Tag: Fanball DFS football picks

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 4

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 4 DFS fantasy football.

The main slate was rough in Week 3 as the early afternoon games all proved to be dogs. Fortunately, the afternoon and primetime slates brought some sanity back to things. We saw Philly’s defense finally play as a unit. We saw Minnesota’s defense continue to play well beyond the sum of its pieces. Finally, we saw the top tight ends continue to be invisible. Will these trends continue here? Read on and dominate Week 4.

Recommended DFS lineups

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

DK Lineup: QB Kyler Murray ($6.8k), RB Bijan Robinson ($7.4k), RB Brian Robinson Jr. ($6.1k), WR Marvin Harrison Jr. ($7.5k), WR Diontae Johnson ($5.6k), WR Andrei Iosivas ($4.1k), TE Tyler Conklin ($3.6k), FLEX Jerome Ford ($5.7k), DST Houston Texans ($3.0k)

FD Lineup: QB Kyler Murray ($8.7k), RB Bijan Robinson ($8.3k), RB Aaron Jones ($7.6k), WR Marvin Harrison Jr. ($8.2k), WR Diontae Johnson ($6.2k), WR Khalil Shakir ($6.0k), TE Cole Kmet ($5.3k), FLEX Jerome Ford ($6.4k), DST New England Patriots ($3.1k)

FB Lineup: QB Kyler Murray ($6.7k), RB Saquon Barkley ($7.9k) RB Aaron Jones ($6.4k), WR Marvin Harrison Jr. ($7.1k), WR Mike Evans ($6.6k), WR/TE Khalil Shakir ($4.7k), TE Tyler Conklin ($3.1k), FLEX Jerome Ford ($5.1k), SUPERFLEX Josh Allen ($7.4k)

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

Quarterback DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen N/A $9,200
Lamar Jackson N/A $8,900
Jalen Hurts $7,200 $8,600
Patrick Mahomes $7,100 $8,500
C.J. Stroud $7,000 $7,800
Kyler Murray $6,800 $8,700
Joe Burrow $6,600 $8,000
Jayden Daniels $6,500 $8,200
Baker Mayfield $6,400 $7,400
Anthony Richardson $6,300 $7,500
Aaron Rodgers $6,200 $7,200
Brock Purdy $6,100 $7,700
Jordan Love $6,000 $7,200
Derek Carr $5,900 $7,600
Kirk Cousins $5,800 $7,100
Sam Darnold $5,700 $7,300
Trevor Lawrence $5,700 $6,900
Caleb Williams $5,600 $7,100
Matthew Stafford $5,600 $6,700
Justin Fields $5,500 $6,800
Justin Herbert $5,500 $7,000
Deshaun Watson $5,400 $6,900
Andy Dalton $5,300 $7,000
Malik Willis $5,300 $7,200
Aidan O’Connell $5,200 $6,500
Bo Nix $5,100 $6,600
Drake Maye $5,000 $6,000
Jacoby Brissett $5,000 $6,400
Taylor Heinicke $5,000 $6,200

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Kyler Murray and Jayden Daniels are the top options. C.J. Stroud and Joe Burrow are cheaper on FD and should have lower ownership. Caleb Williams, Sam Darnold, and Justin Fields all have positive matchups. Still, the best punt options would be Deshaun Watson or Andy Dalton.

Fantasy four-pack

Kyler Murray, Cardinals vs. WAS ($6,800 DK, $8,700 FD) Washington is once again worst in passing TDs allowed, and opponent passer rating. They are showing slight improvement as they are now only second worst in passing yards against. Plus, they have allowed nearly 20 rushing yards per game to opposing QBs. Coming off his so-so start, take advantage of a likely dip in ownership.

Josh Allen, Bills @ BAL (N/A DK, $9,200 FD) The one team allowing more passing yards per game than Washington is Baltimore, nearly 40 yards more per game. Meanwhile, Allen leads all QBs in total TDs, and 300-3 is definitely in play. Stack him with Khalil Shakir or Dalton Kincaid.

Jayden Daniels, Commanders @ ARI ($6,500 DK, $8,200 FD) Daniels trails only Lamar Jackson in QB rushing yards, and his three rushing TDs lead the position. Arizona already gave up a pair of rushing scores to Josh Allen, so don’t be surprised if Daniels runs wild.

C.J. Stroud, Texans vs. JAX ($7,000 DK, $7,800 FD) Coming off of an inauspicious start, Stroud should have zero issues dispatching a Jacksonville defense that was just gutted by Buffalo. Plus, last week’s struggles should keep his ownership numbers down.

Sleepers

Caleb Williams, Bears vs. LAR ($5,600 DK, $7,100 FD) Williams is still a greenhorn by NFL standards, but last week he showed some of his fantasy luster against a middling Colts defense. This week he faces a Rams defense that has allowed back-to-back three-TD passing performances.

