffalo was running over them with their backs. Miami does have Xavien Howard and Byron Jones back, but that didn’t keep Matt Ryan from shredding them last week. One thing to note, though, is the returning corners did limit Calvin Ridley’s production, so perhaps consider stacking Allen with either Cole Beasley or Emmanuel Sanders instead of Stefon Diggs.
Jalen Hurts, Eagles @ DET
($7,200 DK, $8,400 FD)
Hurts has been prolific in garbage time but mediocre in the rest of the game script. So, this will be an interesting test for the young QB. How will he perform when his team is actually leading? With social media howlings for Gardner Minshew to replace him, Hurts will need to step it up. One thing we know for sure is that Hurts can hurt you with his rushing ability. With Miles Sanders on IR with an ankle injury, many people will use Kenneth Gainwell as a cheap RB fill-in. It is possible, however, Sanders’ absence could just lead to more throwing and more QB scampers by Hurts. Detroit can be embarrassed by either.
Ryan Tannehill, Titans @ IND
($6,600 DK, $7,500 FD)
Washington is the only team to allow more passing TDs than Indy. Tannehill finally has both A.J. Brown and Julio Jones healthy. It is about time as I am sick of seeing Tannehill being held to one or zero passing TDs. At least he has scored a few rushing TDs to keep his owners slightly sated during these first few weeks. Tannehill’s best game of the season was Week 3 versus the Colts. In that game, he threw for under 200 yards but managed three passing scores. He also was without Brown in that game. With both receivers at his disposal, I expect another three scores and a better yardage total.
DFS Sleepers
Teddy Bridgewater, Broncos vs. WFT
($5,400 DK, $7,000 FD)
Somehow #Teddy1TD has managed to throw for multiple TDs in five of his seven starts this year. Amazingly, he is still in constant danger of losing his starting job. Washington has allowed the most passing TDs this season. This includes 17 over their last five games. As long as Bridgewater doesn’t get benched due to fan disapproval, he will have another multiple TD game here. Heck, I may need to change his hashtag to #Teddy2TDs.
Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars @ SEA
($5,500 DK, $6,700 FD)
Trevor has had some horrible starts to begin his career. He also has had a couple of games where it appears the talent is legit. Seattle has allowed the fifth-most passing yards (296) per game at home. Apparently, the 12th man is now a burnable cornerback. In fact, neither team has much to write home about on a defensive front. This should allow both teams to put up some points here. Making this a sneaky game to stack players from.
|
DraftKings |
FanDuel |
| Derrick Henry |
$8,900 |
$10,500 |
| Alvin Kamara |
$8,700 |
$8,400 |
| Austin Ekeler |
$7,900 |
$8,700 |
| Najee Harris |
$7,500 |
$9,000 |
Jonathan Taylor
|
$7,200 |
$8,500 |
| D’Andre Swift |
$7,100 |
$7,900 |
| Joe Mixon |
$6,900 |
$7,600 |
| Nick Chubb |
$6,800 |
$8,000 |
| James Robinson |
$6,600 |
$8,200 |
| Darrell Henderson |
$6,500 |
$7,700 |
| Leonard Fournette |
$6,300 |
$7,200 |
| Cordarrelle Patterson |
$6,200 |
$7,300 |
| Damien Harris |
$6,100 |
$6,900 |
| Chuba Hubbard |
$6,000 |
$6,600 |
| Antonio Gibson |
$5,700 |
$6,200 |
| Myles Gaskin |
$5,600 |
$5,700 |
| D’Ernest Johnson |
$5,400 |
$6,700 |
| Eli Mitchell |
$5,400 |
$5,800 |
| Khalil Herbert |
$5,400 |
$6,500 |
| Alex Collins |
$5,300 |
$7,000 |
| Damien Williams |
$5,300 |
$5,500 |
| Javonte Williams |
$5,300 |
$5,900 |
| Melvin Gordon |
$5,200 |
$6,000 |
| Zack Moss |
$5,200 |
$6,100 |
| J.D. McKissic |
$5,100 |
$5,400 |
| Kenneth Gainwell |
$5,000 |
$5,900 |
| Mike Davis |
$5,000 |
$5,500 |
| Michael Carter |
$4,900 |
$5,700 |
| Samaje Perine |
$4,900 |
$5,700 |
| Jamaal Williams |
$4,700 |
$5,600 |
| Devin Singletary |
$4,600 |
$5,500 |
| Brandon Bolden |
$4,500 |
$5,500 |
| Nyheim Hines |
$4,500 |
$5,600 |
| Boston Scott |
$4,400 |
$5,800 |
| Ty Johnson |
$4,400 |
$5,300 |
| David Johnson |
$4,200 |
$5,100 |
| Mark Ingram |
$4,100 |
$5,300 |
| Giovani Bernard |
$4,100 |
$4,900 |
| Marlon Mack |
$4,000 |
$5,300 |
| Rashaad Penny |
$4,000 |
$6,000 |
| Sony Michel |
$4,000 |
$5,200 |
Running Back
Weekly strategy – Derrick Henry’s price is improved over last week. I still cannot imagine having huge exposure to him. In fact, all of the top options are solid plays, but I feel this week I want to target that second tier. D’Andre Swift, Joe Mixon, Darrell Henderson, James Robinson, Damien Harris, and Chuba Hubbard are the ones I will have the most in my lineups. The bargain choices I will consider are Zack Moss, Brandon Bolden, and the Eagles duo.
