Tag: dfs value picks

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 1

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

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

Recommended DFS lineups

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

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

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

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

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

Quarterback

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

Fantasy four-pack

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

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

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

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

Sleepers

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

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

Running back

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

Fantasy four-pack

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

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

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

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

Sleepers

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

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

Wide receiver

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

Fantasy four-pack

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

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

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

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

Sleepers

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

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

Tight end

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

Fantasy four-pack

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

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

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

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

Sleepers

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

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

Fantasy Football DFS Daily Domination: Super Bowl LVIII

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

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

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

First up: The Rules

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

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

Second: The Usual Strategies

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

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

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

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

Potential lineups for DK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Potential lineups for FD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Game

San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Player Pool

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

Daily Fantasy Domination: Conference Championship Round

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

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

DFS: The Main Slate: recommended lineups

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

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

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

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

Quarterback

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

Pay to play

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

Stay away

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

Value play

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

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

Running back

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

Pay to play

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

Stay away

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

Value play

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

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

Wide receiver

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

Pay to play

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

Stay away

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

Value play

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

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

Tight end

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

Pay to play

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

Stay away

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

Value play

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

Daily Fantasy Domination: Divisional Round

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

We are down to eight teams left. After a Wild Card Weekend loaded with blowouts, will we finally see some close games? Will we see more weather terrorism? How about returning injured stars? One thing is for certain. There is money to be won, so let’s go get it!

NFL Divisional Round: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Jared Goff ($6.3k), RB Isiah Pacheco ($6.4k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($8.8k), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown ($8.2k), WR Josh Reynolds ($3.7k), WR Khalil Shakir ($3.8k), TE Cade Otton ($3.5k), FLEX Gus Edwards ($5.9k), DST San Francisco 49ers ($3.4k)

FD Lineup: QB Jared Goff ($7.6k), RB Justice Hill ($5.3k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($10.8k), WR Romeo Doubs ($6.1k), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown ($9.2k), WR Justin Watson ($5.0k), TE George Kittle ($6.4k), FLEX Cade Otton ($5.3k), DST Baltimore Ravens ($4.3k)

FB Lineup: QB Brock Purdy ($6.4k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($8.9k), RB Gus Edwards ($5.5k), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown ($7.8k), WR Deebo Samuel ($7.1k), WR Odell Beckham Jr. ($4.2k), TE George Kittle ($5.3k), FLEX Cade Otton ($3.5k), FLEX Jared Goff ($6.3k)

Quarterback

Player DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,000 $9,400
Lamar Jackson $7,900 $8,700
Patrick Mahomes $6,800 $7,700
C.J. Stroud $6,700 $7,200
Brock Purdy $6,500 $7,800
Jared Goff $6,300 $7,600
Jordan Love $6,200 $7,400
Baker Mayfield $6,000 $7,300

Weekly strategy – Lamar Jackson has the safest matchup, but there isn’t an awful play on the slate. Brock Purdy, Jared Goff, and Baker Mayfield are all much cheaper and should outperform their salaries.

Pay to Play

Lamar Jackson, Ravens vs. HOU ($7,900 DK, $8,700 FD) During the regular season, only one team allowed fewer passing TDs than Houston. This suggests that maybe we should skip Jackson this week. Fortunately for him, Houston allowed the most QB rushing TDs. These two teams faced off way back in Week 1. The Texans held Jackson in check, but Justice Hill and J.K. Dobbins ran in three short TDs. Jackson will get in on the fun this week with at least one on the ground and one through the air.

Stay Away

C.J. Stroud, Texans @ BAL ($6,700 DK, $7,200 FD) The only team to allow fewer passing TDs than the Texans was the Ravens. The big difference is that Houston allowed the eighth-most passing yards while Baltimore allowed the sixth fewest. There is some hope for Stroud in that Baltimore allowed 31% of their league-low 16 passing TDs over their last four games. Plus, he probably will play from behind. Unfortunately, Stroud only has two games this year (including the big game last week) where he has posted monster numbers while facing a top-10 defense. In those six tougher matchups (including Week 1 versus Baltimore), Stroud averaged 211-1 through the air.

value play

Jared Goff, Lions vs. TB ($6,300 DK, $7,600 FD) Tampa allowed only one passing score last week. Of course, that came against a QB with a dislocated finger playing without his top receiver. During the regular season, this defense allowed the fifth-most passing yards. This is amazingly awful when you consider that their regular season included six games against Desmond Ridder, Derek Carr, and Bryce Young. Not to mention games against Gardner Minshew, half a game from C.J. Beathard, and Will Levis in his third career start. Goff threw for a season-high 353 yards against this defense back in Week 6. He will exceed that number in this projected shootout as both teams are stifling against the run.

Running Back

Player DraftKings FanDuel
Christian McCaffrey $8,800 $10,800
Aaron Jones $6,700 $7,400
Jahmyr Gibbs $6,600 $7,300
Rachaad White $6,500 $6,700
Isiah Pacheco $6,400 $7,500
James Cook $6,300 $6,800
David Montgomery $6,100 $7,000
Gus Edwards $5,900 $6,900
Devin Singletary $5,700 $6,400
Elijah Mitchell $5,200 $5,000
Justice Hill $4,800 $5,300
Chase Edmonds $4,700 $4,900
Dameon Pierce $4,600 $4,500
Clyde Edwards-Helaire $4,500 $5,000
AJ Dillon $4,400 $5,100
Jordan Mason $4,400 $4,400
Emanuel Wilson $4,200 $4,600
Ty Johnson $4,200 $4,800
Latavius Murray $4,100 $4,400
Dalvin Cook $4,000 $4,500
Kyle Juszczyk $4,000 $4,100

Weekly strategy – Christian McCaffrey (calf) needs to be your RB1. Aaron Jones has a tough matchup, but he has been playing well. You can say the same about the Detroit backfield and Rachaad White. So, use those four sparingly. If you decide to fade McCaffrey, use a combination of Gus Edwards, James Cook, and Isiah Pacheco. They also are your best choices for RB2.

Pay to Play

Christian McCaffrey, Niners vs. GB ($8,800 DK, $10,800 FD) No one needs to tell you to play McCaffrey. Despite sitting out Week 18, McCaffrey still finished with over 2,000 scrimmage yards and 21 TDs. This was 438 more scrimmage yards than the next closest RB, despite playing one fewer game. Dual-threat backs have gouged Green Bay all season. As long as CMC is not on a snap count, he should post 130 total yards and at least one TD.

