Tag: FanBall

Fantasy Football DFS Daily Domination: Super Bowl LVII

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

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

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

First up: The Rules

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

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

Second: The Usual Strategies

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

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

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

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

Potential lineups for DK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Potential lineups for FD

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

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

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

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

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

The Game

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Player Pool

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

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 14

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

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

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

Miami @ Los Angeles Chargers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday Night

NEW ENGLAND @ ARIZONA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

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

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

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

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

Quarterback

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Running Back

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Wide Receiver

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Tight End

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 12

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

Hopefully, everyone had a fun and profitable Thanksgiving day. At the very least, I hope that you were able to spend some drama-free time with your loved ones. So heat up a plate of leftovers and kick back, because we have some lineups to set!

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

GREEN BAY @ PHILADELPHIA

Aaron Rodgers (QB3) has to be happy to have another reliable WR at his disposal. Unfortunately, he has to face the stingiest pass defense on the slate. If you use Rodgers, consider stacking him with Randall Cobb or Allen Lazard instead of the obvious Christian Watson.

Green Bay has a decent pass defense, but it isn’t going to keep up with Jalen Hurts (QB1). Hurts will throw the ball at will and run rampant against the Pack. Expect 350 total yards and three total scores from the top option on the board.

Philly needed to improve their run defense so they went out and gave mercenary money to Linval Joseph and Ndamukong Suh. After two weeks of practice, they should be more heavily involved. Their presence drops Aaron Jones (RB4) and AJ Dillon (RB6) slightly in presumed production. Jones still deserves RB2 consideration, and Dillon could be a punt flex play.

Miles Sanders (RB3) has established himself as the alpha in the Philly backfield. If he didn’t have to cede some TDs to Hurts, I would’ve ranked him second here. He is my preferred RB2 this slate. Kenneth Gainwell (RB8) and Boston Scott (RB9) are both splitting the scraps now. You could use either in Showdown but leave them out of your main lineup.

Christian Watson (WR6) will be way over-owned this week. The Eagles have a pair of legit shutdown corners. I feel better starting the more reliable, Allen Lazard (WR4), and the better matchup, Randall Cobb (WR9). The calendar has changed from September, so Sammy Watkins (WR12) can be ignored.

With two of the top-three options this week in A.J. Brown (WR1) and DeVonta Smith (WR3), the three-leg stack with Hurts is definitely in play. Brown needs to be your WR1, and Smith should at least be in the conversation for WR2. I also feel comfortable playing Quez Watkins (WR11) as a WR3. You can ignore Zach Pascal (WR15).

The primetime slate is devoid of TE talent. Robert Tonyan (TE2) should be a reliable option against one of the few areas where you can attack Philadelphia. If you just decide to punt the position you could consider either Josiah Deguara (TE7) or Marcedes Lewis (TE10) based on the matchup. I wouldn’t, but you can.

Jack Stoll (TE6) has been the only TE to record a catch for Philly since the Dallas Goedert injury. Personally, I feel more confident taking a shot on Tyree Jackson (TE8) if I punt here.

Monday Night

PITTSBURGH @ INDIANAPOLIS

Indy has a stingy pass defense, but they have been bothered by running QBs. Kenny Pickett (QB4) has done little as a passer so far. However, he has put up modest numbers on the ground. Still, I’m not touching him on this slate.

Matt Ryan (QB2) has looked reasonable since returning to the starting lineup. It helps that he has almost all of his weapons healthy. Pittsburgh has allowed four passing TDs in three of their last six games. Chalk him up for a floor of 275-2.

Najee Harris (RB2) was promised the lion’s share of the workload in Week 11. He was gifted it, and he delivered a great performance. It helped that Jaylen Warren (hamstring – RB5) left early with the injury. Harris will be my RB2 in most lineups. If Warren plays, you can roll him out as a dart throw flex play.

Jonathan Taylor (RB1) is fully healthy, and he has Jeff Saturday’s confidence. This returns him to dynasty RB1 territory. On a weak overall slate, there is no excuse for not fitting both Harris and Taylor into your RB slots. Deon Jackson (RB7) will catch a few passes as a COP back for Indy, but he can be left for Showdown.

George Pickens (WR5) has surpassed Diontae Johnson (WR7) as the featured WR for Pittsburgh. Neither is a great play here. You probably have to consider one of them as a WR2/WR3 based on volume, just know they both have low ceilings. The matchup is so negative that the depth receivers, Gunner Olszewski (WR14) and Steven Sims (WR16) can be ignored in all formats.

Indy has involved all three of their top WRs recently. Michael Pittman Jr. (WR2) deserves No. 1 consideration as Pittsburgh has been absurdly bad against WR1s all year. I also like both Parris Campbell (WR8) and Alec Pierce (WR10) as WR3 plays based on their continued growth and involvement in the offense. Ashton Dulin (WR13) saw a lot of action earlier this year when everyone was hurt. Now, he is just a depth WR that can be left to Showdown contests.

How bad is the TE slate here? Pat Freiermuth (TE1) is the top option and it really isn’t close. He is coming off a blowup game, but don’t let that dissuade you from using him again. Zach Gentry (TE5) doesn’t see enough opportunities to return value. Still, he could be a TD-dependent punt play, if you spend too much elsewhere.

In Indy, they are playing “Wheel of Tight Ends.” Jelani Woods (shoulder – TE9) will eventually be the main guy. Right now, he has to shake off a shoulder injury and get back out on the field. With Woods likely out again, Mo Alie-Cox (TE3) and Marquise Goodwin (TE4) will need to continue to step up. Both would be ignored most weeks. On this slate, they are the TE3 and TE4 respectively. I’m okay with using one as a punt here, but I don’t love it.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Joe Burrow ($6.7k), RB Kenneth Walker III ($6.9k), RB Rachaad White ($5.1k), WR Tee Higgins ($6.9k), WR Jaylen Waddle ($7.3k), WR Garrett Wilson ($4.3k), TE Hayden Hurst ($3.3k), FLEX Jeff Wilson Jr. ($5.9k), DST Kansas City Chiefs ($2.8k)

FD Lineup: QB Geno Smith ($7.6k), RB Jeff Wilson Jr. ($7.7k), RB Antonio Gibson ($6.1k), WR Tee Higgins  ($8.2k), WR Jaylen Waddle ($8.1k), WR DK Metcalf ($7.2k), TE Austin Hooper ($5k), FLEX Latavius Murray ($6.2k), DST Denver Broncos ($3.9k)

FB Lineup: QB Joe Burrow ($6.7k), RB Jeff Wilson Jr. ($5.4k), RB Latavius Murray ($5k), WR Tee Higgins ($6.3k), WR Jaylen Waddle ($6.5k), WR Randall Cobb ($3.5k), TE Austin Hooper ($3.1k), FLEX Austin Ekeler ($7.2k), FLEX Kenneth Walker III ($6.3k)

Quarterbacks DraftKings FanDuel
Patrick Mahomes $8,200 $9,000
Lamar Jackson $8,000 $8,200
Justin Fields $7,400 $8,500
Justin Herbert $7,000 $7,900
Tua Tagovailoa $6,900 $8,300
Kyler Murray $6,800 $7,800
Joe Burrow $6,700 $8,600
Geno Smith $6,000 $7,600
Tom Brady $5,800 $7,400
Derek Carr $5,700 $7,300
Jimmy Garoppolo $5,600 $6,800
Marcus Mariota $5,500 $7,000
Trevor Lawrence $5,500 $6,900
Jacoby Brissett $5,400 $6,900
Russell Wilson $5,400 $6,700
Ryan Tannehill $5,400 $7,100
Andy Dalton $5,300 $6,700
Matthew Stafford $5,300 $6,600
Taylor Heinicke $5,300 $6,500
Colt McCoy $5,100 $6,400
Bryce Perkins $5,000 $6,600
John Wolford $5,000 $6,600
Mike White $4,900 $6,200
Sam  Darnold $4,900 $6,400
Trevor Siemian $4,900 $6,300
Kyle Allen $4,800 $6,100
Taysom Hill $4,800 N/A
Trace McSorley $4,000 $6,200

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Joe Burrow, Geno Smith, and Tua Tagovailoa are my favorite QB plays of the week. I don’t mind Justin Herbert or Tom Brady as pivots. Consider Jimmy Garoppolo or Trevor Lawrence to save even more money.

Fantasy Four-pack

Joe Burrow, Bengals @ TEN
($6,700 DK, $8,600 FD) Only two teams are allowing more passing yards per game, and only three teams are allowing more passing TDs per game than Tennessee. Burrow is coming off a monster game, and he may be without his top RB again. We should see him air it out here repeatedly.

Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins vs. HOU
($6,900 DK, $8,300 FD) Houston doesn’t give up a ton of passing yards or passing scores, but that isn’t due to some elite defense. It is due solely to teams not having to throw the ball against them. Dolphins RBs will eat this week, but Tua should still throw for a ton of points, too. You don’t actually think that Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle will just cede their points to the RB room, do you?

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs vs. LAR ($8,200 DK, $9,000 FD) The Rams have some defensive weapons to limit Mahomes this week. That said, their pass defense has actually struggled recently, especially on the road, where they have allowed the seventh-most passing yards per game. Bump Mahomes up even higher, if JuJu Smith-Schuster can go.

Justin Herbert, Chargers @ ARI
($7,000 DK, $7,900 FD) I don’t usually give too much cadence to home/road splits. However, Arizona is allowing only 202 passing yards per game on the road compared to 298 passing yards per game at home. This isn’t a small sample size, either. Plus, only one of six QBs traveling to Arizona has failed to score multiple TDs against them. Herbert is an elite enough talent to do serious damage here.

DFS Sleepers

Geno Smith, Seahawks vs. LV
($6,000 DK, $7,600 FD) Smith has two or more total TDs in seven of his last eight games. Meanwhile, the Raiders have allowed two or more total QB scores in all but two games this season. Plus, they have been particularly susceptible to QB rushing scores. Smith will score both ways this week.

Tom Brady, Buccaneers @ CLE
($5,800 DK, $7,400 FD) Much like teams facing Houston, Cleveland’s pass defense numbers look better than they are since no one throws on them. Enter Tampa Bay, who throw the ball on a league-leading 66% of their plays. Even the Tampa RBs spend as much time catching passes as they spend toting the rock. Brady will have at least his top-three and perhaps his top-four WRs healthy for this one. I expect the GOAT to go off.

Running Backs DraftKings FanDuel
Christian McCaffrey $8,800 $9,200
Austin Ekeler $8,500 $8,800
Derrick Henry $8,300 $9,500
Nick Chubb $7,800 $8,100
Josh Jacobs $7,700 $8,700
Alvin Kamara $7,300 $7,100
Joe Mixon $7,000 $8,000
Kenneth Walker III $6,900 $8,400
Travis Etienne Jr. $6,700 $8,000
James Conner $6,600 $7,000
David Montgomery $6,400 $7,500
Dameon Pierce $6,100 $6,900
Cordarrelle Patterson $6,000 $6,800
Jeff Wilson Jr. $5,900 $7,700
Leonard Fournette $5,800 $7,200
Kenyan Drake $5,700 $6,500
Raheem Mostert $5,700 $6,300
Gus Edwards $5,600 $6,500
Samaje Perine $5,600 $6,600
D’Onta Foreman $5,500 $6,700
Isiah Pacheco $5,500 $6,300
Antonio Gibson $5,400 $6,100
Michael Carter $5,400 $6,200
James Robinson $5,200 $6,200
Brian Robinson Jr. $5,100 $6,100
Rachaad White $5,100 $6,400
Latavius Murray $5,000 $6,200
Cam Akers $4,900 $5,900
Elijah Mitchell $4,900 $6,500
Kareem Hunt $4,900 $5,800
Kyren Williams $4,900 $5,300
Tyler Allgeier $4,900 $5,900
Dontrell Hilliard $4,800 $5,100
Keaontay Ingram $4,800 $5,400
Chuba Hubbard $4,700 $5,300
Jerick McKinnon $4,700 $5,500
Justice Hill $4,400 $5,200
Trestan Ebner $4,300 $4,900
Isaiah Spiller $4,100 $4,800
Caleb Huntley $4,000 $4,900

Running Back

Weekly strategy – Austin Ekeler is the safest high-priced option. Still, I am likely to spend down and go with two of the following: Kenneth Walker III, James Conner, David Montgomery, one of the Commanders, and Jeff Wilson Jr. Injuries to other RBs could keep Kenyan Drake, Rachaad White, and Samaje Perine as viable RB2 plays. Finally, consider Latavius Murray based on volume.

Fantasy Four-pack

Austin Ekeler, Chargers @ ARI
($8,500 DK, $8,800 FD) Multi-function backs such as Christian McCaffrey (2x), Kenneth Walker III (2x), Alvin Kamara, and Dalvin Cook have all feasted on this defense. Ekeler definitely fits the mold of a multi-function back. This feels like a 150-1 game with at least six receptions.

Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks vs. LV ($6,900 DK, $8,400 FD) Over their last four games, Vegas has allowed seven total RB scores. Meanwhile, Walker has been on a roll scoring seven times in his last six games. The TDs will definitely be here, as will the yards. What would make this great, is if we continue to see Walker involved more in the passing game (as he was in Week 10).

Derrick Henry, Titans vs. CIN
($8,300 DK, $9,500 FD) Henry at home should never be completely ignored. That FD price is high, but he can score multiple TDs on any given Sunday. This is important to know, because Cincy has allowed an RB to post multiple rushing TDs in two of their last three games.

James Conner, Cardinals vs. LAC
($6,600 DK, $7,000 FD) Conner’s value comes from his nose for the end zone. He has scored three times in the last two weeks. This matches nicely with the Chargers, who are allowing more than one rushing TD per game this season and a league fourth-worst 1.6 rushing TDs per game on the road. You aren’t going to get huge yardage numbers here, but two TDs will go a long way.

DFS Sleepers

Jeff Wilson Jr., Dolphins @ HOU ($5,900 DK, $7,700 FD) The only question here is will Wilson score more TDs than Raheem Mostert? Heck, I might throw out a lineup with both of them. Together they will split 200 total yards and at least two TDs. 

Antonio Gibson, Commanders vs. ATL ($5,400 DK, $6,100 FD) This is another split backfield where both backs should eat this week. Since Week 4, only one team failed to gouge this defense with their RBs. I’m not bullish enough on this offense to start both of them, so I’ll go with the one more involved in the passing game.

Wide receivers DraftKings FanDuel
Tyreek Hill $8,800 $9,200
Davante Adams $8,600 $9,000
DeAndre Hopkins $7,700 $8,400
Ja’Marr Chase $7,600 $8,800
Jaylen Waddle $7,300 $8,100
Tee Higgins $6,900 $8,200
Deebo Samuel $6,800 $6,900
Mike Evans $6,700 $7,600
Chris Olave $6,600 $7,300
Christian Kirk $6,500 $7,700
DK Metcalf $6,500 $7,200
Amari Cooper $6,400 $7,800
Brandon Aiyuk $6,400 $6,700
Mike Williams $6,300 $6,900
Tyler Lockett $6,200 $7,400
Keenan Allen $6,100 $7,300
Chris Godwin $6,000 $7,000
Tyler Boyd $5,900 $6,700
Terry McLaurin $5,800 $7,500
Jerry Jeudy $5,700 $6,000
JuJu Smith-Schuster $5,700 $6,600
Courtland Sutton $5,600 $7,100
Allen Robinson II $5,500 $6,800
Joshua Palmer $5,400 $6,800
Marquise Brown $5,300 $7,000
Brandin Cooks $5,200 $6,400
Darnell Mooney $5,100 $6,100
Rondale Moore $5,100 $6,000
Curtis Samuel $5,000 $6,500
DJ Moore $5,000 $6,200
Drake London $4,900 $6,100
Kadarius Toney $4,900 $6,100
Donovan Peoples-Jones $4,800 $6,300
Devin Duvernay $4,700 $5,600
Robert Woods $4,700 $5,700
Zay Jones $4,600 $5,700
Van Jefferson $4,500 $5,600
Jarvis Landry $4,400 $5,800
Mack Hollins $4,400 $5,600
Demarcus Robinson $4,300 $6,200
Garrett Wilson $4,300 $6,000
Corey Davis $4,200 $5,500
Treylon Burks $4,200 $5,900
Marvin Jones Jr. $4,100 $5,400
Nico Collins $4,100 $6,000
Jahan Dotson $4,000 $5,800
Julio Jones $4,000 $5,400
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,000 $5,800
Chase Claypool $3,900 $5,500
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $3,900 $5,400
Terrace Marshall Jr. $3,900 $5,700
Chris Moore $3,800 $5,500
KJ Hamler $3,800 $5,000
DeAndre Carter $3,700 $5,900
Kendall Hinton $3,700 $5,400
Olamide Zaccheaus $3,600 $5,300
Elijah Moore $3,500 $5,300
Marquise Goodwin $3,500 $5,400
A.J. Green $3,400 $5,300
Ben Skowronek $3,400 $5,100
Laviska Shenault Jr. $3,300 $5,300
Trent Sherfield $3,200 $5,400
Robbie Anderson $3,100 $5,100
Cedrick Wilson Jr. $3,000 $4,800
Justin Watson $3,000 $5,000
Skyy Moore $3,000 $5,400

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy –  I will build at least one lineup with both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Davante Adams and Tee Higgins are the other WR1 choices for me. Christian Kirk, Mike Evans, Terry McLaurin, and the Seahawks could also be used there. I will probably use one of them at WR2. If Mike Williams is out again, Joshua Palmer is a must-start. Other WR3 options include the Texans, Curtis Samuel, Treylon Burks, Garrett Wilson, and Donovan Peoples-Jones. The only punt plays I like are Julio Jones and whoever starts for KC if JuJu Smith-Schuster remains out.

Fantasy Four-pack

Davante Adams, Raiders @ SEA
($8,600 DK, $9,000 FD) Adams leads the league in WR targets and WR touchdowns. He also has been on an absurd streak posting 26-413-5, over his last three games. Not that you need any more prodding to start him, but every WR1 to face Seattle this season has reached double-digit PPR points.

Tyreek Hill, Dolphins vs. HOU ($8,800 DK, $9,200 FD) As I mentioned above, Houston’s defense against the pass looks better than it is because no one has to throw it against them. That said, while Miami doesn’t have to throw the ball against them, we know they are going to. Hill holds a narrow lead on the field in WR receptions and receiving yards, plus he has scored in back-to-back games. He won’t score as much as the RBs, but he should still have a tidy 10-100-1 line.

