Tag: DraftKings

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 2

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

Week 1 was crazy as I picked the wrong Indianapolis backup receiver and the wrong Chargers running back. I also assumed that any elite tight end would do anything. We also heard from you. You asked for the player’s projection tables back, so we brought them back.

Recommended DFS lineups

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

DK Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($5.9k), RB Jonathan Taylor ($7.7k), RB J.K. Dobbins ($5.4k), WR Mike Evans ($7.5k), WR Cooper Kupp ($7.6k), WR Wan’Dale Robinson ($4.3k), TE Jordan Akins ($3.0k), FLEX Jordan Mason ($5.2k), DST Los Angeles Chargers ($3.4k)

FD Lineup: QB C.J. Stroud ($8.2k), RB Jonathan Taylor ($8.2k), RB J.K. Dobbins ($6.8k), WR Mike Evans ($8.0k), WR Cooper Kupp ($7.7k), WR Malik Nabers ($6.4k), TE Hayden Hurst ($4.6k), FLEX Jordan Mason ($5.5k), DST Los Angeles Chargers ($4.4k)

FB Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($5.6k), RB Jonathan Taylor ($7.6k) RB Rhamondre Stevenson ($5.8k), WR Mike Evans ($7.1k), WR Nico Collins ($6.7k), WR/TE Cooper Kupp ($7.5k), TE Jordan Akins ($3.0k), FLEX Jordan Mason ($4.2k), SUPERFLEX C.J. Stroud ($7.3k)

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

Quarterback DraftKings FanDuel
Lamar Jackson $7,700 $8,800
Patrick Mahomes $7,000 $8,700
Anthony Richardson $6,800 $8,500
C.J. Stroud $7,300 $8,200
Dak Prescott $6,700 $7,700
Kyler Murray $6,600 $8,000
Jared Goff $6,400 $7,800
Joe Burrow $6,300 $7,400
Jayden Daniels $6,200 $7,900
Brock Purdy $6,100 $7,300
Matthew Stafford $6,000 $7,500
Aaron Rodgers $5,900 $7,100
Baker Mayfield $5,900 $7,400
Justin Herbert $5,800 $7,600
Trevor Lawrence $5,700 $7,200
Deshaun Watson $5,600 $7,100
Geno Smith $5,500 $7,300
Justin Fields $5,400 $7,000
Russell Wilson $5,400 $7,000
Daniel Jones $5,300 $6,900
Caleb Williams $5,800 $6,900
Derek Carr $5,300 $7,200
Sam Darnold $5,200 $6,800
Will Levis $5,200 $6,700
Bryce Young $5,100 $6,500
Gardner Minshew II $5,100 $7,000
Bo Nix $5,000 $6,700
Jacoby Brissett $5,000 $6,600
Malik Willis $5,000 $6,800

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – This week, every QB matchup feels very midrange. When that happens, it is hard to chase a value play. The safe move here is to spend up for one of the top four. If I pivot, it will be with Jayden Daniels, Matthew Stafford, or Baker Mayfield (who may outperform the higher-priced options). If you want to join me in the value loony bin, take a flier on Daniel Jones.

Fantasy four-pack

Lamar Jackson, Ravens vs. LV ($7,700 DK, $8,800 FD) Jackson threw the ball 41 times in Week 1. That is 12 more than Baltimore’s average from last year. He also piled on 122 rushing yards. The rushing gives him a safe floor, but the passing keeps him elite.

Anthony Richardson, Colts @ GB ($6,800 DK, $8,500 FD) Jordan Love’s (knee) injury should put the game script firmly in the camp of Indy. Richardson will dominate on the ground and add 200-2 through the air.

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs vs. CIN ($7,000 DK, $8,700 FD) In four career home starts versus Cincy, Mahomes is averaging 301-2.5.

C.J. Stroud, Texans vs. CHI ($7,300 DK, $8,200 FD) Only available on FD, Stroud will dissect a Chicago defense that was bottom-10 in passing yards allowed and bottom-five in passing TDs allowed last season.