Stay Away

Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions vs. TB ($6,600 DK, $7,300 FD) During the regular season, Tampa Bay allowed a league-low five RB rushing scores and seven total RB scores. Gibbs has been on fire, scoring seven times over his last six games. Still, it is tough to chase a TD in this matchup, especially when he is splitting backfield touches with David Montgomery. Gibbs missed the earlier meeting versus Tampa, but the remaining RBs totaled just 34 yards on 19 carries. Even if Gibbs does score here, you are going to still need all the other bricks to fall right for him to return 2.5x value.

Value Play

Gus Edwards, Ravens vs. HOU ($5,900 DK, $6,900 FD) There is only one great matchup for an RB this week. That is McCaffrey versus Green Bay. All the other defenses are very solid against the run. Among the other seven teams, the worst of the best is Houston. Last week, the Texans gave up a pair of short-yardage scores to Kareem Hunt, and the week before that Jonathan Taylor ran wild against this defense. Back in Week 1, Baltimore scored three rushing TDs against them. Edwards has a nose for the end zone. He will score this week. Just don’t expect huge yardage, since he still splits carries with Justice Hill and Lamar Jackson.

Wide Receiver

Player DraftKings FanDuel
Amon-Ra St. Brown $8,200 $9,200
Deebo Samuel $7,700 $8,300
Mike Evans $7,200 $7,600
Nico Collins $7,100 $8,700
Stefon Diggs $7,000 $7,500
Brandon Aiyuk $6,900 $7,900
Rashee Rice $6,800 $7,800
Chris Godwin $6,300 $6,900
Zay Flowers $6,000 $7,000
Romeo Doubs $5,600 $6,100
Jayden Reed $5,200 $6,600
Gabe Davis $5,000 $6,000
Dontayvion Wicks $4,900 $5,700
Odell Beckham Jr. $4,600 $5,600
Christian Watson $4,200 $5,800
Rashod Bateman $4,000 $5,100
Khalil Shakir $3,800 $5,900
Josh Reynolds $3,700 $6,100
Nelson Agholor $3,700 $4,900
Jameson Williams $3,600 $5,300
Jauan Jennings $3,600 $4,700
Robert Woods $3,500 $5,300
Skyy Moore $3,500 $4,500
Trey Palmer $3,500 $5,200
John Metchie III $3,400 $5,000
Bo Melton $3,300 $4,600
David Moore $3,300 $4,700
Justin Watson $3,300 $5,000
Kadarius Toney $3,200 $4,600
Kalif Raymond $3,200 $4,600
Ronnie Bell $3,200 $4,500
Trent Sherfield $3,100 $4,600
Andy Isabella $3,000 $4,200
Deonte Harty $3,000 $4,500
Deven Thompkins $3,000 $4,400
Devin Duvernay $3,000 $4,100
Justyn Ross $3,000 $4,300
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $3,000 $4,700
Mecole Hardman Jr. $3,000 $4,800
Richie James Jr. $3,000 $4,400
Xavier Hutchinson $3,000 $4,800

Weekly strategy – Deebo Samuel, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Mike Evans are the best plays of the week. You need two of them in your lineup. Rashee Rice and Zay Flowers would be the pivots. Romeo Doubs had a huge Wild Card week. He has an outside chance to repeat that here. Consider him and the rest of the Packers’ WR room as WR3 options. Otherwise, use Odell Beckham Jr., Khalil Shakir, Josh Reynolds, Jamison Williams, Trey Palmer, Justin Watson, or Mecole Hardman.

Pay to Play

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions vs. TB ($8,200 DK, $9,200 FD) Alpha WRs have pillaged the Buccaneers all year. Back in Week 6, St. Brown eviscerated them to the tune of 12-124-1. That was just one of the 10 games this season where St. Brown has topped 100 receiving yards. St. Brown will have high ownership numbers, but he is the surest WR on this slate.

Stay Away

Stefon Diggs, Bills vs. KC ($7,000 DK, $7,500 FD) Buffalo could see more weather terrorism this weekend. Compounding this with their facing an elite KC pass defense makes this passing offense a risky play. Diggs caught only four of 11 passes in their earlier meeting as he remains mired in a long slump. He has not topped 100 yards in any of his last 12 games and has scored only three times during that span. If you want exposure to this passing offense, use Khalil Shakir or Dalton Kincaid instead.

Value Play

Trey Palmer, Buccaneers @ DET ($3,500 DK, $5,200 FD) Detroit finished the regular season third worst in both WR receiving yards and receiving TDs. Meanwhile, Palmer has scored in two of his last three games while establishing himself as the field-stretcher of the Buccaneers offense. Last week, Detroit allowed seven passes of greater than 20 yards, including two TDs. They have now allowed six 20-plus-yard TDs in their last four games.

Tight End

Player DraftKings FanDuel
Travis Kelce $6,000 $7,100
Sam LaPorta $5,900 $6,600
George Kittle $5,200 $6,400
Mark Andrews $5,000 $6,000
Dalton Kincaid $4,800 $6,200
Isaiah Likely $4,700 $5,500
Dalton Schultz $4,400 $5,800
Luke Musgrave $3,600 $5,100
Cade Otton $3,500 $5,300
Tucker Kraft $3,100 $4,800
Dawson Knox $3,000 $5,100
Brevin Jordan $2,700 $4,700
Blake Bell $2,500 $4,200
Brock Wright $2,500 $4,500
Noah Gray $2,500 $4,600

Weekly strategy – Travis Kelce is a beast in the playoffs. His recent struggles have lowered his price and could lead to lesser ownership. Both Sam LaPorta (knee) and George Kittle (back) have awesome matchups. If neither suffers a setback during the practice week, use them as well. With many players using the above threesome, Dalton Kincaid will be a lesser-owned TE1 pivot. Cade Otton is less expensive than all the above options. His matchup also is juicy. His price makes him an easy FLEX choice, saving you money for the higher-priced WRs.