Tee Higgins, Bengals @ TEN
($6,900 DK, $8,200 FD) Twenty different WRs have reached double-digit PPR points against the Titans. This includes such luminaries as Dyami Brown, Mack Hollins, and Jalen Virgil. Higgins is coming off a beast-mode game, and he should be seeking at least one more monster line before Ja’Marr Chase returns at full game speed. Chase reportedly wants to play this week, if he does, it won’t be at full speed.

Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins vs. HOU
($7,300 DK, $8,100 FD) Tyreek Hill holds the advantage in yardage and receptions, but Waddle has scored more TDs. This includes three scores over the last three games. Obviously, I like both of these studs. I just like Waddle a little bit more because of the price difference. 

DFS Sleepers

Terry McLaurin, Commanders vs. ATL
($5,800 DK, $7,500 FD) Only three teams are allowing more passing yards per game than Atlanta. Plus, only two WR1s have failed to go berserk against them. McLaurin has been solid all season, but he seems to have stepped it up even more since Taylor Heinicke became the QB averaging 5.6-85.

Treylon Burks, Titans vs. CIN
($4,200 DK, $5,900 FD) Someone has to catch the ball for Tennessee. Well, it now appears that Burks will be gifted the opportunity to be that someone. Cincy has been solid against WRs this year, but their biggest deficiency has come against big-bodied possession receivers that don’t mind going across the field. Burks has shown that attribute, in the last few weeks, since his and Ryan Tannehill‘s return from injury.

Tight ends DraftKings FanDuel
Travis Kelce $7,700 $8,200
Mark Andrews $6,500 $7,300
Taysom Hill N/A $6,500
George Kittle $5,300 $6,200
Gerald Everett $4,400 $5,200
Tyler Higbee $4,200 $5,700
Cole Kmet $3,900 $5,300
Greg Dulcich $3,700 $5,300
David Njoku $3,600 $5,600
Mike Gesicki $3,500 $5,000
Foster Moreau $3,400 $5,400
Juwan Johnson $3,400 $5,500
Cade Otton $3,300 $4,900
Hayden Hurst $3,300 $5,100
Evan Engram $3,200 $4,900
Noah Fant $3,200 $5,100
Trey McBride $3,100 $4,800
Tyler Conklin $3,100 $4,800
Austin Hooper $3,000 $5,000
Harrison Bryant $3,000 $4,900
Logan Thomas $3,000 $5,200
Cameron Brate $2,900 $4,600
Isaiah Likely $2,900 $4,500
Will Dissly $2,900 $4,600
Tre’ McKitty $2,800 $4,500
Jordan Akins $2,700 $4,600
Chigoziem Okonkwo $2,600 $4,500
Adam Trautman $2,500 $4,500

Tight End

Weekly strategy – If you want to pay up, go ahead. Both Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews are solid plays. That said, I am gonna pay less for Greg Dulcich, David Njoku, Foster Moreau, or Gerald Everett (groin) if he plays. If you choose to punt, use one of the Seahawks, Evan Engram, Austin Hooper, Logan Thomas, or Hayden Hurst.

Fantasy Four-pack

Travis Kelce, Chiefs vs. LAR
($7,700 DK, $8,200 FD) I don’t love the price. I don’t love the opponent. I don’t love the fact that he will be chalk after last week. That said, this is Travis Kelce, and the rest of the field is not Travis Kelce, I rest my case.

Mark Andrews, Ravens @ JAX
($6,500 DK, $7,300 FD) Andrews is the closest thing on the docket to Kelce’s reign. I will likely have more exposure here based on the easier matchup and the cheaper price. Still, both seem a bit overpriced. 

Gerald Everett, Chargers @ ARI
($4,400 DK, $5,200 FD) Everett (groin) missed Week 11, but his early week practices suggest he will suit up this week. The matchup against the Cardinals, along with Mike Williams‘s (ankle) reinjury, is just begging Everett to step in and go off.

Greg Dulcich, Broncos @ CAR ($3,700 DK, $5,300 FD) Perhaps, the only positive coming out of Denver right now is the play of Dulcich. With Jerry Jeudy (ankle) remaining questionable, Dulcich should continue to receive a healthy dose of targets. Comparable TEs have posted solid lines against Carolina already this year. I like Dulcich for 5-60 and maybe a score.

DFS Sleepers

Austin Hooper, Titans vs. CIN
($3,000 DK, $5,000 FD) Hooper has to be cheering for the return of Ryan Tannehill. He went from an afterthought on a team that doesn’t throw at all to an end-zone threat on a team that throws only a smidgen of the time.

Logan Thomas, Commanders vs. ATL ($3,000 DK, $5,200 FD) Thomas has actually produced this year when he has been on the field. Unfortunately, this has been few and far between. Several scrub TEs have posted solid lines against the Falcons already. I see no reason why Thomas cannot add his name to the list.

Daily Fantasy Domination: 2022 Thanksgiving Edition

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

It is time once again to gobble up some bonus DFS action as we enter the Turkey Day slate. There is nothing better than stuffing your belly and then stuffing your wallet. Then you can go out the next morning and blow all that newly begotten wealth on Black Friday deals!

Buffalo Bills @ Detroit Lions

So, will Buffalo go home between Week 11 and Thanksgiving Day? The Lions haven’t played at Ford Field since Week 9, so the Bills will have actually spent more time in this stadium recently than the Motor City Kitties have.

On this slate, Josh Allen (QB1) has the best combination of arm strength and running ability, and he is no worse than second in surrounding talent on offense. Stack him with either Stefon Diggs or Gabe Davis.

Jared Goff (QB4) doesn’t have the natural talent of Allen, but he does have an elite WR. He also is not afraid to throw the ball 40-plus times a game to keep up with a higher-octane offense. Buffalo’s passing defense is nowhere near as fierce as they were earlier this season, and I like Goff as a bargain-priced pivot here.

Detroit has no clue how to stop the run. It has been a battle to the bottom between them and Houston all year (with Cleveland and the Chargers making a late charge, too). Unfortunately for Buffalo, Devin Singletary (RB3) typically doesn’t get the workload needed to really take advantage of this. I still think he is the safest RB2 on the board. Nyheim Hines (RB12) hasn’t done anything since his arrival. He can be left to Showdown. James Cook (RB10), on the other hand, has seen his role continue to grow. He could be a nice flex play.

Buffalo isn’t great against the run, either. Jamaal Williams (RB4) has been a TD machine. He needs to be in consideration for your RB2 slot. D’Andre Swift (RB7) finally scored last week. He also had fewer touches and yards than Justin Jackson (RB12). Against a worse defense, I might advocate for one of them. Here, neither is more than a desperation flex play.

Detroit is just as bad against the pass as the run. WR1s in particular have posted huge games against them. This is why Stefon Diggs (WR1) gets the top spot on the slate. His price will be high, but he will be worth it. If you want to save some money use his running mate, Gabe Davis (WR5). Just know that Diggs is a much safer play. Isaiah McKenzie (WR13) also is in play as a WR3. Khalil Shakir (WR17) should probably be left to Showdown.

Since Week 7, Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR3) has nearly as many targets as all of the other WRs on Detroit’s active roster. This sets up nicely for him as it has been possession WRs that have done the most damage against Buffalo this season. DJ Chark Jr. (WR16) finally returned in Week 11. Everyone in attendance at your family’s dinner had as many catches and yards as he did. His presence creates more operating room for St. Brown, but Chark is still looking like a bust. Josh Reynolds (back – WR9) has missed a month with a back injury. When he was healthy, he was a reliable WR3. If he can finally return, I’d gladly play him in that spot. If Reynolds remains out, Kalif Raymond (WR14) could be a sneaky WR3 play. Tom Kennedy (WR20) is certainly a fake name, but that name is on the player list, so I have to at least rank him. You can leave him for Showdown.

Despite having multiple other weapons, Buffalo has kept Dawson Knox (TE3) involved all season. Like every other position, Detroit cannot seem to cover TEs, either. Knox at a discounted price might be a nice third leg to an Allen-Diggs stack.

Detroit had an elite TE and they traded him away. Now they have two guys who are just serviceable at best. At least the matchup isn’t awful. Brock Wright (TE7) and James Mitchell (TE8) probably should be ignored, but I have a sneaking feeling that one of them will score this week.

New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys

This NFC East rivalry has a little extra gravy this week as these two teams battle for wild-card positioning behind division leader Philadelphia.

Daniel Jones (QB5) will have his work cut out for himself this week. Normally, I like him as a sleeper, but this time I’m not going to go out of my way to use him. That said, running QBs (including Jones in Week 3) have had some success against this defense, so he has that going for him.

As for Dallas, Dak Prescott (QB2) gets a solid but not spectacular matchup. Still, on a mediocre QB slate, his floor is higher than most of the rest. Stack him with CeeDee Lamb.

Saquon Barkley (RB1) doesn’t have the cream-puff matchups that he has faced the last two weeks. Still, it is always easier to run against Dallas, than throw against them. Matt Breida (RB13) scored last week, but he remains strictly a handcuff. Barring an injury, he has zero value this week.

Ezekiel Elliott (RB5) and Tony Pollard (RB6) are both healthy. Unfortunately, this means a split backfield and split production. If either was alone this week, they would be a top-three option. Still, each can be used as an RB2 or flex play. Elliott has scored in seven of the last eight games he has played against the Giants, so I’ll give him a small edge. Malik Davis (RB15) returns to irrelevancy with both Pollard and Zeke healthy.

The Giants’ WR room was maligned most of the year. Now, they are back to having only one solid option in Darius Slayton (WR10) as Wan’Dale Robinson (ACL) is out for the year. When he has played, Slayton has been reliable this year. Unfortunately, he will likely be saddled by Trevon Diggs. I guess Slayton still deserves WR3 consideration. The team also has Kenny Golladay (WR20). He used to be reliable. Now, it is a victory when he gets more than one target in a game. Bigger-bodied outside WRs have actually fared well against Dallas this season, so he could be a deep dart throw at flex. That said, I’d rather leave him to Showdown. With Robinson out, Richie James (knee – WR16) will start in the slot. He could also be a WR3 option.

CeeDee Lamb (WR4) is one of the few WR1 pivots that I like from Stefon Diggs and Justin Jefferson. Lamb actually has more targets than the rest of the Cowboys’ WR room combined. It helped that Michael Gallup (WR8) missed the start of the season. Gallup gets a lot of volume, but his final stat line leaves a lot to be desired. He is best left as a WR3. Noah Brown (WR12) has disappeared since the return of Gallup. In a better spot, I would consider him. This isn’t that spot.

Daniel Bellinger (eye – TE11) has missed a month now. He promised that he would return at some point this season. I don’t think it will be this week. If he plays, bump him up to TE5. Assuming Bellinger remains out, Tanner Hudson (TE6) or Lawrence Cager (WR23/TE9) could be a nice sleeper in a double-TE lineup.

Dalton Schultz (TE2) is a great option this week as the Giants have been a sieve of late against the position. Plus, Schultz has been a top-six TE since returning from his early-season injury. I highly recommend using both Schultz and T.J. Hockenson in a double-TE lineup.

New England Patriots @ Minnesota Vikings

I love the story of Thanksgiving. Especially the part where the American revolutionaries traveled westward to do battle with the Norse boatsmen. If for some crazy reason you are still hungry when this game comes on, make sure to watch my Twitter feed for our #Week12 #MatchupMeal featuring New England cranberry goat cheese stuffed Swedish meatball Juicy Lucys and red flannel hash.

Mac Jones (QB6) is the thanksgiving QB turkey this week. The matchup is actually positive, but he just lacks the talent. If you want to get crazy build a stack with him and Jakobi Meyers and then fall asleep early so you don’t have to watch that money go up in smoke.

Coming into this season, Kirk Cousins (QB3) was maligned for his failures in primetime. He has played admirably this season to erase some of that trend, but with his LT, Christian Darrisaw, doubtful with a concussion, he is in trouble here. Certainly, Kirk has the weapons, but he needs time to get the ball to those weapons. If Darrisaw plays, I will use Cousins. Otherwise, I will pass.

Rhamondre Stevenson (RB8) and Damien Harris (RB9) were back to splitting the load last week. The Vikes are actually solid against the run, so neither should be more than an RB2 dart throw. I’d lean toward Stevenson since Minnesota has historically struggled with pass-catching backs.

The Vikings have to get their running game going this week. Dalvin Cook (RB2) had scored in five straight games prior to getting the game scripted away from him in last week’s contest. Unfortunately, the Patriots are neutral, at worst, against the run. Alexander Mattison (RB11) is purely a handcuff these days. He can be left to Showdown contests.

There are a lot of WRs in the room for the Patriots, but very few you can truly trust. Jakobi Meyers (WR6) is worth a WR2 slot. He has been the one consistent asset all year. DeVante Parker (WR11) came back from injury in Week 11 and didn’t do much. I don’t love the matchup for him. Nelson Agholor (WR21) has had six targets since Week 4. Still, he is one of the types of WRs that Minnesota historically struggles with. Tyquan Thornton (WR18) has seen more targets, but he has done just as little with them. Either of these two could be a punt WR3 at best. Kendrick Bourne (WR22) has done nothing over the last two months. He can be ignored.

Opposing WR1s have done little versus New England over the last month. That said, they haven’t faced anyone like Justin Jefferson (WR2) recently. The few higher-end WR1s they faced earlier this year did just fine against this defense. Jefferson will have a great game here, and he deserves WR1 consideration. Adam Thielen (WR7) had seven or more targets in eight straight contests before Week 11. The numbers haven’t been great, but he can be used as a WR2. K.J. Osborn (WR13) was featured in Week 10 and then he was ignored last week. The matchup isn’t strong enough to consider him as anything more than a punt play at WR3.

Jonnu Smith (TE4) has outproduced Hunter Henry (TE5) in recent weeks. I’d consider a pivot with either, but there is no clear advantage to using them considering the price differences aren’t huge between them and the highest-priced guys.

Quality TEs have feasted on New England this season. T.J. Hockenson (TE1) definitely qualifies in that category. Ironically, he was held to just 1-6-0 versus New England back in Week 4 when he was still with Detroit. That is more of a testament to the Detroit offense than Hockenson. I like him for 6-70-1 here. Johnny Mundt (TE10) can be ignored.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Josh Allen ($8k), RB Devin Singletary ($5.7k), RB Jamaal Williams ($5.9k), WR Stefon Diggs ($8k), WR Jakobi Meyers ($5.1k), WR Kalif Raymond ($4.1k), TE Dawson Knox ($3.5k), FLEX Tony Pollard ($6.6k), DST New England Patriots ($3k)

FD Lineup: QB Josh Allen ($9.5k), RB Devin Singletary ($6.9k), RB Jamaal Williams ($7.1k), WR Stefon Diggs ($9.3k), WR Michael Gallup ($5.7k), WR Kalif Raymond ($5.5k), TE Dawson Knox ($5.5k), FLEX T.J. Hockenson ($6.3k), DST New England Patriots ($4.2k)

FB Lineup: QB Josh Allen ($7.4k), RB Saquon Barkley ($7.2k), RB Jamaal Williams ($5.6k), WR Stefon Diggs ($7.2k), WR Michael Gallup ($4.1k), WR K.J. Osborn ($3.3k), TE Dawson Knox ($3.7k), FLEX Tony Pollard ($6.3k), FLEX Devin Singletary ($5.2k)

Quarterback

DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,000 $9,500
Dak Prescott $6,200 $8,000
Kirk Cousins $5,600 $7,400
Daniel Jones $5,500 $7,500
Jared Goff $5,200 $6,900
Mac Jones $5,100 $6,500

Weekly strategy – Josh Allen and Dak Prescott are the safest plays. Mac Jones and Kirk Cousins are the only two to fully fade.

Pay to Play

Josh Allen, Bills @ DET ($8,000 DK, $9,500 FD)
Best offense on the slate versus the worst defense on the slate. Simply put, get Allen in there and stack him with as many players as you can fit under the cap.

Stay Away

Kirk Cousins, Vikings vs. NE ($5,600 DK, $7,400 FD) Cousins is a decent starting QB and he has some elite weapons, but if he doesn’t have Christian Darrisaw blocking his blindside, he is in a world of trouble. The Patriots’ edge rushers have to be licking their chops while watching footage from last week’s game.

Value Play

Jared Goff, Lions vs. BUF ($5,200 DK, $6,900 FD)
Detroit will be playing from behind, so expect Goff to be forced to throw the ball a ton. Obviously, this means cue up the stacks with Amon-Ra St. Brown and perhaps Kalif Raymond or Josh Reynolds (back) if he can return from his injury.

Running Back

DraftKings FanDuel
Saquon Barkley $8,000 $8,800
Dalvin Cook $7,400 $7,800
Tony Pollard $6,600 $8,500
Rhamondre Stevenson $6,400 $7,200
Jamaal Williams $5,900 $7,100
Ezekiel Elliott $5,800 $7,000
Devin Singletary $5,700 $6,900
D’Andre Swift $5,600 $6,200
Damien Harris $5,500 $6,400
Alexander Mattison $4,800 $5,000
Nyheim Hines $4,500 $4,900
James Cook $4,400 $5,500
Matt Breida $4,300 $5,100
Justin Jackson $4,100 $5,200

Weekly strategy – Saquon Barkley and Dalvin Cook are both usable at RB1. If you can afford them. That said, I’m likely fading both due to their salaries. I’d prefer to pivot with two or three of this group: Jamaal Williams, one of the Patriots, Devin Singletary, or one of the Cowboys.

Pay to Play

Saquon Barkley, Giants @ DAL ($8,000 DK, $8,800 FD)
I am going to have a hard time fitting Barkley under my cap, but he deserves to be there. He posted 126 total yards and a score in their earlier matchup. Plus, Dallas has allowed some big RB lines over the last month or so. I’m just scared of a repeat of last week’s fiasco versus Detroit where Daniel Jones and Matt Breida vultured Barkley’s TDs.

Stay Away

D’Andre Swift, Lions vs. BUF ($5,600 DK, $6,200 FD)
Buffalo isn’t very good against the run, but Swift actually played less than Justin Jackson last week. On a small slate, you can’t have this big of a goose egg risk in your lineup.

Value Play

Devin Singletary, Bills @ DET ($5,700 DK, $6,900 FD)
Despite slowing down Saquon Barkley last week, Detroit continues to be an RB whipping boy. James Cook could eat into some of Singletary’s touches again, but if Devin is fed like last week, he will score for a third-straight week.

