Tag: dfs sleepers

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Super Bowl LIX

Breaking down the top DraftKings and FanDuel DFS picks and sleepers for Super Bowl LIX.

It is Super Bowl LIX week, so there is only one game to enjoy. Fortunately, all the major sites offer single-game (and even partial-game) contests, often called 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 must assemble a six-man roster for $50k or less, using 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 captain typically costs 1.5x more than their standard salary.

On FD, you have more money ($60k) for fewer spots (only five). You still select a captain (or as they call it, an MVP). The difference is that your MVP costs the same as your non-MVPs. There is no penalty for putting a player in that slot, so you want the top scorer in your lineup as the captain, 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 an aerial 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.

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: Saquon Barkley ($18.0k)
Roster: Patrick Mahomes ($10.0k), Jalen Hurts ($10.4k), Dallas Goedert ($5.8k), Kenneth Gainwell ($3.4k), JuJu Smith-Schuster ($2.0k)

This lineup gives you Saquon as captain, both QBs, and Goedert versus a rotten TE defense. It also gives you Gainwell (concussion) or Will Shipley, implying that this will be an easy victory for Philly. If you foresee another seven-rushing score game for Philly, this is the winning strategy.

Captain: Saquon Barkley ($18.0k)
Roster: Kareem Hunt ($6.4k), Jalen Hurts ($10.4k), Dallas Goedert ($5.8k), Xavier Worthy ($8.0k), Samaje Perine ($1.2k)

Maybe both teams concentrate on ground-and-pound this week. I don’t love this strategy, but it should have a strong variance from the mainstream.

Captain: Jalen Hurts ($15.6k)
Roster: A.J. Brown ($9.6k), DeVonta Smith ($7.4k), Dallas Goedert ($5.8k), Marquise Brown ($5.4k), Jake Elliott ($4.8k)

If you believe Philly will dominate, but you want to fade the chalk, Barkley: The Chiefs have been solid versus RBs, but I do not recommend this strategy.

Captain: Jalen Hurts ($15.6k)
Roster: A.J. Brown ($9.6k), Saquon Barkley ($12.0k), DeVonta Smith ($7.4k), Jake Elliott ($4.8k), Justin Watson ($0.6k)

If you still think Philly is the team to beat, and you want exposure to Barkley, but you want differentiation at captain.

Captain: Patrick Mahomes ($15.0k)
Roster: Travis Kelce ($9.0k), Jalen Hurts ($10.4k), Xavier Worthy ($8.0k), Marquise Brown ($5.4k), JuJu Smith-Schuster ($2.0k)

Perhaps you think the Chiefs’ three-peat is inevitable. This gets you massive exposure to them and runs it back with Hurts.

Captain: Patrick Mahomes ($15.0k)
Roster: Travis Kelce ($9.0k), Saquon Barkley ($12.0k), DeAndre Hopkins ($4.4k), Harrison Butker ($5.0k), Kansas City Chiefs ($4.0k)

If you think KC is going to dominate but still want some exposure to Barkley.

Captain: Travis Kelce ($13.5k)
Roster: Jalen Hurts ($10.4k), Patrick Mahomes ($10.0k), DeVonta Smith ($7.4k), Marquise Brown ($5.4k), Noah Gray ($2.8k)

Maybe you think this game will be a passing-game shootout and you want some of the top pass catchers for both teams.

Captain: Xavier Worthy ($12.0k)
Roster: Jalen Hurts ($10.4k), Patrick Mahomes ($10.0k), A.J. Brown ($9.6k), Dallas Goedert ($5.8k), JuJu Smith-Schuster ($2.0k)

Maybe you think this game will be a shootout, but you think Philly takes out Kelce.

Captain: Philadelphia Eagles ($6.3k)
Roster: Kansas City Chiefs ($4.0k), Saquon Barkley ($12.0k), Kareem Hunt ($6.4k), Either QB ($10.0k or 10.4k), Either kicker ($5.0k or $4.8k)

Both teams have elite-level defenses. It isn’t likely, but perhaps we have a low-scoring Super Bowl.

Potential lineups for FD

MVP: Patrick Mahomes ($14.0k) or Jalen Hurts ($13.5k)
Roster: Travis Kelce ($12.0k), Xavier Worthy ($11.5k), Dallas Goedert ($10.0k), A.J. Brown ($12.5k)

One of Mahomes or Hurts at MVP tied together with their top two receiving options, running it back with the top two receiving weapons of the opposition. This lineup fades Barkley.

MVP: Patrick Mahomes ($14.0k)
Roster: DeAndre Hopkins ($8.5k), Xavier Worthy ($11.5k), Jalen Hurts ($13.5k), A.J. Brown ($12.5k)

Another Barkley-free lineup but with both QBs.

MVP: Saquon Barkley ($16.5k)
Roster: Patrick Mahomes ($14.0k), Jalen Hurts ($13.5k), Jake Elliott ($9.0k), JuJu Smith-Schuster ($7.0k)

This gives you exposure to Barkley and both QBs. Unfortunately, it means taking some risky bottom-filling plays. You can easily sub in Butker and Dotson for Elliott and JuJu if you wish.

MVP: Saquon Barkley ($16.5k)
Roster: Jalen Hurts ($13.5k), DeAndre Hopkins ($8.5k), DeVonta Smith ($11.0k), Dallas Goedert ($10.0k)

The safer option, if you want exposure to Barkley, is to use only one of the QBs. This is my favorite Eagles-forward option.

MVP: Saquon Barkley ($16.5k)
Roster: Patrick Mahomes ($14.0k), Travis Kelce ($12.0k), JuJu Smith-Schuster ($7.0k), Dallas Goedert ($10.0k)

Another safe option, if you want exposure to Barkley. This is my favorite Chiefs-forward option.

MVP: Saquon Barkley ($16.5k)
Roster: Jalen Hurts ($13.5k), A.J. Brown ($12.5k), Philadelphia Eagles ($8.0k), Harrison Butker ($9.0k)

This lineup gets you maximum Eagles’ exposure, in case you think they blow out KC.

MVP: Travis Kelce ($12.0k)
Roster: Patrick Mahomes ($14.0k), Xavier Worthy ($11.5k), Marquise Brown ($9.5k), A.J. Brown ($12.5k)

This lineup gets you maximum Chiefs’ exposure, in case you think they blow out Philly. Note you can flip-flop Kelce and Mahomes, if preferred.

MVP: Saquon Barkley ($16.5k)
Roster: Travis Kelce ($12.0k), Dallas Goedert ($10.0k), Kareem Hunt ($10.5k), DeVonta Smith ($11.0k)

Would you dare skip both QBs? I wouldn’t, but this is a path.

The Game

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Jalen Hurts‘ knee hasn’t been 100% since the Divisional Round. Of course, that didn’t stop him from rushing for three scores last week. Those rushing TDs look sexy, but he finished with just 16 yards on 10 carries. KC has struggled against rushing QBs by allowing 4.9 YPC this season. Still over the final 13 games, only two QBs scored rushing TDs against them. Hurts needs the rushing score to reach value as he has thrown for multiple TDs only seven times all season.

Philly is elite against the pass. During the regular season, only one team allowed fewer passing yards. Their domination continued in the playoffs as their three opponents combined for only four passing TDs and four INTs. Patrick Mahomes posted more than one passing TD only eight times this year. I don’t love his prospects here of topping 250-2. He may need to have another big rushing game to achieve value.

Saquon Barkley had one of the greatest seasons by an RB in history. During the regular season, KC limited opposing RBs to an average of only 94 total yards per game. That said, they struggled to stop RBs in each playoff game. Kenneth Gainwell (head) has time to clear the concussion protocol. If he plays, he can be a roster filler. Will Shipley scored in relief of Barkley last week. He only will have value if Gainwell is out. Even then, I don’t see a path to using him.

As elite as KC is against the run, Philly is even better. Only six RBs have scored against them all season (including the playoffs). Kareem Hunt has 68% of the Chiefs’ RB opportunities in the postseason. If you need to start a KC running back, choose him. Hunt has a redemption arc in play, but he feels TD-dependent. Isiah Pacheco has been a non-factor since returning from his midseason injury. He won’t have value without a Hunt injury. Plus, his salary remains too high to consider. Samaje Perine was the hero of last week’s game. Despite not seeing many opportunities, he plays frequently on passing downs, making him a sneaky roster filler at a punt price.

Opposing WR1s have had minuscule success against the Chiefs. Khalil Shakir and Nico Collins combined to post a scoreless 11-127 this postseason. A.J. Brown had a solid game versus Washington, but he did nothing in the first two rounds. This week feels like a 6-60-1 ceiling with a much lower floor. Opponents have shut out DeVonta Smith (hamstring) this postseason, limiting him to only four catches each week. Still, I prefer him considering the price difference. The depth WRs for Philly have a combined total of two targets and one reception this postseason. You should fade Jahan Dotson (unless Smith is out) and Parris Campbell, but Johnny Wilson could be a TD-dependent dart throw at game-minimum cost.

Unlike last season, KC has several threats at WR to choose from. Xavier Worthy has been the most consistent weapon this year. That said, I prefer Marquise Brown. Hollywood finished second in targets last week, and his price is considerably lower than Worthy’s. DeAndre Hopkins has drawn only three targets this postseason. Still, he has the “future HOFer playing in his first Super Bowl” storyline. He may not see high volume, but this feels like a touchdown in waiting. JuJu Smith-Schuster had two crucial catches last week. At his price, I will have a ton of exposure at the bottom of my rosters. Justin Watson is a zero-cost dart throw. His size makes him a red-zone threat.

KC has been rotten against the TE position this season. Dallas Goedert will have a gigantic game and will be my highest-owned player. Despite his infrequent usage, I will even consider using Grant Calcaterra as a punt.

Travis Kelce may retire after this game. He may propose after this game. He may do none of the above. One thing is for sure, Kelce will be a force during this game. He has 21 total TDs in 24 career playoff games. He also has topped 70 receiving yards in 14 of his last 15 playoff games. The one exception came last week. Philly performed well against the position during the regular season, but opposing teams obliterated them over the last two games. This matchup (and his early season usage) is juicy enough that Noah Gray deserves consideration as a punt.

Jake Elliott has 27 points this postseason. He also has four missed kicks. Fortunately, DFS sites do not negate points for missed kicks. Consider him safe for greater than seven points this week.

Harrison Butker had some minor struggles when returning from his knee injury. Fortunately, he has righted the ship and averaged 8.5 PPG over the two playoff contests. This is his floor here.

The Philadelphia Eagles defense has dominated the opposition during the playoffs, securing multiple sacks and turnovers in every game. Still, their price is too high to use, unless you are certain that the game will be low-scoring. I do not trust that happening.

The Kansas City Chiefs have a fierce defense that has been opportunistic all season. Even against a great offensive line, they will net multiple sacks. Philly has injury issues at the center position, which could open the floodgates. Much like the Eagles, I am probably fading the position.

The Player Pool

Player DraftKings
Captain Salary		 DraftKings
Regular Salary		 FanDuel
Salary
Saquon Barkley $18,000 $12,000 $16,500
Jalen Hurts $15,600 $10,400 $13,500
Patrick Mahomes $15,000 $10,000 $14,000
A.J. Brown $14,400 $9,600 $12,500
Travis Kelce $13,500 $9,000 $12,000
Xavier Worthy $12,000 $8,000 $11,500
DeVonta Smith $11,100 $7,400 $11,000
Kareem Hunt $9,600 $6,400 $10,500
Dallas Goedert $8,700 $5,800 $10,000
Marquise Brown $8,100 $5,400 $9,500
Isiah Pacheco $7,800 $5,200 $8,500
Harrison Butker $7,500 $5,000 $9,000
Jake Elliott $7,200 $4,800 $9,000
DeAndre Hopkins $6,600 $4,400 $8,500
Philadelphia Eagles $6,300 $4,200 $8,000
Kansas City Chiefs $6,000 $4,000 $8,000
Kenneth Gainwell $5,100 $3,400 $7,500
Noah Gray $4,200 $2,800 $7,500
Will Shipley $3,600 $2,400 $6,500
JuJu Smith-Schuster $3,000 $2,000 $7,000
Jahan Dotson $2,400 $1,600 $7,000
Samaje Perine $1,800 $1,200 $6,500
Grant Calcaterra $1,500 $1,000 $5,500
Justin Watson $900 $600 $6,000
Johnny Wilson $300 $200 $6,000
Parris Campbell $300 $200 $5,000

DFS Domination: NFC Conference Championships

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

We are down to the final four, and I don’t mean March Madness. The AFC sees its two perennial powerhouses lock horns in a must-see matchup, where every second truly matters. The NFC brings us the rubber match between the reigning NFC East dynasty and their divisional rival led by a rookie wunderkind. God, I love football! Is it Sunday yet?

Recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Josh Allen ($7.5k), RB Saquon Barkley ($8.6k), RB Kareem Hunt ($5.4k), WR A.J. Brown ($6.8k), WR Khalil Shakir ($5.7k), WR Dyami Brown ($4.4k), TE Dawson Knox ($2.6k), FLEX Travis Kelce ($6.0k), DST Washington Commanders ($2.7k)

FD Lineup: QB Josh Allen ($8.7k), RB Saquon Barkley ($9.8k), RB Kareem Hunt ($6.0k), WR Terry McLaurin ($7.9k), WR Khalil Shakir ($6.4k) WR Marquise Brown($5.8k), TE Travis Kelce ($6.8k), FLEX Keon Coleman ($4.9k), DST Washington Commanders ($3.6k)

FB Lineup: QB Jayden Daniels ($7.1k), RB Saquon Barkley ($8.3k), RB Kareem Hunt ($5.3k), WR A.J. Brown ($7.0k), WR Khalil Shakir ($5.3k), WR/TE Dyami Brown ($4.0k), TE Travis Kelce ($6.3k), FLEX Zach Ertz ($4.1k), SUPERFLEX Josh Allen ($7.5k)

Based on their physical tools, Josh Allen and Jayden Daniels are the best plays. Of course, they are both the top-priced options and both face tough defenses. Still, none of the quarterbacks is a clear fade this week. Patrick Mahomes faces a tough defense … but this is Mahomes, and this is the playoffs. Jalen Hurts faces the weakest defense; however, his recent passing has been abysmal, and opponents have battered him. Whoever you select, stack them with at least two of their pass catchers.

I have a hard time fathoming anyone fading Saquon Barkley. If you do, it must be with James Cook. Still, why would you do it? Cook is facing an elite run defense, and Barkley posted 348-4 against Washington in the two earlier meetings. Cook did score twice against KC in the earlier contest, but he also finished with only 27 total yards on 14 touches. That screams touchdown dependency, and I don’t want to bet on a TD-dependent RB who has to share goal-line touches with his QB (not to mention two change-of-pace backs).

At RB2, it is a decision between Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, Isiah Pacheco, and Kareem Hunt. Color me perplexed by Robinson’s success last week. I truly believed that Washington would feature Ekeler more. In the earlier meetings against Philly, Robinson averaged only 3.3 YPC. He did score once, but the numbers were beyond meh. Meanwhile, Ekeler missed the second meeting, but he hauled in 8-89 through the air in Week 11. I could see Ekeler as a sneaky punt RB2/Flex and the game script could drive him to outperform Robinson. As for the Chiefs, Pacheco has been Wally Pipped by Hunt. The Bills arguably have the weakest run defense remaining in the postseason; therefore, whichever back gets the most playing time could perform well this week. My bet would be on Hunt.

For those playing in Showdown contests, Samaje Perine, Kenneth Gainwell, Ray Davis, and Ty Johnson make discount dart throws. That said, I’m not getting to any of them in full-slate contests.

There are two possible WR1s and I don’t love either of them. A.J. Brown has a cake matchup, but this postseason he has spent more time reading on the sidelines than making contested catches. He saw a monster target share in the Week 16 game against Washington, so maybe he will put the book down this week. The other option is Terry McLaurin. He has been on fire, scoring nine times over his last eight games, but Philly has an elite pass defense. McLaurin gets a colossal boost if stud rookie CB Quinyon Mitchell (shoulder) misses this game. That said, they still could make McLaurin take a Darius Slay ride. There is a logical argument for starting both of them and neither of them. I’ll choose one or the other.

At WR2, you can use DeVonta Smith (if you don’t use Brown at WR1). I wouldn’t use both, as Hurts projects to throw for the fewest yards and TDs on the slate. I will probably choose between Khalil Shakir and Xavier Worthy. Shakir is a great option assuming that Trent McDuffie doesn’t shadow him. He led the Bills in targets, receptions, and receiving yards in their earlier matchup. As for Worthy, he was the only WR to catch a pass last week for KC. That won’t happen again, but he will still lead the WR room in opportunities.

Dyami Brown will garner my WR3 slot if I opt to fade McLaurin. Otherwise, I will choose between Marquise Brown (second choice), DeAndre Hopkins, Keon Coleman, Olamide Zaccheaus (groin), Mack Hollins, and Curtis Samuel. If Zaccheaus can’t play, Jamison Crowder could be a punt.

All four starting TEs are playable this week. I also will probably choose my flex from this group. Based on their prices, Dallas Goedert and Dalton Kincaid are the top two options. Much like his QB, good luck fading Travis Kelce here. Zach Ertz faces a tough TE defense, but he has scored seven times in his last nine games. Both Noah Gray and Dawson Knox have punt value and should find their homes in Showdown lineups.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Divisional Round

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Divisional Round DFS fantasy football.

Sometimes you choose the wrong secondary receiver. That was my kryptonite last week as I went to war with Mack Hollins and Keon Coleman instead of Curtis Samuel. Making matters worse, I used more Olamide Zaccheaus and not enough Dyami Brown. On a smaller slate, those minuscule misreads can be maddening and extra costly. Consider this a reminder to maximize lineup builds when choosing your WR3, using all our recommendations.

Recommended DFS lineups

*Note: For the Wildcard playoffs, all three sites feature the full slate of games Saturday-Monday.

DK Lineup: QB Josh Allen ($7.7k), RB Derrick Henry ($8.0k), RB Jahmyr Gibbs ($7.7k), WR Khalil Shakir ($5.0k), WR Hollywood Brown ($4.2k), WR Dyami Brown ($3.9k), TE Dallas Goedert ($3.9k), FLEX James Cook ($6.7k), DST Los Angeles Rams ($2.7k)

FD Lineup: QB Jayden Daniels ($8.5k), RB Derrick Henry ($9.6k), RB Kareem Hunt ($5.8k), WR Terry McLaurin ($7.6k), WR Jameson Williams ($6.7k), WR DeAndre Hopkins ($5.8k), TE Dawson Knox ($4.7k), FLEX James Cook ($7.4k), DST Los Angeles Rams ($3.5k)

FB Lineup: QB Jayden Daniels ($7.1k), RB Derrick Henry ($7.7k), RB Jahmyr Gibbs ($7.6k), WR Terry McLaurin ($6.5k), WR Khalil Shakir ($4.7k), WR/TE DeAndre Hopkins ($4.4k), TE Dawson Knox ($3.0k), FLEX James Cook ($6.4k), SUPERFLEX Josh Allen ($7.6k)

*Note: Player salaries are color-coded based on expected output. Red = Less than 2.5x value, Black = 2.5x value, Green = Greater than 3x value.

Quarterback DraftKings FanDuel
Lamar Jackson $7,800 $8,700
Josh Allen $7,700 $9,000
Jayden Daniels $7,000 $8,500
Jalen Hurts $6,800 $8,200
Jared Goff $6,300 $8,000
Patrick Mahomes $6,000 $7,700
Matthew Stafford $5,200 $7,300
C.J. Stroud $5,000 $7,200

Quarterback

Weekly strategy: We finally have a week in which all the quarterbacks are decent plays. Considering the prices, Jayden Daniels and Patrick Mahomes are the safest plays. That said, the more expensive, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen have huge upsides because of their rushing acumen. I don’t foresee using C.J. Stroud or Matthew Stafford.

Fantasy four-pack

Josh Allen, Bills vs. BAL ($7,700 DK, $9,000 FD) Way back in Week 4, Baltimore destroyed Buffalo and dealt Allen his worst game of the season. At that point in the season, Baltimore’s pass defense was embarrassingly bad. They have improved significantly since. Still, this is postseason Allen, and he has posted an average of 272 passing yards, 55 rushing yards, and 2.5 total TDs. Those are his floor this week in a probable shootout.

Jayden Daniels, Commanders @ DET ($7,000 DK, $8,500 FD) With the largest line this week (55), Vegas predicts this game to be high scoring. I agree, as neither defense strikes fear in the opposition. Daniels’ rushing numbers (10 games with greater than 40 rushing yards) provide a higher floor than Jared Goff, but both make solid plays here. 

Lamar Jackson, Ravens @ BUF ($7,800 DK, $8,700 FD) Over the last four games of the regular season, Buffalo was the second-worst team in the league against the pass. This is shocking since they faced Tyrod Taylor, Drake Maye, Jared Goff, and Joe Milton. Meanwhile, Jackson has three or more scores nine times this season, including once versus Buffalo. Both QBs will post three total scores this week.

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs vs. HOU ($6,000 DK, $7,700 FD) Last week, Houston suffocated the Chargers and stole Justin Herbert’s mojo. Herbert posted more INTs than he had all season combined. Mahomes has thrown his share of INTs, but he has only two over his last nine games. He also has looked more confident since the team landed DeAndre Hopkins and Hollywood Brown returned to health. Stack both receivers (or Travis Kelce) with Mahomes against a defense that allows the third-most passing TDs per game. 

Sleepers

Jared Goff, Lions vs. WAS: ($6,300 DK, $8,000 FD) Detroit has proven they will never let their foot off the gas. This week, both teams’ defensive vulnerabilities will require an aggressive approach. Detroit has a stronger rushing game to lean upon, but Goff should still throw for two or three scores. 

Jalen Hurts, Eagles vs. LAR ($6,800 DK, $8,200 FD) Hurts posted a quiet Week 12 against Los Angeles. This was because of  Saquon Barkley going ape. I expect the Rams to commit more to stopping the run this week, which should open up the passing game for Hurts. Los Angeles has allowed the second-most passing TDs per game among remaining playoff teams, so pencil him in for a pair of passing scores. 

 

Running back DraftKings FanDuel
Saquon Barkley $8,200 $9,300
Derrick Henry $8,000 $9,600
Jahmyr Gibbs $7,700 $8,900
Kyren Williams $6,900 $7,700
James Cook $6,700 $7,400
Joe Mixon $6,500 $7,600
David Montgomery $5,700 $4,000
Isiah Pacheco $5,500 $5,700
Brian Robinson Jr. $5,300 $6,000
Austin Ekeler $5,100 $5,500
Kareem Hunt $5,000 $5,800
Justice Hill $4,800 $5,400
Kenneth Gainwell $4,700 $4,800
Ty Johnson $4,500 $5,200
Samaje Perine $4,300 $4,700
Dameon Pierce $4,200 $4,500
Blake Corum $4,000 $4,000
Craig Reynolds $4,000 $5,000
Dare Ogunbowale $4,000 $4,300
Ray Davis $4,000 $4,700

Running back

Weekly strategy – Pay up for two of the top three choices. I’m leaning toward Derrick Henry and Jahmyr Gibbs. Saquon Barkley went berserk against the Rams earlier this season, and it’s a fair pivot to him from Gibbs if you believe David Montgomery will be more involved. Speaking of Montgomery, that FD price makes him a must-play if he even dresses. James Cook is the clear pivot from the top three. I do not trust Joe Mixon (ankle) or Kyren Williams. The discount punts will be Austin Ekeler and Kareem Hunt.

Fantasy four-pack

Derrick Henry, Ravens @ BUF ($8,000 DK, $9,600 FD) Over his last four games, Henry has posted 701 total yards and five TDs. This is insane, seeing as how they’ve faced the fourth- and sixth-best run defenses and the 11th-best run defense (2x) during that span. Buffalo ranked 30th against the run this season. Plus, Henry already eviscerated them to the tune of 209 total yards and two scores. The price is daunting, but there isn’t a higher ceiling at any position on this slate.

Saquon Barkley, Eagles vs. LAR ($8,200 DK, $9,300 FD) If you don’t use Henry, you must use Barkley. Fitting both of them is possible but difficult. Just seven weeks ago, Barkley topped 300 total yards against this defense. That won’t happen again, but even half of that will put him in rarified air.

Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions vs. WAS ($7,700 DK, $8,900 FD) While Barkley has a higher ceiling than Gibbs, I feel the latter may be a safer play this week. Gibbs has eight TDs since David Montgomery (knee) was knocked out in Week 15. Montgomery may return this week. If he does, this peels some of the shine off Gibbs. In that case, pivot to Barkley or James Cook. If Montgomery remains out, Gibbs may outscore all the other RBs.

James Cook, Bills vs. BAL ($6,700 DK, $7,400 FD) Baltimore has an elite rushing defense. Still, Cook has 19 total TDs this year, including seven over his last five games. This play isn’t as sexy as the top three, but Cook should have much less ownership, providing necessary variance on a smaller slate. That monetary savings also will come into play when you build out your WR corps.

Sleepers

Kareem Hunt, Chiefs vs. HOU ($5,000 DK, $5,800 FD) Isaiah Pacheco (ribs) will return for this game, but he has failed to score in each of the five games since his return from the fibula fracture he suffered in Week 2. Hunt has been the primary beneficiary of Pacheco’s absences scoring in half of the games that he has played.

Austin Ekeler, Commanders @ DET ($5,100 DK, $5,500 FD) Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. split opportunities down the middle last week. That said, it was Ekeler in the game when it mattered down the stretch. Throughout his career, Ekeler has been a receiving stud, so he will see a higher snap share this week in what projects as a shootout.