Sleepers

Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers @ DET ($5,900 DK, $7,400 FD) Detroit allowed the second-most passing yards per game last season (257), and they started this season allowing the second-most passing yards per game in Week 1 (304). Expect a repeat of Mayfield’s playoff performance of 349-3.  

Daniel Jones???, Giants @ WAS ($5,300 DK, $6,900 FD) Am I on to something, or am I on something? Jones legitimately is playing for his NFL starting career this week. Washington was the worst in the league against the pass last year, and it just gave up four TDs to Tampa last week, along with losing last year’s first-rounder cornerback to injury. So if he cannot do it here, he deserves the bench.

Running back DraftKings FanDuel
Christian McCaffrey $8,700 $10,300
Jonathan Taylor $7,700 $8,200
Breece Hall $7,400 $8,500
Joe Mixon $7,100 $8,100
Travis Etienne Jr. $7,200 $7,300
Alvin Kamara $7,000 $7,800
Isiah Pacheco $6,900 $7,400
Kyren Williams $6,800 $8,000
Derrick Henry $6,700 $7,500
Jahmyr Gibbs $6,600 $7,900
Josh Jacobs $6,500 $7,100
James Conner $6,400 $6,500
D’Andre Swift $5,800 $6,400
Kenneth Walker III $6,300 $7,700
Rachaad White $6,300 $7,600
Rhamondre Stevenson $6,200 $6,900
Aaron Jones $6,100 $7,000
David Montgomery $6,000 $7,200
Jerome Ford $5,900 $6,300
Tony Pollard $5,900 $6,700
Brian Robinson Jr. $5,800 $6,200
Zach Charbonnet $5,800 $6,300
Austin Ekeler $5,700 $5,900
Devin Singletary $5,700 $6,100
Ezekiel Elliott $5,700 $6,200
Zack Moss $5,600 $6,300
Zamir White $5,600 $6,000
Javonte Williams $5,500 $6,000
Najee Harris $5,500 $6,600
J.K. Dobbins $5,400 $6,800
Jaylen Warren $5,400 $5,600
Alexander Mattison $5,300 $5,800
Chuba Hubbard $5,300 $5,900
Ty Chandler $5,300 $5,300
Gus Edwards $5,200 $6,100
Jordan Mason $5,200 $5,500
Justice Hill $5,200 $5,100
Miles Sanders $5,200 $5,100
Tank Bigsby $5,100 $5,500
Tyjae Spears $5,000 $5,600
Bucky Irving $4,900 $5,300
Antonio Gibson $4,800 $5,400
Jamaal Williams $4,800 $5,800
Rico Dowdle $4,800 $5,300
Blake Corum $4,700 $6,000
Chase Brown $4,700 $5,400
Jaleel McLaughlin $4,500 $5,200
Samaje Perine $4,500 $5,100
Cordarrelle Patterson $4,400 $4,500

Running back

Weekly strategy – Christian McCaffrey’s (calf) absence threw the fantasy world into a tizzy Monday night. Even if he plays this week, he may be on a snap count. If McCaffrey is ruled out, Jordan Mason should see 100% ownership at RB2. Jonathan Taylor is a low-ownership lock at your RB1. Pivots include Isiah Pacheco, Kyren Williams, and Derrick Henry. If Kenneth Walker III (abdomen) cannot go, Zach Charbonnet makes a solid RB2. Otherwise, go with J.K. Dobbins, Brian Robinson Jr., or one of the Steelers.

Fantasy four-pack

Jonathan Taylor, Colts @ GB ($7,700 DK, $8,200 FD) I am advocating stacking a QB and RB. Both Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley punished this defense last week. Expect a similar outcome from this pair. 

Kyren Williams, Rams @ ARI ($6,800 DK, $8,000 FD) What split backfield? Williams handled 21 of 23 RB touches for Los Angeles in Week 1. With no Puka Nacua (knee) Williams even may see a few more targets.