Wide Receiver

DraftKings FanDuel
Justin Jefferson $8,200 $8,600
Stefon Diggs $8,000 $9,300
CeeDee Lamb $7,100 $7,900
Amon-Ra St. Brown $6,600 $7,600
Gabe Davis $5,300 $7,200
Jakobi Meyers $5,100 $6,700
Darius Slayton $5,000 $6,400
Adam Thielen $4,900 $5,900
Michael Gallup $4,600 $5,700
Josh Reynolds $4,200 $5,600
Kalif Raymond $4,100 $5,500
Isaiah McKenzie $4,000 $5,200
DeVante Parker $3,900 $5,400
DJ Chark Jr. $3,800 $5,000
Kenny Golladay $3,700 $5,300
K.J. Osborn $3,600 $5,300
Noah Brown $3,500 $5,200
Kendrick Bourne $3,400 $4,900
Lawrence Cager N/A $4,800
Richie James $3,400 $5,400
Tyquan Thornton $3,300 $5,300
Nelson Agholor $3,100 $5,100
Khalil Shakir $3,000 $4,600

Weekly strategy – Your WR1 should be either Stefon Diggs or Justin Jefferson. You cannot afford both. Gabe Davis, CeeDee Lamb, and Amon-Ra St. Brown are the WR1 pivot options. Use two of Darius Slayton, Jakobi Meyers, Michael Gallup, Kalif Raymond, or Adam Thielen as your WR2 and WR3. K.J. Osborn and Richie James are the only two possible punt play here.

Pay to Play

Stefon Diggs, Bills @ DET ($8,000 DK, $9,300 FD)
Diggs has scored and/or topped 90 yards in each of his last six games. Meanwhile, Detroit has allowed a big game by virtually every alpha WR to face them. You need either Diggs or Gabe Davis in your lineup, good luck getting both of them under the cap.

Stay Away

Justin Jefferson, Vikings vs. NE ($8,200 DK, $8,600 FD) The Patriots go out of their way to take out an opponent’s top weapon. Well, Jefferson is clearly the top option on this offense. I know Bill Belichick is adept at this strategy, and he has last week’s game to pull from.

Value Play

Kalif Raymond, Lions vs. BUF ($4,100 DK, $5,500 FD) or Josh Reynolds, Lions vs. BUF ($4,200, $5,600) This comes down to whether or not Reynolds (back) can play. If Reynolds is out once again, fire up Raymond. If Reynolds returns, fire up Reynolds. Both could have value as Buffalo is forced to deal with Amon-Ra St. Brown and DJ Chark Jr. on the outsides.

Tight End

DraftKings FanDuel
T.J. Hockenson $5,000 $6,300
Dalton Schultz $3,800 $5,800
Dawson Knox $3,500 $5,500
Daniel Bellinger $3,200 $4,600
Hunter Henry $3,100 $4,900
Jonnu Smith $3,000 $4,700
Brock Wright $2,900 $4,600
James Mitchell $2,700 $4,200
Lawrence Cager $2,700 N/A
Johnny Mundt $2,700 $4,200
Tanner Hudson $2,500 $4,300

Weekly strategy – T.J. Hockenson is the safest play. I’d also consider Dalton Schultz or Dawson Knox.

Pay to Play

T.J. Hockenson, Vikings vs. NE ($5,000 DK, $6,300 FD)
Since landing with the Vikings, Hockenson has been peppered with 28 targets in three games. That is the fifth-most targets in the league during this three-game stand. Meanwhile, the Patriots rank near the bottom in points allowed to the TE. I can do the math, and it adds up to this being the best TE play on the board.

Stay Away

Hunter Henry, Patriots @ MIN ($3,100 DK, $4,900 FD)
Henry has begun to accrue fewer stats than Jonnu Smith. If I have to fade someone this week, it would be him.

Value Play

Dawson Knox, Bills @ DET ($3,500 DK, $5,500 FD)
Knox has shed his TD-dependent label and started to post reasonable counting stats. Against Detroit, he should be able to do both. I love Knox as the third leg of an Allen-Diggs stack. He can also be the second option in a double-TE lineup with Hockenson.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 11

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 11 DFS fantasy football

As we inch closer to the winter season, we are forced to start weighing weather into our start/sit decisions. There are four games being played outdoors out east and a game being played outside in Denver. The NFL even moved the Cleveland-Buffalo game to a neutral site because of an impending snowpocalypse.

The key thing to remember is that impact winds, rain, snow, and/or freezing rain will negatively affect mediocre QBs and some WRs (particularly field-stretching WRs). Still, elite QBs (particularly those who play in these environments regularly) will only see a slight reduction in value. Also remember, if the weather gets too sloppy it should benefit defenses, RBs, and potentially TEs.

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

KANSAS CITY @ LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Patrick Mahomes (QB1) gets the benefit of facing the softest defense on this slate. Oh yeah, Mahomes is actually pretty good, too. Just Sharpie him in for 350-3.

The Chiefs’ pass defense has improved in recent weeks. Still, they can be beaten by vertical-threat WRs. That is all the Chargers have had healthy for the last month. This will keep Justin Herbert (QB2) as the second-best option here and a great pivot from the chalky Mahomes.

The three-headed RB monster that KC has been utilizing watched one of its heads get guillotined last week. Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB7) only saw two targets and ended up with zero counting stats. This is amazing because Jerick McKinnon (RB6) was a true game-time decision with three different maladies carried into Sunday morning. Isiah Pacheco (RB3) drew the start and looked very good. At this point, the job is his to lose. Of course, Andy Reid may not feature the running game as much this week. Consider Pacheco an RB2 option and McKinnon as a flex play. After the last two games, I don’t think you can reliably start CEH unless someone gets injured in practice.

The Chargers backfield is much less confusing. It is 100 percent Austin Ekeler (RB2). He should be one of the two backs you consider at RB1 this week. Frankly, I’d just use both him and Christian McCaffrey. Isaiah Spiller (RB8) has usurped Sony Michel (RB11) as the primary backup to Ekeler. Spiller is usable in Showdown and Michel can be ignored.

Injuries to both Mecole Hardman (abdomen – IR) and JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR4 – concussion) leave the Chiefs shorthanded out wide.  JuJu would earn WR2 consideration if he can return. With Hardman out, Kadarius Toney (WR9) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR10) each have WR2 projections. Even with the injuries, Skyy Moore (WR13) didn’t see an uptick in targets. You cannot trust him here. I’d rather use Justin Watson (WR17) as he could be a TD-dependent punt play.

Once again we are presented with a Chargers’ WRs room that will feature multiple questionable tags. Mike Williams (WR3 – ankle) and Keenan Allen (WR6 – hamstring) are both practicing this week and each would be a huge Band-Aid to the passing game. Unfortunately, both have injuries that could be easily aggravated in-game. Unless they are full participants Friday, I will not feel good about starting them. If they both remain out, Joshua Palmer (WR7) remains a must-start WR2. Even if they play, consider him at WR3. DeAndre Carter (WR11) will have WR3 value if Allen is out. Michael Bandy (WR12) was riding a two-game success streak prior to his SNF goose egg. I’ll give him one more shot as punt flex.

Travis Kelce (TE1) is a stud. He also is expensive. If Smith-Schuster is out, I’ll consider him, but otherwise I’ll likely opt for a cheaper option. Both Jody Fortson (TE7) and Noah Gray (TE6) can be ignored outside of Showdown.

Gerald Everett (groin – TE3) has returned to usefulness with all of the WR injuries. His price, and the matchup, will make him a great pivot from the higher-priced options if he takes the field. Should Everett miss this game, Tre’ McKitty (TE5) will get the start. Volume alone could put him into play.

Monday Night

SAN FRANCISCO @ ARIZONA

In Week 10, Jimmy Garoppolo (QB3) battled with Justin Herbert for the QB2 and QB3 slots in primetime. They get to repeat that battle this week, just not directly against each other. Herbert’s matchup is more appealing once again, but Garoppolo could be a pivot.

Kyler Murray (QB4 – hamstring) missed Week 10 with an injury. His replacement, Colt McCoy (QB5 – lower body) left that game with an injury of his own. This left the Cardinals with Trace McSorley (QB6) to finish the game. A return from Murray would seriously help this offense. Unfortunately, a running QB with a hamstring injury concerns me. Neither McCoy nor McSorley should approach your lineup card. Heck, I’d rather start McDonald (as in Ronald) than either of those clowns.

Christian McCaffrey (RB1) didn’t have the monster game that I expected last week. It particularly stunk to watch him get boxed up inside the 5-yard line multiple times. Multi-function RBs have lambasted Arizona this season, including McCaffrey, back in Week 4, with Carolina. So, I’m still trusting CMC here. Elijah Mitchell (RB5) returned in Week 10, and he immediately drew a chunk of the carries. His presence should be just to spell McCaffrey, but he was used akin to Tony Pollard. This sort of usage would keep him in play as a punt RB2.

The lack of a capable QB last week led Arizona to give James Conner (RB4) a healthy dose of touches. He scored twice, but his efficiency was once again pathetic. Facing San Fran will not improve his YPC average. The best you can hope for here is that he gets a short TD. Eno Benjamin was held off the stat sheet in Week 10. He was then removed from the active roster on Monday morning. This opens the backup role for Keaontay Ingram (RB9). The matchup is rotten, and he won’t see enough touches to have any value.

For a second-straight week, Deebo Samuel (WR1) is one of the top WRs on this slate. With so much money devoted to RB, I will probably fade him. Opposing WR1s have actually struggled against Arizona anyways. This puts Brandon Aiyuk (WR5) into my WR1/WR2 range. Neither Jauan Jennings (WR16) nor Ray-Ray McCloud (WR19) does enough to draw interest outside of Showdown. In a less neutral situation, I might throw a dart at one of them, but there isn’t enough upside there for me.

It didn’t matter who was under center as DeAndre Hopkins (WR2) and Rondale Moore (WR8) both showed out in Week 10. Hopkins is the better threat to score, so he gets WR1 consideration. Moore could be used at WR2 if you don’t use Hopkins. Each should see more targets with Zach Ertz out for the season. Robbie Anderson (WR14) is technically the WR3 on this roster right now. He has done jack squat since Arizona acquired him. A.J. Green (WR15) scored last week, but his usage has been scarce as well. He is a Showdown play, at best. Greg Dortch (WR18) had a few very good games earlier this year. Since Hopkins returned, he has been a ghost.

The weapon volume in San Fran may limit George Kittle‘s (TE2) personal stat line. Still, he is a beast when the Niners get him the ball, so consider him to save costs from Travis Kelce. It helps that he is facing an Arizona defense that ignores the position.

Zach Ertz (knee) left last week’s game on a cart. He will miss the rest of the season with the injury. This leaves Trey McBride (TE4) as a sneaky sleeper play. He was highly lauded among this draft class and has the tools to succeed, given the opportunity. I could easily see building a double-TE lineup featuring him.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Joe Burrow ($6.8k), RB Saquon Barkley ($8.9k), RB Antonio Gibson ($5.6k), WR Tee Higgins ($7.1k), WR Darnell Mooney ($5.4k), WR Laviska Shenault Jr. ($3.7k), TE Greg Dulcich ($3.8k), FLEX Devin Singletary ($5.8k), DST New York Jets ($2.8k)

FD Lineup: QB Joe Burrow ($8.3k), RB Saquon Barkley ($9.7k), RB Antonio Gibson ($6.6k), WR Tee Higgins ($7.6k), WR Tyler Boyd ($6.8k), WR Laviska Shenault ($5.3k), TE Greg Dulcich ($5.5k), FLEX Devin Singletary ($6.4k), DST Chicago Bears ($3.7k)

FB Lineup: QB Patrick Mahomes ($7.4k), RB Saquon Barkley ($7.3k), RB D’Onta Foreman ($5.2k), WR Tyler Boyd ($5.6k), WR Mecole Hardman ($4.2k), WR Joshua Palmer ($4.6k), TE Cole Kmet ($3.8k), FLEX Travis Kelce ($6.6k), FLEX Devin Singletary ($5.2k)

Quarterbacks DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,500 $9,200
Lamar Jackson $8,400 $8,400
Jalen Hurts $8,200 $8,800
Justin Fields $7,600 $8,700
Joe Burrow $6,800 $8,300
Dak Prescott $6,600 $7,500
Kirk Cousins $6,100 $7,600
Russell Wilson $5,800 $6,900
Daniel Jones $5,700 $7,800
Derek Carr $5,600 $7,000
Marcus Mariota $5,500 $7,200
Matthew Stafford $5,500 $6,700
Jacoby Brissett $5,400 $6,700
Jared Goff $5,400 $6,800
Andy Dalton $5,300 $6,600
Jameis Winston $5,300 $6,600
Kenny Pickett $5,300 $6,900
Taylor Heinicke $5,300 $6,800
Davis Mills $5,200 $6,500
Matt Ryan $5,200 $7,100
Mac Jones $5,100 $6,500
Baker Mayfield $5,000 $6,400
Taysom Hill $5,000 N/A
Zach Wilson $5,000 $6,700
John Wolford $4,900 $6,300

Quarterback

Weekly strategy –Watch the weather reports, but I’m looking all the way down to Justin Fields, Joe Burrow, or Dak Prescott. Also, consider Jared Goff or Daniel Jones against each other.  Taylor Heinicke and Davis Mills are both bottom-of-the-barrel punt options.

Fantasy Four-pack

Joe Burrow, Bengals @ PIT
($6,800 DK, $8,300 FD) Pittsburgh has struggled with quality QBs all year, including Burrow back in Week 1. Another 300-2 performance is due here, with both Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd getting in on the fun.

Justin Fields, Bears @ ATL
($7,600 DK, $8,700 FD) Fields has been electric over the last four weeks. How does he get rewarded? The NFL gives him a matchup against a team that is rotten against both the run and the pass. This could get ugly fast for Atlanta as they have not faced a running QB yet this year.

Josh Allen, Bills vs. CLE (in Detroit) ($8,500 DK, $9,200 FD) The NFL gave the Bills offense a slight boost by moving the game out of the snowpocalypse and into a domed stadium. With the weather a nonfactor, Allen should put up his usual elite numbers against a soft defense. Plus, remember, Cleveland is bad against the run, too. We could see Allen score on the ground this week as well.

Jalen Hurts, Eagles @ IND
($8,200 DK, $8,800 FD) Hurts is coming off his first loss. He will also be without at least one of his top-three weapons. Meanwhile, Indy played hard for their new coach last week. Of course, that was against a discombobulated Raiders offense. This game will be played indoors (so no potential weather issues). Plus, Hurts can get it done even if he doesn’t have to throw the ball.

DFS Sleepers

Daniel Jones, Giants vs. DET
($5,700 DK, $7,800 FD) Jones is not an elite QB. Still, he does well enough against the poor competition to keep himself relevant. Detroit is an equal-opportunity failure when it comes to dealing with QBs. They are the worst in the league against the pass, and they have been abused by mobile QBs all season (including a monster game by Justin Fields last week. Jones will score both a passing and rushing TD this week with roughly 50 yards rushing on top of his passing stats.

Davis Mills, Texans vs. WAS
($5,200 DK, $6,500 FD) Houston may be en route to a first-round QB pick next season, but Mills is at least producing reasonable fantasy lines for the time being. This includes two 300-plus-yard passing games and two multiple-TD games over their last four contests, so 250-2 is certainly in play once again here.

Running Backs DraftKings FanDuel
Saquon Barkley $8,900 $9,700
Nick Chubb $8,000 $8,400
Dalvin Cook $8,000 $8,300
Jonathan Taylor $7,800 $8,700
Alvin Kamara $7,600 $7,500
Josh Jacobs $7,500 $8,500
Joe Mixon $7,400 $9,000
Miles Sanders $6,900 $7,300
Rhamondre Stevenson $6,700 $8,100
Dameon Pierce $6,500 $7,600
Tony Pollard $6,500 $8,000
Cordarrelle Patterson $6,200 $6,700
D’Andre Swift $6,100 $6,700
David Montgomery $6,100 $6,200
Ezekiel Elliott $6,000 $7,000
Jamaal Williams $6,000 $7,000
D’Onta Foreman $5,900 $7,100
Kenyan Drake $5,900 $6,800
Damien Harris $5,800 $6,300
Devin Singletary $5,800 $6,400
Melvin Gordon $5,700 $5,900
Antonio Gibson $5,600 $6,600
Khalil Herbert $5,600 $6,200
Gus Edwards $5,500 $6,800
Najee Harris $5,500 $6,500
Michael Carter $5,400 $6,300
Brian Robinson Jr. $5,300 $6,600
Darrell Henderson $5,200 $6,100
James Robinson $5,200 $6,300
Kenneth Gainwell $5,200 $6,000
Kareem Hunt $5,100 $5,800
Chuba Hubbard $5,000 $5,600
Latavius Murray $5,000 $5,600
Nyheim Hines $5,000 $5,000
Jaylen Warren $4,900 $5,700
Tyler Allgeier $4,900 $6,000
Kyren Williams $4,800 $4,900
J.D. McKissic $4,600 $4,700
Justice Hill $4,500 $4,800
Caleb Huntley $4,400 $5,400
Cam Akers $4,400 $5,400
Chase Edmonds $4,400 $5,100
James Cook $4,400 $5,300
Rex Burkhead $4,400 $4,800

Running Back

Weekly strategy – It is another cakewalk for Saquon Barkley this week. Lock him in as your RB1. Nick Chubb or Dalvin Cook could make nice pivots. Chubb could be especially valuable if the weather is horrific in Buffalo. David Montgomery will dominate this week with Khalil Herbert out. You should probably use him, D’Onta Foreman, one of the Commanders, or one of the Falcons at RB2. With the potential weather concerns in Buffalo, consider Devin Singletary or Kareem Hunt at flex.

Fantasy Four-pack

Saquon Barkley,  Giants vs. DET
($8,900 DK, $9,700 FD) This matchup isn’t as sweet as last week’s cream puff. It still is a great opportunity for a slate-breaking performance. Detroit has struggled mightily against multipurpose backs, like Barkley, all year. Expect 150 combo yards and at least one score here.

Nick Chubb, Browns @ BUF (in Detroit)
($8,000 DK, $8,400 FD) Who needs snow? Chubb will just plow through a soft Buffalo run defense instead. Over their last three games, Buffalo has allowed opposing RBs to rack up 544 total yards and four total TDs. Chalk up two scores for Chubb this week.

Dalvin Cook, Vikings vs. DAL ($8,000 DK, $8,300 FD) Passing against Dallas is tough. Fortunately, they are not as good against the run. Over the last three games, Dallas is allowing a league sixth-worst 5.3 YPC. The Vikings should feature Cook more this week. Expect a total of 125 combo yards and a score.

David Montgomery, Bears @ ATL
($6,100 DK, $6,200 FD) With Khalil Herbert (hip – IR) out, expect Montgomery to revert to his early season lead-back role with well over 100 total yards and a touchdown. Only four teams are allowing more rushing TDs this season than Atlanta. This includes allowing six over the last three games.