Pay to Play

Travis Kelce, Chiefs @ BUF ($6,000 DK, $7,100 FD) Kelce has faded this season as teams force the Chiefs to beat them with other weapons. That said, “playoff Kelce” is something to behold. He has 16 career TDs in 19 career games. He even has a passing TD in one of those contests … not to mention that 14 of those TDs have come in his last 13 playoff games. He also has topped 70 receiving yards in each of his last 10 playoff games. Kelce has faced Buffalo twice in the postseason. In those two games, he has posted an average of 10.5-107-1.5. Buffalo has a myriad of injuries in the middle of their defense right now. Kelce is sitting on a beast-mode game.

Stay Away

Dalton Schultz, Texans @ BAL ($4,400 DK, $5,800 FD) Only two teams allowed fewer TE scores this season than Baltimore. Last week, Schultz scored a TD, but that was his only catch. It was his first TD since Week 11 and also marked the lowest number of targets that Schultz has seen since his return from a Week 12 injury. Expect Schultz to catch a few more passes this week, just don’t be shocked when he doesn’t score.

Value Play

Cade Otton, Buccaneers @ DET ($3,500 DK, $5,300 FD) Thanks to a cheap DK price, Otton is the best double-TE option on the board. Over their last five games, Detroit has allowed an average of 4.6-67 to the position. Last week, Otton posted career highs in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. In another shootout, he should post another high-water performance.

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.

This is truly a Super Wild Card Weekend. All three sites have posted full weekend slates. In addition, both DraftKings and FanDuel are offering Saturday-only slates, and all three sites are offering Sunday-only slates.

Of course, to confuse us all, FanDuel’s prices fluctuate between the slates. To cover this, in the recommended lineups section, I will use the actual slate-specific pricing, while the rest of this breakdown will be based on the full-slate pricing.

The Saturday-only Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Joe Flacco ($6.1k), RB Isiah Pacheco ($6.4k), RB Devin Singletary ($5.7k), WR Nico Collins ($7.0k), WR Amari Cooper ($6.8k), WR Justin Watson ($3.4k), TE David Njoku ($5.6k), FLEX Travis Kelce ($6.1k), DST Kansas City Chiefs ($2.9k)

FD Lineup: QB Joe Flacco ($7.8k), RB Kareem Hunt ($5.6k), RB Devin Singletary ($6.4k), WR Nico Collins ($8.3k), WR Amari Cooper ($7.5k), WR Justin Watson ($5.2k), TE David Njoku ($7.0k), FLEX Isiah Pacheco ($8.0k), DST Kansas City Chiefs ($4.0k)

*Fanball is not listing a Saturday-only slate, but they will have a Sunday-only one. They also offer a full weekend slate. If you want to play there on Saturday, they have a Saturday-only 5×5 contest, which allows you to select five players from five pricing tiers ($1-$5) as long as your total salary is under $15.

The Sunday-only Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Matthew Stafford ($6.5k), RB Aaron Jones ($6.3k), RB Najee Harris ($5.4k), WR CeeDee Lamb ($9.0k), WR Cooper Kupp ($7.5k), WR Demarcus Robinson ($3.6k), TE Dalton Kincaid ($4.6k), FLEX Jameson Williams ($3.5k), DST Buffalo Bills ($3.5k)

FD Lineup: QB Matthew Stafford ($7.4k), RB James Cook ($7.1k), RB Najee Harris ($6.5k), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown ($9.0k), WR Cooper Kupp ($7.5k), WR Brandin Cooks ($6.5k), TE Tyler Higbee ($5.2k) or Davis Allen ($4.8k), FLEX Khalil Shakir ($5.8k) or Dalton Kincaid ($6.0k), DST Buffalo Bills ($5.0k)

*Note play whichever TE starts for the Rams. If you use Higbee, play Shakir. If you use Allen, play Kincaid.

FB Lineup: QB Dak Prescott ($7.2k), RB Najee Harris ($5.1k), RB Aaron Jones ($6.0k), WR CeeDee Lamb ($8.4k), WR Cooper Kupp ($7.1k), WR Jayden Reed ($5.3k), TE Dalton Kincaid ($4.8k), FLEX Brandin Cooks ($4.6k), SUPERFLEX Matthew Stafford ($6.5k)

The Full Wild Card Weekend Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Joe Flacco ($6.1k), RB Devin Singletary ($5.7k), RB Isiah Pacheco ($6.4k), WR Amari Cooper ($6.8k), WR Brandin Cooks ($4.9k), WR Demarcus Robinson ($3.6k), TE David Njoku ($5.6k), FLEX Mike Evans ($6.9k), DST Buffalo Bills ($3.5k)

FD Lineup: QB Matthew Stafford ($7.4k), RB Isiah Pacheco ($8.0k), RB Devin Singletary ($6.3k), WR Cooper Kupp ($7.5k), WR Brandin Cooks ($6.5k), WR Demarcus Robinson ($6.3k), TE Dalton Kincaid ($6.0k), FLEX Aaron Jones ($7.0k), DST Buffalo Bills ($5.0k)

FB Lineup: QB Joe Flacco ($6.0k), RB Tony Pollard ($5.9k), RB Devin Singletary ($5.2k), WR Amari Cooper ($6.3k), WR Cooper Kupp ($7.1k), WR Nico Collins ($6.6k), TE David Njoku ($5.6k), FLEX Mike Evans ($6.5k), SUPERFLEX Baker Mayfield ($6.0k)

Player DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,000 $9,300
Jalen Hurts $7,700 $9,000
Dak Prescott $7.600 $8,600
Patrick Mahomes $7,100 $8,000
Tua Tagovailoa $7,000 $7,000
C.J. Stroud $6,800 $7,600
Matthew Stafford $6.500 $7,400
Jordan Love $6,300 $7,600
Jared Goff $6,200 $7,700
Joe Flacco $6,100 $7,800
Baker Mayfield $5.800 $7,200
Mason Rudolph  $5,300 $6,300
Marcus Mariota $5.000 $6,100

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Almost every QB is in play this week. The best matchups go to Baker Mayfield, Joe Flacco, and Matthew Stafford. Josh Allen and Dak Prescott also have great matchups, but their prices reflect it. Jalen Hurts (finger) has an absurdly juicy matchup, but his team is dealing with WR injuries on top of his own dislocated finger. Mason Rudolph won’t even be playing himself, so don’t get cute.