Wide Receiver DraftKings FanDuel
Nico Collins $7,600 $8,500
Puka Nacua $7,400 $8,600
Amon-Ra St. Brown $7,200 $8,700
A.J. Brown $7,000 $8,300
Terry McLaurin $6,300 $7,600
Jameson Williams $6,100 $6,700
Zay Flowers $5,900 $6,900
DeVonta Smith $5,600 $7,300
Cooper Kupp $5,400 $6,400
Xavier Worthy $5,200 $6,300
Khalil Shakir $5,000 $6,100
Rashod Bateman $4,900 $6,200
DeAndre Hopkins $4,700 $5,800
Amari Cooper $4,400 $5,500
Olamide Zaccheaus $4,300 $5,400
Hollywood Brown $4,200 $6,000
Keon Coleman $4,100 $5,300
Demarcus Robinson $4,000 $4,900
Dyami Brown $3,900 $5,100
John Metchie III $3,800 $5,600
Tim Patrick $3,700 $5,200
Jahan Dotson $3,600 $4,700
Robert Woods $3,600 $5,000
Mack Hollins $3,500 $4,800
Curtis Samuel $3,400 $5,000
JuJu Smith-Schuster $3,400 $4,900
Nelson Agholor $3,300 $5,100
Tutu Atwell $3,300 $4,600
Jamison Crowder $3,200 $4,600
Justin Watson $3,200 $4,700
Xavier Hutchinson $3,200 $4,800
Jordan Whittington $3,100 $4,100
Kalif Raymond $3,100 $4,300
Tylan Wallace $3,000 $4,500
Tyler Johnson $3,000 $4,000

Wide receiver

Weekly strategy – First things first, I promised myself that I will make multiple lineups to include all the “interchangeable” WR3s. As for WR1, choose between Nico Collins, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Terry McLaurin. I don’t mind Puka Nacua, but the matchup concerns me. For WR2, or as a cheap WR1, use Jameson Williams or DeVonta Smith. Khalil Shakir and Rashod Bateman also make solid WR2 choices. My favorite WR3 option is DeAndre Hopkins in the revenge game. His teammate Hollywood Brown is cheaper but lacks the revenge narrative. The punt WR3s to mix and match are Olamide Zaccheaus, Dyami Brown (my favorite), Curtis Samuel, Mack Hollins, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson. 

Fantasy four-pack

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions vs. WAS ($7,200 DK, $8,700 FD) Thirteen of the 18 WR1s to face Washington have reached double-digit PPR points, and seven of those 13 have topped 20 PPR points. The return of Marshon Lattimore should help, but Mike Evans dominated against him last week. St. Brown should surpass Evans’ 7-92-1 line.

Terry McLaurin, Commanders @ DET ($6,300 DK, $7,600 FD) During the regular season, no team allowed more receiving yards to opposing WRs. They allowed 23 different WRs to reach double-digit PPR points. Meanwhile, McLaurin has eight TDs over his last seven games.

Nico Collins, Texans @ KC ($7,600 DK, $8,500 FD) Collins has scored in back-to-back games. This gives him eight in 13 games played this year. He also is averaging over 18 PPR points per game this year. KC is stingy against opposing WRs regarding yards and receptions, but they have allowed the sixth-most WR touchdowns.  

Puka Nacua, Rams @ PHI ($7,400 DK, $8,600 FD) Amazingly, Nacua has scored in only three games this season. Still, from Week 11 to Week 17, Nacua ranked second among WRs in receptions, targets, and receiving yards. Only three of the final 14 WR1s to face Philly scored a TD. In Week 12, the Eagles kept Nacua out of the end zone, but he finished with 9-117. That is certainly repeatable here. If he scores, it is cake.

Sleepers

DeAndre Hopkins, Chiefs vs. HOU ($4,700 DK, $5,800 FD) Hopkins gets the revenge game versus Houston. In their earlier meeting, he played fourth fiddle behind Xavier Worthy, Travis Kelce, and Hollywood Brown. Still, he has five or more catches in every career postseason appearance, while averaging 6-74. Houston allowed the second-most WR touchdowns during the regular season, so all of KC’s weapons are in play here.

Khalil Shakir, Bills vs. BAL ($5,000 DK, $6,100 FD) Baltimore’s secondary has improved throughout the season. That said, 16 of 18 WR1s to face them reached double-digit PPR points. This includes Shakir, who finished Week 4 with 4-62. Shakir would probably have had a larger line, but he injured his ankle in that game. He returned to that game but was severely limited and ended up missing the next outing. 

Tight End DraftKings FanDuel
Travis Kelce $5,000 $6,500
Mark Andrews $4,500 $5,900
Sam LaPorta $4,200 $6,000
Zach Ertz $4,000 $5,500
Dallas Goedert $3,700 $6,100
Dalton Kincaid $3,700 $5,400
Isaiah Likely $3,500 $5,100
Tyler Higbee $3,400 $5,200
Dalton Schultz $3,300 $5,300
Noah Gray $3,000 $5,000
Colby Parkinson $2,900 $4,500
Davis Allen $2,800 $4,300
Grant Calcaterra $2,800 $4,400
Brock Wright $2,700 $4,200
Dawson Knox $2,700 $4,700

Tight end

Weekly strategy – Any of the top five TEs are great options. If Zay Flowers (knee) remains out, give Mark Andrews a slight bump to the head of the pack. Based on their prices, Dallas Goedert on DK and Zach Ertz on FD are the top picks. Isaiah Likely, Dalton Kincaid, Noah Gray, and Dawson Knox are the punt options. 

Fantasy four-pack

Mark Andrews, Ravens @ BUF ($4,500 DK, $5,900 FD) From Week 6 onward, only Ja’Marr Chase posted more receiving TDs than Andrews. Meanwhile, over the final four weeks of the regular season, only one team allowed more TE receiving yards than Buffalo. 

Travis Kelce, Chiefs vs. HOU ($5,000 DK, $6,500 FD) Kelce posted a mediocre 5-30 against Houston in Week 16. Despite seeing a plethora of targets this season, that line was closer to the mean than the exception. Still, Kelce is a different beast in the postseason, averaging 7.5-87 with 19 TDs in 22 career games.

Sam LaPorta, Lions vs. WAS ($4,200 DK, $6,000 FD) Only two teams allowed fewer TE receptions this season than Washington. Of course, only five teams allowed more TE touchdowns than this defense. This suggests LaPorta may have a quiet receiving day outside of the red zone, but he still may score twice.

Zach Ertz, Commanders @ DET ($4,000 DK, $5,500 FD) Detroit has posted elite defensive numbers against opposing TEs this year. That said, they faced only two of the top 10 TEs all season. Tucker Kraft scored in one of his two meetings against Detroit, and George Kittle finished with 8-112. Both performances came over the last five weeks of the season. They also allowed a score to Cole Kmet during that span. Ertz has scored in six of his last eight games, and he will do so again here.

Sleepers

Dalton Kincaid, Bills vs. BAL ($3,700 DK, $5,400 FD) Saving money at the TE position improves your likelihood of rostering three expensive stud RBs. Use Kincaid (or Dawson Knox) against a TE defense that finished 2024 bottom-10 in receptions and yards allowed.

Isaiah Likely, Ravens @ BUF ($3,500 DK, $5,100 FD) The same dollar savings comes into play for Likely. He scored three times over his last six games. A TD here pretty much guarantees him 3x value on DK. Plus, he has posted 6-91 over the last two weeks while Zay Flowers (knee) has been out. If Flowers remains out, Likely’s line is likely to be above average.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Wild Card Weekend

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Wild Card Weekend DFS fantasy football.

And then there were 14 teams … well, a dozen this week. No more resting players. No more moral victories. Every day could be their last day. Fortunately, with DFS, your last day won’t come until Super Bowl Sunday. That’s right, folks – it’s playoff DFS!

Recommended DFS lineups

*Note: For the Wildcard playoffs, all three sites feature the full slate of games Saturday-Monday.

DK Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($6.8k), RB Bucky Irving ($7.0k), RB James Cook ($6.7k), WR Ladd McConkey ($6.8k), WR Terry McLaurin ($6.5k), WR Jalen McMillan ($5.2k), TE Mark Andrews ($4.7k), FLEX Tucker Kraft ($3.7k), DST Green Bay Packers ($2.6k)

FD Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($7.9k), RB Bucky Irving ($7.6k), RB James Cook ($8.0k), WR Puka Nacua ($8.7k), WR Keon Coleman ($5.3k), WR Jalen McMillan ($6.4k), TE Tucker Kraft ($5.3K), FLEX J.K. Dobbins ($7.1k), DST Green Bay Packers ($3.7k)

FB Lineup: QB Josh Allen ($7.9k), RB Saquon Barkley ($8.1k), RB J.K. Dobbins ($5.7k), WR Terry McLaurin ($7.1k), WR Keon Coleman ($4.1k), WR/TE Jalen McMillan ($4.8k), TE T.J. Hockenson ($4.2k), FLEX Bucky Irving ($6.6k), SUPERFLEX Baker Mayfield ($6.5k)

*Note: Player salaries are color-coded based on expected output. Red = Less than 2.5x value, Black = 2.5x value, Green = Greater than 3x value.

Quarterback DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,200 $8,900
Lamar Jackson $8,000 $8,700
Jayden Daniels $7,500 $8,400
Jalen Hurts $7,300 $8,300
Baker Mayfield $6,800 $7,900
Sam Darnold $6,500 $7,800
Bo Nix $6,300 $7,500
Justin Herbert $6,000 $7,600
Jordan Love $5,800 $7,200
Matthew Stafford $5,700 $7,100
C.J. Stroud $5,500 $7,000
Russell Wilson $5,300 $6,900
Malik Willis $5,000 $6,600
Kenny Pickett $4,800 $6,000
Tanner McKee $4,500 $6,000

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Baker Mayfield, Jayden Daniels, and Josh Allen are the safest plays. Lamar Jackson will be without his top receiving weapon, but his legs keep him viable. Jalen Hurts (head) has not yet cleared the concussion protocol, but I am concerned that the injury will deny his use of the tush-push. Either way, he still has a safe floor. Justin Herbert and Sam Darnold are the discount pivots.

Fantasy four-pack

Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers vs. WAS ($6,800 DK, $7,900 FD) Washington allowed Mayfield to throw for 289-4 back in Week 1. Much has changed since then, but he remains red hot, throwing for 16 TDs over his last five games. He also is running the ball with authority, posting 20-plus rushing yards 10 times this season. 

Jayden Daniels, Commanders @ TB ($7,500 DK, $8,400 FD) Among the playoff teams, only Houston has allowed more total QB touchdowns this year. Daniels scored twice against them back in Week 1, thanks to 88 rushing yards. The Buccaneers’ pass defense numbers appear to have improved since their Week 11 bye, but a closer look shows that they have faced only one top-20 QB during this recent stretch. Before leaving last week’s game with a leg issue, Daniels had posted 17 total TDs over his previous five games. Stack him with two of Zach Ertz, Terry McLaurin, and Olamide Zaccheaus.

Josh Allen, Bills vs. DEN ($8,200 DK, $8,900 FD) Speaking of successful rushing QBs, Allen has 12 rushing TDs with 28 passing scores, placing him behind only Lamar Jackson in total scores this season. Allen’s price is high enough to limit his upside, but he still should post three total scores. 

Lamar Jackson, Ravens vs. PIT ($8,000 DK, $8,700 FD) Jackson and the Ravens are heavily favored, but historically Pittsburgh has posed a stiff challenge. He has played in eight career games against this defense (six as a starter) and posted only eight passing TDs and nine INTs. He has NEVER scored a rushing TD against them. With Zay Flowers (knee) out, Jackson will struggle once again. He won’t lose, but his line will be well below his normal output.

Sleepers

Justin Herbert, Chargers @ HOU: ($6,000 DK, $7,600 FD) Houston has allowed the sixth-fewest passing yards and the third-most passing TDs. Something doesn’t quite compute there. Herbert has multiple passing scores in four straight games. That trend will continue, especially if Quentin Johnston (thigh) continues his growth opposite Ladd McConkey. 

Sam Darnold, Vikings @ LAR ($6,500 DK, $7,800 FD) Chock last week up to a severe case of the yips. He still has two of the greatest WRs in football, a highly reliable pass-catching RB, and a top-10 TE at his disposal. He’ll have a comeback game here throwing for a floor of 280-2. 