DFS Sleepers

Devin Singletary, Bills vs. CLE (in Detroit)
($5,800 DK, $6,400 FD) Cleveland has allowed 12 total TDs to opposing RBs over their last six games. Last week, Singletary scored a pair of TDs. This was double his total for the full season coming in. He’ll add another here.

Antonio Gibson, Commanders @ HOU ($5,600 DK, $6,600 FD) Brian Robinson Jr. outproduced Gibson last week. They also both scored. Against Houston, they will both score again. Gibson has seen far more work in the passing game than Robinson, and Gibson has scored in three of his last four games. This makes him a slightly safer play.

Wide receivers DraftKings FanDuel
Justin Jefferson $9,100 $9,100
Davante Adams $8,700 $8,500
Stefon Diggs $8,300 $9,400
A.J. Brown $8,000 $8,400
CeeDee Lamb $7,500 $8,100
Cole Kmet $7,200 $7,800
Tee Higgins $7,100 $7,600
Chris Olave $6,800 $6,900
Tyler Boyd $6,500 $6,800
Amari Cooper $6,400 $7,200
Gabe Davis $6,300 $7,100
DeVonta Smith $6,200 $6,400
Michael Pittman Jr. $6,100 $6,700
Courtland Sutton $6,000 $7,000
Terry McLaurin $5,900 $7,300
Diontae Johnson $5,800 $6,300
DJ Moore $5,700 $6,700
Jerry Jeudy $5,700 $6,000
Allen Robinson $5,600 $6,600
Adam Thielen $5,500 $6,000
Jakobi Meyers $5,500 $6,500
Brandin Cooks $5,400 $6,100
Darnell Mooney $5,400 $6,000
Curtis Samuel $5,300 $6,100
George Pickens $5,200 $6,000
Drake London $5,100 $5,700
Michael Gallup $5,100 $5,600
Darius Slayton $5,000 $6,300
Devin Duvernay $5,000 $6,000
Garrett Wilson $4,900 $6,200
Chase Claypool $4,800 $5,600
Josh Reynolds $4,700 $5,700
Donovan Peoples-Jones $4,600 $5,900
Wan’Dale Robinson $4,600 $5,700
Jarvis Landry $4,500 $5,400
Kalif Raymond $4,500 $5,300
Mack Hollins $4,500 $5,400
Van Jefferson $4,500 $5,600
Isaiah McKenzie $4,400 $5,300
Jahan Dotson $4,400 $5,900
Terrace Marshall Jr. $4,400 $5,800
Parris Campbell $4,300 $5,800
Corey Davis $4,200 $5,500
DeVante Parker $4,100 $5,200
Nico Collins $4,100 $5,900
Demarcus Robinson $4,000 $5,800
Elijah Moore $4,000 $5,000
K.J. Osborn $4,000 $5,300
Olamide Zaccheaus $4,000 $5,200
Alec Pierce $3,900 $5,400
Ben Skowronek $3,900 $5,300
James Proche $3,800 $5,100
KJ Hamler $3,800 $5,000
Laviska Shenault Jr. $3,700 $5,300
Noah Brown $3,700 $5,100
Kendrick Bourne $3,500 $5,200
Damiere Byrd $3,400 $5,100
Kenny Golladay $3,400 $5,200
Tyquan Thornton $3,300 $5,500
Nelson Agholor $3,200 $5,000
DeSean Jackson $3,000 $4,700

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy –  This looks to be the week to spend down here. CeeDee Lamb, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Tee Higgins are the only high-priced options I trust. Tyler Boyd would be an obvious pivot from Higgins. DeVonta Smith could also get pivot love if A.J. Brown (ankle) remains limited. At WR2, I like Terry McLaurin, Michael Gallup, Wan’Dale Robinson, one of the Bears, or one of the Texans. At WR3, roll out one of the Panthers’ or Colts’ subordinate WRs. You could also do the revenge-game punt with Kenny Golladay.

Fantasy Four-pack

Tee Higgins, Bengals @ PIT ($7,100 DK, $7,600 FD) Chris Olave, and Mike Evans are the only WR1s to not absolutely wreck this defense. Back in Week 1, Ja’Marr Chase went absolutely ham against them. This week, that 10-129-1 line will fall to Higgins barring a weather barrage.

CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys @ MIN
($7,500 DK, $8,100 FD) Over their last four contests, Minnesota has allowed eight double-digit PPR WRs. This includes allowing three of the last four WR1s to post 12 catches and at least 128 yards. Meanwhile, Lamb has been on fire since Michael Gallup‘s return, including three TDs over the last two games. 

A.J. Brown, Eagles @ IND
($8,000 DK, $8,400 FD) Brown suffered a rolled-up ankle in Week 10 limiting his final line. Prior to that, Brown had been on a tear, scoring five times over his prior three games. Indy ranks high among the best at limiting WRs, but a deeper dive shows that outside alpha WRs have been solid all year against them. Heck, even the corpse of what was Robert Woods scored on them in Week 4. Watch his practice status this weekend, but I expect him out there.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions @ NYG
($7,200 DK, $7,800 FD) I must admit, I preferred St. Brown when his price was in the mid $6k range. Still, you knew the price increase would happen following his return from injury. Six of the last eight WR1s to face the Giants have either scored and/or topped 90 receiving yards. St. Brown could achieve both here.

DFS Sleepers

Parris Campbell, Colts vs. PHI
($4,300 DK, $5,800 FD) Prior to last week, Philly had looked impenetrable against the pass. Still, they had allowed multiple fantasy-relevant games to non-WR1s. Michael Pittman Jr. is the clear WR1 for Indy, so he may struggle here, but look for Campbell to succeed. Over the last three games that Matt Ryan has started, Campbell is averaging 8-68-1 on 11 targets per game.

Darnell Mooney, Bears @ ATL
($5,400 DK, $6,000 FD) Atlanta ranks dead last against the pass. Only two WR1s have not blown up against them this season. Plus, Mooney has been trending upwards, ranking 13th in receiving yards, since Week 4.

Tight ends DraftKings FanDuel
Mark Andrews $6,800 $7,700
T.J. Hockenson $5,300 $6,500
Taysom Hill N/A $6,000
Kyle Pitts $4,400 $5,500
Dalton Schultz $4,300 $5,900
Pat Freiermuth $4,200 $5,400
Cole Kmet $4,100 $5,700
Tyler Higbee $4,000 $6,200
David Njoku $3,900 $5,800
Greg Dulcich $3,800 $5,500
Foster Moreau $3,700 $5,600
Isaiah Likely $3,600 $5,400
Hayden Hurst $3,500 $5,200
Tyler Conklin $3,400 $5,000
Hunter Henry $3,300 $4,900
Dawson Knox $3,200 $5,100
Harrison Bryant $3,100 $5,000
Juwan Johnson $3,100 $5,100
Brock Wright $3,000 $4,600
Jonnu Smith $3,000 $4,500
Kylen Granson $2,900 $4,700
Tanner Hudson $2,900 $4,400
Logan Thomas $2,800 $5,000
James Mitchell $2,700 $4,200
Mo Alie-Cox $2,700 $4,400
Jordan Akins $2,600 $4,700
Jack Stoll $2,500 $4,400
Tyree Jackson $2,500 $4,000

Tight End

Weekly strategy – Pray that no more TEs get lost to season-ending injuries this week. But seriously, T.J. Hockenson and Cole Kmet are the obvious plays. You can also consider Pat Freiermuth, Tyler Higbee, or Greg Dulcich. David Njoku (ankle) could also be in play if he returns from his injury. The other player to keep an eye on is Isaiah Likely. He could hit 3x value easily if Mark Andrews (shoulder) is limited or out again. If you are looking at punting the position this week use Juwan Johnson or Tanner Hudson.

Fantasy Four-pack

T.J. Hockenson, Vikings vs. DAL
($5,300 DK, $6,500 FD) In two games with his new team, Hockenson has posted 16-115 on 19 targets. The only thing he hasn’t done is get into the end zone. That will change this week as he is finally fully up to snuff on the Vikings’ playbook.

Mark Andrews, Ravens vs. CAR
($6,800 DK, $7,700 FD) Coming off of the bye, Andrews should be closer to 100 percent, but he has still been somewhat limited in practice. Still, at this price, and coming off of the injury, he should have low ownership. This is perfect, because Andrews can break a slate on any given Sunday. Of course, if he is out, fire up Isaiah Likely.

Tyler Higbee, Rams @ NO
($4,000 DK, $6,200 FD) Higbee is the pass-catcher most likely to absorb a large number of Cooper Kupp‘s vacated targets. He also may be the only receiving threat that Matthew Stafford trusts out there.

Cole Kmet, Bears @ ATL ($4,100 DK, $5,700 FD) Over the last three weeks, no player in the NFL has scored more TDs than Kmet. Meanwhile, Atlanta hasn’t allowed a TE to score since Week 3. Unfortunately for them, every non-Carolina TE to face them has put up a big yardage and/or reception line. 

DFS Sleepers

Juwan Johnson, Saints vs. LAR
($3,100 DK, $5,100 FD) Johnson is basically a dollar store equivalent of Marques Colston. He is big and physical and can play both at TE and as a WR. He also has found a nose for the end zone, scoring four times in his last four games. At this price, the TD hits his 3x DK value, any yardage is cake.

Tanner Hudson, Giants vs. DET ($2,900 DK, $4,400 FD) The Lions have allowed an average of 5.4-64 to the position this season to go along with seven TDs against, including three in the last three games. Hudson has not scored yet, but he does have six catches on eight targets in the two games since Daniel Bellinger‘s (eye) injury.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 10

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 10 DFS fantasy football

Am I the only person who finds it odd that we have early Sunday European football games on both of the weeks surrounding Daylight Savings Time but not on the day we all got up early anyhow? With Tom Brady planning a blitzkrieg versus Seattle in Munich and four teams on bye, we are once again left with 20 teams for the main slate. Hopefully, my recommendations this week are better than those of my namesake Sgt. Schultz. I hear that he claims to know nothing.

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS @ SAN FRANCISCO

Justin Herbert (QB2) has another tricky matchup. The injuries to his top WRs have really put a kibosh on my preseason prediction of NFL MVP for him. I still like him to throw for 250-2 here, which should push for QB2.

Jimmy Garoppolo (QB3) will push with Herbert — posting roughly the same final line — for a lot less cost. This is why I’d rather start Garoppolo despite the mildly lower ceiling.

Running against the Niners is difficult. Only four RBs have scored a TD against them. Austin Ekeler (RB3) gets enough volume and opportunities to remain an RB1 option, just reduce your expectations. Isaiah Spiller (RB9) should only be used in Showdown contests. Sony Michel (RB11) can be ignored.

In contrast to San Francisco, the Chargers can be run through like a papier-mache wall. Christian McCaffrey (RB1) will have one of the best offensive box scores of the season. He is a must-start. Elijah Mitchell (knee – RB6) could even have flex value against Los Angeles, if he returns as expected.

Mike Williams (ankle – WR6) is still officially not on IR. I doubt he plays, but if he does, give him WR2 consideration. Keenan Allen (hamstring – WR4) suffered a setback last week and ended up missing an easy game against Atlanta. The Niners can be beaten through the air, so he could also draw WR2 value if he suits up. All this said we will likely be treated to another game where Joshua Palmer (WR7) and DeAndre Carter (WR10) lead this aerial attack. If both Allen and Williams remain out, I love Palmer at WR2, and Carter deserves WR3 consideration. Palmer could also be used at WR3 if either Allen or Williams plays. Michael Bandy (WR12) has 14 targets over his last two games. He would also make a very sneaky WR3 option if the team remains shorthanded.

Deebo Samuel (hamstring – WR2) received two weeks off to rest his injured hamstring. Signs point to his return here in a great spot to go off. He is one of my two choices for WR1 if he plays. Brandon Aiyuk (WR3) could also draw WR1 value if Samuel is out. If they both play use just one of them. Ray-Ray McCloud (WR14) and Jauan Jennings (hamstring – WR17) should be left for Showdown contests despite the positive matchup.

Gerald Everett (TE3) did not have the blow-up game I expected last week. San Fran has limited every TE not named Travis Kelce they have faced this year to minimal production. Everett won’t move the needle in that regard here.

Despite struggling against every other position, the Chargers amazingly have been stingy with the TE position. This will keep George Kittle (TE2) as the second option for the position this week. I like him to score a TD, but his yardage will be small.

Monday Night

WASHINGTON @ PHILADELPHIA

Taylor Heinicke (QB4) has been an effective game manager while Carson Wentz (finger – IR) has been out. We don’t have a QB controversy yet, but we may when Wentz returns. This is an awful matchup for a QB, so don’t reach here.

This is NOT an awful matchup for a QB. This is the absolute opposite of that. Jalen Hurts (QB1) has the easiest matchup on this slate. Three total TDs are incoming.

Brian Robinson Jr. (RB5) and Antonio Gibson (RB4) continue to split the backfield touches for Washington. Gibson is the more talented back and gets the red-zone work, so I prefer him as an RB2 play. That said, either could fill your flex slot. J.D. McKissic (neck – RB8) missed last week with a neck injury. If he suits up, I’d leave him to Showdown for the risk of reinjury.

Washington is much tougher against the run than the pass. Still, this backfield poses headaches because of the collection of backs that Philly rolls out. Miles Sanders (RB2) is the strongest RB2 option on the board, having scored five times in the last five games. Kenneth Gainwell (RB7) doesn’t get the volume to be reliable most weeks. That said, I’d consider him a TD-dependent flex play here and a great Showdown option. Boston Scott (RB10) has had sporadic usage all season. I’m gonna pass on him here.

The Commanders hope to get Jahan Dotson (hamstring – WR13) back this week. It won’t help against this defense, which strangles outside WRs. Even if he plays, I wouldn’t use him outside of a dart throw on Showdown. This defense will also frustrate Terry McLaurin (WR8). The volume alone keeps him as a WR2/WR3 play, but I don’t like it considering his price. Curtis Samuel (WR9) is the best play here as Philly can be beaten by slot WRs. If Dotson remains out, you can maybe consider Cam Sims (WR16) or Dyami Brown (WR18) as a Showdown play. I wouldn’t, but you can.

The Brown that you want to play this slate is A.J. Brown (WR1). He is one of only two WRs that I would consider as my WR1 this week. DeVonta Smith (WR5) went ham in their earlier meeting. He won’t repeat that line, but I still love him as a WR2, if you pivot away from A.J. There is even an argument for playing both of them. Quez Watkins (WR11) could be a flex play if you need to save some money. I wouldn’t waste a spot on Zach Pascal (WR15), though.

Logan Thomas (calf – TE5) is supposedly back. That’s funny because his stat line looks like he belongs on a milk carton. The Eagles are easier to beat over the middle, but I don’t trust him here. If you need to start a Washington TE, consider John Bates (TE4) or Armani Rogers (TE6) as a punt.

Dallas Goedert (TE1) is the best choice on this slate. Build your stack around Hurts, Brown, and him, and then run it back with Samuel.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Trevor Lawrence ($5.4k), RB Saquon Barkley ($8.6k), RB Dalvin Cook ($8k), WR Tyreek Hill Jr. ($4.3k), WR Mecole Hardman ($4.5k), WR Amari Cooper ($6.5k), TE Cole Kmet ($3.4k), FLEX David Montgomery ($6k), DST Denver Broncos ($3k)

FD Lineup: QB Trevor Lawrence ($7k), RB Saquon Barkley ($9.5k), RB Khalil Herbert ($5.8k), WR Marvin Jones Jr. ($5.4k), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown ($6.9k), WR Darnell Mooney ($6.2k), TE T.J. Hockenson ($6k), FLEX Travis Kelce ($8.5k), DST Denver Broncos ($4.7k)

FB Lineup: QB Patrick Mahomes ($7.3k), RB Saquon Barkley ($7.3k), RB AJ Dillon ($5.1k), WR JuJu Smith-Schuster ($5.4k), WR Marvin Jones Jr. ($3.8k), WR Phillip Dorsett ($3k), TE Travis Kelce ($6.8k), FLEX Christian McCaffrey ($7.5k), FLEX Tyler Higbee ($3.7k)

Quarterbacks DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,600 $9,200
Patrick Mahomes $7,900 $8,500
Kyler Murray $7,200 $7,800
Tua Tagovailoa $6,700 $8,100
Dak Prescott $6,600 $7,400
Justin Fields $6,500 $8,300
Kirk Cousins $6,000 $7,300
Russell Wilson $5,900 $6,900
Daniel Jones $5,700 $7,500
Derek Carr $5,600 $7,100
Matthew Stafford $5,600 $6,700
Andy Dalton $5,500 $6,800
Jared Goff $5,500 $7,200
Jacoby Brissett $5,400 $7,000
Trevor Lawrence $5,400 $7,000
Ryan Tannehill $5,200 $6,700
Davis Mills $5,100 $6,500
Kenny Pickett $5,100 $6,600
Case Keenum $5,000 $6,100
Malik Willis $5,000 $6,700
Sam Ehlinger $5,000 $6,400
Taysom Hill $5,000 N/A
Colt McCoy $4,900 $6,100
John Wolford $4,900 $6,100

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Injury concerns limit Josh Allen‘s appeal despite a decent matchup. This makes Patrick Mahomes and Tua Tagovailoa the top two choices at QB this week. If you don’t opt for those two consider Derek Carr, Andy Dalton, Jacoby Brissett, or my favorite play, Trevor Lawrence.

Fantasy Four-pack

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs vs. JAX
($7,900 DK, $8,500 FD) Jacksonville allows the fourth-most passing yards per game on the road. That sets up nicely for Mahomes, who leads the league in passing TDs and passing yards despite already having had his bye.

Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins vs. CLE
($6,700 DK, $8,100 FD) The Browns are competent against the pass, but they are by no means elite. They will struggle to face off against both Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. Tagovailoa is coming off of a pair of 300-plus-yard, three-TD performances. He could get the hat trick here.

Justin Fields, Bears vs. DET ($6,500 DK, $8,300 FD) I don’t fully trust Fields as a passer, just yet. What I do trust, is that Detroit has no defense whatsoever. I also trust the numbers in front of my eyes that say that Fields is averaging over 100 rushing yards per game since Week 6. That rushing yardage should keep Fields very relevant this week.

Dak Prescott, Cowboys @ GB
($6,600 DK, $7,400 FD) It took a full game plus for Prescott to get his game legs back. Now, he faces a Green Bay defense that has a defensive injury list that reads like War and Peace. With 250-2 seeming like his floor here, Dalton Schultz is my favorite stack piece.

DFS Sleepers

Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars @ KC
($5,400 DK, $7,000 FD) We know that Jacksonville will be forced to throw the ball to stay close to KC. Fortunately, Lawrence has enough weapons to choose from. I suggest stacking him with Marvin Jones, Zay Jones, or Evan Engram because everyone else will be stacking him with Christian Kirk. 