Pay to Play

Dak Prescott, Cowboys vs. GB
($7,600 DK, $8,600 FD) Since their Week 7 bye, Prescott has 20 total TDs over six home games. Green Bay has struggled against the pass all season, despite facing a lengthened stretch of backups, bottom-feeding starters, and underperforming stars. Weather will not be a factor here, so Prescott is a lock for 350-3.  

Stay Away

Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins @ KC ($7,000 DK, $7,000 FD) The Dolphins offense is elite, but since Week 9, Tua has been borderline awful. He has only 11 TDs over those nine games. Six of those games featured one or fewer TDs for him. This included a 193-1 performance at Arrowhead. The weather forecast for this contest is frigid. I’m not even sure that the Tyreek Hill revenge game narrative can prop up Tua here.

Value Play

Matthew Stafford, Rams @ DET ($6,500 DK, $7,400 FD) Over their last four games, Detroit has allowed a league-worst 1,375 passing yards. That is 181 more passing yards than the next worst team. Meanwhile, Stafford has 15 of his 24 TDs in his last six games. This game will be a shootout, so both Stafford and Jared Goff will post 300-3.

Player DraftKings FanDuel
Kyren Williams $7,300 $9,000
Rachaad White $6,900 $7,700
De’Von Achane $6,800 $7,400
Raheem Mostert $6,700 $8,200
James Cook $6,600 $7,100
Jahmyr Gibbs $6,500 $7,400
Isiah Pacheco $6,400 $8,000
Aaron Jones $6,300 $7,000
David Montgomery $6,200 $7,600
Tony Pollard $6,100 $7,800
D’Andre Swift $6,000 $6,900
Devin Singletary $5,700 $6,300
Jerome Ford $5,500 $6,800
Najee Harris $5,400 $6,500
Jaylen Warren $5,100 $5,600
Kenneth Gainwell $4,900 $4,900
Chase Edmonds $4,800 $5,300
Clyde Edwards-Helaire $4,800 $5,400
Kareem Hunt $4,700 $5,600
Rico Dowdle $4,600 $5,000
Dameon Pierce $4,500 $4,800
AJ Dillon $4,400 $5,300
Leonard Fournette $4,400 $4,800
Latavius Murray $4,300 $4,200
Jeff Wilson Jr. $4,200 $5,000
Jerick McKinnon $4,000 $4,800

Running Back

Weekly strategy – Only Isiah Pacheco has a positive matchup. Kyren Williams, Rachaad White, and De’Von Achane are all riding fiery streaks, but with so many stud WRs this week, throw your money elsewhere. Devin Singletary, Najee Harris, and Jerome Ford provide the needed salary relief to go massive at WR. Rico Dowdle and Kareem Hunt are the two safe punt plays.

Pay to Play

Isiah Pacheco, Chiefs vs. MIA ($6,400 DK, $8,000 FD) Miami has allowed the third-most 1.5 opponent rushing scores per game on the road. With foul weather looming, both teams will lean on their ground games. Pacheco has scored in each of his last four games. This will make it five in a row.

Stay Away

Kyren Williams, Rams @ DET
($7,300 DK, $9,000 FD) Williams continues to score TDs. He has played in 12 games and scored in nine of them. Unfortunately, only four of those 12 matchups were against top-15 run defenses; and two of those four defenses held him out of the end zone. Detroit has the top-ranked defense against the run. Since Week 11, only two RBs have reached double-digit PPR points against them. If you use Williams here, you are chasing a TD. Even then, you won’t hit 2.5x value.

Value Play

Devin Singletary, Texans vs. CLE ($5,700 DK, $6,300 FD) In Week 16, Singletary posted a dud against Cleveland. Of course, that game featured Case Keenum and Davis Mills at QB for the Texans. With C.J. Stroud back, this offense is back on track. Singletary has been the leader of this backfield since Week 7 and Dameon Pierce didn’t see any offensive snaps last week. With Singletary being the singular focus of this rushing attack, look for him to score once again.

Player DraftKings FanDuel
CeeDee Lamb $9,000 $10,000
Tyreek Hill $8,700 $9,400
A.J. Brown $8,100 $8,200
Amon-Ra St. Brown $8,000 $9,000
Cooper Kupp $7,500 $7,500
Stefon Diggs $7,400 $7,700
Puka Nacua $7,200 $8,000
Nico Collins $7,000 $8,300
Mike Evans $6,900 $8,400
Amari Cooper $6,800 $7,500
DeVonta Smith $6,700 $7,200
Rashee Rice $6,600 $7,800
Jaylen Waddle $6,500 $7,000
Chris Godwin $6,200 $6,900
Jayden Reed $5,700 $7,000
Romeo Doubs $5,400 $5,700
Gabe Davis $5,300 $6,000
George Pickens $5,200 $6,600
Noah Brown $5,100 $6,200
Diontae Johnson $5,000 $6,700
Brandin Cooks $4,900 $6,500
Dontayvion Wicks $4,800 $5,900
Christian Watson $4,500 $6,400
Elijah Moore $4,000 $6,000
Julio Jones $3,900 $5,100
Cedrick Wilson Jr. $3,800 $5,000
Josh Reynolds $3,800 $5,500
Cedric Tillman $3,700 $4,600
Demarcus Robinson $3,600 $6,300
Robert Woods $3,600 $5,300
David Bell $3,500 $5,100
Jameson Williams $3,500 $5,200
Quez Watkins $3,500 $4,400
Justin Watson $3,400 $5,200
Khalil Shakir $3,400 $5,800
Trey Palmer $3,400 $5,400
Bo Melton $3,300 $5,100
Richie James Jr. $3,300 $4,400
Trent Sherfield $3,300 $4,900
John Metchie III $3,200 $4,900
Kadarius Toney $3,200 $4,700
Kalif Raymond $3,200 $5,000
Tutu Atwell $3,200 $4,700
Braxton Berrios $3,100 $4,600
Mecole Hardman Jr. $3,100 $4,900
Michael Gallup $3,100 $4,600
Allen Robinson II $3,000 $4,600
Britain Covey $3,000 $4,100
Chase Claypool $3,000 $4,300
Deonte Harty $3,000 $4,500
Jalen Tolbert $3,000 $4,800
Justyn Ross $3,000 $4,300
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $3,000 $4,800
Olamide Zaccheaus $3,000 $4,500
Skyy Moore $3,000 $4,600
Xavier Hutchinson $3,000 $4,600

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – Tyreek Hill gets the revenge game narrative. He also has arguably the toughest defensive matchup (not that this has ever stopped Hill before). Still, with so many great matchups to choose from, he feels like a fade. You can use CeeDee Lamb, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Nico Collins, Mike Evans, Amari Cooper (heel), Cooper Kupp, and Puka Nacua at WR1/WR2. You must use one of them, and you should use two of them. Jayden Reed, Rashee Rice, Brandin Cooks, and George Pickens are your WR2 pivots. They could also be your WR3 play. Elijah Moore, Julio Jones, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Demarcus Robinson, Jameson Williams, Justin Watson, Khalil Shakir, and whoever starts for Houston are your discount WR3 plays.