Isiah Pacheco, Chiefs vs. CIN ($6,900 DK, $7,400 FD) Cincinnati allowed just under 150 combo yards to the Patriots’ backfield. Pacheco had a mediocre Week 1, but he has scored in two of his three career meetings with Cincy.

Derrick Henry, Ravens vs. LV ($6,700 DK, $7,500 FD) Henry lacked the snap percentage I expected in Week 1. A better game script against a defense that allowed 167 total yards to the RB position last week set him up for a gigantic game.

Sleepers

J.K. Dobbins, Chargers @ CAR ($5,400 DK, $6,800 FD) I chose the wrong Charger RB last week. I’ll admit it. The team promises to ride “the hot hand.”  Well, Dobbins’ digits are registering at 425 degrees. Meanwhile, Carolina just gave up 180-2 on the ground to New Orleans.

Brian Robinson Jr., Commanders vs. NYG ($5,800 DK, $6,200 FD) Robinson scored and out-touched Austin Ekeler 15-to-6. Last week, the Giants allowed Aaron Jones to average nearly 7 YPC. If Jayden Daniels shares the TD rock, Robinson will easily return 3x value.

Wide Receiver DraftKings FanDuel
CeeDee Lamb $8,800 $9,100
Justin Jefferson $8,300 $8,900
Amon-Ra St. Brown $8,100 $9,000
Ja’Marr Chase $7,800 $8,700
Cooper Kupp $7,600 $7,700
Nico Collins $7,000 $7,600
Stefon Diggs $6,800 $7,500
Mike Evans $7,500 $8,000
Davante Adams $7,300 $7,100
Garrett Wilson $7,100 $8,100
DJ Moore $6,500 $6,800
Marvin Harrison Jr. $6,900 $6,500
Deebo Samuel Sr. $6,800 $7,300
Rashee Rice $6,700 $6,900
Keenan Allen $6,400 $6,500
Michael Pittman Jr. $6,600 $6,400
Brandon Aiyuk $6,500 $7,000
Chris Olave $6,400 $6,700
Zay Flowers $6,300 $6,300
Amari Cooper $6,200 $6,300
Xavier Worthy $6,100 $6,200
Chris Godwin $6,000 $6,200
Rome Odunze $4,100 $5,900
Jayden Reed $6,000 $5,800
DK Metcalf $5,900 $6,600
Malik Nabers $5,900 $6,400
Tee Higgins $5,900 $6,700
Calvin Ridley $5,800 $6,100
Tank Dell $5,500 $6,100
George Pickens $5,800 $6,600
Romeo Doubs $5,700 $5,100
Terry McLaurin $5,700 $6,000
Brandin Cooks $5,600 $5,600
Marquise Brown $5,600 $6,000
Mike Williams $5,600 $6,100
Christian Kirk $5,500 $6,000
Courtland Sutton $5,400 $5,400
DeAndre Hopkins $5,400 $5,600
Jameson Williams $5,300 $5,700
Tyler Lockett $5,300 $6,000
Adam Thielen $5,200 $5,300
Jordan Addison $5,200 $5,700
Diontae Johnson $5,100 $5,500
Jakobi Meyers $5,100 $5,200
Jerry Jeudy $5,100 $5,800
Christian Watson $5,000 $5,700
Joshua Palmer $5,000 $5,600
Jaxon Smith-Njigba $4,900 $5,400
Ladd McConkey $4,900 $5,700
Brian Thomas Jr. $4,800 $5,800
Josh Downs $4,800 $5,500
Dontayvion Wicks $4,700 $4,100
Xavier Legette $4,700 $4,700
Greg Dortch $4,600 $4,900
Rashid Shaheed $4,600 $5,500
Alec Pierce $4,500 $5,600
DeMario Douglas $4,500 $4,900
Gabe Davis $4,400 $5,900
Tyler Boyd $4,400 $5,000
Jauan Jennings $4,300 $4,900
Josh Reynolds $4,300 $4,900
Michael Wilson $4,300 $4,900
Wan’Dale Robinson $4,300 $5,400
Darius Slayton $4,100 $4,800
Quentin Johnson $4,100 $5,100
Adonai Mitchell $4,000 $5,300
Demarcus Robinson $4,000 $5,200
Jalen Nailor $3,900 $5,300
K.J. Osborn $3,900 $5,100
Rashod Bateman $3,900 $4,800
Andrei Iosivas $3,800 $5,200
Ja’Lynn Polk $3,800 $4,700
Luke McCaffrey $3,800 $4,300
Trenton Irwin $3,700 $4,500
Jalen McMillan $3,600 $5,200
Nelson Agholor $3,600 $4,300
JuJu Smith-Schuster $3,500 $4,300
Kalif Raymond $3,500 $4,900
Devaughn Vele $3,400 $4,700
Van Jefferson $3,400 $5,000
Allen Lazard $3,300 $4,500
Marvin Mims Jr. $3,300 $4,400
Tyler Johnson $3,300 $4,000
Dyami Brown $3,200 $4,100
Jalin Hyatt $3,100 $4,600