Jacoby Brissett, Browns @ MIA
($5,400 DK, $7,000 FD) Miami has an elite passing offense. They also have a vulnerable passing defense and a downright bad defense against QBs that like to run. If you want exposure to this game without using Tua Tagovailoa, consider stacking Brissett with Amari Cooper and running it back with one of the Dolphins WRs.

Running Backs DraftKings FanDuel
Saquon Barkley $8,600 $9,500
Derrick Henry $8,300 $9,400
Nick Chubb $8,100 $9,000
Dalvin Cook $8,000 $7,500
Josh Jacobs $7,600 $8,400
Jonathan Taylor $7,500 $7,000
Alvin Kamara $7,400 $8,600
Aaron Jones $7,200 $7,200
Travis Etienne $7,100 $8,000
AJ Dillon $6,700 $7,000
Tony Pollard $6,500 $7,000
D’Andre Swift $6,400 $6,800
Dameon Pierce $6,300 $7,700
James Conner $6,200 $6,300
Raheem Mostert $6,100 $5,900
David Montgomery $6,000 $6,700
Ezekiel Elliott $6,000 $7,000
Jamaal Williams $5,900 $7,400
Khalil Herbert $5,900 $5,800
Clyde Edwards-Helaire $5,800 $6,200
Eno Benjamin $5,700 $5,500
Melvin Gordon $5,700 $5,700
Alexander Mattison $5,600 $5,200
Devin Singletary $5,600 $5,600
Jeff Wilson Jr.  $5,500 $6,500
Najee Harris $5,500 $6,400
Deon Jackson $5,400 $5,500
Nyheim Hines $5,400 $5,500
Kareem Hunt $5,300 $5,800
Latavius Murray $5,200 $5,700
Darrell Henderson $5,100 $6,100
Isiah Pacheco $5,000 $6,200
Dwayne Washington $4,800 $5,500
James Cook $4,800 $5,200
Jerick McKinnon $4,800 $5,500
Chase Edmonds $4,700 $5,100
Dontrell Hilliard $4,700 $5,700
Zack Moss $4,600 $5,600
Cam Akers $4,500 $5,500
Jordan Wilkins $4,000 $5,400
Phillip Lindsay $4,000 $5,300

Running Back

Weekly strategy – Saquon Barkley should approach 100% ownership, and rightfully so. Nick Chubb and Dalvin Cook are my pivots. I expect Travis Etienne to post a huge game through the air. AJ Dillon could also have a solid game if Aaron Jones (ankle) is limited or out. If you want to go cheap use one of the Bears or one of the Dolphins.

Fantasy Four-pack

Saquon Barkley,  Giants vs. HOU
($8,600 DK, $9,500 FD) We will consider it a failure if Barkley doesn’t top 170-2 against this defense. Five different individuals have already topped 25 PPR points against Houston and three have topped 30 points. Barkley will pass both of those marks, too.

Nick Chubb, Browns @ MIA
($8,100 DK, $9,000 FD) I wish Chubb was more involved in the passing offense. He will post his standard floor of 120-1. Of course, if he wasn’t a passing-game afterthought, he could produce a slate-breaking line this week. We know the Browns will also use Kareem Hunt in this game. He could even earn some flex appeal. 

Dalvin Cook, Vikings @ BUF ($8,000 DK, $7,500 FD) In the matchup of Cook versus Cook, we can only recommend one of the Cooks, Dalvin. Over the last two games, both Green Bay and the Jets have rattled the Buffalo defense with their RBs. Plus, if Josh Allen is limited or out, the Vikes will have an even better chance at implementing a ball-control offense here. Oh yeah, Cook also gets the FD discount, which always gets me salivating.

Derrick Henry, Titans vs. DEN
($8,300 DK, $9,400 FD)  Throwing against Denver is impossible. That is a good trend for Tennessee, since they curmudgeonly refuse to adopt the new concept known as the forward pass. Only five teams are allowing more yards per carry than Denver. Meanwhile, Henry has scored and/or topped 100 yards in each of his last seven games. His 130-1 floor is safe here. 

DFS Sleepers

David Montgomery, Bears vs. DET
($6,000 DK, $6,700 FD) Khalil Herbert has actually been more efficient with his touches than Montgomery. It won’t matter here as both will approach 100-1 — that is assuming that Justin Fields is willing to share. Since Week 5, Montgomery has a 67% vs 32% opportunity advantage over Herbert, so his floor is the safest.

Jeff Wilson Jr., Dolphins vs. CLE ($5,500 DK, $6,500 FD) Wilson split carries with Raheem Mostert last week. Still, it was Wilson that averaged 5.7 yards per carry versus only 2.9 yards per carry for Mostert. Wilson was also more efficient with his targets. Both backs are in play here, but Wilson seems like the safer choice. Cleveland has allowed the second-most rushing TDs this season. Don’t be surprised if they both score once again.  

Wide receivers DraftKings FanDuel
Tyreek Hill $9,100 $9,000
Cooper Kupp $9,000 $9,200
Justin Jefferson $8,800 $8,600
Davante Adams $8,700 $8,500
Stefon Diggs $8,300 $9,100
DeAndre Hopkins $8,000 $8,300
Jaylen Waddle $7,600 $8,200
CeeDee Lamb $7,000 $7,600
Amon-Ra St. Brown $6,900 $6,900
Chris Olave $6,800 $7,500
Amari Cooper $6,500 $7,800
Gabe Davis $6,400 $6,500
Michael Pittman Jr. $6,200 $6,300
Allen Lazard $6,100 $6,700
JuJu Smith-Schuster $6,000 $7,000
Christian Kirk $5,900 $6,800
Diontae Johnson $5,800 $6,600
Jerry Jeudy $5,700 $6,400
Courtland Sutton $5,600 $6,200
Darnell Mooney $5,500 $6,200
Adam Thielen $5,400 $5,900
Brandin Cooks $5,300 $6,100
Romeo Doubs $5,200 $6,000
Rondale Moore $5,200 $5,800
George Pickens $5,000 $5,600
Kadarius Toney $5,000 $5,500
Michael Gallup $4,900 $5,700
Robert Woods $4,900 $5,600
Allen Robinson $4,800 $5,700
Chase Claypool $4,800 $5,800
Isaiah McKenzie $4,700 $5,200
Wan’Dale Robinson $4,700 $5,600
Darius Slayton $4,600 $5,800
Josh Reynolds $4,600 $5,700
Jarvis Landry $4,500 $5,500
Mecole Hardman $4,500 $6,000
Kalif Raymond $4,400 $5,300
Zay Jones $4,400 $5,500
Donovan Peoples-Jones $4,300 $5,700
Marvin Jones $4,300 $5,400
Tre’Quan Smith $4,300 $5,200
Mack Hollins $4,200 $5,500
Alec Pierce $4,100 $5,500
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,100 $5,400
Noah Brown $4,100 $5,200
K.J. Osborn $4,000 $5,200
Nico Collins $4,000 $5,500
Sammy Watkins $4,000 $5,100
Chris Moore $3,900 $5,300
Parris Campbell $3,900 $5,400
Samori Toure $3,900 $5,000
KJ Hamler $3,800 $5,000
Christian Watson $3,700 $5,400
Rashid Shaheed $3,700 $5,300
Marquez Callaway $3,600 $5,000
Phillip Dorsett $3,600 $5,200
Van Jefferson $3,500 $5,100
Greg Dortch $3,400 $4,800
Ben Skowronek $3,300 $5,400
Robbie Anderson $3,200 $4,900
Cedrick Wilson $3,100 $5,000
Amari Rodgers $3,000 $4,700

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – The Dolphins’ dynamic duo can each be considered at WR1. I’d also look at Justin Jefferson or Davante Adams. Unfortunately, I am spending a lot of money on RBs this week. This means that I will price down at WR1 using either Amon-Ra St. Brown or Amari Cooper. For WR2 choose one of the Chiefs, Christian Kirk, or Darnell Mooney. If you don’t use Kirk, use one of the other Jaguars at WR3. You can also roll out one of the Giants or Texans against each other.

Fantasy Four-pack

Justin Jefferson, Vikings @ BUF
($8,800 DK, $8,600 FD) Buffalo is very good against the pass, but they are dealing with some DB injuries. Pair this with Adam Thielen (ankle) dealing with an injury of his own and we could see the perfect storm for Jefferson to be peppered. Plus, we get another case of FD pricing being below DK, which is always a pleasant find.

Tyreek Hill, Dolphins vs. CLE
($9,100 DK, $9,000 FD) The price is approaching absurdity for Hill. Still, he keeps on delivering. Hill now has topped 140 receiving yards in five of nine games. I’d like to see more TDs from him, but who is seriously complaining?

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions @ CHI
($6,900 DK, $6,900 FD) St. Brown has established himself as a legit alpha WR. He can produce as the only weapon for this offense or when sharing the field with other talents. Neither of these teams cares much for the concept of defense, so this game could end up with higher scoring. This would secure the “sun god” a heavenly final line.

Davante Adams, Raiders vs. IND
($8,700 DK, $8,500 FD) What is up with FD this week? Three of the top WRs have prices below their DK equivalents. Indy ranks among the elite against the pass, but they haven’t been tested at all this season. Adams will once again be without Darren Waller (IR – hamstring) and Hunter Renfrow (IR – oblique), so his already gaudy target share will go through the roof.

DFS Sleepers

Marvin Jones, Jaguars @ KC
($4,300 DK, $5,400 FD) KC has struggled all season with big-bodied outside WRs, such as Jones. With most of the DFS world playing Christian Kirk, I recommend pivoting and using Marvin or Zay Jones in my stacks with Trevor Lawrence. 

Darnell Mooney, Bears vs. DET
($5,500 DK, $6,200 FD) Despite his early season struggles, Mooney has seen five or more targets in every game since Week 3. He also finally made it into the end zone last week. Meanwhile, Detroit has allowed four of their last five opponents’ WR1s to go berserk.

Tight ends DraftKings FanDuel
Travis Kelce $7,800 $8,500
Taysom Hill N/A $6,500
T.J. Hockenson $5,300 $6,000
Zach Ertz $5,200 $6,300
Pat Freiermuth $4,200 $5,600
David Njoku $4,100 $5,800
Dalton Schultz $3,800 $5,500
Robert Tonyan $3,700 $5,000
Tyler Higbee $3,600 $6,000
Mike Gesicki $3,500 $5,100
Cole Kmet $3,400 $5,300
Greg Dulcich $3,400 $5,900
Dawson Knox $3,300 $5,000
Evan Engram $3,300 $4,900
Foster Moreau $3,200 $5,200
Juwan Johnson $3,000 $4,800
Mo Alie-Cox $2,800 $4,600
Brock Wright $2,700 $4,500
Harrison Bryant $2,700 $4,800
James Mitchell $2,700 $4,300
Brevin Jordan $2,600 $4,500
Adam Trautman $2,500 $4,500
Austin Hooper $2,500 $4,600
Chigoziem Okonkwo $2,500 $4,400
Teagan Quitoriano $2,500 $4,300
Josiah Deguara $2,600 $4,700
Dan Arnold $2,500 $4,400

Tight End

Weekly strategy – Finally, we get Travis Kelce back in the main slate. The price is high, but he is worth it. T.J. Hockenson and Tyler Higbee are the best pivots up top. I also love the idea of punting with either Greg Dulcich or Cole Kmet on DK.

Fantasy Four-pack

Travis Kelce, Chiefs vs. JAX
($7,800 DK, $8,500 FD) Kelce versus a defense that has faced only two top-10 TEs this season? Yes, Please. The price is high, but you are guaranteed 8-100-1.

T.J. Hockenson, Vikings @ BUF
($5,300 DK, $6,000 FD) Hockenson caught all nine of his targets just five days after arriving with Minnesota. Now, he has had a full week of practice to get in sync with Kirk Cousins. The easiest place to attack Buffalo is in the middle of the field, so another big target game is pending.

Tyler Higbee, Rams vs. ARI
($3,600 DK, $6,000 FD) The concussion for Matthew Stafford concerns me, as does Higbee’s recent decline in usage. Still, Higbee has had some monster games this season. Plus, backup QBs historically tend to lean on their TEs. Higbee will make a great target to lean on as Arizona has no clue how to cover the position.

Zach Ertz, Cardinals @ LAR ($5,200 DK, $6,300 FD) The same backup QB logic could come into play here if Colt McCoy is forced to start. Whoever is at the helm will want to keep Ertz involved. Ertz’s targets and yards have slipped since the return of DeAndre Hopkins, but he has scored in each of the last two games. I’d settle for 5-50-1.

DFS Sleepers

Cole Kmet, Bears vs. DET
($3,400 DK, $5,300 FD) Don’t look now but Kmet has scored in back-to-back games as Chicago has opened up their passing offense. Meanwhile, Detroit has surrendered four TE scores in their last five contests. You shouldn’t go crazy and triple-stack this offense, but do up two separate lineups with one stacking Justin Fields and Kmet and one with Fields and Darnell Mooney.

Greg Dulcich, Broncos @ TEN ($3,400 DK, $5,900 FD) Dulcich has emerged as my favorite sleeper TE over the last few weeks. During Weeks 6 through 8, Dulcich was ninth in targets, seventh in receptions, and third in receiving yards at the position. Tennessee’s pass defense is shaky, at best, and Dulcich will finish with another top-five showing here.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 9

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 9 DFS fantasy football

We finally get to face the first bye-pocalypse of the season. Six teams on bye this week equals a much smaller pool of players to choose from. This does not bring me joy when eight of the top TEs are out of the main pool, and the WR room is full of players at their value, at best. Oh well, happy dumpster diving again.

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

TENNESSEE @ KANSAS CITY

Tennessee’s ball control offense has often proved pesky to Kansas City. Unfortunately for them, they used to have reliable pass-catchers and a serviceable QB. Now they either have an injured and mostly washed Ryan Tannehill (ankle – QB4) or an untested rookie in Malik Willis (QB6). Willis won his first start by repeatedly turning around and handing the ball off to his RBs. This does nothing to suggest that he should be an NFL starter. It doesn’t help that his receiving corps is reminiscent of a pee-wee team. Neither should be anywhere near your lineup this week.

Patrick Mahomes (QB1) is the top option on this slate, and it isn’t really close. Stack him with a WR of your choice and Travis Kelce.

Derrick Henry (RB1) was truly in beast mode last week versus Houston. KC’s run defense is bad, but they are nowhere near as bad as the Texans. At least this week, the Titans will be forced to use Henry more in the passing game again. Dontrell Hilliard (RB7) had a big Week 8 as well. Playing from behind here, he won’t come anywhere near that volume. He can be ignored.

The Chiefs have decided to minimize the value of all of their RBs by using a three-headed backfield. Isiah Pacheco (RB4) drew the start and led the team in touches. Still, both Jerick McKinnon (RB8) and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB5) ended with more fantasy points. I’d consider either CEH or Pacheco as an RB2, but leave McKinnon for Showdown.

Since Week 3, Tennessee has only one WR with double-digit targets. Plus, Robert Woods (WR5) has not topped four catches in any of those games. The team will have to throw here, so he might be able to return a WR3 value. Treylon Burks (toe) is eligible to return. The de facto other starter is Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (WR15). He has seven catches in seven games, he can be ignored. As can anyone else in this WR room.

This slate is weak at the WR position. JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR1) is the top option, but that isn’t saying much. As the top option, he needs to be considered as WR1. Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR3) is in consideration at WR2 as are newcomer Kadarius Toney (hamstring – WR8) and speedster Mecole Hardman (WR4). If Toney doesn’t suit up, consider Justin Watson (WR13) in Showdown.

As bad as Tennessee’s WRs have been, their TEs are even worse. Austin Hooper (TE7) and Chigoziem Okonkwo (TE8) are both laughably worthless.

Travis Kelce (TE1) needs to be in your lineup this week. His backup Noah Gray (TE9) can be left as a Showdown dart throw.

Monday Night

BALTIMORE @ NEW ORLEANS

Lamar Jackson (QB2) gets 10 days off between starts. This will help him get some of his weapons healthy once again. He needs the boost, because while his legs have kept him usable, his overall lines haven’t been great. If Mark Andrews (shoulder) is active, boost Jackson’s output considerably.

I almost listed Andy Dalton (QB3) above Jackson. Dalton has a higher floor and more weapons and neither team have much of a pass defense. Stack Dalton with Chris Olave. DK still lists Taysom Hill (QB5/TE3) as only a QB. I won’t play him as a QB, but I’d certainly consider him at TE on FD.

Gus Edwards (hamstring – RB3) managed to avoid a major injury last week. His status is still very much up in the air for Monday night. If he plays, roll him out as an RB2. The best thing from a fantasy perspective, though, would be Edwards missing this game. Then we could clearly start Kenyan Drake (RB6) as a strong RB2. If they both play, consider neither more than a flex play. Justice Hill (RB10) could be viable in Showdown if Edwards is out.

Alvin Kamara (RB2) paired with Derrick Henry would be the optimum lineup decision as an RB1 and RB2. Mark Ingram (knee – RB9) will likely miss this game due to his knee injury. Assuming Ingram is out, Dwayne Washington (RB11) becomes Kamara’s handcuff. He could be used in Showdown.

Rashod Bateman (foot, IR) started last week, was targeted once, and then returned to the bench for the rest of the game. His absence makes this slate even weaker. Devin Duvernay (WR7) is an easy WR2/WR3 option. Both Demarcus Robinson (WR12) and James Proche (WR14) will also have some WR3 value as someone has to catch the ball.

New Orleans had planned on having a WR corps of Michael Thomas (foot, IR), Jarvis Landry (ankle – WR6), and Chris Olave (WR2) this season. Right now, we appear ready to head into a fifth straight week without Thomas and Landry. Olave being the second-best receiver on this slate tells you how rotten the board is on the upper end. Still, you have to consider him as a WR2. If Landry suits up, I’d also consider him at WR2. Meanwhile,  Tre’Quan Smith (WR9), Marquez Callaway (WR10), and Rashid Shaheed (WR11) all could garner WR3 consideration if Landry remains out.

As I mention above, Taysom Hill (QB5/TE3) only qualifies at TE on FD. I love him in a double-TE lineup with Kelce. Juwan Johnson (TE5) is very TD-dependent. This is a so-so matchup for him, so you should be able to skip him. His value will dip even more if Adam Trautman (ankle – TE6) returns from injury.