Running back DraftKings FanDuel
Saquon Barkley $8,500 $9,600
Derrick Henry $8,200 $9,800
Josh Jacobs $7,700 $7,800
Kyren Williams $7,400 $8,600
Joe Mixon $7,200 $7,500
Bucky Irving $7,000 $7,600
James Cook $6,700 $8,000
J.K. Dobbins $6,200 $7,100
Aaron Jones Sr. $6,000 $7,400
Brian Robinson Jr. $5,800 $6,500
Jaylen Warren $5,200 $5,600
Javonte Williams $5,100 $5,300
Najee Harris $5,000 $6,000
Rachaad White $5,000 $5,700
Emanuel Wilson $4,900 $5,200
Jaleel McLaughlin $4,900 $5,500
Austin Ekeler $4,800 $5,400
Cam Akers $4,800 $6,200
Dameon Pierce $4,700 $4,900
Ray Davis $4,700 $5,000
Audric Estime $4,600 $5,100
Kenneth Gainwell $4,600 $4,900
Justice Hill $4,500 $4,800
Chris Brooks $4,400 $4,600
Gus Edwards $4,300 $5,000
Keaton Mitchell $4,200 $4,200
Ty Johnson $4,200 $4,800
Dare Ogunbowale $4,100 $4,500
Jeremy McNichols $4,000 $4,400
Kimani Vidal $4,000 $4,700

Running back

Weekly strategy – Paying up for Saquon Barkley or Derrick Henry is a risky move this week. Their prices are so high that it severely limits your flexibility elsewhere. There is no way to have both of them active on your roster. I prefer pivoting to Bucky Irving, James Cook, J.K. Dobbins, and Aaron Jones. Unfortunately, the depth options all suck this week. Brian Robinson Jr. and Jaleel McLaughlin are the best of the worst, so you are probably spending up here, anyway.

Fantasy four-pack

Saquon Barkley, Eagles vs. GB ($8,500 DK, $9,600 FD) Jalen Hurts (head) playing will “hurt” Barkley’s scoring odds. Still, he should fill the box score in other ways. Since Week 7, he is averaging 155 combo yards per game.

Bucky Irving, Buccaneers vs. WAS ($7,000 DK, $7,600 FD) Since taking over as the primary back in Week 10, Irving has scored and/or topped 100 total yards in every game except one (he left that game early with an injury). Back in Week 1, Irving and Rachaad White combined for 182 combo yards against Washington.

Derrick Henry, Ravens vs. PIT ($8,200 DK, $9,800 FD) It’s not an optimal matchup, but never underestimate the damage that Henry can do on any carry. He has topped 160 total yards in three straight games, including a 189-yarder against the Steelers.

James Cook, Bills vs. DEN ($6,700 DK, $8,000 FD) Cook has six TDs over his last four games. Among RBs, only Jahmyr Gibbs posted more total scores. Denver is solid against the run, but they struggle against pass-catching backs, Cook will do some damage both ways.

Sleepers

Brian Robinson Jr., Commanders @ TB ($5,800 DK, $6,500 FD) This is a sign of how tough this slate is for RBs. There are no clear discount options. Robinson is at least the volume back for a good offense. That said, he may cede goal-line work to his QB and Austin Ekeler. 

Jaleel McLaughlin, Broncos @ BUF ($4,900 DK, $5,500 FD) Deciding which Broncos RB to trust is painstaking work. McLaughlin has recently worked as the leading ball carrier. Against a bad run defense, that puts him into volume-punt consideration.

Wide Receiver DraftKings FanDuel
Justin Jefferson $8,100 $9,200
Mike Evans $7,900 $8,400
Nico Collins $7,800 $8,500
Puka Nacua $7,600 $8,700
A.J. Brown $7,500 $8,600
Ladd McConkey $6,800 $7,500
Courtland Sutton $6,600 $7,100
Terry McLaurin $6,500 $7,700
Cooper Kupp $6,400 $7,000
George Pickens $6,300 $6,900
Jordan Addison $6,100 $6,800
DeVonta Smith $5,700 $7,400
Jayden Reed $5,500 $6,000
Romeo Doubs $5,400 $5,800
Khalil Shakir $5,300 $6,200
Jalen McMillan $5,200 $6,400
Marvin Mims Jr. $5,100 $5,900
Rashod Bateman $5,000 $6,100
Amari Cooper $4,900 $5,500
Quentin Johnston $4,800 $6,300
Keon Coleman $4,600 $5,300
Dontayvion Wicks $4,500 $5,400
Olamide Zaccheaus $4,400 $5,600
Joshua Palmer $4,300 $5,500
Demarcus Robinson $4,200 $4,700
Devaughn Vele $4,100 $5,400
Calvin Austin III $4,000 $5,200
John Metchie III $3,900 $5,100
Mack Hollins $3,800 $5,100
Tutu Atwell $3,800 $4,600
Robert Woods $3,700 $5,000
Jalen Nailor $3,600 $4,900
Malik Heath $3,600 $4,300
Diontae Johnson $3,500 $5,300
Jahan Dotson $3,500 $4,500
Dyami Brown $3,400 $4,600
Jamison Crowder $3,400 $5,200
Nelson Agholor $3,400 $4,800
Derius Davis $3,300 $4,600
Jordan Whittington $3,300 $4,200
Mike Williams $3,300 $4,700
Sterling Shepard $3,300 $5,000
Bo Melton $3,200 $4,200
Johnny Wilson $3,200 $4,700
Van Jefferson $3,200 $4,800
Xavier Hutchinson $3,200 $4,900
Curtis Samuel $3,100 $4,900
Troy Franklin $3,100 $4,800
Tylan Wallace $3,100 $4,400

Wide receiver

Weekly strategy – Mike Evans and Puka Nacua are the top options. Justin Jefferson may see reduced ownership coming off last week’s fiasco. The Eagles’ duo are safe plays, but both may have floor games if the team leans on Saquon Barkley. If I chose one of them, it would be DeVonta Smith at WR2. That said, I will probably choose between Ladd McConkey, Courtland Sutton, and Terry McLaurin at WR2. If you fade Evans, you must play Jalen McMillan at WR3. I also love Marvin Mims Jr., Rashod Bateman, and Olamide Zaccheaus in this spot. You also should consider one of the Packers. I’d lean towards Romeo Doubs. With the lack of quality depth options at RB this week, you are probably picking your flex from here or TE. I like Quentin Johnston, Keon Coleman, Mack Hollins, Diontae Johnson, and Nelson Agholor to fill this role. 

Fantasy four-pack

Mike Evans, Buccaneers vs. WAS ($7,900 DK, $8,400 FD) Only five WR1s have finished with fewer than 10 PPR points against this defense, and six have topped 20 PPR points.

Puka Nacua, Rams vs. MIN ($7,600 DK, $8,700 FD) In Week 8, Nacua was one of three Rams WRs to finish in double-digit PPR points against Minnesota. That was his first game back from injury. Since then, he has pulled away from the rest of the WR corps with 43% of their total yards and 42% of their receptions.

Terry McLaurin, Commanders @ TB ($6,500 DK, $7,700 FD) Tampa ranks bottom-10 in every WR receiving category. Meanwhile, McLaurin is finishing the season on the upswing with seven TDs in his final six games.

Justin Jefferson, Vikings @ LAR ($8,100 DK, $9,200 FD) The Rams have allowed the second-fewest WR receptions, but they also have simultaneously allowed the fourth-most WR receiving TDs. Last week was just the fourth time all season that Jefferson has failed to haul in five or more passes. He will get back on track here. 

Sleepers

Jalen McMillan, Buccaneers vs. WAS ($5,200 DK, $6,400 FD) Four weeks in a row and the sites still haven’t jacked up McMillan’s price. What more does he need to do? Seven touchdowns over the last five weeks. If you don’t use Evans, you must use McMillan. Frankly, only the salary cap is stopping you from using both of them.

Marvin Mims Jr., Broncos @ BUF ($5,100 DK, $5,900 FD) Speaking of WRs who are getting no price-bump respect, Mims has four TDs over the last two weeks and six over his last seven contests. The timing is right for Mims as Buffalo has allowed an average of 18 PPR points to WR2s over the last four weeks. 

Tight End DraftKings FanDuel
Mark Andrews $4,700 $6,200
Pat Freiermuth $4,400 $5,500
Zach Ertz $4,300 $5,800
T.J. Hockenson $4,200 $5,900
Cade Otton $4,100 $5,400
Dalton Kincaid $4,000 $5,700
Dallas Goedert $3,900 $6,000
Tucker Kraft $3,700 $5,300
Dalton Schultz $3,600 $5,600
Will Dissly $3,400 $5,000
Tyler Higbee $3,300 $5,100
Isaiah Likely $3,200 $5,200
Payne Durham $3,100 $4,900
Dawson Knox $3,000 $4,700
Stone Smartt $2,900 $4,700
Grant Calcaterra $2,800 $4,600
Luke Musgrave $2,700 $4,500
Adam Trautman $2,600 $4,300
Cade Stover $2,600 $4,500
Josh Oliver $2,500 $4,800
Lucas Krull $2,500 $4,600
Nate Adkins $2,500 $4,400

Tight end

Weekly strategy – The top of the TE position is strong this week. Each of the top four options should be in play. Mark Andrews is the best option. Pat Freiermuth is my top pivot. That said, both T.J. Hockenson and Zach Ertz have safe floors. Tucker Kraft, Isaiah Likely, and Will Dissly are the cheap punt plays.

Fantasy four-pack

Mark Andrews, Ravens vs. PIT ($4,700 DK, $6,200 FD) With no Zay Flowers (knee), Andrews is the safest bet to catch a TD this week for Baltimore. He has TDs in six straight games and 11 over his last 12 games. Plus, Pittsburgh has allowed the second-most TE receptions, so receptions and yardage also are in play. 

Pat Freiermuth, Steelers @ BAL ($4,400 DK, $5,500 FD) Freiermuth has done little versus Baltimore this season. That said, he has posted four TDs over his last six games. So, worst-case scenario, he scores and finishes with 4-40-1.  

Zach Ertz, Commanders @ TB ($4,300 DK, $5,800 FD) Since Week 11, Ertz has been tied for second among TEs in touchdowns. He will score again this week as Tampa has allowed the fifth-most TE receptions and the second-most TE receiving yards. 

T.J. Hockenson, Vikings @ LAR ($4,200 DK, $5,900 FD) Over the last four weeks, no team has allowed more TE receptions, receiving yards, or TDs than the Rams. Hockenson had a rough Week 18, but he continues to be peppered with targets, recording five or more in seven straight games.

Sleepers

Tucker Kraft, Packers @ PHI ($3,700 DK, $5,300 FD) Philly is elite against every position and TE is no different. Still, Kraft leads all the Packers in receiving TDs and he ranks second in receptions and receiving yards. With Christian Watson (knee) out for the postseason, Kraft should see a further boost in usage here.

Will Dissly, Chargers @ HOU ($3,400 DK, $5,000 FD) Dissly outsnapped his Chargers TE competition last week. He also was the only TE to catch a pass in that game. Meanwhile, Houston has allowed the fifth-most TE touchdowns this season, including three over their last four games. Both Dissly and Stone Smartt can be cheap punt plays here. 

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 18

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 18 DFS fantasy football.

Players are being rested, and players are splitting roles. Some superstars will play a only few snaps, and others want to play despite nothing to play for. That is the insanity of Week 18. Enjoy the madness and don’t forget to tune in for our playoff DFS coverage over the next few weeks!

Recommended DFS lineups

*Note: FanDuel and Fanball include the Sunday night game on their Main Slate. DraftKings doesn’t include them, so the pricing is listed as N/A.

DK Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($7.0k), RB Kenneth Gainwell ($5.6k), RB Bijan Robinson ($8.5k), WR Brian Thomas Jr. ($7.3k), WR Adam Thielen ($6.2k), WR Jalen McMillan ($5.1k), TE Noah Gray ($3.8k), FLEX Mack Hollins ($3.7k), DST Arizona Cardinals ($2.7k)

FD Lineup: QB Jared Goff ($7.9k), RB Bucky Irving ($7.9k), RB Bijan Robinson ($9.2k), WR Jordan Addison ($7.1k), WR Jameson Williams ($6.5k), WR Jalen McMillan ($6.1k), TE Sam LaPorta ($6.0K), FLEX Blake Corum ($5.5k), DST Arizona Cardinals ($3.7k)

FB Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($6.5k), RB Bijan Robinson ($7.7k), RB Jonathan Taylor ($7.4k), WR Jordan Addison ($6.0k), WR Jameson Williams ($6.3k), WR/TE Jalen McMillan ($4.6k), TE Noah Gray ($3.3k), FLEX Bucky Irving ($6.4k), SUPERFLEX Sam Darnold ($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 DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,500 $9,000
Jayden Daniels $7,800 $8,700
Baker Mayfield $7,000 $8,400
Sam Darnold N/A $8,100
Jared Goff N/A $7,900
Bo Nix $6,400 $7,800
Jordan Love $6,100 $7,300
C.J. Stroud $6,000 $7,300
Kyler Murray $6,000 $7,600
Anthony Richardson $5,900 $7,500
Justin Herbert $5,900 $7,700
Bryce Young $5,800 $6,900
Tua Tagovailoa $5,800 $7,400
Drake Maye $5,700 $7,100
Matthew Stafford $5,700 $7,000
Aaron Rodgers $5,600 $7,000
Caleb Williams $5,600 $7,100
Carson Wentz $5,600 $6,700
Geno Smith $5,500 $7,200
Kenny Pickett $5,500 $6,700
Mitchell Trubisky $5,500 $7,000
Joe Flacco $5,400 $7,000
Michael Penix Jr. $5,400 $6,900
Cooper Rush $5,200 $6,800
Jimmy Garoppolo $5,200 $6,300
Mac Jones $5,200 $6,700
Aidan O’Connell $5,100 $6,600
Drew Lock $5,100 $6,600
Mason Rudolph $5,000 $6,500
Tanner McKee $5,000 $6,400
Will Levis $5,000 $6,000
Spencer Rattler $4,800 $6,500
Tyler Huntley $4,800 $6,700
Jacoby Brissett $4,700 $6,000
Trey Lance $4,700 $6,000
Joshua Dobbs $4,000 $6,000

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and Jared Goff are the top players. Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix should play the full game, making them adequate pivots. To save money, consider Justin Herbert and Bryce Young. You also can use whoever starts for Indianapolis, Mac Jones, Michael Penix Jr., or Jimmy Garoppolo as punts.