Andy Dalton, Panthers vs. CIN ($5,300 DK, $7,000 FD) Dalton provided a spark. Even with Adam Thielen (hamstring) going on IR, Dalton has enough weapons to do some discount damage in what could be a shootout.

Running back DraftKings FanDuel
Saquon Barkley $8,000 $9,700
Derrick Henry N/A $8,400
Breece Hall $7,800 $8,000
Jonathan Taylor $7,700 $8,200
Alvin Kamara $7,600 $8,600
Bijan Robinson $7,400 $8,300
Kyren Williams $7,300 $8,100
James Cook N/A $7,800
Travis Etienne Jr. $7,000 $7,200
Joe Mixon $6,800 $7,900
Jordan Mason $6,700 $8,800
Josh Jacobs $6,600 $7,100
James Conner $6,500 $7,500
Aaron Jones $6,400 $7,600
J.K. Dobbins $6,300 $7,000
Rhamondre Stevenson $6,200 $6,800
Brian Robinson Jr. $6,100 $7,300
Rachaad White $6,000 $6,200
Zack Moss $5,900 $6,900
Chuba Hubbard $5,700 $6,500
Jerome Ford $5,700 $6,400
Najee Harris $5,600 $6,600
Tank Bigsby $5,600 $6,000
Carson Steele $5,500 $5,800
D’Andre Swift $5,500 $5,700
Braelon Allen $5,400 $6,200
Samaje Perine $5,400 $5,800
Bucky Irving $5,300 $6,000
Cam Akers $5,300 $6,100
Zamir White $5,300 $5,500
Alexander Mattison $5,200 $5,900
Javonte Williams $5,200 $5,600
Kareem Hunt $5,200 $5,500
Chase Brown $5,100 $5,600
Justice Hill N/A $5,400
Ty Chandler $5,100 $5,200
Dameon Pierce $5,000 $5,000
Miles Sanders $5,000 $5,300
Kenneth Gainwell $4,900 $5,100
Tyler Allgeier $4,900 $6,300
Khalil Herbert $4,800 $5,300
Antonio Gibson $4,700 $5,600
Gus Edwards $4,700 $5,300
Blake Corum $4,600 $4,700
Dare Ogunbowale $4,500 $4,900
Jaleel McLaughlin $4,500 $5,100
Emanuel Wilson $4,400 $5,400
Jamaal Williams $4,400 $5,000
D’Onta Foreman $4,300 $5,200
Roschon Johnson $4,100 $5,500
Kyle Juszczyk $4,000 $4,300
Tyler Badie $4,000 $5,000

Running back

Weekly strategy – Saquon Barkley has a great matchup but an absurd price. Bijan Robinson (shoulder) and Breece Hall are cheaper alternatives. I also like Kyren Williams. For RB2, take advantage of the Aaron Jones revenge game. Otherwise, use Brian Robinson Jr. or Zack Moss. You also may use one of them at FLEX. If not, punt with whoever starts for Cleveland or the Texans.

Fantasy four-pack

Saquon Barkley, Eagles @ TB ($8,000 DK, $9,700 FD) Opposing RBs are averaging 153 combo yards, eight receptions, and one total TD against Tampa. This line is certainly within the scope of Barkley’s range, especially with absentee WRs for Philly.

Bijan Robinson, Falcons vs. NO ($7,400 DK, $8,300 FD) Robinson faces the same defense that was just trucked by Saquon Barkley for 156 total yards, four receptions, and two TDs (plus a two-point conversion). Robinson (shoulder) popped up on the injury report Thursday, so keep an eye out before game time. He is currently out-touching Tyler Allgeier nearly 3-to-1, but this could swing things. If Bijan is out, Allgeier becomes a fabulous sleeper.

Breece Hall, Jets vs. DEN ($7,800 DK, $8,000 FD) The increased usage by Braelon Allen concerns me some, but Hall has scored in all three games, and he is being used in the passing game. That is big as Denver is allowing five RB receptions per game.

Kyren Williams, Rams @ CHI ($7,300 DK, $8,100 FD) I was concerned about teams stacking their defense against Williams. It didn’t matter. Williams still hit triple digits and scored three times. For Chicago, only three teams have allowed more RB rushing scores. At least one TD is a lock here.

Sleepers

Brian Robinson Jr., Commanders @ ARI ($6,100 DK, $7,300 FD) Austin Ekeler (concussion) will miss this contest. This opens up a true bell-cow role for Robinson. In every game dating back to the start of 2023, where Robinson has 14 or more touches, he has scored and/or topped 100 total yards. 