Mark Andrews (shoulder – TE2) left Week 8’s game with a shoulder injury, but early reports are that it is not overly serious. If he plays, both he and Kelce need to be in your lineup together. If Andrews is out, Isaiah Likely (TE4) would be a great fill-in. Heck, even Josh Oliver (TE11) could have value in that spot.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Justin Herbert ($7.2k), RB Austin Ekeler ($8.8k), RB Aaron Jones ($7.4k), WR Marvin Jones ($4.2k), WR Josh Palmer ($5.1k), WR Terrace Marshall ($3.9k), TE Zach Ertz ($5.1k), FLEX Deon Jackson ($5.2k), DST Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($3k)

FD Lineup: QB Trevor Lawrence ($6.8k), RB Austin Ekeler ($9.4k), RB Aaron Jones ($7.8k), WR DJ Moore ($7k), WR Tyler Boyd ($6.9k), WR Christian Kirk ($6.3k), TE Evan Engram ($5.2k), FLEX Deon Jackson ($5k), DST Buffalo Bills ($5k)

FB Lineup: QB Justin Herbert ($6.7k), RB Austin Ekeler ($7.5k), RB Travis Etienne ($5.9k), WR JuJu Smith-Schuster ($5.4k), WR Christian Kirk ($5k), WR Josh Palmer ($4.6k), TE Zach Ertz ($4.5k), FLEX Tyler Allgeier ($5.1k), FLEX Eno Benjamin ($5.3k)

Quarterbacks DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,500 $9,300
Kyler Murray $7,400 $8,200
Justin Herbert $7,200 $7,800
Tua Tagovailoa $6,700 $8,000
Joe Burrow $6,600 $8,500
Kirk Cousins $6,200 $7,900
Tom Brady $6,000 $6,900
Aaron Rodgers $5,900 $7,000
Geno Smith $5,800 $7,500
Matthew Stafford $5,600 $6,700
Jared Goff $5,500 $7,100
Derek Carr $5,400 $6,800
Taylor Heinicke $5,400 $7,200
Justin Fields $5,300 $7,400
Marcus Mariota $5,300 $7,100
P.J. Walker $5,200 $6,500
Trevor Lawrence $5,200 $6,800
Mac Jones $5,100 $6,400
Zach Wilson $5,100 $6,600
Baker Mayfield $5,000 $6,200
Sam Ehlinger $5,000 $6,300

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Justin Herbert, Tua Tagovailoa, and Kirk Cousins are the top high-dollar plays this week taking nothing away from Josh Allen and Kyler Murray who are solid plays, just overpriced. Aaron Rodgers and Geno Smith are both usable on DK. Taylor Heinicke could be a cheap punt option. Still, Trevor Lawrence is the best play of the week at his price.

Fantasy Four-pack

Josh Allen, Bills @ NYJ
($8,500 DK, $9,300 FD) The Jets defense is improved over previous seasons, but Allen should still have little trouble posting his usual gaudy numbers. The Jets have only faced three QBs this year anywhere near Allen’s skill set. I just wish his price was less. If you use him the stack with Stefon Diggs costs a ton, so use Gabe Davis instead.

Justin Herbert, Chargers @ ATL
($7,200 DK, $7,800 FD) Yes, I am advocating starting a West Coast QB traveling east with all of his WRs dealing with some level of injuries. In fact, he is my second-favorite QB play of the week. Keenan Allen (hamstring) suffered a setback this week and remains questionable heading into the weekend, but Josh Palmer should be back this week. Plus, Herbert still has Austin Ekeler to dump the ball off to 78 or so times each week. Use this play as a testimony to how rotten the Falcons are against the pass.

Kyler Murray, Cardinals vs. SEA ($7,400 DK, $8,200 FD) Speaking of rotten pass defenses, Seattle is right down there with Atlanta in the rankings. Strangely enough, Murray failed to throw a passing TD against them back in Week 6. He did, however, run for 100 yards. This week, the rushing yards will be less, but the passing TDs will be in effect.

Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins @ CHI ($6,700 DK, $8,000 FD) When you have Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to throw to your own talent level doesn’t have to be exemplary. Tua will never be mistaken for Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes, but he has enough moxie to get it done. Facing a defense that just traded two stars and that was skewered last week by Dallas will only make it easier.

DFS Sleepers

Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars vs. LV
($5,200 DK, $6,800 FD) Vegas has allowed multiple TDs to every QB they have faced this season. Lawrence has enough weapons to choose from to secure his own pair of scores through the air and maybe a rushing score, too. I particularly like pairing him with one of Christian Kirk or Marvin Jones along with Evan Engram this week.

Taylor Heinicke, Commanders vs. MIN
($5,400 DK, $7,200 FD) Heinicke gets to face the team that signed him as an undrafted free agent but never gave him a real chance to ascend to a starting role. Minnesota has a fierce pass rush, but their secondary remains suspect. On a weak slate, you could do a lot worse for a lot more money.

Running Backs DraftKings FanDuel
Austin Ekeler $8,800 $9,400
Dalvin Cook $7,800 $8,500
Jonathan Taylor $7,700 $6,800
Aaron Jones $7,400 $7,800
Josh Jacobs
 $7,300 $8,800
Leonard Fournette $6,600 $7,100
Joe Mixon $6,500 $8,100
D’Andre Swift $6,400 $7,500
Travis Etienne $6,300 $7,600
Kenneth Walker $6,200 $8,300
Rhamondre Stevenson $6,200 $8,000
Raheem Mostert $6,100 $6,500
David Montgomery $6,000 $7,000
D’Onta Foreman $6,000 $7,300
Eno Benjamin $5,900 $6,600
Jamaal Williams $5,900 $7,500
James Conner $5,800 $6,600
Khalil Herbert $5,800 $7,000
AJ Dillon $5,700 $6,100
Devin Singletary $5,700 $6,000
Damien Harris $5,600 $6,200
Antonio Gibson $5,500 $6,100
Michael Carter $5,500 $6,000
Nyheim Hines $5,500 $5,900
Brian Robinson $5,400 $5,900
James Robinson $5,400 $6,000
Tyler Allgeier $5,400 $6,400
Chuba Hubbard $5,300 $6,100
Samaje Perine $5,300 $6,000
Deon Jackson $5,200 $5,000
Darrell Henderson $5,100 $5,700
Cam Akers $5,000 $5,500
Caleb Huntley $4,900 $6,000
Ronnie Rivers $4,800 $5,300
J.D. McKissic $4,500 $4,800
Malcolm Brown $4,100 $5,200
Kyren Williams $4,000 $4,500

Running Back

Weekly strategy – Choosing between Austin Ekeler and Aaron Jones for the top spot this week will be tough. Plus, that Jonathan Taylor (ankle) FD price is just begging us to play him. If he can go, it would be hard to avoid using him there at that cost. Of course, if Taylor is out Deon Jackson becomes a must-start. Travis Etienne has a great matchup, and if you don’t use Trevor Lawrence at QB, please use him here. Eno Benjamin and Jamaal Williams both could be used as pivots if their lead backs remain out or limited. I don’t care for most of the cheap options this week. Brian Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are the only two I’d use.

Fantasy Four-pack

Austin Ekeler,  Chargers @ ATL
($8,800 DK, $9,400 FD) We have a battle of two of the crappiest run defenses in the league in this contest. We could see these two teams combine for 400 rushing yards this week. Throw Ekeler’s pile of receptions on top of that and you will see why he is close to a must-start despite the high price.

Aaron Jones, Packers @ DET
($7,400 DK, $7,800 FD) Jones channeled his inner Juggernaut last week against Buffalo. Now, he gets to face a run defense that has already allowed ten different RBs to reach double-digit PPR points. The specter of AJ Dillon is still here, but he just isn’t as much a part of this offense as he was in previous seasons. 

Josh Jacobs, Raiders @ JAX ($7,300 DK, $8,800 FD) Jacobs continues to get force-fed like a duck at a foie gras factory. Vegas doesn’t care if they run him into the ground, because they aren’t planning on keeping him around. Meanwhile, the Jaguars are giving up massive points to the position. In their last five games, Jacksonville has allowed an average of 153 combo yards, 6.4 receptions, and 1.4 total TDs to opposing RBs.

Dalvin Cook, Vikings @ WAS
($7,800 DK, $8,500 FD)  Washington is better against the run than the pass but Cook can beat the opposition both ways. Plus, Cook has scored in four of his last five games. That will happen again as Washington has allowed six total RB scores over their last four contests. 

DFS Sleepers

Eno Benjamin, Cardinals vs. SEA
($5,900 DK, $6,600 FD) Benjamin didn’t do much against this defense a couple of weeks back. In fact, he is the only lead back since Week 4 to not go ham against the Seahawks. Still, as long as James Conner (ribs) remains out, Benjamin deserves sleeper consideration (especially on a weak slate).

Tyler Allgeier, Falcons vs. LAC ($5,400 DK, $6,400 FD) Only one team is giving up more points to opposing RBs than the Chargers. Meanwhile, Allgeier is splitting the workload with Caleb Huntley, but Huntley has been more effective from a YPC basis. Still, Allgeier has been the back that has scored in back-to-back contests. Either could be used here for money savings of Cordarrelle Patterson (knee) isn’t active. 

Wide receivers DraftKings FanDuel
Cooper Kupp $8,900 $9,000
Justin Jefferson $8,600 $9,000
Tyreek Hill $8,500 $8,700
Stefon Diggs $8,400 $8,900
Davante Adams $8,100 $8,100
DeAndre Hopkins $7,900 $8,600
Jaylen Waddle $7,400 $8,200
Tee Higgins $7,300 $8,000
Mike Evans $7,200 $7,700
Gabe Davis $6,900 $6,600
Michael Pittman $6,800 $6,400
Amon-Ra St. Brown $6,600 $7,100
Keenan Allen $6,500 $7,500
DK Metcalf $6,400 $7,400
Tyler Boyd $6,300 $6,900
Chris Godwin $6,200 $6,700
Tyler Lockett $6,100 $7,600
Allen Lazard $6,000 $6,500
Terry McLaurin $5,900 $7,200
DJ Moore $5,800 $7,000
Adam Thielen $5,600 $6,200
Christian Kirk $5,500 $6,300
Jakobi Meyers $5,400 $6,800
Romeo Doubs $5,300 $6,100
Curtis Samuel $5,200 $5,600
Rondale Moore $5,200 $5,900
Joshua Palmer $5,100 $6,200
Allen Robinson $5,000 $7,000
Julio Jones $5,000 $5,300
Drake London $4,900 $5,600
Isaiah McKenzie $4,900 $5,500
Garrett Wilson $4,800 $5,800
Darnell Mooney $4,700 $6,100
Josh Reynolds $4,600 $5,700
Hunter Renfrow $4,500 $5,400
Mack Hollins $4,500 $5,700
Alec Pierce $4,400 $5,500
DJ Chark $4,400 $5,000
Corey Davis $4,600 $5,000
DeAndre Carter $4,300 $5,500
Elijah Moore $4,300 $5,000
K.J. Osborn $4,200 $5,300
Marvin Jones $4,200 $5,300
Parris Campbell $4,200 $5,400
Russell Gage $4,100 $5,200
Zay Jones $4,100 $5,500
DeVante Parker $4,000 $5,500
Kalif Raymond $4,000 $5,400
Marquise Goodwin $3,900 $5,300
Terrace Marshall $3,900 $5,400
Robbie Anderson $3,800 $5,100
Olamide Zaccheaus $3,600 $5,200
Sammy Watkins $3,600 $5,400
Christian Watson $3,500 $5,500
Damiere Byrd $3,500 $5,400
Dante Pettis $3,500 $5,300
Khalil Shakir $3,500 $5,200
Van Jefferson $3,500 $5,800
Braxton Berrios $3,400 $4,900
Ben Skowronek $3,300 $5,400
Dyami Brown $3,300 $4,800
Laviska Shenault $3,300 $5,100
Trent Sherfield $3,300 $5,100
Tyquan Thornton $3,300 $5,600
Nelson Agholor $3,200 $5,200
Cedrick Wilson $3,100 $4,900
Samori Toure $3,000 $4,600

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – This is a weird week. All of the high-priced options have decent matchups, but none scream 3x value. Any of them could be used at WR1 with Justin Jefferson my favorite. This parity may be the reason this week to pay down at WR1 with a Tyler Boyd or Amon-Ra St. Brown. At WR2, use one of Christian Kirk or Allen Lazard. You could also take a shot on Curtis Samuel or Rondale Moore. Joshua Palmer (concussion) should be your WR3 if he suits up. If you pivot from him consider Terrace Marshall, Marvin Jones, or K.J. Osborn.

Fantasy Four-pack

Justin Jefferson, Vikings @ WAS
($8,600 DK, $9,000 FD) Eleven different WRs have reached double-digit PPR points against the Commanders. This includes every WR1 to face them except Robert Woods. Jefferson has been held out of the end zone for far too long. The reverse TD regression will blow up in the face of Washington this week. 3x value isn’t guaranteed here, but it has the best chance among the high-priced options on the board.

Cooper Kupp, Rams @ TB
($8,900 DK, $9,000 FD) It took an ankle sprain to push Kupp’s salary down into the usable range. He is a tough SOB, so I don’t think there is any chance that he misses this game. Tampa won’t have an answer for Kupp, who has averaged 9.5-136-1 against them in four career games.

Tyreek Hill, Dolphins @ CHI
($8,500 DK, $8,700 FD) Hill has alternated good games and absurdly good games. This one trends as just a good game. Still, he has seven or more catches in all but one of those “good” games. Chicago’s pass defense numbers look better than they are as they haven’t faced many elite WRs. The ones that they have faced have gone off. 

Stefon Diggs, Bills @ NYJ
($8,400 DK, $8,900 FD) Every WR1 to face New York has reached double-digit PPR points. In fact, they have given up 48 receptions to opposing WR1s over the last seven games. Diggs should approach his standard 8-100-1. 

DFS Sleepers

Allen Lazard, Packers @ DET
($6,000 DK, $6,500 FD)  Lazard started his season putting up Davante Adams-esque numbers as the Packers’ WR1. Then he hurt his shoulder and missed the last game. All signs have him returning this week against the cream-puff Lions. Considering their recent performance arc, if both play this week, Lazard will outscore Adams. 

Joshua Palmer, Chargers @ ATL
($5,100 DK, $6,200 FD) With Mike Williams out and Keenan Allen (hamstring) suffering an in-week setback, Palmer should operate as the Chargers’ WR2 (behind RB Austin Ekeler). Only one team is worse against the pass than Atlanta, so lock Palmer into your WR3 slot. Heck, stack Palmer, Ekeler, and Justin Herbert.

Tight ends DraftKings FanDuel
Zach Ertz $5,100 $6,600
T.J. Hockenson $5,000 $6,200
Darren Waller $4,900 $6,000
Gerald Everett $4,800 $5,800
Kyle Pitts $4,500 $6,300
Mike Gesicki $4,000 $5,500
Robert Tonyan $3,800 $5,000
Tyler Higbee $3,700 $6,100
Hayden Hurst $3,600 $5,300
Dawson Knox $3,500 $5,100
Evan Engram $3,300 $5,200
Foster Moreau $3,200 $5,400
Tyler Conklin $3,200 $5,200
Cade Otton $3,100 $4,800
Cameron Brate $3,100 $4,500
Cole Kmet $3,000 $4,700
Hunter Henry $3,000 $4,700
Will Dissly $3,000 $4,900
Jonnu Smith $2,900 $4,400
Logan Thomas $2,900 $5,000
Noah Fant $2,900 $4,800
Johnny Mundt $2,800 $4,500
Mo Alie-Cox $2,800 $4,600
Donald Parham $2,600 $4,300
Brock Wright $2,500 $4,400
Brycen Hopkins $2,500 $4,100
Colby Parkinson $2,500 $4,400
Kendall Blanton $2,500 $4,200

Tight End

Weekly strategy – If you thought Week 8 was tough at the TE position, welcome to Week 9. Zach Ertz has a great matchup and the top price. Make your life easy and just use him. Gerald Everett, Kyle Pitts, and Robert Tonyan are the only pivots to consider. Otherwise, just punt to Evan Engram, Tyler Conklin, or one of the Seahawks.

Fantasy Four-pack

Zach Ertz, Cardinals vs. SEA
($5,100 DK, $6,600 FD) Since Week 3, the worst that an opposing TE1 has posted against Seattle is 3-58. This includes a 7-70 game from Ertz in Week 6. Expect a similar line here with a TD added.

Kyle Pitts, Falcons vs. LAC
($4,500 DK, $6,300 FD) Don’t look now but Pitts has scored in two of his last three games. He also continues to be one of the primary targets of the few passes that Marcus Mariota attempts. The Chargers have allowed 21-293-1 to the position over the last four games, so if Pitts gets the chance, he should show out again.

Gerald Everett, Chargers @ ATL
($4,800 DK, $5,800 FD) Everett did not see the expected drop in his targets when Keenan Allen returned. With Allen questionable for this week and no Mike Williams, Everett should post a solid line once again. Atlanta has been torched by every legit TE they have faced this season, I see no reason why Everett won’t continue that smackdown.

T.J. Hockenson, Lions vs. MIA
($5,000 DK, $6,200 FD) Normally, I would not recommend someone five days after being traded. That said, tight end plays a key role for the Vikings and Johnny Mundt is the only other healthy option for them. He may be asked to block more and not run a ton of routes, but Hockenson will catch a short TD in his first game with Minnesota.

DFS Sleepers

Evan Engram, Jaguars vs. LV
($3,300 DK, $5,200 FD) Engram has emerged as a top-10 TE in every significant receiving stat except TDs. Meanwhile, four different TEs have reached double-digit PPR points against this defense. A 10-spot is guaranteed here and don’t be surprised if he gets his second score, too.

Tyler Conklin, Jets vs. BUF ($3,200 DK, $5,200 FD) It has become clear that TE is the best position to attack Buffalo with. They have allowed 26 TE receptions over their last three games. Meanwhile, Conklin scored twice last week. Those were his first scores since Week 1. Still, he has posted five or more targets in six of eight games, so the volume will be there.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 8

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 8 DFS fantasy football

Just when we thought Week 7 had too many ugly matchups, Week 8 entered the chat room screaming in CAPS LOCK. This week is brutal from an offensive standpoint. Two premier offenses are on bye. Two elite and two above-average offenses are in the primetime slate. Plus, the GOAT faced Lamar Jackson on Thursday. The only “off-slate” game that won’t be sucking away a ton of talent is the latest Sunday-morning London game.

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

Green Bay @ Buffalo

If this game was scheduled for last season, it would have been a must-see event. Now, we get to see a short-handed Aaron Rodgers (QB3) struggle to keep up with the top offense in football. If Allen Lazard (shoulder) misses this game, Rodgers will be forced to throw the ball to his rookie WRs.

Josh Allen (QB1) is the best QB in football right now (with my apologies to personal favorite Patrick Mahomes). Green Bay’s secondary is decent but they are about to get schooled.