Pay to Play

CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys vs. GB
($9,000 DK, $10,000 FD) It remains to be seen if Jaire Alexander will be a captain for this game. If Alexander can avoid his coach suspending him, he will track Lamb all over the field. Alexander is very good, but Lamb is even better. Since their Week 7 bye, Lamb is averaging greater than nine receptions and 124 total yards per game. He also has 13 TDs over that span. During that stretch, he has scored in all but one game. The Cowboys will score at will in this one and that means loads of points for Lamb. 

Stay Away

Stefon Diggs, Bills vs. PIT ($7,400 DK, $7,700 FD) Since Joe Brady replaced Ken Dorsey as the Bills offensive coordinator, Diggs ranks 23rd in receptions and 46th in receiving yards among WRs. He also has only scored once during that stretch. Only two teams have allowed fewer WR touchdowns than Pittsburgh. With Gabe Davis (knee) out, Diggs may see a boost in targets. He also will see all the double teams.

Value Play

Jayden Reed, Packers @ DAL ($5,700 DK, $7,000 FD) Reed has scored in six of his last eight games. He also has battled various injuries over the last month but has missed only one full game. To stay in this one, Green Bay will need to throw the ball. Look for Jordan Love to force the ball to Reed as often as possible.

Player DraftKings FanDuel
Travis Kelce $6,100 $7,200
Sam LaPorta $6,000 $7,000
David Njoku $5,600 $7,000
Dallas Goedert $4,800 $6,100
Jake Ferguson $4,700 $6,200
Dalton Kincaid $4,600 $6,000
Dalton Schultz $4,400 $5,900
Pat Freiermuth $3,600 $4,900
Tyler Higbee $3,400 $5,200
Tucker Kraft $3,300 $5,300
Luke Musgrave $3,200 $5,100
Cade Otton $3,100 $5,000
Brock Wright $3,000 $4,700
Durham Smythe $3,000 $4,800
Dawson Knox $2,900 $5,000
James Mitchell $2,800 $4,600
Davis Allen $2,700 $4,800
Noah Gray $2,600 $4,600
Brevin Jordan $2,500 $4,400
Harrison Bryant $2,500 $4,400

Tight End

Weekly strategy – There are several good options here this week. Travis Kelce and David Njoku are the big-money sure things. Dallas Goedert, Dalton Schultz, and Dalton Kincaid are the cheap pivots. Tucker Kraft, Cade Otton, Durham Smythe, and Brock Wright are the punt choices.

Pay to Play

David Njoku, Browns @ HOU
($5,600 DK, $7,000 FD) This week, choosing between Travis Kelce and David Njoku will be the key TE decision. Both have great matchups, but one (Njoku) is red hot, and the other (Kelce) has been stuck in neutral. Ultimately, the weather concerns are the biggest dividing point between the two. Look for both to reach 3x value with Njoku outscoring Kelce by a smidgen. At a slightly cheaper price, that makes him the rational choice of the two. 

Stay Away

Jake Ferguson, Cowboys vs. GB ($4,700 DK, $6,200 FD) This isn’t an awful matchup, but it is the worst of the best. We know the Cowboys will score at will, so a TD is definitely in play. That said, both CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks are the safer choices. Since Week 11, Lamb has nine scores, Cooks has five, and Ferguson only has one. Still, chalk up Ferguson for a solid floor of 6-65. Leave him for your Dallas Voltron stacks.

Value Play

Dallas Goedert, Eagles @ TB ($4,800 DK, $6,100 FD) Over the last four weeks, no team has allowed more receptions to the TE position than Tampa Bay. They also have allowed the second-most receiving yards, and the third-most TDs to the position during that span. Goedert may see a boost in targets this week if A.J. Brown (knee) or DeVonta Smith (ankle) are limited or out. Of course, all of this hinges on Jalen Hurts (finger) being able to play through his dislocated finger. If Marcus Mariota plays a meaningful number of snaps, this whole offense is a lost cause.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 18

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

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

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

DFS: The Saturday Slate

Saturday Afternoon

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday Night

Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

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

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

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

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

Quarterback

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Running Back

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Wide Receiver

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Tight End

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

Daily Fantasy Domination: Week 12 Thanksgiving Edition

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

As you sit down to enjoy your holiday meal, think back on all the things for which you are thankful. For me, it’s a veritable feast of options to choose from that includes potentially having six above-average QBs and five legitimate TEs. Unfortunately, that means Sunday’s leftovers are gonna suck.

Thanksgiving Day Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Dak Prescott ($6.8k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($8.7k), RB AJ Dillon ($5.4k), WR CeeDee Lamb ($8.7k), WR Michael Gallup ($3.7k), WR Curtis Samuel ($3.6k), TE George Kittle ($6.0k), FLEX Jake Ferguson ($3.9k), DST Detroit Lions ($3.2k)

FD Lineup: QB Dak Prescott ($8.5k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($9.8k), RB Zach Charbonnet ($5.8k), WR CeeDee Lamb ($9.2k), WR Romeo Doubs ($6.2k), WR Brandin Cooks ($5.7k), TE Jake Ferguson ($6.1k), FLEX Jaxon Smith-Njigba ($5.4k), DST Seattle Seahawks ($3.3k)

FB Lineup: QB Dak Prescott ($6.9k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($8.8k), RB AJ Dillon ($5.0k), WR CeeDee Lamb ($8.2k), WR Romeo Doubs ($4.7k), WR Brandin Cooks ($4.1k), TE George Kittle ($6.3k), FLEX Jake Ferguson ($4.3k), FLEX Brock Purdy ($6.2k)

Quarterback

Player DraftKings FanDuel
Dak Prescott $6,800 $8,500
Jared Goff $6,300 $7,800
Sam Howell $6,200 $7,300
Brock Purdy $6,100 $7,700
Geno Smith $5,600 $6,600
Jordan Love $5,500 $7,200
Drew Lock $5,000 $6,600

Weekly strategy – Dak Prescott gets the easiest matchup. He is the easy QB1 choice. That said, only Sam Howell‘s matchup concerns me. Whoever starts for Seattle would be my favorite punt play.