Jerome Ford, Browns @ LV ($5,700 DK, $6,400 FD) Ford (knee) was listed as questionable on Wednesday. Still, he played 53 of 67 offensive snaps last week, so the injury did not seem to affect him. Vegas is allowing 165 combo yards per game, and they have given up four total RB scores. If he suits up, he needs to be in your lineup. If he doesn’t start, immediately insert D’Onta Foreman into your lineup. 

Wide Receiver DraftKings FanDuel
Justin Jefferson $8,700 $9,400
A.J. Brown $7,800 $8,300
Ja’Marr Chase $7,700 $9,200
Marvin Harrison Jr. $7,500 $8,200
Davante Adams $7,400 $7,000
Rashee Rice $7,300 $8,500
Nico Collins $7,200 $7,700
DeVonta Smith $7,000 $7,500
Deebo Samuel Sr. $7,000 $7,500
Mike Evans $7,000 $8,000
Garrett Wilson $6,900 $7,800
Chris Godwin $6,800 $7,300
Zay Flowers N/A $6,700
DJ Moore $6,700 $6,500
Stefon Diggs $6,600 $7,100
Chris Olave $6,500 $6,900
Brandon Aiyuk $6,400 $7,600
Amari Cooper $6,300 $6,400
Drake London $6,200 $6,600
Keenan Allen $6,100 $6,200
Jayden Reed $6,000 $6,300
Tee Higgins $5,900 $7,200
Khalil Shakir N/A $6,000
Keon Coleman N/A $5,900
Michael Pittman Jr. $5,800 $5,900
Terry McLaurin $5,800 $6,500
George Pickens $5,700 $6,100
Xavier Worthy $5,700 $6,200
Diontae Johnson $5,600 $6,200
Jauan Jennings $5,600 $6,800
Jakobi Meyers $5,500 $5,400
Rashid Shaheed $5,500 $6,100
Curtis Samuel N/A $5,300
Mack Hollins N/A $5,300
Rashod Bateman N/A $5,300
Romeo Doubs $5,500 $5,100
Brian Thomas Jr. $5,400 $5,800
Tank Dell $5,400 $5,900
Courtland Sutton $5,300 $5,500
Christian Kirk $5,200 $5,600
Jerry Jeudy $5,200 $5,700
Rome Odunze $5,200 $6,400
Demarcus Robinson $5,100 $5,500
Jordan Addison $5,100 $5,800
Mike Williams $5,100 $5,400
Alec Pierce $5,000 $5,600
Christian Watson $5,000 $5,600
Jahan Dotson $5,000 $5,800
Jalen Nailor $4,900 $6,300
Quentin Johnston $4,900 $6,000
Ladd McConkey $4,800 $5,700
Tutu Atwell $4,800 $5,800
Xavier Legette $4,800 $5,200
Gabe Davis $4,700 $5,700
Joshua Palmer $4,700 $5,200
Josh Downs $4,600 $5,500
Demario Douglas $4,500 $5,100
Marquez Valdes-Scantling N/A $4,800
Nelson Agholor N/A $4,700
Dontayvion Wicks $4,500 $4,600
Tyler Johnson $4,500 $5,600
Darnell Mooney $4,400 $5,700
Jordan Whittington $4,400 $5,000
Allen Lazard $4,300 $5,800
Greg Dortch $4,300 $5,000
Josh Reynolds $4,300 $5,100
Michael Wilson $4,200 $5,300
Andrei Iosivas $4,100 $5,500
Luke McCaffrey $4,000 $4,900
Adonai Mitchell $3,900 $5,100
Ja’Lynn Polk $3,900 $4,900
Johnny Wilson $3,800 $5,200
Noah Brown $3,800 $4,900
Dyami Brown $3,700 $4,500
Ray-Ray McCloud III $3,700 $5,400
Elijah Moore $3,600 $5,000
Jalen McMillan $3,600 $4,900
Tre Tucker $3,600 $4,800
Olamide Zaccheaus $3,500 $4,700
K.J. Osborn $3,400 $4,800
DeAndre Carter $3,200 $5,100
JuJu Smith-Schuster $3,200 $4,500
Justin Watson $3,200 $5,000
Marvin Mims Jr. $3,200 $4,300
Lil’ Jordan Humphrey $3,100 $5,000
Parris Campbell $3,000 $5,100

Wide receiver

Weekly strategy – Marvin Harrison Jr. (quadriceps) should be a mortal lock at WR1. The only pivot I like is Nico Collins. If you don’t use Collins, consider Stefon Diggs at WR2. Otherwise, use one of the Buccaneers, DJ Moore, Terry McLaurin, or Tee Higgins. Khalil Shakir also is an option on FD and FB. At WR3, Diontae Johnson is my favorite play. Jauan Jennings will be heavily owned after last week, but his price is still usable. My favorite punt WR3 options are Jahan Dotson, Michael Wilson, Andrei Iosivas, and Darnell Mooney.