Fantasy Four-pack
Derrick Henry, Titans @ IND
($8,900 DK, $10,500 FD)
The healthy WRs for Tennessee may limit Henry’s numbers some, but even limited may approach 30 points. Henry failed to score against Indy earlier this year, but he has three scores against the Colts in their last three meetings.
Joe Mixon, Bengals @ NYJ
($6,900 DK, $7,600 FD)
The Jets are allowing 166 combo yards per game to opposing running backs. They have also allowed a league-worst 10 running back rushing scores. This includes four over the last two weeks (they also allowed a running back receiving TD over that span). Mixon has scored in four straight. He will score again here, probably twice.
Jonathan Taylor, Colts vs. TEN
($7,200 DK, $8,500 FD)
Taylor and Nyheim Hines combined for 22 touches, 151 yards, and a score in Week 3 versus Tennessee. Hines actually slightly outproduced Taylor, but JT still averaged 6.2 YPC in that game. Hines’ usage has dried up of late as Frank Reich realized that he has an elite level back to feature. Over his last four games, Taylor has had four 100-plus-yard performances and six total TDs. In those same four games, Hines has posted a total of only 63 yards from scrimmage.
D’Andre Swift, Lions vs. PHI
($7,100 DK, $7,900 FD)
Swift trails his running mate Jamaal Williams in rushing yards this season. That said, he has more carries and more rushing TDs than Williams. In addition, Swift leads all Lions skill position players in receptions and receiving yards. He is also tied for the team lead in both targets and receiving scores. Philly has been bad against opposing RBs. Seattle is the only team allowing more total combo yards on the year. In their last two games, the Eagles have given up 362 combo yards, four total TDs, and 19 receptions to opposing backs. There is a legit possibility that Swift leads all backs in fantasy points this week.
DFS Sleepers
Zack Moss, Bills vs. MIA
($5,200 DK, $6,100 FD)
Since Week 3, Moss has outproduced Devin Singletary in every category. Week 2 versus the Dolphins was one of the last times that Singletary actually had more yards from scrimmage than Moss. Still, Moss had two scores in that game, while Singletary only had one. Including those three scores, Miami has allowed a total of 10 TDs to opposing RBs this year. Only two teams have allowed more.
Kenneth Gainwell, Eagles @ DET
($5,000 DK, $5,900 FD)
I’m fearful that this will be the chalk play this week. I’m also fearful that Nick Sirianni will do something insipid, like only run the ball with Jalen Hurts or Boston Scott. Either way, this could be a trap. Still, if the Eagles are smart, they should use the talented Gainwell to move the ball at will against a useless Detroit defense. It won’t take much for him to reach 3x if given adequate volume.