Pay to Play

Dak Prescott, Cowboys vs. WAS ($6,800 DK, $8,500 FD) Washington just allowed Tommy DeVito to throw for three TDs. When that happens, you should just fold your franchise. The Commanders also have allowed multiple scores to “studs” like Desmond Ridder, Geno Smith, and Tyrod Taylor. Over his last four games, Prescott has 14 TDs. He will add four more here.

Stay Away

Sam Howell, Commanders @ DAL ($6,200 DK, $7,300 FD) Many articles have highlighted that Howell has more passing yards than any other QB. These articles artificially inflate this number since he has not yet had his bye, and since many QBs have missed games because of injury. Still, he has seven games with greater than 250 passing yards. That will be his ceiling this week as only one QB has topped that mark versus Dallas. He will still account for a pair of TDs, but he is the worst option on this slate.

value play

Brock Purdy, Niners @ SEA ($6,100 DK, $7,700 FD) The return of Trent Williams has coincided with back-to-back three TD performances for Purdy. Seattle’s pass defense ranks in the middle of the pack, but the only competent QBs that they have faced are Jared Goff, Sam Howell, and Lamar Jackson. Purdy will chew them up.

Running Back

Player DraftKings FanDuel
Christian McCaffrey $8,700 $9,800
Jahmyr Gibbs $6,800 $8,200
Tony Pollard $6,700 $7,200
David Montgomery $6,300 $7,800
Kenneth Walker III $6,200 $6,500
Aaron Jones $6,000 $6,600
Brian Robinson Jr. $5,900 $6,700
AJ Dillon $5,400 $6,600
Zach Charbonnet $5,300 $5,800
Chris Rodriguez Jr. $4,600 $4,700
Rico Dowdle $4,600 $5,100
Antonio Gibson $4,600 $5,200
DeeJay Dallas $4,400 $4,800
Elijah Mitchell $4,200 $4,900

Weekly strategy – Christian McCaffrey is expensive, but he is a must-own RB1. Both Detroit backs are the pivots. You may just want to choose one of them for RB2. The only other options to consider for RB2 are AJ Dillon and Brian Robinson, Jr. This is clearly the weakest position on the slate, so spend up here.

Pay to Play

Christian McCaffrey, Niners @ SEA ($8,700 DK, $9,800 FD) McCaffrey took only one week off on his TD streak. Last week, he returned to the end zone against an elite Tampa defense; Seattle is not an elite defense. They are barely a competent defense. Over their last three games, the Seahawks have allowed six RB scores. This is not a, “Will CMAC score game?” This is a, “How many times will CMAC score game?”

Stay Away

Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks vs. SF ($5,300 DK, $5,800 FD) At a discount price, many owners will flock to Charbonnet. He will see a lead back’s volume with Kenneth Walker III (knee) likely out, but good luck running against this defense. Charbonnet’s best hope is that he continues to get peppered with targets.

Value Play

Brian Robinson, Jr., Commanders @ DAL ($5,900 DK, $6,700 FD) The injury to Antonio Gibson (toe) allowed Robinson to post a second-consecutive 100-yard game. His bell-cow role will probably continue in the short week. You probably think that Dallas is strong against the run. They are, but they have slipped as their linebacker injuries continue to mount.

Wide Receiver

Player DraftKings FanDuel
CeeDee Lamb $8,700 $9,200
Amon-Ra St. Brown $8,500 $8,500
Brandon Aiyuk $7,000 $7,800
DK Metcalf $6,500 $7,000
Tyler Lockett $6,000 $6,600
Deebo Samuel $5,900 $6,700
Terry McLaurin $5,400 $6,500
Romeo Doubs $5,000 $6,200
Jahan Dotson $4,600 $5,700
Brandin Cooks $4,500 $5,700
Christian Watson $4,300 $5,600
Jayden Reed $4,200 $5,900
Jaxon Smith-Njigba $4,100 $5,400
Michael Gallup $3,700 $5,200
Curtis Samuel $3,600 $5,600
Josh Reynolds $3,500 $5,500
Jameson Williams $3,400 $5,300
Dontayvion Wicks $3,300 $5,000
Jauan Jennings $3,300 $4,800
Jamison Crowder $3,200 $4,600
Jalen Tolbert $3,100 $4,700
Byron Pringle $3,000 $4,700
Donovan Peoples-Jones $3,000 $4,300
Dyami Brown $3,000 $4,700
Jake Bobo $3,000 $4,600
Kalif Raymond $3,000 $4,600
KaVontae Turpin $3,000 $4,500

Weekly strategy – CeeDee Lamb is the top WR1 option. The only other WR1 option is Amon-Ra St. Brown. Unfortunately, it will be hard to afford both of them. WR2 is much deeper. Choose between Romeo Doubs, Brandin Aiyuk, DK Metcalf, or Brandin Cooks. You also may want to use one of them at WR3. If not, you can use Jaxon Smith-Njigba or one of the reserve Commanders or Packers.

Pay to Play

CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys vs. WAS ($8,700 DK, $9,200 FD) Even on a down week, Lamb posted his ninth double-digit PPR game of the year. He also added his fifth TD in his last four games. Stack this powerhouse duo and run it back with either Curtis Samuel or Jahan Dotson at WR3.

Stay Away

Terry McLaurin, Commanders @ DAL ($5,400 DK, $6,500 FD) WR1s have struggled vs. this defense. Only five have reached double-digit PPR points against Dallas. Despite a ton of targets, McLaurin has failed to reach that plateau in his last two games. There are better options at this price point.

Value Play

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks vs. SF ($4,100 DK, $5,400 FD) Smith-Njigba has five or more targets in eight of 10 games. This week, the Seahawks will need to throw the ball. Expect JSN to rack up short-yardage receptions as they realize they can’t move the ball on the ground. He may see even more dump-off passes if Drew Lock starts.