Fantasy four-pack

Marvin Harrison Jr., Cardinals vs. WAS ($7,500 DK, $8,200 FD) Opposing WR1s are averaging 7-102-1.7 against Washington. Assuming his quad injury doesn’t limit him, this is the easiest play of the week.

Nico Collins, Texans vs. JAX ($7,200 DK, $7,700 FD) Collins has scored only once, but he is averaging 6-113 to start the year. Meanwhile, Jacksonville allows the third-most passing yards and fifth-most passing TDs per game.

Rashee Rice, Chiefs @ LAC ($7,300 DK, $8,500 FD) Rice has been a target beast for Kansas City, accounting for 43% of the team’s looks. With Derwin James out because of suspension, stopping this offense became more difficult.

Justin Jefferson, Vikings @ GB ($8,700 DK, $9,400 FD) Jefferson has scored in each game. There is no reason to think this trend will change. Still, six receptions are not enough. Considering his price, I will fade him. That said, with so many stud WRs injured, he could be an interesting contrarian play.

Sleepers

Diontae Johnson, Panthers vs. CIN ($5,600 DK, $6,200 FD) Johnson (groin) would probably agree to a pay cut if the Panthers named Andy Dalton the starter for the rest of the season. That won’t happen, but ride the wave as long as you are allowed. Johnson was a beast last week, and with no Adam Thielen (IR – hamstring) those numbers will go even further through the roof. Two straight WR1s have scored against this defense. This will be No. 3.

Darnell Mooney, Falcons vs. NO ($4,400 DK, $5,700 FD) Mooney has back-to-back powerful performances as defense key on Drake London (who scored in both games anyway). With Marshon Lattimore likely tasked with London here, Mooney should get softer coverage again for more than $1,000 less cost.

Tight End DraftKings FanDuel
Trey McBride $6,000 $6,800
Travis Kelce $5,800 $7,100
Brock Bowers $5,600 $6,500
George Kittle $5,500 $7,000
Dalton Kincaid N/A $6,100
Mark Andrews N/A $6,000
Isaiah Likely N/A $5,500
Dallas Goedert $5,100 $7,500
David Njoku $5,000 $5,700
Kyle Pitts $4,800 $5,900
Evan Engram $4,600 $5,800
Cole Kmet $4,400 $5,300
Hunter Henry $4,200 $5,300
Dalton Schultz $4,100 $5,400
Zach Ertz $4,000 $5,100
Pat Freiermuth $3,900 $5,000
Taysom Hill $3,800 $5,000
Colby Parkinson $3,700 $5,200
Tyler Conklin $3,600 $5,100
Mike Gesicki $3,500 $5,600
Cade Otton $3,400 $5,100
Juwan Johnson $3,300 $5,000
Johnny Mundt $3,200 $4,900
Brenton Strange $3,100 $5,200
Jordan Akins $3,000 $5,200
Josh Oliver $3,000 $4,700
Tucker Kraft $3,000 $4,800
Greg Dulcich $2,800 $4,500
Hayden Hurst $2,800 $4,700
Kylen Granson $2,800 $4,700
Luke Musgrave $2,800 $4,800
Eric Saubert $2,700 $4,900
Will Dissly $2,700 $4,800

Tight end

Weekly strategy – Injuries and ineffectiveness have neutralized the best TEs. Travis Kelce has an elite matchup, as does Trey McBride (concussion) … if he plays. Dallas Goedert will be my top play on DK, but his FD price is too high. For FD, consider Kyle Pitts or Cole Kmet instead. There are some fabulous punt options this week. Use Tyler Conklin, Zach Ertz, Mike Gesicki, or one of the Chargers to save some money.

Fantasy four-pack

Dallas Goedert, Eagles @ TB ($5,100 DK, $7,500 FD) Goedert went ballistic last week with all the Eagles’ injuries. It is the status quo for the injuries entering this week. Expect another strong game.

Travis Kelce, Chiefs @ LAC ($5,800 DK, $7,100 FD) Kelce has been a dud to start the season, but he has gone nuclear in each of the last five meetings against the Chargers by averaging 8-128 with six touchdowns.

Dalton Kincaid, Bills @ BAL (N/A DK, $6,100 FD) Kincaid made it into the end zone last week and saw his best output of the year. The timing is right as he now faces a Baltimore defense allowing an average of 7.7-93 to the position. 

Kyle Pitts, Falcons vs. NO ($4,800 DK, $5,900 FD) Despite seeing a drop in snaps for a third straight week, Pitts saw five targets and hauled in a 50-plus-yard pass. This week he faces a New Orleans defense that was just gashed by Dallas Goedert.    