Wide receiver

Weekly strategy – Use Amon-Ra St. Brown, Cooper Kupp, or Mike Evans as your WR1. You also may consider any Houston WRs at WR1 or WR2 on FanDuel. I’m still fading CeeDee Lamb and Ja’Marr Chase. Each starting WR for Kansas City and San Francisco is in play at WR2. At WR3, consider Malik Nabers (knee), Terry McLaurin, or Brandin Cooks. Wan’Dale Robinson, Allen Lazard, and the Colts’ and Rams’ secondary WRs are punt choices or potential flex plays.

Fantasy four-pack

Cooper Kupp, Rams @ ARI ($7,600 DK, $7,700 FD) Kupp only saw 21 targets and 14 receptions. The Lions had no answer for him. Guess what? The Cardinals’ pass defense is arguably worse than Detroit’s.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions vs. TB ($8,100 DK, $9,000 FD) I did not expect 38 WRs to see more targets than St. Brown. The Lions will remedy that miscue. This game projects as a shootout, so expect a point gusher. Stack big here.

Mike Evans, Buccaneers @ DET ($7,500 DK, $8,000 FD) Evans’ matchup isn’t as juicy as last week, that said Detroit was rolled through the air by Los Angeles. As mentioned above, stack this game and even consider Chris Godwin and Jameson Williams, too.

Justin Jefferson, Vikings vs. SF ($8,300 DK, $8,900 FD) Jordan Addison (ankle) is on the wrong side of questionable. This means that Jefferson and Jalen Nailor will be the primary targets for Sam Darnold in his revenge game against San Fran. He will see more than the six targets he garnered in Week 1.

Sleepers

Brandin Cooks, Cowboys vs. NO ($5,600 DK, $5,600 FD) Given the questionable status of Marshon Lattimore (hamstring), New Orleans’ secondary will struggle with both CeeDee Lamb and Cooks. If Lattimore doesn’t play, both WRs and Dak Prescott get a boost. Plus, they will see a bump in targets with Jake Ferguson (knee) likely out.

Malik Nabers, Giants @ WAS ($5,900 DK, $6,400 FD) Washington picked up where it left off as one of the most abysmal teams against the pass. Nabers (knee) will be the top beneficiary as long as his injury doesn’t limit him. Also, consider Wan’Dale Robinson here. Both should eat.