Tight End

Player DraftKings FanDuel
George Kittle $6,000 $7,200
Sam LaPorta $5,200 $6,500
Jake Ferguson $3,900 $6,100
Logan Thomas $3,500 $5,200
Luke Musgrave $3,300 $5,000
Noah Fant $2,700 $4,700
Colby Parkinson $2,500 $4,400
Josiah Deguara $2,500 $4,300
Tucker Kraft $2,500 $4,300
Will Dissly $2,500 $4,500

Weekly strategy – George Kittle has been white hot. He is the top option here. Luke Musgrave and Jake Ferguson are the top pivots. Sam LaPorta feels like a trap.

Pay to Play

George Kittle, Niners @ SEA ($6,000 DK, $7,200 FD) Over his last four starts, Kittle is averaging 6-108-0.5. Last week, the Seahawks kept Tyler Higbee in check. That said, over their prior three games, they allowed an average of 8.6-89 to the position. 

Stay Away

Sam LaPorta, Lions vs. GB ($5,200 DK, $6,500 FD) LaPorta has posted back-to-back duds. He also has topped five receptions only three times. Typically, at a thin position, he is a TE1. However, on a loaded slate, his performance doesn’t match his price. Let other owners overpay for his eight points while you pivot elsewhere. 

Value Play

Jake Ferguson, Cowboys vs. WAS ($3,900 DK, $6,100 FD) Last week, Ferguson was vultured of a TD by Luke Schoonmaker. This was a fluke as Ferguson has more targets over the last two weeks than Schoonmaker has on the year. Prior to last week, Ferguson had scored in three straight. He gets back on the horse here. 

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 2

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

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

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday Night

New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

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

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

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

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

Quarterback

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Running Back

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Wide Receiver

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Tight End

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

Fantasy Football DFS Daily Domination: Super Bowl LVII

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

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

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

First up: The Rules

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

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

Second: The Usual Strategies

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

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

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

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

Potential lineups for DK

Captain: Travis Kelce ($15.9k)
Roster: Patrick Mahomes ($11k), Jalen Hurts ($11.2k), Dallas Goedert ($6.4k), Boston Scott ($3k), Justin Watson ($2k)
This lineup gives you both QBs and the elite tight end for each team. It also gives you two TD-dependent depth pieces, one of which, Watson, may see an uptick in playing time due to injuries.

Captain: Jalen Hurts ($16.8k)
Roster: A.J. Brown ($9.2k), DeVonta Smith ($8.6k), Miles Sanders ($7.8k), Jake Elliott ($4.2k), Justin Watson ($2k)
Perhaps you believe that this will be a blowout by Philly (why, I have no idea). This lineup gives you maximum exposure to the four best offensive pieces for Philadelphia, plus their kicker.

Captain: Patrick Mahomes ($16.5k)
Roster: Travis Kelce ($10.6k), Marquez Valdes-Scantling ($6.2k), Isiah Pacheco ($7.2k), Harrison Butker ($4k), Kenneth Gainwell ($5k)
Or, maybe you believe Philly made it to the big game via an easy path and now they will be tested by an elite KC offense. This gives you the top options for KC, their kicker, and a red-zone TD threat for the Eagles.

Captain: DeVonta Smith ($12.9k)
Roster: Patrick Mahomes ($11k), Jalen Hurts ($11.2k), Dallas Goedert ($6.4k), Marquez Valdes-Scantling ($6.2k), Justin Watson ($2k)
I really like Smith this week, so this would be one of my favorite “shootout” lineups. This lineup also keeps both offenses in play but considers Philly attempting to take Kelce out of the game.

Captain: Philadelphia Eagles defense ($5.4k)
Roster: Kansas City Chiefs defense ($3.4k), Isiah Pacheco (7.2k), Miles Sanders ($7.8k), Jalen Hurts ($11.2k), Patrick Mahomes ($11k)
Both QBs are dealing with various levels of injury. Perhaps you can see both defenses raging passing-game havoc in this one. This still gives you both QBs (who can still gain floor-level points) but also adds both top RBs and gives you credit for sacks and turnovers.

Captain: Quez Watkins ($2.1k)
Roster: Travis Kelce ($10.6k), Marquez Valdes-Scantling ($6.2k) or JuJu Smith-Schuster ($5.6k), DeVonta Smith ($8.6k), Jalen Hurts ($11.2k), Patrick Mahomes ($11k)
Unless you go deep, deep diving at captain, it is hard to fit all the stars into your lineup. This at least puts a reasonable depth piece into that slot and gives you both QBs and three of the top four passing-game weapons in this game.

Captain: JuJu Smith-Schuster ($8.4k)
Roster: Patrick Mahomes ($11k) or Jalen Hurts ($11.2k), Travis Kelce ($10.6k), DeVonta Smith ($8.6k), A.J. Brown ($9.2k), Justin Watson ($2k)
One of the few ways to get all four of the top receiving options into the lineup would be like this. You also get your choice of one of the QBs.

Potential lineups for FD

MVP: Patrick Mahomes ($17.5k) or Jalen Hurts ($17k)
Roster: Travis Kelce ($14k), Dallas Goedert ($10k), DeVonta Smith ($11.5k), Kadarius Toney ($7k)
Mahomes or Hurts at MVP tied together with two of the top receiving options for each team. This is my favorite way to attack this slate.

MVP: Jalen Hurts ($17k)
Roster: A.J. Brown ($12.5k), DeVonta Smith ($11.5k), Dallas Goedert ($10k), JuJu Smith-Schuster ($9k)
This is your Eagles Voltron stack with a KC run-it-back WR.

MVP: Patrick Mahomes ($17.5k)
Roster: Travis Kelce ($14k), JuJu Smith-Schuster ($9k), Marquez Valdes-Scantling ($8k), DeVonta Smith ($11.5k)
As a Chiefs fan, I love this lineup. I just know that it is going to struggle against this pass defense.

MVP: Patrick Mahomes ($17.5k)
Roster: Jalen Hurts ($17k), DeVonta Smith ($11.5k), Marquez Valdes-Scantling ($8k), Justin Watson ($5.5k)
Here is a KC leaning lineup that allows you both QBs.

MVP: Jalen Hurts ($17k)
Roster: Patrick Mahomes ($17.5k), DeVonta Smith ($11.5k), Quez Watkins ($6k), Jake Elliott ($8k)
Here is a Philly leaning lineup that allows you both QBs.