Fantasy four-pack

Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers vs. NO ($7,000 DK, $8,500 FD) Tampa has everything on the line this week. New Orleans’ pass defense has been in a free fall since trading away Marshon Lattimore. Plus, Mayfield already toasted them once for 325-4. This is certainly in the realm of outcomes for this week. 

Jared Goff, Lions vs. MIN (N/A DK, $7,900 FD) This game may approach 90 combined points, and it is possible that neither punter steps on the field. Over the last four weeks, Goff has thrown for 1,416 yards and 14 TDs. Plus, Minnesota allows the fifth-most passing yards per game.

Sam Darnold, Vikings @ DET (N/A DK, $8,100 FD) In their Week 7 meeting, Darnold threw for only 259-1. Of course, that was before Detroit lost something like 271% of its defense to injury. The Lions will play their backups this week not by choice, but because they are the only players not currently on IR. In what projects as a shootout, the slightly more expensive Darnold will have lower ownership than Goff. 

Jayden Daniels, Commanders @ DAL ($7,800 DK, $8,700 FD) Daniels is on fire posting 17 TDs over his last five games and over 60 rushing yards in four of those contests. This included a three-TD game against the Cowboys. While Washington has already guaranteed itself a spot in the playoffs, the Commanders may want to play Daniels this full game to avoid a first-round matchup with Tampa or Philadelphia. 

Sleepers

Bryce Young, Panthers @ ATL: ($5,800 DK, $6,900 FD) Young’s yardage totals have been meager, but he has multiple TDs in four of his last five games. Meanwhile, only one team has allowed more passing TDs per game than Atlanta. With their running game muted, stack Young with Adam Thielen or Xavier Legette.

Mac Jones, Jaguars @ IND ($5,200 DK, $6,700 FD) We all saw what Drew Lock did to this defense. Well, Mac Jones is basically Drew Lock. Several middling QBs embarrassed Indy this season (Bo Nix, Mason Rudolph, the skeletal remains of Aaron Rodgers, Drake Maye, Tyler Huntley, Justin Fields, Will Levis, and Trevor Lawrence) all have posted reasonable numbers against this defense. Ironically, the only QB the Colts have held out of the end zone this season was Jared Goff.

Running back DraftKings FanDuel
Bijan Robinson $8,500 $9,200
Jahmyr Gibbs N/A $8,800
Jonathan Taylor $8,200 $8,500
Josh Jacobs $8,100 $8,200
Bucky Irving $7,700 $7,900
Kyren Williams $7,600 $8,400
Joe Mixon $7,400 $7,700
Alvin Kamara $7,300 $7,400
De’Von Achane $7,200 $8,000
James Cook $7,000 $8,100
Aaron Jones Sr. N/A $7,300
Zach Charbonnet $6,700 $7,000
Breece Hall $6,500 $7,200
J.K. Dobbins $6,300 $7,500
Tony Pollard $6,200 $6,700
Tyjae Spears $6,100 $6,700
Brian Robinson Jr. $6,000 $6,900
Isaac Guerendo $5,900 $7,000
Rico Dowdle $5,800 $7,100
Tyrone Tracy Jr. $5,800 $6,400
Cam Akers N/A $6,000
Rachaad White $5,700 $5,800
Blake Corum $5,600 $5,500
Kenneth Gainwell $5,600 $5,600
Rhamondre Stevenson $5,500 $6,000
Dameon Pierce $5,400 $5,200
D’Andre Swift $5,400 $6,100
Patrick Taylor Jr. $5,400 $4,900
Alexander Mattison $5,300 $5,500
Antonio Gibson $5,300 $5,600
Kendre Miller $5,300 $5,600
Ray Davis $5,200 $6,200
Travis Etienne Jr. $5,200 $6,100
Ameer Abdullah $5,100 $6,300
Austin Ekeler $5,100 $4,000
Emanuel Wilson $5,100 $5,300
Tank Bigsby $5,100 $5,500
Braelon Allen $5,000 $5,700
Chris Rodriguez Jr. $5,000 $5,300
Raheem Blackshear $5,000 $5,100
Ty Johnson $5,000 $5,900
Javonte Williams $4,900 $5,300
Tyler Allgeier $4,900 $5,700
Devin Singletary $4,800 $5,100
Gus Edwards $4,800 $5,400
Jaleel McLaughlin $4,800 $5,900
Carson Steele $4,700 $4,300
Michael Carter $4,700 $5,800
Raheem Mostert $4,700 $4,900
Audric Estime $4,600 $5,200
Jeremy McNichols $4,600 $5,000
Tyrion Davis-Price $4,600 $4,500
Kimani Vidal $4,500 $5,200
Samaje Perine $4,500 $5,400
Mike Boone $4,400 $5,000
Roschon Johnson $4,400 $4,800
Jamaal Williams $4,300 $5,300
Clyde Edwards-Helaire $4,100 $5,400
Miles Sanders $4,000 $4,000

Running back

Weekly strategy –  Bijan Robinson and Jonathan Taylor are the top-two plays this week. I also like Jahmyr Gibbs on FD, just not as much as the other two. Bucky Irving is the cheaper pivot at RB1. At RB2, consider Brian Robinson Jr., Rico Dowdle, Kenneth Gainwell, Blake Corum, or whoever starts for Tennessee. Samaje Perine, Ray Davis, Ty Johnson, Emanuel Wilson, Michael Carter, Carson Steele, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire will all see playing time boosts because of injuries or players resting. I might use one of them as a punt flex.

Fantasy four-pack

Jonathan Taylor, Colts vs. JAX ($8,200 DK, $8,500 FD) Over the last three weeks, Taylor has led the league in carries, rushing yards, and rushing TDs. Now, he faces a Jacksonville team allowing just under 27 PPR points per game to opposing RBs. Taylor’s value will go up even more if Joe Flacco starts this game.

Bijan Robinson, Falcons vs. CAR ($8,500 DK, $9,200 FD) Carolina is allowing 29.5 PPR points per game to opposing backs. This includes allowing 830 total yards to the position over their last four games. Since Week 13, Robinson has exploded as his RB opportunity share increased from 26% to 33%.

Bucky Irving, Buccaneers vs. NO ($7,700 DK, $7,900 FD) Since Week 10, Irving has scored and/or topped 100 total yards in every game that he has completed. Meanwhile, no team has allowed more RB rushing TDs.

Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions vs. MIN (N/A DK, $8,800 FD) This price is a tad higher than I like, but since David Montgomery‘s injury, Gibbs trails only Jonathan Taylor in total yards and TDs among RBs.

Sleepers

Blake Corum, Rams vs. SEA ($5,600 DK, $5,500 FD) There was a ton of preseason hype over Corum potentially wrestling the starting RB job from Kyren Williams. The team plans to rest Williams this week. Last season at Michigan, Corum finished with 28 total TDs in 15 games.

Ray Davis, Bills @ NE ($5,200 DK, $6,200 FD) With nothing to play for, James Cook will see minimal, if any, snaps this weekend. This means that Davis and Ty Johnson will see an enormous boost in touches against a defense that allows the second-most RB rushing yards and the second-most total RB touchdowns.

Wide Receiver DraftKings FanDuel
Justin Jefferson N/A $9,500
Amon-Ra St. Brown N/A $9,000
Puka Nacua $8,300 $8,800
Mike Evans $8,000 $8,900
Nico Collins $7,800 $8,700
Brian Thomas Jr. $7,300 $8,000
Malik Nabers $7,100 $8,100
Davante Adams $7,000 $7,800
Ladd McConkey $6,900 $7,600
Terry McLaurin $6,800 $7,400
Tyreek Hill $6,700 $7,900
Drake London $6,500 $7,000
Courtland Sutton $6,400 $7,300
Jordan Addison N/A $7,100
Cooper Kupp $6,300 $6,900
Jameson Williams N/A $6,500
Adam Thielen $6,200 $6,400
Jaxon Smith-Njigba $6,100 $7,700
Garrett Wilson $6,000 $6,800
Keenan Allen $6,000 $6,100
DJ Moore $5,900 $6,300
Jauan Jennings $5,800 $6,800
Xavier Worthy $5,800 $6,600
Deebo Samuel Sr. $5,700 $6,700
Jakobi Meyers $5,700 $6,600
DK Metcalf $5,600 $7,200
Jayden Reed $5,600 $6,500
Marvin Harrison Jr. $5,500 $6,700
Romeo Doubs $5,500 $6,000
Calvin Ridley $5,400 $6,200
Jaylen Waddle $5,400 $5,900
Josh Downs $5,300 $6,000
Khalil Shakir $5,300 $6,300
Chris Olave $5,200 $5,800
Michael Pittman Jr. $5,200 $6,200
Darnell Mooney $5,100 $6,200
Jalen McMillan $5,100 $6,100
Alec Pierce $5,000 $5,800
Amari Cooper $5,000 $5,700
DeAndre Hopkins $4,900 $5,900
Rome Odunze $4,900 $5,700
Keon Coleman $4,800 $5,700
Quentin Johnston $4,800 $5,900
Brandin Cooks $4,700 $5,900
Christian Watson $4,700 $5,800
Marvin Mims Jr. $4,600 $5,600
Wan’Dale Robinson $4,600 $5,600
Hollywood Brown $4,500 $6,100
Olamide Zaccheaus $4,500 $5,800
Dontayvion Wicks $4,400 $5,400
Tim Patrick N/A $5,400
Joshua Palmer $4,400 $5,500
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $4,400 $5,300
DeMario Douglas $4,300 $5,100
Jalen Tolbert $4,300 $5,500
Parker Washington $4,300 $5,600
Demarcus Robinson $4,200 $4,800
Kayshon Boutte $4,200 $5,100
Xavier Legette $4,200 $5,000
Jalen Coker $4,100 $4,900
Ray-Ray McCloud III $4,100 $5,400
Ricky Pearsall $4,100 $4,900
John Metchie III $4,000 $5,500
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,000 $5,600
Michael Wilson $4,000 $6,400
David Moore $3,900 $4,600
Devaughn Vele $3,900 $5,200
Malik Washington $3,900 $5,300
Robert Woods $3,800 $5,400
Tre Tucker $3,800 $5,100
Tutu Atwell $3,800 $4,700
Diontae Johnson $3,700 $5,700
JuJu Smith-Schuster $3,700 $5,300
Mack Hollins $3,700 $5,500
Darius Slayton $3,600 $5,000
Dyami Brown $3,600 $4,800
Sterling Shepard $3,600 $5,100
Tyler Lockett $3,600 $5,400
Adonai Mitchell $3,500 $5,000
Allen Lazard $3,500 $4,900
Jahan Dotson $3,500 $4,800
Jamison Crowder $3,500 $5,200
Justin Watson $3,500 $5,200
Bo Melton $3,400 $4,500
Derius Davis $3,400 $4,700
KaVontae Turpin $3,400 $5,000
Tyler Boyd $3,400 $4,800
Greg Dortch $3,300 $4,700
Xavier Hutchinson $3,300 $5,200
Cedrick Wilson Jr. $3,200 $4,900
Kendrick Bourne $3,200 $4,800
Troy Franklin $3,200 $5,000
Curtis Samuel $3,100 $5,300
Jonathan Mingo $3,100 $4,700
Kevin Austin Jr. $3,100 $4,800
Luke McCaffrey $3,100 $4,600
Alex Erickson $3,000 $4,000
Britain Covey $3,000 $4,000
Dante Pettis $3,000 $4,700
Devin Duvernay $3,000 $4,600
Johnny Wilson $3,000 $4,900
Josh Reynolds $3,000 $4,700
KhaDarel Hodge $3,000 $4,300

Wide receiver

Weekly strategy – Justin Jefferson and Amon-Ra St. Brown are both available only on FD. In a shootout, they are both dynamic plays, but their price tags will be hard to swallow. DK users will want to target Mike Evans and Brian Thomas Jr. as their top options. Ladd McConkey (toe), Terry McLaurin, Drake London, and Courtland Sutton are the top WR1 pivots. On FD, if you don’t use Jefferson or St. Brown, you must use at least one of Jameson Williams or Jordan Addison. Adam Thielen and Keenan Allen are my favorite WR2 options. The easy pivots are Michael Pittman Jr., Darnell Mooney, and Calvin Ridley. You must use Jalen McMillan at WR3, regardless of whether you play Evans. Punts to consider include: Olamide Zaccheaus, Marvin Mims Jr., Jalen Tolbert, Xavier Legette, and whoever starts for Kansas City, Buffalo, and the Rams.