Tight End DraftKings FanDuel
Sam LaPorta $6,300 $7,900
Travis Kelce $6,200 $7,400
Trey McBride $6,000 $6,200
George Kittle $5,500 $6,400
Evan Engram $5,400 $5,900
Mark Andrews $5,000 $6,800
Isiah Likely $4,800 $5,800
Jake Ferguson $4,700 $5,600
Dalton Schultz $2,500 $5,500
Brock Bowers $4,400 $5,300
Pat Freiermuth $4,100 $5,400
Chig Okonkwo $4,000 $5,200
Taysom Hill $3,900 $5,200
Cole Kmet $3,900 $5,100
Hunter Henry $3,800 $5,000
Juwan Johnson $3,700 $4,900
Cade Otton $3,600 $4,900
Noah Fant $3,600 $4,800
Tyler Conklin $3,500 $4,800
Zach Ertz $3,500 $4,800
Josh Oliver $3,400 $4,700
Luke Musgrave $3,400 $4,800
Tucker Kraft $3,300 $5,000
Johnny Mundt $3,200 $4,700
Colby Parkinson $3,100 $4,800
Mike Gesicki $3,100 $5,000
Austin Hooper $3,000 $4,900
Hayden Hurst $3,000 $4,600
Jordan Akins $3,000 $4,700
Greg Dulcich $2,900 $4,600
Kylen Granson $2,900 $4,800
Luke Schoonmaker $2,900 $4,800

Tight end

Weekly strategy – Every stud TE bombed last week. That cannot possibly happen again. If you can afford it, spend up for one of the Big 3. If you can’t consider one of the injury replacements (Luke Schoonmaker or Jordan Akins), or choose a bargain-priced veteran like Pat Freiermuth,  Zach Ertz, Hayden Hurst, or Colby Parkinson.

Fantasy four-pack

Sam LaPorta, Lions vs. TB ($6,300 DK, $7,900 FD) Last season, Tampa allowed the third-most yards and the second-most receptions to the position. In this shootout, LaPorta will make up for his Week 1 mediocre output.

Trey McBride, Cardinals vs. LAR ($6,000 DK, $6,200 FD) The Rams held Sam LaPorta in check last week, but they gave up the second-most TE scores in 2023. Last week, McBride posted only 5-30, but only 10 individuals at any position saw more targets than he did.

Travis Kelce, Chiefs vs. CIN ($6,200 DK, $7,400 FD) Kelce posted a Week 1 dud. That will be rectified this week. Cincy allowed the second-most receiving yards and the most receptions to the position last season. 

George Kittle, Niners @ MIN ($5,500 DK, $6,400 FD) Minnesota has been solid against the position for several years now. Still, Kittle should repeat his 5-78 from last year, especially if Christian McCaffrey (calf) is out. 

Sleepers

Pat Freiermuth, Steelers vs. DEN ($4,100 DK, $5,400 FD) With George Pickens facing a shadow from Patrick Surtain, Freiermuth should see an uptick in targets. As long as Arthur Smith doesn’t decide to give those targets to MyCole Pruitt.

Colby Parkinson, Rams @ ARI ($3,100 DK, $4,800 FD) Last season, Tyler Higbee, saw a bump in targets and receptions when Cooper Kupp was out. That role currently falls on the shoulder of Parkinson with Puka Nacua (IR – knee) out. Against an atrocious TE defense, Parkinson should be a top play.

Week 1 Primetime DFS Domination

Lineup recommendations for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 1 DFS fantasy football primetime slate.

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

Recommended Primetime DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Jared Goff ($6.4k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($8.6k), RB Jahmyr Gibbs ($6.4k), WR Garrett Wilson  ($6.9k), WR Jameson Williams ($4.4k), WR Demarcus Robinson ($3.9k), TE Tyler Conklin ($3.0k), FLEX Breece Hall ($7.5k), DST Detroit Lions ($2.8k)

FD Lineup: QB Jared Goff ($7.5k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($10.5k), RB David Montgomery ($7.0k), WR Garrett Wilson ($7.9k), WR Jameson Williams ($5.8k), WR Demarcus Robinson ($4.2k), TE Colby Parkinson ($4.7k), FLEX Breece Hall ($8.2k), DST Detroit Lions ($3.9k)

Depending on the site, you can also move Hall to RB2 and replace Montgomery/Gibbs with Sam LaPorta, George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, and Cooper Kupp.

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.