Sleepers

Cole Kmet, Bears vs. LAR ($4,400 DK, $5,300 FD) This feels like chasing stats, but Chicago peppered Kmet last week. Things get even easier this week versus a Rams defense that has allowed the fourth-most TE receiving yards.

Tyler Conklin, Jets vs. DEN ($3,600 DK, $5,100 FD) Conklin led the Jets in receptions and receiving yards last week while finishing behind only Garrett Wilson in targets. With Wilson wrangled by Patrick Surtain II, Aaron Rodgers will lean on his TE. Denver is mediocre against the position this season, but it allowed the most TE scores in 2023.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 3

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 3 DFS fantasy football.

Week 2 saw an early injury to Cooper Kupp strangle my attempts at a massive payday. Predicting and fading an injury from a previously uninjured player is impossible. Kupp certainly wasn’t the only player crushed by injury this week. Several superstars will be missing the next few weeks with semi-major injuries. Heck, even I, too, find myself on the IR with plantar fasciitis. Fortunately, I don’t need my feet to type this article. So, tape up and tap into Week 3 Domination!

Recommended DFS lineups

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

DK Lineup: QB Derek Carr ($5.8k), RB Alvin Kamara ($7.5k), RB Zamir White ($5.5k), WR Stefon Diggs ($6.6k), WR Chris Godwin ($6.5k), WR Rashid Shaheed ($5.3k), TE Jonnu Smith ($3.4k), FLEX Jordan Mason ($6.2k), DST Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($3.0k)

FD Lineup: QB Kirk Cousins ($7.2k), RB Alvin Kamara ($8.4k), RB Zamir White ($6.0k), WR CeeDee Lamb ($9.3k), WR Stefon Diggs ($6.9k), WR Chris Godwin ($6.6k), TE Kyle Pitts ($6.2k), FLEX Carson Steele ($5.2k), DST Indianapolis Colts ($3.8k)

FB Lineup: QB C.J. Stroud ($7.0k), RB Alvin Kamara ($7.3k) RB Jordan Mason ($5.9k), WR Stefon Diggs ($6.4k), WR Chris Godwin ($5.9k), WR/TE Rashid Shaheed ($5.4k), TE Jonnu Smith ($3.3k), FLEX Rashee Rice ($6.5k), SUPERFLEX Patrick Mahomes ($7.1k)

*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 $7,500 $8,800
Patrick Mahomes $7,000 $8,700
Jalen Hurts $7,300 $8,500
C.J. Stroud $7,100 $8,200
Kyler Murray $6,900 $8,300
Anthony Richardson $6,700 $8,000
Dak Prescott $6,600 $7,800
Jared Goff $6,500 $7,500
Baker Mayfield $6,300 $7,700
Brock Purdy $6,000 $7,400
Derek Carr $5,800 $7,900
Justin Herbert $5,700 $7,300
Kirk Cousins $5,900 $7,200
Matthew Stafford $5,700 $7,100
Caleb Williams $5,600 $7,000
Geno Smith $5,600 $7,600
Deshaun Watson $5,500 $7,300
Sam Darnold $5,500 $7,100
Justin Fields $5,400 $6,700
Daniel Jones $5,300 $6,800
Gardner Minshew II $5,300 $7,200
Easton Stick $5,200 $6,000
Will Levis $5,200 $6,800
Bo Nix $5,100 $6,500
Skylar Thompson $5,100 $6,600
Malik Willis $5,000 $6,800
Andy Dalton $4,800 $6,000

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – You might as well spend up at QB this week. There are only two solid plays in the second-tier pricing, Jared Goff and Derek Carr. There are also only two punt options, Sam Darnold and Justin Fields, and I am not overly confident in either of them.

Fantasy four-pack

C.J. Stroud, Texans @ MIN ($7,100 DK, $8,200 FD) Stroud is the safest play because of the sheer volume of his weapons and the sheer mediocrity of the Vikings’ secondary talent. Stack Stroud with Stefon Diggs in the revenge game.

Lamar Jackson, Ravens @ DAL ($7,500 DK, $8,800 FD) Last week, Dallas struggled with the Saints and is slipping into passing defense mediocrity. That said, you are playing Jackson for his legs (almost 8 YPC) and any passing numbers are gravy.

Kyler Murray, Cardinals vs. DET ($6,900 DK, $8,300 FD) After finishing 2023 as the fourth-worst pass defense, Detroit has improved. Unfortunately, that improvement is only up to fifth-worst. Meanwhile, Murray threw for three scores last week and is averaging over 11 YPC.

Jalen Hurts, Eagles @ NO ($7,300 DK, $8,500 FD) Playing without A.J. Brown (hamstring), Hurts only threw for one TD last week. Still, he ran for 85 yards and another score. Those are RB numbers juicing already decent pass numbers in what should be a shootout.