The Game

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Jalen Hurts isn’t listed as injured, but he continues to treat his earlier shoulder injury. This week’s opponent, KC, gives up a lot of yards through the air. That said, they can be both opportunistic and sloppy at the same time. KC’s pass rush is no joke, but the Philly O-line is considerably better than the scrubs that Cincy rolled out there. Even at less than 100%, Hurts remains a scrambling threat. I like him to finish with 200-2 through the air and 40-1 on the ground.

Patrick Mahomes (ankle) survived the conference championship round, and a high-ankle sprain, as Andy Reid and Eric Bieniemy came up with a game plan where he was able to successfully operate out of the pocket. Much like Cincy, Philly has solid defensive depth at every level. The biggest difference is that Philly features two elite-level shutdown corners on the outside. Still, the Eagles can be beaten over the middle and that is where Mahomes loves to operate with his salsa-mate Travis Kelce. It may not be pretty, but Mahomes will still reach 300-3 with less than 15 rushing yards.

Miles Sanders surprised me by scoring twice versus the Niners. His YPC was crappy, but with two TDs, no one was complaining. The Chiefs are much easier to run against. He should finish with just under 60 total yards and maybe a score. The reason he may not score is that Philly likes to allow everyone in their backfield to vulture him. Kenneth Gainwell didn’t score last week, but his ending line was actually better than Sanders’, and he looked to be the more explosive back. I expect Gainwell to put up about 45 yards and no TD here. The other threat is Boston Scott, who has stolen a score in two straight playoff games. He feels like more of a TD-dependent dart throw here than a reliable choice.

Isiah Pacheco has once again surpassed Jerick McKinnon as option 1a in the rushing game for KC. Against a stout defensive interior, I expect both to see more targets than carries. Pacheco will finish with roughly 50-1 on the ground and two or three short-yardage receptions. McKinnon will score through the air and could haul in five or six catches for close to 50 total yards. You can ignore both Ronald Jones and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (if he suits up).

DeVonta Smith has actually been more reliable than A.J. Brown in recent weeks. I believe this trend continues here as KC’s secondary remains young and thin but is improving. Smith will score, and both will finish with around 70-80 yards. I could see using Quez Watkins or Zach Pascal as a cheap punt to fill out your roster, but neither should be relied upon as anything more than a flier.

We don’t know who will even be active at WR for KC. If active, JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) is the best bet to lead the WRs in receptions. He will get five or six catches for 50 yards, but I don’t trust him to score, though. Kadarius Toney (ankle, hamstring) is also dinged up, but his skill set makes him a bigger threat to get into the end zone. I don’t like Marquez Valdes-Scantling versus this elite pass defense. That said, if both Toney and Smith-Schuster are out (or limited significantly), you have to consider him. Justin Watson missed the conference championship with an illness. If he plays, he will be a favorite bargain-basement roster filler for me as he always gets one or two deep shots each game. Skyy Moore was forced into a larger role in the previous game. His stats will be minimal if everyone returns.

Dallas Goedert should have an easy go of things in this game. With extra attention devoted to both DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, Goedert should operate freely and secure 5-50-1. We can ignore Jack Stoll as he does not see enough usage.

Travis Kelce is going to score and post at least eight receptions for 80 yards. He is the safest player on either side of the ball to use as captain/MVP. Noah Gray, Blake Bell, and Jody Fortson can all be minimum-cost roster fillers. Just expect nothing more than the minimum output from any of them as you chase a random TD.

Jake Elliott has been consistent this year, but I expect neither team will be excited to forego TD opportunities for FG chances. That said, with three extra points and a pair of FGs, his nine-point floor is safer than some of the TD-dependent depth WRs/RBs.

Harrison Butker has been clutch this year (especially on long kicks), but he has also had the occasional case of the yips on some shorter tries. In the big game, he will get three extra points and two or three field goal opportunities. At least one of those will be from 50-plus. I will have a lot of exposure to him as a mid-salaried floor piece.

The Philadelphia Eagles defense is a better real-world unit than fantasy defense. They will be limited to just a pair of sacks and a pair of turnovers.

Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs defense has a great pass rush, but this will be a big test for them. I don’t see over four sacks and just a single turnover here.

The Player Pool

Player DraftKings Captain Salary DraftKings Regular Salary FanDuel Salary
Jalen Hurts $16,800 $11,200 $17,000
Patrick Mahomes $16,500 $11,000 $17,500
Travis Kelce $15,900 $10,600 $14,000
A.J. Brown $13,800 $9,200 $12,500
DeVonta Smith $12,900 $8,600 $11,500
Miles Sanders $11,700 $7,800 $12,000
Isiah Pacheco $10,800 $7,200 $10,500
Jerick McKinnon $10,200 $6,800 $9,500
Dallas Goedert $9,600 $6,400 $10,000
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $9,300 $6,200 $8,000
Chad Henne $9,000 $6,000 $5,000
Gardner Minshew II $9,000 $6,000 $5,000
JuJu Smith-Schuster $8,400 $5,600 $9,000
Kenneth Gainwell $7,500 $5,000 $8,500
Kadarius Toney $6,600 $4,400 $7,000
Jake Elliott $6,300 $4,200 $8,000
Harrison Butker $6,000 $4,000 $8,500
Skyy Moore $5,700 $3,800 $6,000
Philadelphia Eagles Defense $5,400 $3,600 $9,000
Kansas City Chiefs Defense $5,100 $3,400 $8,000
Boston Scott $4,500 $3,000 $7,500
Justin Watson $3,000 $2,000 $5,500
Quez Watkins $2,100 $1,400 $6,000
Noah Gray $1,800 $1,200 $5,500
Clyde Edwards-Helaire $1,500 $1,000 $6,500
Zach Pascal $1,200 $800 $5,500
Jack Stoll $900 $600 $5,000
Blake Bell $600 $400 $5,000
Jody Fortson $300 $200 $5,000
Marcus Kemp $300 $200 $5,500
Ronald Jones II $300 $200 $5,000

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 14

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

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

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

Miami @ Los Angeles Chargers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday Night

NEW ENGLAND @ ARIZONA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

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

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

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

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

Quarterback

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Running Back

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Wide Receiver

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Tight End

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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