Fantasy four-pack

Justin Jefferson, Vikings @ DET (N/A DK, $9,500 FD) As mentioned above, injuries have decimated the Lions defense. Stopping Jefferson is tough with elite DBs. Against backups, he will smash. In nine career games versus Detroit, Jefferson is averaging 7.6-128 with four TDs.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions vs. MIN (N/A DK, $9,000 FD) St. Brown has been equally dominant against the Vikings in his career averaging 8-93 with four TDs. Plus, he has never posted fewer than six receptions against Minnesota. Both receivers should top the 25-point plateau this week.

Mike Evans, Buccaneers vs. NO ($8,000 DK, $8,900 FD) New Orleans has allowed the fifth-most receiving yards to WRs. Over their last nine games, they are allowing an average of 19.3 PPR points to opposing WR1s. With his 1,000-yard streak on the line in a win-and-in game, Evans is a lock for 7-110-1. 

Brian Thomas Jr., Jaguars @ IND ($7,300 DK, $8,000 FD) If you watched the Giants and Colts play last week, I’m sorry for your lot in life. Nevertheless, you saw Malik Nabers go ham against this secondary. That was the third consecutive game where an opposing WR1 scored against them. A repeat of Thomas’ Week 5 performance of 5-122-1 seems probable.

Sleepers

Jalen McMillan, Buccaneers vs. NO ($5,100 DK, $6,100 FD) Three weeks in a row and the sites still refuse to jack up McMillan’s price. Fine with me. I’ll just keep trotting him out there and counting the Benjamins rolling back in. Nine times this season, the Saints have allowed a secondary receiver to reach double-digit PPR points. With six scores in his last four games, this is a formality.

Olamide Zaccheaus, Commanders @ DAL ($4,500 DK, $5,800 FD) Zaccheaus has posted 13-155-3 on 17 targets over the last two games. If Dyami Brown (hamstring) remains out, expect similar production against a Dallas defense that has allowed the fourth-most WR receiving yards and the most WR receiving TDs over the last four weeks.

Tight End DraftKings FanDuel
Brock Bowers $6,600 $7,300
Trey McBride $6,500 $7,400
George Kittle $6,000 $7,600
Jonnu Smith $5,800 $6,300
Sam LaPorta N/A $6,000
T.J. Hockenson N/A $5,900
Hunter Henry $4,300 $5,200
Cade Otton $4,200 $5,200
Dalton Kincaid $4,100 $5,700
Kyle Pitts $4,000 $5,300
Zach Ertz $4,000 $5,400
Dalton Schultz $3,900 $5,600
Jake Ferguson $3,900 $5,200
Chig Okonkwo $3,800 $5,400
Noah Gray $3,800 $5,500
Noah Fant $3,700 $4,900
Tucker Kraft $3,700 $5,100
Juwan Johnson $3,600 $5,300
Will Dissly $3,600 $5,000
Brenton Strange $3,500 $5,000
Cole Kmet $3,500 $5,100
Tyler Conklin $3,400 $4,900
Tyler Higbee $3,400 $4,800
Austin Hooper $3,300 $4,800
Dawson Knox $3,300 $5,000
Foster Moreau $3,200 $5,200
Payne Durham $3,200 $4,900
Grant Calcaterra $3,100 $4,800
Stone Smartt $3,100 $4,900
AJ Barner $3,000 $4,700
Tommy Tremble $2,900 $4,700
Devin Culp $2,800 $4,300
Adam Trautman $2,700 $4,600
Ja’Tavion Sanders $2,600 $4,600
Lucas Krull $2,600 $4,600
Michael Mayer $2,600 $4,500
Irv Smith Jr. $2,500 $4,300

Tight end

Weekly strategy – The TE position feels weak up top this week. Brock Bowers has a rough matchup, and Trey McBride and George Kittle (ankle/hamstring) get a tough matchup against each other. Plus, Jonnu Smith potentially has QB issues to deal with. If you are playing on FD, T.J. Hockenson or Sam LaPorta. Otherwise, go on the cheap with Tucker Kraft,  Noah Gray, Juwan Johnson, Jake Ferguson, or Zach Ertz. There are several potential punts including: Grant Calcaterra, Stone Smartt, Foster Moreau, Adam Trautman, and Dawson Knox. 

Fantasy four-pack

Sam LaPorta, Lions vs. MIN (N/A DK, $6,000 FD) Since Week 6, LaPorta trails only Mark Andrews in TE touchdowns. This includes scoring four over the last five games. The Vikings held him in check in their earlier meeting, but I cannot expect a repeat of that here.

Trey McBride, Cardinals vs. SF ($6,500 DK, $7,400 FD) Hell has frozen over. McBride finally score his TD. Since Week 12, he has had 16 more targets and 15 more receptions than the next closest TE. This has propelled him into second place for the season in every relevant TE category except TDs.

Jonnu Smith, Dolphins @ NYJ ($5,800 DK, $6,300 FD) QB issues circle this game, but Smith has scored in six of his last seven games making him at worst a TD-dependent play. Jaylen Waddle (knee) may return this week. This could affect Smith’s volume. Still, he has a safe floor.

T.J. Hockenson, Vikings @ DET (N/A DK, $5,900 FD) It is all hands on deck in this game. Hockenson missed the earlier game because of an injury suffered due to a dirty hit by this defense last season. Chalk this up as a double-revenge game for the former Lion.

Sleepers

Zach Ertz, Commanders @ DAL ($4,000 DK, $5,400 FD) Ertz’s yardage and reception totals have been meager, but he has scored five times in the last six games (including once against Dallas). The Commanders are playing this game hoping for a better seed in the postseason, so expect them to go full go all game.

Noah Gray, Chiefs @ DEN ($3,800 DK, $5,500 FD) With Travis Kelce (rest) and other Chiefs starters resting expect Gray to be one of the top options in the passing game this week. Denver leans as a TE-funnel defense, so anticipate a gigantic game here as long as Carson Wentz is serviceable.

Saturday DFS Domination: Week 18

Lineup recommendations for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 17 DFS fantasy football primetime slate.

The massive popularity of small DFS slates has propelled us to expand our DFS coverage. Here are my favorite lineups for this Saturday-Only Slate.

Recommended Saturday-Only DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Joe Burrow ($7.5k), RB Derrick Henry ($8.3k), RB Najee Harris ($5.3k), WR Ja’Marr Chase ($8.6k), WR Jerry Jeudy ($6.4k), WR Rashod Bateman ($4.6k), TE Isaiah Likely ($3.3k), FLEX Jordan Akins ($3.0k), DST Cincinnati Bengals ($3.0k)

FD Lineup: QB Joe Burrow ($8.6k), RB Derrick Henry ($10.0k), RB Jaylen Warren ($5.8k), WR Ja’Marr Chase ($9.5k), WR Jerry Jeudy ($6.6k) WR Calvin Austin ($5.3k), TE Mike Gesicki ($5.3k), FLEX Jordan Akins ($5.0k), DST Cincinnati Bengals ($3.8k)

FB Lineup: QB Lamar Jackson ($7.7k), RB Derrick Henry ($7.9k), RB Jaylen Warren ($5.4k), WR Ja’Marr Chase ($8.0k), WR Jerry Jeudy ($6.0k), WR/TE Rashod Bateman ($4.3k), TE Mark Andrews ($4.3k), FLEX Pat Freiermuth ($4.1k), SUPERFLEX Joe Burrow ($7.3k)

Joe Burrow is on an MVP spoiler pace. If he leads the Cincinnati Bengals to the playoffs, he deserves heavy consideration. He has eight straight games with three or more TDs and at least 250 yards, an NFL record. Not to be outdone, Lamar Jackson has three or more scores in six of his last eight games. These are the top two options on this docket. Burrow is cheaper, so lean on him. Russell Wilson is the pivot to save money, but you shouldn’t have to go that route. Dorian Thompson-Robinson has twice as many letters in his name as the number of points he will score this week.

Chase Brown (ankle) remains questionable for this game. He will be the RB1 pivot from Derrick Henry if he is to go. If Brown was out, Khalil Herbert would immediately jump to the favorite play at RB2. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren split touches and their cost is similar. Warren has been more effective lately, so I prefer him. That said, either could be your RB2.

Jerome Ford (ankle) left last week’s game (costing me a hefty payday) with an injury. The matchup is much worse this week. If he starts, he gets a volume-punt grade, at best. His backups, D’Onta Foreman and Pierre Strong are safer dart throws for less money. Justice Hill (concussion/illness) has reportedly cleared the concussion protocol, and he will get change-of-pace work for Baltimore. He has some flex appeal. Hill’s activity will affect whether Keaton Mitchell has a dart-throw value.

At WR1, you are choosing between Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Fitting them both is next to impossible, unless you fade Henry at RB1. Jerry Jeudy gets the volume lead at WR2. The pivots are George Pickens and Zay Flowers. Rashod Bateman, Calvin Austin, and Andrei Iosivas are the potential WR3. If you choose to punt WR3, use Michael Woods II, Nelson Agholor (concussion), Elijah Moore, Mike Williams, or Ben Skowronek (hip).

All the starting TEs deserve consideration. David Njoku (knee) has 40 targets over his last three games played. If he suits up, get him in your lineup. That said, if Njoku doesn’t play, Jordan Akins becomes an even better dollar/point play. Both Pat Freiermuth and Mike Gesicki have juicy matchups. They also are cheaper than Njoku and the other top-dollar option, Mark Andrews. Andrews’s matchup is decent, but considering the price, I am going to fade him, unless I start Jackson at QB. Isaiah Likely has three TDs in his last four games making him a sneaky flex play.

Primetime DFS Domination: Week 17

Lineup recommendations for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 17 DFS fantasy football primetime slate.

The massive popularity of small DFS slates has propelled us to expand our DFS coverage. I will give you my favorite lineup for the Primetime Slate each week. We will release these as soon as both sites release their pricing.

Recommended Primetime DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Jared Goff ($6.8k), RB Bijan Robinson ($8.2k), RB Brian Robinson Jr. ($6.1k), WR Jameson Williams ($6.0k), WR Deebo Samuel ($5.7k), WR Jamison Crowder ($3.5k), TE Sam LaPorta ($4.9k), FLEX George Kittle ($6.0k), DST Atlanta Falcons ($2.7k)

FD Lineup: QB Jared Goff ($7.9k), RB Jahmyr Gibbs ($9.0k), RB Bijan Robinson ($8.9k), WR Jauan Jennings ($6.9k), WR Jameson Williams ($6.4k) WR Ray-Ray McCloud ($5.7k), TE Sam LaPorta ($6.3k), FLEX Zach Ertz ($5.0k), DST Atlanta Falcons ($3.7k)

Considering the price and potential weather, Jared Goff and Brock Purdy are the best options. I’d love to use Jayden Daniels to take advantage of his rushing ability. That said, the rain could hurt his passing numbers, and the rookie’s price is considerably more than everyone else. Michael Penix Jr. has the arm to be successful, but the weather scares me since this is only his second pro start. If the weather report improves, consider using him as a pivot. 

Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs are the preferred pair to play. On DK, fitting them both under the cap is sketchy, at best. You will probably have to choose one or the other. Brian Robinson Jr. is the preferred pivot from whichever stud you fade. If Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) plays, he also would be a pivot. Patrick Taylor earned the start last week, and he was meh. With all the injuries the Lions have on defense, Taylor could produce a better line this week. This keeps him in mind as a volume pivot. Tyler Allgeier sees enough snaps (including goal-line work) to consider as an RB2/flex, if you don’t use Bijan. Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. are both dart throws who could see additional playing time this week if Brian Robinson remains in the coach’s doghouse because of recent fumbles.

[lawrence-related id=498324]

It will be virtually impossible to fit Amon-Ra St. Brown under the cap unless you go silly-cheap at RB. That is fine since Jameson Williams has produced on par with Amon-Ra recently. My WR1 comes down to Jauan Jennings, Terry McLaurin (ankle), Deebo Samuel and Drake London. The price of McLaurin is higher than the others, but if he plays, he is the best choice. The prices of the other three players are very similar, making them virtually interchangeable. Williams will probably be my WR2. Darnell Mooney is the only obvious pivot there. It becomes very sketchy at WR3. You can either spend up for a better TE or serviceable WR3. Ray-Ray McCloud and Tim Patrick are the safest WR3 choices. You also could punt with any of the Commanders’ depth WRs or Kalif Raymond (foot) if he returns as expected this week.

The TE position is gross this week. On FD, you can either pay up for George Kittle and then shaft yourself at WR or use the slightly cheaper Sam LaPorta. Zach Ertz is the discount pivot. He also makes a solid flex play. Kyle Pitts also is cheap. He also is absolutely unreliable. If you like lighting money on fire, play him.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 17

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 17 DFS fantasy football.