It would be wise of Green Bay to run the ball frequently this week to attempt to keep it away from the Buffalo offense. It won’t work, as eventually, they will have to abandon the run to keep up. Aaron Jones (RB3) should have enough volume in both the run and pass games to be an RB2 consideration. A.J. Dillon (RB6) isn’t getting the opportunities needed to be more than a deep flex play. Maybe Green Bay can line one of them up at WR.

Devin Singletary (RB4) has actually posted respectable numbers this season despite continuing to play second-fiddle to the passing game. His price is cheap enough to make him a preferential RB2 play. James Cook (RB8) has passed Zack Moss on the depth chart. Moss wasn’t even active last week. If he suits up, he can be ignored in all formats. Heck, even fullback Reggie Gilliam (RB9) has passed Moss in value as he catches a few passes each week.

We don’t know which receivers Rodgers will have at his disposal. Allen Lazard (shoulder – WR6) is his only reliable option, but he is trending toward being out. Christian Watson (hamstring – WR11) has not been used much in the passing game yet, but his draft capital suggests that he is capable of being an alpha. Sammy Watkins (WR8) will be the de facto WR1 for Rodgers this week if Lazard is out. That alone would put him in WR3 consideration. Romeo Doubs (WR9) hasn’t done much recently but he will likely be WR2 for Green Bay this week. He could be a sneaky flex play as someone will draw the targets here. The only other options they have are Amari Rodgers (WR14) and something called Samori Toure (WR16). They can both be ignored.

Green Bay’s secondary has supposedly improved this offseason. The numbers suggest this is true until you look closer and see that Justin Jefferson and Terry McLaurin are the only legitimate WRs they have faced all year and both had huge games against them. Both Stefon Diggs (WR2) and Gabe Davis (WR3) are playable at WR1 this week, and I would not fault you for using both of them in an Allen stack. Isaiah McKenzie (WR10) has tailed off since Davis’ return, but he is also in play as a WR3. You could get cute and use Khalil Shakir (WR12) to save even more dough. He also makes a great Showdown play.

Robert Tonyan (TE2) merits consideration due to all of the WR injuries. Someone has to catch the ball here. Even with all of the WR questions, I’m not ready to deploy Josiah Deguara (TE5) or Marcedes Lewis (TE6).

As predicted entering this year, Dawson Knox (TE3) has found himself as a true TD-dependent play. It isn’t a great slate for TEs, but I feel better about the other options at a similar cost. Tommy Sweeney (TE7) has zero value without a Knox injury.

Monday Night

CINCINNATI @ CLEVELAND

In the battle of Ohio, Joe Burrow (QB2) has a huge advantage in talent, weapons, and moxie. Teams that wish to fade Allen should look here.

Jacoby Brissett (QB4) has actually had a solid season for being thrust into a starting role. Cincy is mediocre against the pass, so he will have a serviceable stat line. Unfortunately, it will still be the lowest on the slate.

Cleveland has looked foolish against the run most of the last month. Joe Mixon (RB2) will attempt to exploit this despite his vanilla tendencies. He is definitely the safest RB2 on the board. This awful defense also puts Samaje Perine (RB6) in play as a potential discount flex.

Nick Chubb (RB1) has been unstoppable this season. Regardless of the opponent, game script, or dodging his own teammates’ vultures, he has performed as a top-three RB in the league. Set him as your RB1 and smile. Kareem Hunt (RB5) has underperformed his draft equity this season, but he is always a threat to score, and his auxiliary numbers keep him flex-worthy. Just watch this weekend to see if the hot stove talk regarding him heats up as this may lead to him not playing here. If Hunt is held out/dealt, D’Ernest Johnson (RB9) would have Showdown value.

Ja’Marr Chase (hip) and Tee Higgins (WR1) both balled out last week in a stellar matchup. Now Chase is out for at least the next month. All of your lineups should have one of the following: Higgins, Diggs, or Davis. Tyler Boyd (WR5) also had a big game last week, and he deserves WR2 thought if you are going cheaper at the position. The “other” Michael Thomas (WR13) could be a Showdown play with the injury to Chase.

Amari Cooper (WR5) is a great run-it-back play in a Bengals stack, since Cincy has had struggles with WR1 this year. That said, we should point out that Noah Brown is the only auxiliary WR to do anything versus them. Donovan Peoples-Jones (WR8) should probably be faded here, and David Bell (WR15) shouldn’t even sniff Showdown lineups.

I love what Cincinnati is doing with Hayden Hurst (ankle/groin – TE1). I love even more that the sites refuse to raise his price. He is easily the safest TE on the board this week, and Chase’s injury should increase his target share.

With David Njoku (ankle) out, Harrison Bryant (TE4) may be a decent streamer this week. Cincy is middle of the road against the position, and Bryant has had success when featured previously. I’d consider some double-TE builds including him.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Kirk Cousins ($6.1k), RB Derrick Henry ($8.4k), RB Raheem Mostert ($5.9k), WR Jaylen Waddle ($6.7k), WR Adam Thielen ($6.2k), WR Josh Reynolds ($5k), TE Irv Smith ($3.5k), FLEX D’Onta Foreman ($5.3k), DST Washington Commanders ($2.6k)

FD Lineup: QB Geno Smith ($7k), RB Derrick Henry ($10k), RB Saquon Barkley ($9.5k), WR Adam Thielen ($6.2k), WR Brandin Cooks ($6.1k), WR Marquise Goodwin ($5.6k), TE Irv Smith ($5k), FLEX Raheem Mostert ($6.8k), DST Washington Commanders ($3.4k)

FB Lineup: QB Josh Allen ($7.6k), RB Derrick Henry ($7.4k), RB Raheem Mostert ($5.3k), WR Stefon Diggs ($7.1k), WR Josh Reynolds ($4.1k), WR Marquise Goodwin ($3.4k), TE Irv Smith ($3.5k), FLEX Kenneth Walker ($6k), FLEX D’Onta Foreman ($4.7k)

Quarterbacks DraftKings FanDuel
Jalen Hurts $8,300 $9,200
Kyler Murray $7,500 $8,200
Dak Prescott $6,600 $7,200
Tua Tagovailoa $6,200 $7,700
Kirk Cousins $6,100 $7,800
Matthew Stafford $6,000 $7,000
Derek Carr $5,900 $7,200
Geno Smith $5,800 $7,000
Daniel Jones $5,700 $7,500
Jimmy Garoppolo $5,600 $7,100
Andy Dalton $5,500 $7,100
Jared Goff $5,500 $7,300
Marcus Mariota $5,400 $6,900
Jameis Winston $5,300 $7,100
Mac Jones $5,300 $6,600
Ryan Tannehill $5,300 $6,700
Davis Mills $5,200 $6,500
Justin Fields $5,200 $6,500
P.J. Walker $5,200 $6,400
Taylor Heinicke $5,200 $6,400
Kenny Pickett $5,100 $6,600
Zach Wilson $5,100 $6,400
Malik Willis $5,000 $6,700
Taysom Hill $5,000 N/A

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Tua Tagovailoa is the safest option among the high-priced picks this week. Jalen Hurts is worth playing on DK as is Kirk Cousins. If you don’t use one of these three consider Geno Smith or Jared Goff. You can also punt with Davis Mills or (if he is able to start) Ryan Tannehill (ankle).

Fantasy Four-pack

Jalen Hurts, Eagles vs. PIT
($8,300 DK, $9,200 FD) Pittsburgh has held four of the seven QBs to face them to only one passing TD. The issue for them is that they are giving up the fifth-most passing yardage and the few running QBs they have faced have had success against them. Hurts should be good for three total scores this week.

Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins @ DET
($6,200 DK, $7,700 FD) Tua has gone from potentially out of football forever to the second-best QB option on this slate in just three weeks. Detroit is better against the pass than the run, but that isn’t saying much since they are ungodly bad against the run. Stack Tua with either Tyreek Hill or Jaylen Waddle and then run it back with whoever suits up at WR for Detroit.

Kirk Cousins, Vikings vs. ARI ($6,100 DK, $7,800 FD) The Cardinals seem to limit opposing WR1s every week, so consider Justin Jefferson a trap this week. The rest of the defense is in deep “blank” as they try to hold in check the rest of this passing offense. Cousins will find some combo of  K.J. Osborn, Adam Thielen, and Irv Smith for a trio of passing TDs.

Geno Smith, Seahawks vs. NYG
($5,800 DK, $7,000 FD) This feels like a possible trap here for Smith with Tyler Lockett (hamstring) playing through an injury and DK Metcalf (knee) questionable, at best. Still, you cannot argue with the success he has had so far this season. He has multiple passing scores in five of seven games. He also has had success with his legs. This could be his blessing here as New York has struggled with rushing QBs this season.

DFS Sleepers

Jared Goff, Lions vs. MIA
($5,500 DK, $7,300 FD) An excessive volume of WR injuries combined with a tough pair of opponents has probably pushed Goff out of the comfortable start category. Still, Miami is dealing with injuries of their own on the defensive side of the ball opening the door for Goff to get back into the good graces of the DFS community here.

Davis Mills, Texans vs. TEN
($5,200 DK, $6,500 FD) This game could be a sneaky shootout as neither team plays much defense. Ryan Tannehill (ankle) may actually outperform Mills in this matchup, but his starting status is in question. Mills is just a smidge cheaper than Tannehill. He also has a more reliable WR1 in Brandin Cooks to stack with.

Running Backs DraftKings FanDuel
Christian McCaffrey $8,700 $8,500
Derrick Henry $8,400 $10,000
Saquon Barkley $8,100 $9,500
Jonathan Taylor $8,000 $8,300
Dalvin Cook
 $7,600 $8,200
Josh Jacobs $7,500 $9,000
Alvin Kamara $7,100 $7,800
D’Andre Swift $6,800 $7,500
Miles Sanders $6,600 $7,400
Kenneth Walker $6,500 $8,400
Rhamondre Stevenson $6,400 $8,000
Dameon Pierce $6,300 $7,300
David Montgomery $6,300 $6,700
Ezekiel Elliott $6,200 $7,100
James Conner $6,100 $7,000
Tony Pollard $6,100 $6,300
Eno Benjamin $6,000 $7,000
Jamaal Williams $6,000 $7,500
Michael Carter $5,900 $6,600
Raheem Mostert $5,900 $6,800
Damien Harris $5,800 $7,000
Khalil Herbert $5,700 $6,700
Najee Harris $5,700 $6,600
Alexander Mattison $5,600 $5,200
Brian Robinson $5,600 $6,000
Darrell Henderson $5,500 $6,500
Antonio Gibson $5,400 $5,600
Chuba Hubbard $5,400 $6,200
Tyler Allgeier $5,400 $6,100
D’Onta Foreman $5,300 $6,400
Nyheim Hines $5,200 $5,100
Chase Edmonds $5,100 $5,700
Jeff Wilson $5,100 $5,700
Caleb Huntley $5,000 $5,200
Cam Akers $5,000 $5,500
Keaontay Ingram $5,000 $5,400
Mark Ingram $4,800 $5,000
Kenneth Gainwell $4,700 $5,300
DeeJay Dallas $4,600 $5,100
Dontrell Hilliard $4,600 $5,100
J.D. McKissic $4,500 $4,800

Running Back

Weekly strategy – Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry are the two best plays this week. They are also priced as such. You won’t be able to afford both of them, but try to get one of them into each lineup. An active D’Andre Swift (ankle/shoulder) would be a decent pivot as would Alvin Kamara (lack of TDs). It is just hard to rely on either of them seriously right now. Dameon Pierce is probably the safer pivot. Tony Pollard should also be a strong play with Ezekiel Elliott (MCL) likely out. Raheem Mostert gets the best matchup among cheaper options. He seems like a must-start. I also love the discount prices on D’Onta Foreman and Brian Robinson.

Fantasy Four-pack

Derrick Henry, Titans @ HOU
($8,400 DK, $10,000 FD) Houston is allowing a league-worst 174 combo yards per game to opposing RBs. Now they have to contend with King Henry? Houston, we have a problem. That $10k price is high, but if there was ever a confluence of events that could produce 3x value to that, it is this matchup. Expect a floor of 150-2.

Saquon Barkley, Giants @ SEA
($8,100 DK, $9,500 FD) Seattle is not as bad as Houston. They only allow 155 combo yards per game to opposing RBs. That said, they have been really putrid against pass-catching backs such as Barkley. For his part, he has scored and/or topped 100 combo yards in all but one game this season. This will be his top performance to date.

Christian McCaffrey, 49ers @ LAR ($8,700 DK, $8,500 FD) McCaffrey looked pretty dang good with no practice and just reading the playbook on a cross-country flight. Imagine what he can accomplish for San Francisco once he gets a week of practice in. The Rams are very good against the run, but San Fran will go out of its way to showcase its new toy this week. He will finish with right around 24 points here.

Jonathan Taylor, Colts vs. WAS
($8,000 DK, $8,300 FD) I’m not sure what effects Sam Ehlinger will have on Taylor and the ground game, but he can’t be any worse to the team’s goals than Matt Ryan had been. Washington is decent against the run, but no team has allowed more RB receiving TDs this season. Taylor got a lot of targets last week, if this continues he will definitely score here.

DFS Sleepers

Tony Pollard, Cowboys vs. CHI
($5,900 DK, $6,800 FD) Pollard will not have to split touches with Ezekiel Elliott (MCL) this week. This is nice because either one of them would be in for a big game if the other wasn’t present. Chicago is allowing 146 combo yards per game to opposing RBs. Now, all of that will go to Pollard. 

Raheem Mostert, Dolphins @ DET ($5,900 DK, $6,800 FD) The Lions are allowing a league-worst 1.7 total TDs per game to opposing RBs. Meanwhile, Mostert holds a 2-to-1 touch advantage over his clear backup, Chase Edmonds. Over the last four games, Mostert holds a 360-to-69 yards from scrimmage advantage. This is Mostert’s backfield, and this week Mostert is a must-start.

Wide receivers DraftKings FanDuel
Cooper Kupp $9,600 $9,300
Justin Jefferson $9,100 $9,000
Davante Adams $8,600 $8,500
Tyreek Hill $8,500 $8,700
A.J. Brown $7,700 $8,200
Deebo Samuel $7,500 $7,300
DeAndre Hopkins $7,400 $7,900
Michael Pittman $7,200 $7,100
CeeDee Lamb $7,000 $7,500
Amon-Ra St. Brown $6,900 $7,200
Jaylen Waddle $6,700 $7,800
DK Metcalf $6,600 $7,000
Tyler Lockett $6,500 $7,600
DeVonta Smith $6,300 $6,900
Adam Thielen $6,200 $6,200
Brandon Aiyuk $6,100 $6,700
Chris Olave $6,000 $6,900
Terry McLaurin $6,000 $6,800
Brandin Cooks $5,900 $6,100
Michael Thomas $5,700 $7,000
Diontae Johnson $5,600 $6,300
Jakobi Meyers $5,600 $6,600
Robert Woods $5,400 $5,700
Curtis Samuel $5,300 $5,600
DJ Moore $5,300 $6,200
Allen Robinson $5,200 $5,600
Drake London $5,100 $5,600
Rondale Moore $5,100 $5,500
Josh Reynolds $5,000 $6,500
Michael Gallup $5,000 $5,800
Hunter Renfrow $4,900 $5,600
Chase Claypool $4,800 $6,000
Darnell Mooney $4,900 $6,100
Elijah Moore $4,700 $5,000
George Pickens $4,700 $5,500
Wan’Dale Robinson $4,700 $5,900
Alec Pierce $4,600 $5,800
Darius Slayton $4,600 $5,700
DJ Chark $4,600 $5,000
Corey Davis $4,500 $5,500
Mack Hollins $4,500 $5,600
Parris Campbell $4,500 $5,600
Treylon Burks $4,500 $5,000
DeVante Parker $4,400 $5,800
Marquise Goodwin $4,400 $5,600
Tre’Quan Smith $4,400 $5,300
Jarvis Landry $4,300 $5,500
Kalif Raymond $4,300 $5,600
Noah Brown $4,300 $5,500
Garrett Wilson $4,200 $5,400
Jahan Dotson $4,200 $5,700
K.J. Osborn $4,200 $5,300
Nico Collins $4,200 $5,300
Ben Skowronek $4,100 $5,300
Greg Dortch $4,100 $5,000
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $4,000 $5,300
Olamide Zaccheaus $4,000 $5,300
Robbie Anderson $4,000 $5,300
Tyquan Thornton $3,800 $5,700
Braxton Berrios $3,700 $5,200
Marquez Callaway $3,700 $5,000
Richie James $3,700 $5,200
Rashid Shaheed $3,600 $5,100
Cedrick Wilson $3,300 $5,200
Damiere Byrd $3,300 $5,100
Dee Eskridge $3,300 $5,000
Laviska Shenault $3,000 $4,800
Van Jefferson $3,000 $5,400

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – I am spending up at RB this week, so I will likely only have one high-priced WR in my lineup. Both Cooper Kupp and Davante Adams (illness) are OK plays but are expensive. I’d rather roll with one of the Dolphins or one of the Eagles. Adam Thielen, Brandin Cooks, DJ Moore, and Terry McLaurin are my favorite WR2 options. If you need to go cheaper, there use one of the Lions or Giants. They can also be used at WR3. You can also consider Marquise Goodwin or one of the Saints in that spot.

Fantasy Four-pack

Tyreek Hill, Dolphins @DET
($8,500 DK, $8,700 FD) Detroit has allowed 11 different WRs to reach double-digit PPR points already this season. This suggests that both Hill and Jaylen Waddle could blow up this week. Since you should also have a lot of exposure to Raheem Mostert, choose only one of the two in your stacks.

Cooper Kupp, Rams vs. SF
($9,600 DK, $9,300 FD) Facing the Niners isn’t a death knell for Kupp. He was targeted 19 times versus them just a couple of weeks back. Over their last three meetings, Kupp is averaging 11-121. The knock is that he has only scored in one of those games. Consider this a floor game for Kupp, which will still be right around 20-24 points.

Davante Adams, Raiders @ NO
($8,600 DK, $8,500 FD) Adams (illness) finally took a hit to his run of either scoring or topping 100 yards in every game as he finished with only 95 scoreless yards last week. This week, he faces a Saints team that has been demolished by an alpha receiver in each of its last four games. As long as his illness doesn’t affect his play, expect a huge game here. 

A.J. Brown, Eagles vs. PIT
($7,700 DK, $8,200 FD) No team has allowed more receiving yards to opposing WRs than Pittsburgh. Plus, 12 different receivers have reached double-digit PPR points against this defense already. If you play Jalen Hurts, stack him with Brown and run it back with Pat Freiermuth.