Sleepers

Derek Carr, Saints vs. PHI ($5,800 DK, $7,900 FD) DK continues to price Carr like a 1980s Yugo. Klint Kubiak has completely rebuilt this late model and outfitted him with a new V8 engine. The FD price is more appropriate, especially in what should be a shootout against a Philly defense that has given up an average of 250-2 through the first two weeks.  

Sam Darnold, Texans @ MIN ($5,500 DK, $7,100 FD) Darnold has looked like a completely different QB this season. It helps to have talent around you and a coach who doesn’t have his head up his posterior. Minnesota will have to throw a lot to keep up with the Texans. As long as Justin Jefferson (quadriceps) and Jordan Addison (ankle) play, Darnold should be able to keep this one close.

Running back DraftKings FanDuel
Saquon Barkley $7,700 $8,700
Bijan Robinson $7,600 $8,500
Alvin Kamara $7,500 $8,400
Jonathan Taylor $7,300 $8,000
Kyren Williams $7,100 $7,500
De’Von Achane $7,000 $7,700
Joe Mixon $6,900 $8,200
Jahmyr Gibbs $6,800 $7,900
Josh Jacobs $6,700 $7,300
James Conner $6,600 $7,400
Derrick Henry $6,500 $7,800
J.K. Dobbins $6,400 $7,200
Kenneth Walker III $6,300 $7,500
Jordan Mason $6,200 $8,300
David Montgomery $6,100 $7,100
Rachaad White $6,100 $7,000
Tony Pollard $6,000 $6,800
Zach Charbonnet $6,000 $6,700
Aaron Jones $5,900 $6,600
Jerome Ford $5,800 $6,500
Samaje Perine $5,500 $6,200
Devin Singletary $5,700 $6,000
Raheem Mostert $5,700 $6,500
D’Andre Swift $5,600 $6,300
Najee Harris $5,600 $6,400
Ezekiel Elliott $5,500 $6,100
Zamir White $5,500 $6,000
Tyler Allgeier $5,200 $5,900
Alexander Mattison $5,400 $5,700
Javonte Williams $5,400 $5,900
Jaylen Warren $5,300 $5,500
Ty Chandler $5,300 $5,500
Chuba Hubbard $5,200 $5,800
Kenneth Gainwell $5,200 $5,600
Bucky Irving $5,100 $5,200
Carson Steele $5,400 $5,200
Miles Sanders $5,100 $5,000
Gus Edwards $5,000 $6,000
Khalil Herbert $5,000 $5,700
Justice Hill $4,900 $5,300
Tyjae Spears $4,900 $5,200
Dameon Pierce $4,800 $5,100
Rico Dowdle $4,800 $5,400
Cam Akers $4,700 $4,000
Blake Corum $4,600 $5,000
Jamaal Williams $4,500 $5,100
D’Onta Foreman $4,400 $5,600
Jaleel McLaughlin $4,400 $5,000
Jeff Wilson Jr. $4,400 $4,900
Emanuel Wilson $4,300 $5,300
Jaylen Wright $4,300 $4,900
Kyle Juszczyk $4,000 $4,300

Running back

Weekly strategy – Alvin Kamara has found a fountain of youth. Ride him until his carriage turns back into a pumpkin. Saquon Barkley and Bijan Robinson make lesser-owned pivots. Derrick Henry and Rachaad White have easy matchups and usage concerns. You also can use Jordan Mason on DK, but his FD price is too high. For RB2, I like Aaron Jones, Tony Pollard, and Zamir White. Punt with whoever starts for Houston if Joe Mixon (ankle) is out.

Fantasy four-pack

Alvin Kamara, Saints vs. PHI ($7,500 DK, $8,400 FD) I thought Philly had a strong run defense. I was wrong. Opposing RBs are averaging 169.5 total yards per game. Kamara is toting the rock like it’s 2020. I’d even consider stacking him with Derek Carr.

Bijan Robinson, Falcons vs. KC ($X,XXX DK, $8,500 FD) I didn’t love the extra usage from Tyler Allgeier last week, but you can not ignore the fact that the Falcons are weaponizing Robinson in a much saner manner than last year. He should be a lock for a 20-PPR point floor every week.

Saquon Barkley, Eagles @ NO ($7,700 DK, $8,700 FD) Barkley has averaged 124 combo yards per game. This will be his toughest game of the season, but the Eagles will lean heavily on him with A.J. Brown (hamstring) out.

Derrick Henry, Ravens @ DAL ($6,500 DK, $7,800 FD) Henry had a dud Week 1 because of the game script. He righted the ship in Week 2 and should continue to improve this week, as Dallas was whooped on by Alvin Kamara and Jerome Ford in back-to-back games.