With games all week long, the slate for Week 17 is thin. This makes things a little easier in terms of combinations of usable lineups. However, it also increases the likelihood of a chopped tourney pot. When the player pool is smaller, finding the one key variant player from the masses is important. Just remember to enjoy this week since next week we will get several teams pulling their starting lineups out of a hat.

Recommended DFS lineups

*Note: FanDuel and Fanball include the Sunday night game on their Main Slate. DraftKings doesn’t include them, so the pricing is listed as N/A.

DK Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($6.9k), RB Jonathan Taylor ($7.9k), RB Bucky Irving ($6.7k), WR Brian Thomas Jr. ($6.8k), WR Adam Thielen ($5.7k), WR Jalen McMillan ($4.6k), TE Chig Okonkwo ($3.6k), FLEX Tank Bigsby ($5.2k), DST Las Vegas Raiders ($2.6k)

FD Lineup: QB Jayden Daniels ($8.5k), RB Bucky Irving ($8.0k), RB Tank Bigsby ($6.1k), WR Terry McLaurin ($7.9k), WR Brian Thomas Jr. ($7.5k), WR Jalen McMillan ($5.9k), TE Chig Okonkwo ($5.4K), FLEX Aaron Jones ($7.4k), DST Las Vegas Raiders ($3.2k)

FB Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($6.4k), RB Saquon Barkley ($8.3k), RB Jonathan Taylor ($7.2k), WR Terry McLaurin ($7.3k), WR Adam Thielen ($5.2k), WR/TE Jalen McMillan ($3.7k), TE Chig Okonkwo ($3.5k), FLEX Jerome Ford ($5.6k), SUPERFLEX Jayden Daniels ($7.6k)

*Note: Player salaries are color-coded based on expected output. Red = Less than 2.5x value, Black = 2.5x value, Green = Greater than 3x value.

Quarterback DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,500 $9,100
Jayden Daniels N/A $8,500
Jalen Hurts $7,500 $8,300
Baker Mayfield $6,900 $8,200
Sam Darnold $6,400 $7,700
Jordan Love $6,200 $7,800
Anthony Richardson $5,900 $8,000
Tua Tagovailoa $5,800 $7,500
Aaron Rodgers $5,700 $7,300
Bryce Young $5,600 $7,100
Kenny Pickett $5,500 $6,600
Cooper Rush $5,400 $7,000
Derek Carr $5,300 $6,900
Spencer Rattler $5,300 $6,900
Mac Jones $5,200 $6,600
Michael Penix Jr. N/A $6,600
Aidan O’Connell $5,100 $6,800
Mason Rudolph $5,000 $6,700
Drew Lock $4,900 $6,500
Dorian Thompson-Robinson $4,800 $6,400
Tyrod Taylor $4,700 $6,200
Tanner McKee $4,500 $6,000
Tommy DeVito $4,400 $6,000

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Potential lingering injuries to Josh Allen (elbow) and Jalen Hurts (concussion) may shrink the playable pool even more. Fortunately, Jayden Daniels, Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and Jordan Love are all strong plays. Bryce Young, Mason Rudolph, and Mac Jones are the cheap punt choices.

Fantasy four-pack

Jayden Daniels, Commanders vs. ATL (N/A DK, $8,500 FD) Atlanta has held Desmond Ridder and Drew Lock in check for the last two weeks. Before that, they gave up 16 passing TDs over six games against NFL-level QBs. They also have allowed the ninth-most QB-rushing yards. Daniels should have a field day here.

Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers vs. CAR ($6,900 DK, $8,200 FD) Coming into this week, Carolina had allowed the most passing touchdowns this season. Mayfield has nine passing TDs over the last three weeks, and his 34 passing TDs rank third on the season. Stack him with Mike Evans and/or Jalen McMillan.

Sam Darnold, Vikings vs. GB ($6,400 DK, $7,700 FD) Over his last six games, Darnold has 16 of his 33 total TDs. Earlier this season, Darnold picked this defense apart to the tune of 275-3. Expect a similar line here.

Josh Allen, Bills vs. NYJ ($8,500 DK, $9,100 FD) Allen is dealing with hand/arm issues, but all signs point to him playing. He is coming off his second-worst game of the season, but this week he should see a return to form against a team that he already scored three times against this season. Plus, New York ranks second-worst, having allowed seven QB rushing TDs this year.

Sleepers

Bryce Young, Panthers @ TB ($5,600 DK, $7,100 FD) Only three teams have allowed more passing yards this season. This included allowing Young to throw for just under 300 yards back in Week 13, which was his best passing performance of the year. This also started a streak of three out of four games where Young scored a rushing TD. Meanwhile, Tampa has allowed the third-most QB rushing scores.

Mason Rudolph, Titans @ JAX ($5,000 DK, $6,700 FD) Rudolph has posted multiple TDs in four of his five full games played. This week he faces a Jacksonville defense that has allowed the most passing yards and the fourth-most passing TDs. Stack him with the white-hot Chig Okonkwo.

Running back DraftKings FanDuel
Saquon Barkley $8,600 $9,600
Bijan Robinson N/A $8,900
Josh Jacobs $8,100 $8,300
Jonathan Taylor $7,900 $8,400
De’Von Achane $7,700 $8,200
Alvin Kamara $7,300 $8,500
James Cook $7,200 $8,800
Chuba Hubbard $7,000 $7,600
Bucky Irving $6,700 $8,000
Tony Pollard $6,400 $7,000
Breece Hall $6,300 $7,900
Aaron Jones
 $6,200 $7,400
Rico Dowdle $6,000 $7,100
Brian Robinson Jr. N/A $6,900
Jerome Ford $5,900 $6,600
Tyrone Tracy Jr. $5,800 $6,500
Rachaad White $5,700 $6,800
Alexander Mattison $5,600 $5,700
Kendre Miller $5,500 $6,200
Tyjae Spears $5,400 $5,800
Travis Etienne Jr. $5,300 $6,000
Tank Bigsby $5,200 $6,100
Ameer Abdullah $5,100 $5,600
Tyler Allgeier N/A $5,500
Jeremy McNichols N/A $5,100
Braelon Allen $5,000 $5,000
Chris Rodriguez Jr. N/A $5,000
Cam Akers $4,900 $5,200
Jamaal Williams $4,800 $5,400
Raheem Mostert $4,700 $5,100
Ty Johnson $4,700 $5,400
Ezekiel Elliott $4,600 $5,300
Kenneth Gainwell $4,600 $4,800
Isaiah Davis $4,500 $4,900
Chris Brooks $4,400 $4,900
Pierre Strong Jr. $4,300 $4,500
Devin Singletary $4,200 $5,200
Ray Davis $4,200 $5,500
Emanuel Wilson $4,100 $5,300
Jaylen Wright $4,100 $4,600
Jordan Mims $4,000 $4,300

Running back

Weekly strategy – We face another existential crisis involving Saquon Barkley. Will Barkley be the entire offense if Jalen Hurts (concussion) and/or Kenny Pickett (ribs) miss this game, or will they focus all their defensive efforts on him? Bijan Robinson and Jonathan Taylor have cake matchups. One of those three must be your RB1. At RB2, I prefer to spend up for Bucky Irving or Chuba Hubbard (knee). You also can use Aaron Jones in the revenge game. Alexander Mattison, Tank Bigsby, Tyjae Spears, Jerome Ford, and Devin Singletary are potential punts or flex plays. 

Fantasy four-pack

Jonathan Taylor, Colts @ NYG ($7,900 DK, $8,400 FD) I was getting super-annoyed by Anthony Richardson stealing all of Taylor’s red zone love. Well, Taylor said, “Richardson can’t steal my TDs from 65 yards out.” Meanwhile, the Giants have allowed 11 scoring plays of greater than 20 yards.

Bijan Robinson, Falcons @ WAS (N/A DK, $8,900 FD) Since Week 6, Robinson has scored and/or topped 100 total yards in all but one game. This included a 103-yard, two-TD game last week. Only two teams are allowing more YPC than Washington, so Robinson will eat again.

Saquon Barkley, Eagles vs. DAL ($8,600 DK, $9,600 FD) If the Eagles don’t have to use their third-string QB, Barkley will carve up this defense. He feasted last week after Jalen Hurts was knocked out. I’d be happy with another 29-150-2 game.

Chuba Hubbard, Panthers @ TB ($7,000 DK, $7,600 FD) Hubbard (knee) got back on track last week against Arizona, scoring for the ninth time in 15 games this year. Tampa has been solid against the run, but they have an absurd split where they are allowing 53 more rushing yards per game at home.

Sleepers

Tank Bigsby, Jaguars vs. TEN ($5,200 DK, $6,100 FD) Over the last four weeks, Tennessee has allowed 749 total yards and eight total TDs to the RB position. Bigsby is still splitting touches with Travis Etienne, but he has scored twice in the past three weeks, while Etienne hasn’t scored since Week 2.

Jerome Ford, Browns vs. MIA ($5,900 DK, $6,600 FD) It took an injury, but Cleveland is back to using their best RB, Ford. He is averaging 9.8 YPC over the last two weeks. Early reports suggest chilly rain all game this week, so expect both teams to lean on their ground games.

Wide Receiver DraftKings FanDuel
Justin Jefferson $8,300 $9,000
A.J. Brown $7,800 $8,800
Mike Evans $7,500 $8,600
Davante Adams $7,100 $8,100
Terry McLaurin N/A $7,900
Tyreek Hill $6,900 $7,400
Brian Thomas Jr. $6,800 $7,500
Malik Nabers $6,600 $7,700
Drake London N/A $7,100
Jerry Jeudy $6,500 $6,800
Jordan Addison $6,300 $7,000
Garrett Wilson $6,100 $6,900
Jakobi Meyers $6,000 $6,600
Jayden Reed $5,900 $6,700
DeVonta Smith $5,800 $7,200
Darnell Mooney N/A $6,400
Adam Thielen $5,700 $6,200
Khalil Shakir $5,600 $6,500
Calvin Ridley $5,500 $6,300
Jaylen Waddle $5,400 $6,000
Chris Olave $5,200 $6,000
Ray-Ray McCloud III N/A $5,700
Romeo Doubs $5,100 $5,600
Amari Cooper $5,000 $5,500
Olamide Zaccheaus N/A $5,200
Dyami Brown N/A $5,100
Jamison Crowder N/A $5,000
Cedric Tillman $4,900 $4,900
Christian Watson $4,900 $6,000
Josh Downs $4,800 $6,100
Alec Pierce $4,700 $5,600
Michael Pittman Jr. $4,700 $5,900
Brandin Cooks $4,600 $5,800
Jalen McMillan $4,600 $5,900
Keon Coleman $4,500 $5,400
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $4,500 $5,500
Wan’Dale Robinson $4,400 $5,300
Xavier Legette $4,400 $4,900
Elijah Moore $4,300 $5,400
Jalen Coker $4,300 $5,100
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,200 $5,800
Parker Washington $4,200 $5,500
David Moore $4,100 $4,900
Jalen Tolbert $4,100 $5,200
Allen Lazard $4,000 $5,000
Malik Washington $4,000 $5,100
Dontayvion Wicks $3,900 $5,200
Adonai Mitchell $3,800 $5,000
Tre Tucker $3,800 $5,000
Mack Hollins $3,700 $4,900
Sterling Shepard $3,600 $5,300
Tyler Boyd $3,500 $4,800
KaVontae Turpin $3,400 $4,900
Darius Slayton $3,300 $4,900
Cedrick Wilson Jr. $3,200 $4,800
River Cracraft $3,200 $4,300
Jahan Dotson $3,100 $4,500
Kevin Austin Jr. $3,100 $4,700
Michael Woods II $3,100 $4,800
Curtis Samuel $3,000 $4,800
Dante Pettis $3,000 $4,600
Devin Duvernay $3,000 $4,600
Jonathan Mingo $3,000 $4,500
Josh Reynolds $3,000 $4,800
Rakim Jarrett $3,000 $4,500
Trey Palmer $3,000 $4,700

Wide receiver

Weekly strategy – Justin Jefferson, Mike Evans, and Terry McLaurin are the top three choices this week. If Philly gets Hurts back, A.J. Brown also is a viable WR1 option. At WR2, Brian Thomas Jr., Jordan Addison, and Adam Thielen (hamstring) make the most sense. The depth at WR is ugly this week. Jalen McMillan, Romeo Doubs, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Michael Pittman Jr. are the best of this foul stench. You need one of them. My recommendation is to use McMillan and then choose a WR1 other than Evans.

Fantasy four-pack

Justin Jefferson, Vikings vs. GB ($8,300 DK, $9,000 FD) Over his last three home games versus the Packers, Jefferson has posted 22-412-4. He also scored against them earlier this year on the road. 

Mike Evans, Buccaneers vs. CAR ($7,500 DK, $8,600 FD) Over the last four weeks, only five teams have given up more TDs to opposing WRs than Carolina. This stretch included an 8-118-1 game by Evans. 

Terry McLaurin, Commanders vs. ATL (N/A DK, $7,900 FD) Only one WR1 failed to reach double-digit PPR points against this team this season. That was the game where Tampa started Sterling Shepard as their alpha. Since Week 12, McLaurin has led all WRs in TDs.