|
DraftKings |
FanDuel |
| Cooper Kupp |
$9,000 |
$9,200 |
| Stefon Diggs |
$8,100 |
$7,300 |
| Mike Williams |
$7,700 |
$7,600 |
| Terry McLaurin |
$7,600 |
$7,400 |
| Ja’Marr Chase |
$7,500 |
$8,200 |
| Deebo Samuel |
$7,400 |
$7,800 |
| DJ Moore |
$7,200 |
$7,700 |
| Mike Evans |
$7,000 |
$7,500 |
| A.J. Brown |
$6,900 |
$7,600 |
| DK Metcalf |
$6,800 |
$7,400 |
| Diontae Johnson |
$6,700 |
$7,500 |
| Calvin Ridley |
$6,600 |
$7,000 |
| Keenan Allen |
$6,500 |
$6,900 |
| Chris Godwin |
$6,400 |
$7,200 |
| Courtland Sutton |
$6,400 |
$7,100 |
| Chase Claypool |
$6,300 |
$6,500 |
| Robert Woods |
$6,300 |
$6,800 |
| Tyler Lockett |
$6,100 |
$6,600 |
| Michael Thomas |
$6,000 |
$6,500 |
| Marvin Jones |
$5,900 |
$6,400 |
| Julio Jones |
$5,800 |
$6,500 |
| Brandin Cooks |
$5,700 |
$6,000 |
| Jaylen Waddle |
$5,600 |
$6,400 |
| DeVonta Smith |
$5,500 |
$6,200 |
| Emmanuel Sanders |
$5,400 |
$6,700 |
| Marquez Callaway |
$5,400 |
$5,900 |
| Kalif Raymond |
$5,300 |
$5,700 |
| Michael Pittman |
$5,300 |
$6,600 |
| Corey Davis |
$5,200 |
$6,100 |
| Tee Higgins |
$5,200 |
$6,300 |
| Jakobi Meyers |
$5,100 |
$5,700 |
| Jarvis Landry |
$5,000 |
$6,000 |
| Allen Robinson |
$4,900 |
$5,600 |
| Cole Beasley |
$4,900 |
$6,100 |
| DeVante Parker |
$4,900 |
$5,700 |
| Jerry Jeudy |
$4,900 |
$6,000 |
| T.Y. Hilton |
$4,900 |
$6,200 |
| Darnell Mooney |
$4,800 |
$5,700 |
| Jamison Crowder |
$4,800 |
$5,600 |
| Tyler Boyd |
$4,800 |
$5,800 |
| Laviska Shenault |
$4,700 |
$5,800 |
| Robby Anderson |
$4,700 |
$5,700 |
| Tim Patrick |
$4,700 |
$5,800 |
| Odell Beckham |
$4,600 |
$5,700 |
| Kendrick Bourne |
$4,500 |
$5,600 |
| Zach Pascal |
$4,400 |
$5,300 |
| Brandon Aiyuk |
$4,200 |
$5,700 |
| Donovan Peoples-Jones |
$4,200 |
$5,300 |
| Russell Gage |
$4,200 |
$5,600 |
| Jalen Reagor |
$4,100 |
$5,500 |
| Nelson Agholor |
$4,000 |
$5,400 |
| Quez Watkins |
$4,000 |
$5,300 |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown |
$3,900 |
$5,100 |
| Elijah Moore |
$3,900 |
$5,200 |
| Tre’Quan Smith |
$3,900 |
$5,500 |
| Van Jefferson |
$3,900 |
$5,700 |
| James Washington |
$3,800 |
$5,100 |
| Jamal Agnew |
$3,700 |
$5,300 |
| Adam Humphries |
$3,400 |
$5,100 |
| Olamide Zaccheaus |
$3,400 |
$5,100 |
| DeSean Jackson |
$3,300 |
$5,200 |
| Chester Rogers |
$3,200 |
$5,000 |
| Freddie Swain |
$3,200 |
$5,000 |
| Nico Collins |
$3,200 |
$5,100 |
| Rashard Higgins |
$3,100 |
$5,000 |
| Chris Conley |
$3,000 |
$5,000 |
| Chris Moore |
$3,000 |
$5,000 |
| Danny Amendola |
$3,000 |
$4,900 |
| Josh Reynolds |
$3,000 |
$5,200 |
| Keelan Cole |
$3,000 |
$5,000 |
| Keke Coutee |
$3,000 |
$4,700 |
| Mack Hollins |
$3,000 |
$5,200 |
Wide Receiver
Weekly strategy – Cooper Kupp is in a league of his own this year. It took a while but both sites have finally priced him in the Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry, and Davante Adams stratosphere. Nevertheless, not starting him versus a bad Houston defense just seems wrong. If I decide to not pay up for Kupp, I could pivot to Deebo Samuel, DJ Moore, A.J. Brown, DK Metcalf, Chris Godwin, or Diontae Johnson at WR1. I don’t love the midtier this week at WR. So, if possible, I may also choose my WR2 from that group. There are only three sure things in that midrange in Marvin Jones, Emmanuel Sanders, and Michael Pittman. That said, Pittman is one of my absolute favorite plays of the week, so he may even get slotted at WR3 for me even if I spend up at WR2. My other options at WR3 include Tee Higgins, Cole Beasley, Laviska Shenault, and the returning Jerry Jeudy. Punting doesn’t seem profitable here this week. The only options I like are Van Jefferson, Jamal Agnew, and Danny Amendola.