Sleepers

Zamir White, Raiders vs. CAR ($5,500 DK, $6,000 FD) Carolina followed up Week 1’s 172-2 allowed to opposing RBs with an equally putrid 201-1 in Week 2. White may split touches with Alexander Mattison, but he holds a greater than 2-to-1 advantage. Both are playable here.

Tony Pollard, Titans vs. GB ($6,000 DK, $6,800 FD) With Tyjae Spears (ankle) questionable, Pollard will see a boost in touches. This puts him in the safe pivot category, especially against a Packers defense that allowed 144 total yards to opposing RBs in both games.

Wide Receiver DraftKings FanDuel
CeeDee Lamb $8,800 $9,300
Justin Jefferson $8,600 $9,200
Tyreek Hill $8,400 $9,000
Amon-Ra St. Brown $8,200 $9,100
Davante Adams $7,600 $7,800
Marvin Harrison Jr. $7,400 $7,500
Nico Collins $7,300 $7,600
Mike Evans $7,200 $8,300
DeVonta Smith $6,900 $8,000
Rashee Rice $7,000 $7,300
Zay Flowers $6,800 $6,800
DJ Moore $6,700 $6,500
Stefon Diggs $6,600 $6,900
Chris Godwin $6,500 $6,600
Malik Nabers $6,400 $7,100
Chris Olave $6,300 $6,700
DK Metcalf $6,300 $7,200
Brandon Aiyuk $6,200 $6,500
Drake London $5,800 $6,400
Keenan Allen $6,200 $6,200
Amari Cooper $6,100 $6,000
Xavier Worthy $6,000 $6,000
Michael Pittman Jr. $6,100 $6,200
Calvin Ridley $6,000 $6,400
Jaylen Waddle $6,000 $6,600
Jayden Reed $5,900 $5,700
Darnell Mooney $4,100 $5,300
Jameson Williams $5,800 $6,300
George Pickens $5,700 $6,300
Romeo Doubs $5,600 $5,200
Brandin Cooks $5,500 $5,900
Courtland Sutton $5,400 $5,300
Jaxon Smith-Njigba $5,400 $6,100
DeAndre Hopkins $5,300 $5,400
Rashid Shaheed $5,300 $6,300
Jerry Jeudy $5,200 $5,800
Tank Dell $5,200 $6,200
Jakobi Meyers $5,100 $5,300
Jordan Addison $5,100 $5,700
Tyler Lockett $5,100 $5,900
Adam Thielen $5,000 $5,100
Demarcus Robinson $5,000 $6,100
Ladd McConkey $5,000 $5,700
Christian Watson $4,900 $5,400
Diontae Johnson $4,900 $5,300
Alec Pierce $4,800 $5,800
Joshua Palmer $4,800 $5,400
Josh Downs $4,700 $5,500
Tyler Johnson $4,700 $5,800
Ray-Ray McCloud III $3,600 $4,900
Dontayvion Wicks $4,600 $4,700
Quentin Johnston $4,600 $5,600
Greg Dortch $4,500 $5,100
Jahan Dotson $4,500 $5,500
Xavier Legette $4,500 $4,600
Jalen Nailor $4,400 $5,900
Josh Reynolds $4,400 $5,200
Wan’Dale Robinson $4,400 $5,600
Tutu Atwell $4,300 $5,500
Tyler Boyd $4,300 $4,900
Jordan Whittington $4,200 $4,600
Rome Odunze $4,200 $6,100
Jauan Jennings $4,100 $5,200
Michael Wilson $4,100 $5,000
Adonai Mitchell $4,000 $5,300
Darius Slayton $3,900 $4,800
Jalen Tolbert $3,800 $4,900
Rashod Bateman $3,800 $4,900
Jalen McMillan $3,700 $5,000
Elijah Moore $3,600 $4,900
Kalif Raymond $3,600 $4,800
Nelson Agholor $3,500 $4,300
Brandon Powell $3,400 $4,500
Devaughn Vele $3,400 $4,700
Marvin Mims Jr. $3,300 $4,300
Tim Patrick $3,300 $4,200
Van Jefferson $3,300 $4,800
JuJu Smith-Schuster $3,200 $4,200
Mecole Hardman $3,000 $4,200
Trent Sherfield Sr. $3,200 $4,200

Wide receiver

Weekly strategy – CeeDee Lamb, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Amon-Ra St. Brown are the best options for WR1. Also, consider targeting a pair of Tier 2 options: Chris Godwin, Rashee Rice, DK Metcalf (hand), or Stefon Diggs. For WR3, use Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Rashid Shaheed, Alec Pierce, or one of the Rams. If you punt WR3, consider Jauan Jennings, Elijah Moore, or Josh Reynolds.