A.J. Brown, Eagles vs. DAL ($7,800 DK, $8,800 FD) Both Jalen Hurts and Kenny Pickett have had success connecting with Brown. So, as long as one of those two is starting, he will be a safe floor play of 8-90-1 against a defense that has allowed the most WR receptions over the last four weeks.

Sleepers

Adam Thielen, Panthers @ TB ($5,700 DK, $6,200 FD) In his second game back from injury, Thielen posted 8-99-1 against this defense. He has become Bryce Young‘s favorite target. Unfortunately, he suffered a hamstring injury in practice on Thursday. Assuming he suits up, he makes a grand play against a fantasy-friendly defense. If you use Young, stack him with Thielen and run it back with Mike Evans, or …

Jalen McMillan, Buccaneers vs. CAR ($4,600 DK, $5,900 FD) McMillan. He has scored four times in the last three weeks. Ride the fiery streak here as long as his price remains this low.

Tight End DraftKings FanDuel
Brock Bowers $6,700 $7,600
Jonnu Smith $5,700 $6,800
David Njoku $4,700 $6,200
T.J. Hockenson $4,500 $5,700
Dalton Kincaid $4,300 $5,800
Cade Otton $4,200 $5,300
Brenton Strange $4,000 $5,100
Tucker Kraft $3,900 $5,200
Jake Ferguson $3,700 $5,500
Chig Okonkwo $3,600 $5,400
Juwan Johnson $3,500 $5,200
Kyle Pitts N/A $5,000
Zach Ertz N/A $5,000
Tommy Tremble $3,200 $4,800
Grant Calcatera $3,100 $4,700
Dawson Knox $3,000 $4,800
Foster Moreau $3,000 $5,100
Payne Durham $2,900 $4,600
Tyler Conklin $2,900 $4,900
Daniel Bellinger $2,800 $4,800
Ja’Tavion Sanders $2,800 $4,600
Jordan Akins $2,700 $4,900
Josh Oliver $2,600 $4,800
AJ Barner $3,100 $4,700
John Bates $3,000 $4,300
Tommy Tremble $3,000 $4,800
Daniel Bellinger $2,900 $4,900
Ja’Tavion Sanders $2,900 $4,700
Michael Mayer $2,900 $4,600
Ben Sinnott $2,800 $4,400
Josh Oliver $2,800 $4,900
Tyler Conklin $2,800 $4,700
Colby Parkinson $2,700 $4,900

Tight end

Weekly strategy – Jonnu Smith and Chig Okonkwo are two of my favorite TE plays this week. Brock Bowers has a tough matchup, but he has been elite all season. T.J. Hockenson and Tucker Kraft are the pivot choices who should have minimal ownership. Both Cade Otton and David Njoku are dealing with knee injuries. If either plays, they can be pivots as well. Their backups: Payne Durham and Jordan Akins, respectively, will have sneaky value if the starters ahead of them are out. Otherwise, consider the two Saints TEs as punt options.

Fantasy four-pack

Jonnu Smith, Dolphins @ CLE ($6,200 DK, $7,500 FD) Smith continues to be effective for Miami. Even in an ugly matchup last week, he finished with 6-62. Since Week 11, he is averaging just under 20 PPR points per game.

Chig Okonkwo, Titans @ JAX ($3,600 DK, $5,400 FD) Speaking of hot TEs, Okonkwo leads all TEs in targets and receptions over the last two weeks (since Mason Rudolph took over at QB). He should score this week as only three teams have given up more TE touchdowns.

Brock Bowers, Raiders @ NO ($6,700 DK, $7,600 FD) This will be a test for Bowers. New Orleans has allowed a league-low one TE score. Plus, only two of the last nine TEs to face them have reached double-digit PPR points. Bowers has three duds in his last five games, but he leads the league in every relevant TE statistical category except TDs.

T.J. Hockenson, Vikings vs. GB ($4,500 DK, $5,700 FD) Hockenson’s production has been middling since his return. That said, Green Bay has allowed the seventh-most receptions and receiving yards to the position. Josh Oliver scored in their earlier meeting, and Hock scored against them before his injury last season, so Minnesota targets its TEs against this unit.

Sleepers

Tucker Kraft, Packers @ MIN ($3,900 DK, $5,200 FD) Kraft doesn’t have a ton of targets or receptions, but he ranks seventh in receiving yards and third in receiving TDs among TEs. Minnesota has been generous to the position recently, allowing the seventh-most receiving yards and eighth-most receptions over the last four weeks.

Foster Moreau, Saints vs. LV ($3,000 DK, $5,100 FD) Moreau and Juwan Johnson are the closest healthy thing that New Orleans has to a receiving threat, provided WR Chris Olave (head) doesn’t return. The twosome will split 7-70-1 against one of the worst TE defenses in football. I trust Moreau to score just slightly more than Johnson.

Saturday DFS Domination: Week 17

Lineup recommendations for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 17 DFS fantasy football primetime slate.

The massive popularity of small DFS slates has propelled us to expand our DFS coverage. Here are my favorite lineups for this Saturday-Only Slate.

Recommended Saturday-Only DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Joe Burrow ($7.2k), RB Kyren Williams ($7.5k), RB Antonio Gibson ($5.2k), WR Ja’Marr Chase ($8.4k), WR Ladd McConkey ($6.6k), WR Kendrick Bourne ($3.3k), TE Stone Smartt ($3.4k), FLEX Marvin Harrison Jr. ($5.2k), DST Los Angeles Rams ($3.2k)

FD Lineup: QB Joe Burrow ($8.0k), RB Kyren Williams ($8.5k), RB Antonio Gibson ($5.3k), WR Ja’Marr Chase ($9.6k), WR Cooper Kupp ($7.6k) WR Ladd McConkey ($7.2k), TE Stone Smartt ($5.0k), FLEX Kendrick Bourne ($4.8k), DST Los Angeles Rams ($4.0k)

Joe Burrow (wrist/knee) carries the same injury designations he has played through most of the season. I’m less concerned about the injury than the matchup. Still, he has played at an elite level for several weeks, so he remains the top option on the board. If I pivot from him, it will probably be with Bo Nix or Justin Herbert. Kyler Murray also may be in play, but offensive line injuries in front of him are disconcerting. Fade Matthew Stafford and Drake Maye.

Injury and job split concerns surround the RB depth chart. Kyren Williams and Chase Brown are the top options on the docket, but you must get creative at WR/TE to fit both. Still, one of them must be your RB1. James Conner (knee) would be a great pivot if he’s cleared to play. His backup, Trey Benson (ankle), also is beaten up. Both are officially questionionable. He could be a decent RB2 pivot if Conner is out. Michael Carter would get the start if they were both out. He could finish as a volume RB2, but he’s a stretch play, at best.

We also don’t know how the Chargers’ backfield will shake out. J.K. Dobbins (knee) has missed several weeks and is questionable. Even if he plays, he likely will be on a snap count. Gus Edwards (ankle) coming off a big week but has been ruled out. The backfield could end up being led by Kimani Vidal. If so, he would instantly vault to the top of my RB2 rankings. But there’s so much uncertainty that both the rookie and Dobbins fall more into the flex/punt range.

Denver also features an island of misfit toys at RB. Good luck choosing which of Jaleel McLaughlin, Javonte Williams, and Audric Estime to play from week to week. Cincy’s defense sucks, so whoever leads this backfield could produce serviceable numbers, but choosing between them is fantasy Russian roulette. Finally, we have New England. The coaches have announced that Antonio Gibson may take over as the primary ball carrier from Rhamondre Stevenson. If this is true, Gibson makes an interesting case to be the RB2 on this slate. Of course, this could be coachspeak, which would destroy your chances. That said, I trust the move here.

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At WR1, you have your choice of Ja’Marr Chase or Puka Nacua. Puka’s matchup is easier, but can you really ignore the ceiling that Chase presents? If you fade Chase, please use Tee Higgins at WR2, assuming he plays through a questionable tag. The other WR2 choices are Cooper Kupp, Courtland Sutton, and Ladd McConkey. The top-WR3 choice is Marvin Harrison Jr., since his ceiling is far above any of the other No. 3 choices. Quentin Johnston, Demarcus Robinson, the Patriots trio (Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, and Kendrick Bourne), and Devaughn Vele are the reasonable pivots there. Michael Wilson, Marvin Mims, Troy Franklin, Joshua Palmer, and Andrei Iosivas are dart throws, at best.

Trey McBride has a solid matchup, but he never scores. Considering the depth this week, he should be an easy fade. Mike Gesicki is my favorite pivot. Will Dissly (shoulder) may return from his two-game absence. It may be too late for him, though, as Stone Smartt may have wrestled the top spot from him. If Dissly is out, Smartt is a lineup lock. Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper are both seeing consistent targets for New England. I prefer Henry, but both are playable and either could be your flex. Tyler Higbee returned from a nearly year-long injury absence and immediately scored a TD. He should see a higher snap share this week, making him a low-ceiling pivot. Much like their RBs, the Denver TE room is a hall of horrors. In a favorable matchup, Adam Trautman is the one I would choose. Thankfully, I don’t have to.

Christmas DFS Domination: Week 17

Lineup recommendations for DraftKings and FanDuel for the Week 17 DFS fantasy football Christmas Day slate.

The massive popularity of small DFS slates has propelled us to expand our DFS coverage. Today, I offer you a holiday present as a bonus money-making opportunity for the Christmas Day slate. So, let’s ho, ho, go, and unwrap all the loot under the tree.

Recommended Christmas Day DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Lamar Jackson ($8.0k), RB Derrick Henry ($8.2k), RB Kareem Hunt ($5.2k), WR Nico Collins ($8.3k), WR Rashod Bateman ($4.8k), WR Marquise Brown ($4.5k), TE Mark Andrews ($4.3k), FLEX Pat Freiermuth ($3.9k), DST Pittsburgh Steelers ($2.8k)

FD Lineup: QB Lamar Jackson ($8.6k), RB Derrick Henry ($9.2k), RB Isiah Pacheco ($5.9k), WR Nico Collins ($9.1k), WR Rashod Bateman ($6.2k) WR DeAndre Hopkins ($6.1k), TE Pat Freiermuth ($5.3k), FLEX Dalton Schultz ($5.5k), DST Pittsburgh Steelers ($4.0k)

FB Lineup: QB Lamar Jackson ($7.8k), RB Derrick Henry ($7.7k), RB Kareem Hunt ($5.3k), WR Nico Collins ($7.3k), WR Zay Flowers ($6.2k), WR/TE Marquise Brown ($4.3k), TE Mark Andrews ($4.4k), FLEX Travis Kelce ($5.4k), SUPERFLEX Patrick Mahomes ($6.6k)

Lamar Jackson is expensive, but deservingly so. He is the safest play on the slate. C.J. Stroud has arguably the best matchup, but he also will be without two of his three starting WRs from earlier this season. Stroud and Patrick Mahomes will be the pivot options. We can ignore Russell Wilson, the cheapest QB on the slate, unless George Pickens (hamstring) returns.

Choosing not to play Derrick Henry is certainly a decision. On a weak RB board, it’s a decision that was probably influenced by drinking some expired egg nog. If you fade Henry, Joe Mixon would be the pivot. Financially, rostering both of them is next to impossible, unless you get gross at WR. RB2 should be one of the Kansas City Chiefs. After last week, Kareem Hunt seems the safer option, but Isiah Pacheco is a fine choice as well. Their prices are virtually interchangeable. Jaylen Warren outproduced Najee Harris last week. That performance came against a stout run defense, which led to featuring Warren more in the passing game. KC also is tough against the run, suggesting Warren may outproduce Harris once again if you choose to use one of them at flex or RB2. A concussion knocked Justice Hill (concussion) out of last week’s game. Clearing the protocol in a short week seems impossible. This suggests that Rasheen Ali and Keaton Mitchell may see some play. Mitchell has been a healthy scratch the last three weeks, but he looked electric when presented with an opportunity last season. Either of them, Samaje Perine, or Cordarrelle Patterson could be punt options.

Saint Nico Collins should bring the presents as your WR1. There isn’t a pivot. He should have 100% ownership. WR2 will be a choice between Zay Flowers (shoulder), George Pickens (hamstring), and the three Chiefs (Marquise Brown, Xavier Worthy, and DeAndre Hopkins). If Flowers is a no-go, Rashod Bateman also can be a consideration. At WR3, I’m going to play one of the remaining Chiefs, Calvin Austin, or Robert Woods. The punt options include: Nelson Agholor (concussion), Tylan Wallace, Van Jefferson, John Metchie (shoulder), JuJu Smith-Schuster, Ben Skowronek (hip), Mike Williams, and Xavier Hutchinson. None of them are very appealing.

We have two stud TEs, Mark Andrews and Travis Kelce. We also have two solid TEs facing crappy TE defenses: Pat Freiermuth and Dalton Schultz. With the shortage of depth talent to choose from on this slate, I will probably choose one of these four as my flex. Noah Gray and Isaiah Likely should see enough volume to consider as punt plays.