Fantasy Four-pack
Cooper Kupp, Rams @ HOU
($9,000 DK, $9,200 FD)
Kupp will score here with zero issues. The only question is how many times he will score here. I’ll lock him in for 10-120-1. This will just barely give him 3x value. If he scores more than once, it is cake. Watch to see if Tyrod Taylor starts for Houston. If he plays, the Texans may be able to keep this game closer. This in turn will keep Rams starters in the game longer.
A.J. Brown, Titans @ IND
($6,900 DK, $7,600 FD)
Brown is back and dominating the Titans’ WR categories over the last two weeks. Meanwhile, Indy has allowed the second-most WR scores this season. The only team to not have a WR1 destroy Indy this year was Tennessee back in Week 3. In that game, Brown was injured early and never had a chance to get on the board. Julio Jones finished that game with 3-47. This was easily the low-water mark for WR1s against this defense. In their other six games, Indy is allowing an average of 7-102 to the role to go along with 7 TDs.
Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals @ NYJ
($7,500 DK, $8,200 FD)
The Jets have actually been very good against the pass this year. It is opposing running backs that have made a mockery of them. That may make you think twice about starting Chase here. DON’T! Chase just clowned arguably the best CB in the league last week. Over the last three weeks, Chase has only recorded 18 receptions. Still, he has turned those into 457 yards, nearly 80 yards more than the next closest receiver. The Marlon Humphrey shadow kept me off of Chase last week. I won’t make that mistake again.
Deebo Samuel, Niners @ CHI
($7,400 DK, $7,800 FD)
No team has allowed more WR touchdowns than Chicago. This includes five over the last two weeks. Deebo was limited in practice on Wednesday with a minor calf issue, so keep an eye on this. Still, Samuel’s freakish athletic ability should have him on the field. San Francisco targeted Samuel on 47% of their passes last week. He had 11 targets, the rest of the WR room had four.
DFS Sleepers
Michael Pittman, Colts vs. TEN
($5,300 DK, $6,600 FD)
Pittman had a down week in Week 6 with T.Y. Hilton back on the field. Last week, in a torrential downpour, he wasn’t the most targeted receiver for Indy, but he did catch all four of his passes for 105 yards and a score. No other Indy WR had more than 14 receiving yards in that game. Back in Week 3 versus Tennessee, Pittman had more targets, receptions, and receiving yards than the rest of the Colts WRs combined. I expect a similar outcome here if T.Y. cannot play.
Jerry Jeudy, Broncos vs. WAS
($4,900 DK, $6,000 FD)
The absence of Jeudy has forced Denver to over-target Courtland Sutton. Sutton is a solid receiver, but Jeudy is slightly better. Coming off of an ankle injury, Jeudy may have his snaps limited. Of course, this could also suppress his ownership numbers. Washington is one of the worst teams in the league against opposing WRs. Only one team has allowed more yards to the position and only one team has allowed more TDs to the position. While everyone else is stacking Teddy Bridgewater with Sutton, pivot and stack him with Jeudy. If by off-chance Denver chooses to let him rest one more game, I’d even consider using Tim Patrick here.