Fantasy four-pack

CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys vs. BAL ($8,800 DK, $9,300 FD) The price and perception should keep his ownership down. Still, 65% of the WR receptions and WR yardage against Baltimore has come from their opponent’s WR1.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions @ ARI ($8,200 DK, $9,100 FD) St. Brown received the squeaky wheel grease last week. Coming off a Week 1 dud, he saw 19 targets. Build a stack with Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison Jr., and St. Brown.

Marvin Harrison Jr., Cardinals vs. DET ($7,400 DK, $7,500 FD) Turns out that targeting your stud rookie WR works. Kyler Murray hopefully got the message. Plus, Detroit has allowed the most WR yardage through the first two weeks.

Stefon Diggs, Texans @ MIN ($6,600 DK, $6,900 FD) This may be the easiest revenge game narrative to exploit in the history of the NFL. Diggs was a target hog with the Vikings, and he felt disrespected when they dealt him. He will go ham here.

Sleepers

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks vs. MIA ($5,400 DK, $6,100 FD) The algorithm hasn’t kicked up JSN’s price tag … yet. Earning 16 targets in Week 2 paced his first-ever 100-yard game. This feels like a watershed moment for Jaxon.

Rashid Shaheed, Saints vs. PHI ($5,300 DK, $6,300 FD) He may never top six receptions, but Shaheed has led all WRs in 50-plus-yard catches since the start of 2023, including two TDs of that variety this season. Meanwhile, Philadelphia has allowed a WR2 to catch a 40-yard-yard TD in both games.

Tight End DraftKings FanDuel
Travis Kelce $6,100 $7,200
Trey McBride $6,200 $6,800
Sam LaPorta $6,000 $7,000
George Kittle $5,700 $7,100
Brock Bowers $5,400 $6,300
Kyle Pitts $5,000 $6,200
David Njoku $5,100 $5,700
Mark Andrews $4,800 $6,400
Isaiah Likely $4,700 $5,600
Dallas Goedert $4,600 $5,800
Jake Ferguson $4,500 $5,400
Dalton Schultz $4,300 $5,500
Pat Freiermuth $4,000 $5,200
Cole Kmet $3,900 $5,000
Taysom Hill $3,800 $5,000
Chig Okonkwo $3,700 $5,100
Colby Parkinson $3,600 $5,300
Juwan Johnson $3,500 $5,100
Noah Fant $3,500 $4,900
Cade Otton $3,400 $5,000
Jonnu Smith $3,400 $5,000
Luke Schoonmaker $3,300 $4,900
Josh Oliver $3,200 $4,800
Tucker Kraft $3,200 $4,900
Gerald Everett $3,100 $4,600
Johnny Mundt $3,100 $4,800
Jordan Akins $3,000 $4,900
Greg Dulcich $2,900 $4,500
Hayden Hurst $2,900 $4,800
Luke Musgrave $2,900 $4,700
Kylen Granson $2,800 $4,800
Will Dissly $2,800 $4,800

Tight end

Weekly strategy – Trey McBride, Kyle Pitts, Brock Bowers, and George Kittle are all in play up top. Otherwise, spend down for Pat Freiermuth, Colby Parkinson, or Jonnu Smith.

Fantasy four-pack

Trey McBride, Cardinals vs. DET ($6,200 DK, $6,800 FD) Detroit has not seen an elite TE this season, but they allowed the eighth-most yards to the position in 2023. McBride has been tame compared to his output from last year. This could be his breakout game.

George Kittle, 49ers @ LAR ($5,700 DK, $7,100 FD) an injury to Deebo Samuel (calf) eliminates another passing game weapon for San Fran. Kittle (hamstring) saw eight targets last week. That number should climb again against a Rams defense that has allowed the fifth-most TE receptions and the third-most TE receiving yards.

Brock Bowers, Raiders vs. CAR ($5,400 DK, $6,300 FD) Bowers leads all TEs in receptions and receiving yards. Meanwhile, Carolina allowed two TE scores in Week 1. We may see Bowers score his first TD this week.

Kyle Pitts, Falcons vs. KC ($X,XXX DK, $6,200 FD) Pitts averaging 3-23 doesn’t bring joy to his owners’ ears. Still, KC has allowed a far-and-away league-worst average of 12.5-138 to the position.  

Sleepers

Pat Freiermuth, Steelers vs. LAC ($4,000 DK, $5,200 FD) Right out of the Arthur Smith playbook, Darnell Washington vultured Freiermuth last week. Still, Freiermuth trails only George Pickens in targets for Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, only three teams have allowed more TE receptions to start the season than the Chargers.

Jonnu Smith, Dolphins @ SEA ($3,400 DK, $5,000 FD) Last week, Smith had seven targets and six catches. Looking back at the four games where Skylar Thompson played significant snaps in 2022, Thompson fed his TEs 6.5 targets per game, 4.5 receptions per game, and 55 yards per game. Besides throwing three TDs to the position. 

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.

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.

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.

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.