Jared McCain is the betting favorite for four different NBA draft picks, per DraftKings

With less than 12 hours before the 2024 NBA draft, DraftKings thinks Duke basketball star Jared McCain will go in one of four places.

The 2024 NBA draft is here, and former Duke basketball star [autotag]Jared McCain[/autotag] will find out his first professional home this evening. According to the DraftKings Sportsbook, there are three specific draft picks to circle as his potential landing spots, and they actually all come in a row.

As of 1 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon, McCain is the betting favorite for the Portland Trail Blazers with the 14th pick. He’s also the betting favorite for the Miami Heat at 15th overall. Oh, and he’s a co-favorite for the Philadelphia 76ers at 16th overall. If that’s not enough, he’s also the favorite for the Orlando Magic at 18th overall.

No individual spot takes the reigns as a massive favorite for McCain despite the onslaught of teams in the mix listed above. His lowest odds for any individual spot is +500 for the Orlando Magic, which still essentially implies a long shot by draft standards.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3005″]

Here are the full list of odds that McCain goes in each of the following draft slots.

Odds
11th overall (Chicago Bulls) +1800
12th overall (Oklahoma City Thunder) +1500
13th overall (Sacramento Kings) +1400
14th overall (Portland Trail Blazers) +600
15th overall (Miami Heat) +700
16th overall (Philadelphia 76ers) +800
17th overall (Los Angeles Lakers) +1200
18th overall (Orlando Magic) +500
19th overall (Toronto Raptors) +1200

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″]

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire

What the betting odds say about LSU women’s basketball national title hopes

Here’s what the betting odds have to say about LSU’s national title hopes.

LSU women’s basketball is just a few days away from tipping off its NCAA Tournament run. The Lady Tigers have a tough road ahead, attempting to follow up the national title from last year in a region packed with top teams.

LSU is a No. 3 seed, but if the betting odds are any indication, LSU could be better than the seeding suggests.

According to FanDuel, LSU, at +750, holds the third-best odds in the country to win the national title. South Carolina sits as the odds-on favorite in the poll position at -145 while Iowa is just ahead of LSU at +700.

At DraftKings, the numbers are a little different, but LSU remains third at +900.

South Carolina is the heavy favorite across the board, but LSU isn’t a long shot. Those odds suggest sportsbooks and bettors still like LSU’s potential.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

With Iowa and UCLA joining LSU in its region, the slate won’t be easy. LSU will have to fight off a couple of national title contenders before it even gets to the Final Four, but this team is battle-tested after going all the way last year.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

Atlanta Falcons are now the betting favorite to land Kirk Cousins

According to DraftKings odds, the Atlanta Falcons, not the Minnesota Vikings, are now favored to sign free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins.

With the NFL scouting combine behind us, the next big date on the NFL’s schedule is the start of the new league season and the start of free agency. The Minnesota Vikings are heading into free agency with some big holes on the roster and some premier free agents scheduled to hit the market — namely quarterback Kirk Cousins. Now, there’s a new team favored to land Cousins: the Atlanta Falcons.

According to the latest odds from DraftKings, the Falcons are the betting favorites to come away with the long-time Vikings quarterback, with the latest odds set at -175.

Adding fuel to the ‘Kirk Cousins to Atlanta’ fire, Pro Football Talk came out with a report earlier Monday stating that they were “getting very credible indications that Cousins is seriously considering moving his family to Atlanta.”

Atlanta has been heavily rumored to be a key player in the quarterback market this off-season. Beyond the Cousins rumors, there’s also been speculation about their interest in the Bears’ Justin Fields should they move on from him, along with talk about Baker Mayfield and being a potential partner in a trade-up scenario for either Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye.

Ultimately, it’s going to be another week before the Cousins saga reaches a conclusion, but at least as of right now it’s looking like his tenure in Minneapolis is about to come to an end.

[lawrence-related id=91500,91494,91522,91516,91505,91498,91495,91492,91481,91462]

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.