|
DraftKings |
FanDuel |
| Kyle Pitts |
$6,300 |
$6,800 |
| T.J. Hockenson |
$5,400 |
$6,200 |
| Mike Gesicki |
$5,000 |
$6,300 |
| Noah Fant |
$4,900 |
$5,800 |
| Dallas Goedert |
$4,700 |
$5,900 |
| Rob Gronkowski |
$4,600 |
$6,500 |
| Tyler Higbee |
$4,500 |
$5,300 |
| Hunter Henry |
$4,200 |
$5,500 |
| Logan Thomas |
$3,900 |
$5,000 |
| Ricky Seals-Jones |
$3,800 |
$5,400 |
| C.J. Uzomah |
$3,700 |
$5,700 |
| Pat Freiermuth |
$3,600 |
$4,900 |
| Jared Cook |
$3,400 |
$5,200 |
| Gerald Everett |
$3,300 |
$4,800 |
| Mo Alie-Cox |
$3,200 |
$5,100 |
| Austin Hooper |
$3,100 |
$4,800 |
| Cole Kmet |
$3,100 |
$4,700 |
| Eric Ebron |
$3,100 |
$4,700 |
| Cameron Brate |
$3,000 |
$4,400 |
| David Njoku |
$3,000 |
$4,700 |
| Hayden Hurst |
$2,900 |
$4,700 |
| Tommy Sweeney |
$2,900 |
$4,300 |
| Dan Arnold |
$2,800 |
$4,900 |
| Jonnu Smith |
$2,800 |
$4,800 |
| Ross Dwelley |
$2,800 |
$5,000 |
| Adam Trautman |
$2,700 |
$4,500 |
| Anthony Firkser |
$2,700 |
$4,800 |
| Donald Parham |
$2,600 |
$4,700 |
| Tommy Tremble |
$2,600 |
$4,600 |
| Charlie Woerner |
$2,500 |
$4,000 |
| Jordan Akins |
$2,500 |
$4,600 |
Tight End
Weekly strategy – Both Kyle Pitts and T.J. Hockenson make great plays this week. They aren’t even that pricey when you consider where your top TEs are usually priced. If you want to save some money (or use double-TE), I could easily pivot to Noah Fant, Dallas Goedert, Tyler Higbee, or Hunter Henry. I don’t mind using C.J. Uzomah on DK, but his FD price seems high. The only punt plays I feel great about are Dan Arnold, Tommy Tremble, and Tommy Sweeney.
Fantasy Four-pack
T.J. Hockenson, Lions vs. PHI
($5,400 DK, $6,200 FD)
This might be the easiest 3x lock ever. Philly has allowed the second-most receptions and the most receiving TDs to the position. Seeing as how Hockenson (and D’Andre Swift) are the Lions’ offense, he will be featured early and often.
Kyle Pitts, Falcons vs. CAR
($6,300 DK, $6,800 FD)
This will be the last week that Pitts gets a sub-$7k salary. Carolina’s numbers against opposing TEs look elite. Those numbers are also flattened by a lack of talent faced. The only serviceable TEs they have gone against are Dalton Schultz and Dallas Goedert. Pitts posted more receiving yards over the last three weeks than any other TE. This is particularly amazing as this three-week stint includes his team’s bye week.
Noah Fant, Broncos vs. WAS
($4,900 DK, $5,800 FD)
Fant has alternated between good games and then mediocre games recently. This week would be his next good game based on the trend. The return of Jerry Jeudy could eat slightly into his targets, but also it may open up more of the field for him. Over their last two games, Washington has allowed an average of 8-110-0.5 to the position. If he can post two-thirds of that, I would be happy.
Dallas Goedert, Eagles @ DET ($4,700 DK, $5,900 FD)
Goedert finally gets the Philly TE1 job to himself. Last week, he led the Eagles in receiving yards and finished third in targets. Detroit has given up sizeable numbers to every decent TE they have faced. Goedert definitely is in the decent or better category.
DFS Sleepers
C.J. Uzomah, Bengals @ NYJ
($3,700 DK, $5,700 FD)
The Jets have allowed an average of 6.3-79-0.75 to opposing TEs over the last four weeks. Meanwhile, Uzomah has reemerged as a threat for Cincinnati scoring for the fifth time in his last four games. With opposing defenses forced to deal with Ja’Marr Chase, Tyler Boyd, and Tee Higgins, Uzomah is left far too open far too often. I wish his FD price was a hair lower, but a score is all he needs to return 3x on DK.
Tommy Sweeney, Bills vs. MIA
($2,900 DK, $4,300 FD)
I bumbled my call on the @BlitzedPodcast this week when I had inadvertently switched out Durham Smythe and Sweeney on my notes for this game (mistakes happen). Smythe has actually been used efficiently behind Mike Gesicki for the Dolphins, but Sweeney is the TE that will fill in for Dawson Knox (and unlike Gesicki, Knox will actually miss this game). Sweeney caught a TD last week on his only target, so another score is always a possibility. That said, the reason I have even more faith in him is that back in Week 17 of 2019, Knox was given the week off to rest for the playoffs and Sweeney filled in catching all five of his targets for 76 yards.