DFS Sleepers

Adam Thielen, Vikings vs. ARI
($6,200 DK, $6,200 FD) For whatever reason, WR1s have struggled to step up against Arizona. That said, subordinate WRs have embarrassed them. Coming off of a bye, I hate to write off Justin Jefferson, but Thielen just seems to be ready for the spotlight this week. In their last four games, Thielen has only four fewer targets than Jefferson and Thielen has actually outscored him. It seems crazy that their prices are nearly $3k apart. 

Marquise Goodwin, Seahawks vs. NYG
($4,400 DK, $5,600 FD) I think most casual players did not know that Goodwin was still in the league. I admit that I had forgotten about him as well. DK Metcalf (knee) is questionable, at best, for this weekend, and while he is more likely to play, Tyler Lockett (hamstring) also is not 100 percent. If either or both are limited or out we will see Goodwin as the top target for Geno Smith in a game that could devolve into a shootout.

Tight ends DraftKings FanDuel
George Kittle $5,700 $6,900
Taysom Hill N/A $6,500
Darren Waller $5,400 $5,500
Zach Ertz $5,100 $6,000
Dallas Goedert $5,000 $5,900
T.J. Hockenson $4,900 $6,300
Tyler Higbee $4,200 $6,000
Kyle Pitts $4,000 $5,600
Pat Freiermuth $3,900 $5,700
Mike Gesicki $3,800 $5,400
Dalton Schultz $3,700 $5,100
Irv Smith $3,500 $5,000
Hunter Henry $3,400 $5,100
Juwan Johnson $3,200 $5,200
Tyler Conklin $3,200 $4,800
Will Dissly $3,200 $4,800
Foster Moreau $3,100 $5,000
Jonnu Smith $3,100 $4,500
Logan Thomas $3,000 $5,000
Cole Kmet $2,900 $4,600
Austin Hooper $2,800 $4,700
Chris Myarick $2,800 $4,600
Mo Alie-Cox $2,800 $4,600
Noah Fant $2,800 $4,700
Jordan Akins $2,600 $4,600
Adam Trautman $2,500 $4,400

Tight End

Weekly strategy – Simply put this week at TE is, “Yuck!” The best play this week is Zach Ertz. Dallas Goedert and T.J. Hockenson (knee) could be in play, but they are less appealing options. Based on pricing, the three I recommend using are Dalton Schultz, Pat Freiermuth, and Irv Smith. Jordan Akins and Chris Myarick are the only punt plays worth considering.

Fantasy Four-pack

Zach Ertz, Cardinals @ MIN
($5,100 DK, $6,000 FD) Over their last five games, Minnesota has allowed an average of 5-61 to the position to go along with four TDs allowed. Ertz is currently third in targets and receptions at the position. Expect a solid week with another score here.

Dallas Goedert, Eagles vs. PIT
($5,000 DK, $5,900 FD) Pittsburgh is middle of the pack against the position, but they have faced only a pair of quality TEs this season. Goedert has six or more targets in four of six contests this season. This volume should make him a strong third leg to an Eagles stack.

George Kittle, 49ers @ LAR
($5,700 DK, $6,900 FD) Since his return in Week 3, Kittle is fourth among TEs in yards and fifth in targets and receptions. That said, the Rams are the best team in the league against the position so keep your expectations in check.

T.J. Hockenson, Lions vs. MIA
($4,900 DK, $6,300 FD) The Lions have dealt with a pile of WR injuries, and Miami has its own issues with health in its defensive backfield. This combination should set up for Hockenson (knee) to continue to post solid numbers. Just check his injury status prior to locking him in.

DFS Sleepers

Irv Smith, Vikings vs. ARI
($3,500 DK, $5,000 FD) Arizona continues to have zero strategies for shutting down TEs. Smith will score and should be the third leg of your Vikings stack with Kirk Cousins and Adam Thielen.

Pat Freiermuth, Steelers @ PHI ($3,900 DK, $5,700 FD) You cannot succeed against Philly on the outside, so expect Freiermuth to be the most successful pass-catcher for Pittsburgh this week.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 7

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 7 DFS fantasy football

Week 7 brings us some of the least exciting games of the season, lowlighted by a god-awful primetime slate that I will detail below.

Can we convince the NFL to flex both of these games out of the primetime lights? Plus, we are without some superstar QBs and WRs this week as Minnesota, Philadelphia, Buffalo, and the Rams are all on bye. Prepare to hold your nose as you set some not-so-fragrant Week 7 DFS lineups.

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

PITTSBURGH @ MIAMI

Just a couple of weeks ago, Mitchell Trubisky (QB2) was benched in favor of Kenny Pickett (concussion – QB4). Now he finds himself back on the pine after the rookie cleared the protocol. Miami’s secondary remains shorthanded, but that is by no way a vote of confidence.

Tua Tagovailoa (concussion – QB1) will be the top choice on this slate. It appears he will start, but watch the status reports this weekend. Teddy Bridgewater (QB5) was forced into replacement duty last week. He actually looked pretty good. If Tua cannot go, I wouldn’t mind going to battle with Teddy.

Najee Harris (RB3) continues to put up modest total yardage, but he did score again last week and has no real competition for touches. Miami is certainly beatable by RBs.

Miami has settled on Raheem Mostert (RB4) as their lead running back. He hasn’t done a ton to promote confidence in his role and this matchup is just so-so. Volume can put him in RB2 territory, at best. Meanwhile, Chase Edmonds (RB7) is not getting many touches but his passing game usage gives him some flex appeal. He also is a valuable Showdown play.

Diontae Johnson (WR3) should be your WR2 this week. That said, I feel better about him if Trubisky starts. That is because Pickett seemed to prefer George Pickens (WR8). If Pickett starts, bump up Pickens into the WR2 territory as well. Chase Claypool (WR6) is the wild card. He had a huge game against Tampa Bay, and his usage has remained solid no matter who is at QB. Consider him a safe WR3, if you don’t use one of the other two.

Tyreek Hill (WR1) is a beast regardless of who is at QB. He should never be benched in regular fantasy, and he is a WR1 regardless of the matchup in DFS. Jaylen Waddle (shoulder – WR2) gives Miami the top two WRs on this slate. They both are usable in DFS if you do a Miami Voltron stack. Despite being supposedly healthy, Cedrick Wilson (WR11) did nothing in Week 6. He gets a great matchup here, so use him as a WR3 to save some money. Trent Sherfield (WR13) actually played on 66% of the offensive snaps in Week 5, but the return of Wilson returns Sherfield to Showdown dart-throw territory.

Pat Freiermuth (concussion – TE1) missed Week 6, but he should return this week. He is easily the best choice on this board. If he is out, Zach Gentry (TE6) and Connor Heyward (TE7) have minimal appeal, at best. You should be able to ignore them.

Miami had not utilized Mike Gesicki (TE3) much this season. Then last week he caught two TDs from Bridgewater, so consider his value up if Teddy somehow plays.

Monday Night

CHICAGO @ NEW ENGLAND

Any of the backups that might start due to injury are safer plays than Justin Fields (QB7) versus the Patriots. If you like burning money, do a lineup featuring him.

Mac Jones (QB3) may return as the starter this week. I’m not sure that Bailey Zappe (QB6) isn’t a better option for New England. Both are solid choices at home against a bad Chicago defense as their corps of weapons has grown recently.

I love David Montgomery (RB2) most weeks. This week feels like a floor game for him. That will still be good enough to make him the second-best RB play on the slate. Khalil Herbert (RB6) can also be used as a cheaper RB2 or flex as he has carved out a niche for himself in this offense.

It took Rhamondre Stevenson (RB1) a few plays to get rolling last week. Once he found his sea legs, he went off. Chicago is no threat to this beast. Expect another huge line, especially if Damien Harris (hamstring – RB5) remains out. If Harris returns, consider him a reinjury risk RB2, at best. Pierre Strong (RB8) is a potential Showdown dart throw since Bill Belichick likes to do stupid stuff with his RB stable.

Dante Pettis (WR9) had a big game and scored in Week 6. Still, these were his first catches since Week 1. Don’t go chasing here … he is a WR3 or worse.  Darnell Mooney (WR4) is the only WR you can trust in this offense, and he is no better than a WR2. You can ignore Velus Jones (WR15) and Equanimeous St. Brown (WR16).

Don’t look now, but New England went from having no reliable WRs to having several. Jakobi Meyers (WR5) is the safest play, though he also is immune to scoring TDs. DeVante Parker (WR7) has the TD pedigree from his time in Miami, but his usage is more sporadic than Meyers. Consider Meyers a WR2 and Parker as a WR3. Nelson Agholor (hamstring – WR12) missed Week 6 but he can put up flex-worthy stats, if active. If he is out again, Tyquan Thornton (WR10) would be a great play. He scored twice in Week 6 and eventually will emerge as a starter. Kendrick Bourne (WR14) has fallen behind Thornton in the pecking order. He can be ignored outside of Showdown.

Cole Kmet (TE5) has 10 catches this year. That isn’t good. Fortunately for him, the Patriots are horrible against the position. Kmet’s natural athleticism makes him a sneaky punt TE.

Chicago is a better defense against the position. Still, both Hunter Henry (TE2) and Jonnu Smith (TE4) make solid plays.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Aaron Rodgers ($6k), RB Derrick Henry ($8.2k), RB Saquon Barkley ($7.9k), WR Allen Lazard ($6.1k), WR Alec Pierce ($4.6k), WR Wan’Dale Robinson ($4.5k), TE Gerald Everett ($4k), FLEX Kenneth Walker ($5.8k), DST New York Jets ($2.6k)

FD Lineup: QB Aaron Rodgers ($7.1k), RB Josh Jacobs ($8.6k), RB Ezekiel Elliott ($6.9k), WR Ja’Marr Chase ($8.5k), WR Allen Lazard ($6.6k), WR Wan’Dale Robinson ($5.5k), TE Evan Engram ($5.2k), FLEX Kenneth Walker ($7.3k), DST New York Jets ($4.3k)

FB Lineup: QB Joe Burrow ($6.7k), RB Derrick Henry ($7.2k), RB Ezekiel Elliott ($5.4k), WR Ja’Marr Chase ($7.1k), WR Tyreek Hill ($7.2k), WR Alec Pierce ($4.1k), TE Evan Engram ($3.5k), FLEX Kenneth Walker ($5.3k), FLEX Wan’Dale Robinson ($3.5k)

Quarterbacks DraftKings FanDuel
Lamar Jackson $8,000 $8,800
Patrick Mahomes $7,800 $8,500
Justin Herbert $7,200 $8,100
Joe Burrow $6,900 $8,300
Dak Prescott $6,700 $7,500
Tom Brady $6,300 $7,400
Russell Wilson $6,200 $7,000
Aaron Rodgers $6,000 $7,100
Derek Carr $5,900 $7,600
Jared Goff $5,800 $7,300
Trevor Lawrence $5,700 $7,200
Geno Smith $5,600 $6,800
Jimmy Garoppolo $5,500 $7,200
Marcus Mariota $5,500 $7,100
Cooper Rush $5,400 $6,500
Matt Ryan $5,400 $7,300
Jacoby Brissett $5,300 $6,500
Daniel Jones $5,100 $6,900
Zach Wilson $5,100 $6,600
Davis Mills $5,000 $6,300
Jacob Eason $5,000 $6,200
P.J. Walker $5,000 $6,200
Sam Darnold $5,000 $6,200
Taylor Heinicke $5,000 $6,600

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Paying up for one of the four highest-priced QBs is a smart strategy this week. Among them, Joe Burrow is my favorite. Consider Aaron Rodgers, Derek Carr, Trevor Lawrence, or Geno Smith as discount pivots. I also like Daniel Jones, Matt Ryan, and even Taylor Heinecke, if you want to punt the position.

Fantasy Four-pack

Lamar Jackson, Ravens vs. CLE
($8,000 DK, $8,800 FD) The Browns struggle mightily against the running back position. Jackson isn’t an RB, but he might as well be as he averages over 75 rushing yards per game. His passing numbers have been down since Rashod Bateman’s (foot) injury. If Bateman suits up, boost Jackson’s ceiling even higher.

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs @ SF
($7,800 DK, $8,500 FD) This is a sneaky play as people will see San Francisco and immediately skip over Mahomes. That said, the Chiefs will go all out here to get back on the winning track after last week’s loss to Buffalo. Plus, San Francisco has multiple injuries at every level of their defense.

Joe Burrow, Bengals vs. ATL ($6,900 DK, $8,300 FD) The Bengals have all of their receiving weapons healthy once again. This week, they face an Atlanta team that has been clobbered by every QB they have faced this year, while facing only one QB that is close to on par with Burrow. The stack with Ja’Marr Chase is my favorite of the week and then run it back with Drake London or Olamide Zaccheaus.

Justin Herbert, Chargers vs. SEA
($7,200 DK, $8,100 FD) It feels like Herbert has underperformed all season. I put most of that on the bum hamstring of Keenan Allen. Fortunately for Herbert, Seattle has been very forgiving to the position. Look for him to get back on track here with another 300-2 game.

DFS Sleepers

Geno Smith, Seahawks @ LAC
($5,600 DK, $6,800 FD)  Smith has had solid performances in four of his six starts. That trend will continue here in a sneaky shootout. Bigger-bodied outside WRs have feasted on this defense, so stack Smith with DK Metcalf and then run it back with TEs Gerald Everett or Donald Parham. 

Daniel Jones, Giants @ JAX
($5,100 DK, $6,900 FD)
Jones gets sleeper value once again as he was clearly boosted by the return of Wan’Dale Robinson last week. Meanwhile, Jacksonville remains middle of the pack against the pass but they did just get gouged by Matt Ryan. Plus, Jones can add value with his legs.

Running backs DraftKings FanDuel
Christian McCaffrey $8,400 $8,700
Austin Ekeler $8,300 $9,500
Derrick Henry $8,200 $9,200
Jonathan Taylor $8,100 $8,000
Nick Chubb
 $8,000 $8,900
Saquon Barkley $7,900 $9,300
Leonard Fournette $7,700 $8,400
Aaron Jones $7,600 $6,800
Joe Mixon $7,000 $7,400
D’Andre Swift $6,800 $7,800
Josh Jacobs $6,500 $8,600
Dameon Pierce $6,400 $7,700
Breece Hall $6,200 $7,600
Clyde Edwards-Helaire $6,100 $6,700
Jamaal Williams $6,100 $7,800
Ezekiel Elliott $6,000 $6,900
Melvin Gordon $6,000 $6,300
Deon Jackson $5,900 $6,400
James Robinson $5,900 $5,800
Jeff Wilson $5,800 $6,300
Kenneth Walker $5,800 $7,300
Tony Pollard $5,700 $6,500
AJ Dillon $5,600 $5,700
Brian Robinson $5,500 $6,100
Mike Boone $5,500 $5,400
Kareem Hunt $5,400 $5,800
Travis Etienne $5,400 $6,200
Antonio Gibson $5,300 $5,500
Nyheim Hines $5,300 $6,000
J.K. Dobbins $5,200 $6,600
Latavius Murray $5,200 $6,000
Joshua Kelley $5,100 $6,000
Kenyan Drake $5,100 $6,600
Tyler Allgeier $5,000 $5,900
Caleb Huntley $4,900 $5,900
Phillip Lindsay $4,900 $5,000
J.D. McKissic $4,800 $4,900
Michael Carter $4,800 $5,600
Tevin Coleman $4,500 $5,200
Jerick McKinnon $4,400 $5,100
Kyle Juszczyk $4,100 $4,600
Damien Williams $4,000 $5,500
D’Onta Foreman $4,000 $4,900

Running Back

Weekly strategy – Austin Ekeler and Derrick Henry look to be the strongest options on the board. Jonathan Taylor (ankle) will be a great value if he is good to go. Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Dameon Pierce are all in a smash spot with a great DK price and a just “OK” FD price. Kenneth Walker and Cowboys RBs are all potential cheaper pivots. Travis Etienne, D’Onta Foreman, and whichever of J.K. Dobbins/Kenyan Drake starts are the only punt options that I like.

Fantasy Four-pack

Austin Ekeler, Chargers vs. SEA
($8,300 DK, $9,500 FD) Ekeler started the season slowly, but now he has six TDs over the last three games. He also leads all RBs in receptions and is second in RB receiving yards. Meanwhile, Seattle has been abused by pass-catching backs all season.

Derrick Henry, Titans vs. IND
($8,200 DK, $9,200 FD) Henry has already posted a 147-1 line against this defense. At home, I would expect a similar line here with perhaps more receptions as Tennessee is starting to get him the ball in the passing game.

Saquon Barkley, Giants @ JAX ($7,900 DK, $9,300 FD) Barkley leads the league in RB combo yards. He also has scored in four of six contests. With a lack of other talents on this roster, Barkley has found himself deeply involved in the Giants’ passing game. This sets up nicely as Jacksonville is allowing the second-most RB receptions and receiving yards.

Jonathan Taylor, Colts @ TEN
($8,100 DK, $8,000 FD) Taylor appears to be recovered from his ankle injury. Nyheim Hines (concussion) and Deon Jackson (quad) are both ready to go. Tennessee held Taylor in check in the earlier meeting, but he also watched Mo Alie-Cox hijack a pair of scores on drives that Taylor marched the team down the field.

DFS Sleepers

Kenneth Walker, Seahawks @ LAC
($5,800 DK, $7,300 FD) Walker looked elite last week and most importantly didn’t share the touches with anyone as many feared he might. The Chargers had allowed opposing backfields an average of 162 total yards and 1.6 total scores per game prior to last week’s screwy contest with the Broncos. Walker should finish with a floor of 125-1.

Travis Etienne, Jaguars vs. NYG ($5,400 DK, $6,200 FD) Despite splitting touches evenly over the last two weeks, Etienne has outproduced James Robinson by more than 2-to-1. Meanwhile, the Giants are allowing a league second-worst 5.5 YPC to opposing RBs. Etienne will top the century mark in total yardage for the third-straight week and will finally get into the end zone.

Wide receivers DraftKings FanDuel
Davante Adams $8,700 $8,600
Ja’Marr Chase $8,200 $8,500
Deebo Samuel $7,600 $7,700
Michael Pittman $7,400 $7,500
Mike Williams $7,200 $7,800
Amon-Ra St. Brown $7,100 $7,500
Mike Evans $6,900 $7,600
CeeDee Lamb $6,800 $7,700
Keenan Allen $6,700 $7,300
DK Metcalf $6,600 $6,900
Tee Higgins $6,400 $7,100
Chris Godwin $6,300 $7,000
Courtland Sutton $6,200 $7,000
Allen Lazard $6,100 $6,600
Amari Cooper $6,100 $7,200
Brandin Cooks $6,000 $6,300
Brandon Aiyuk $6,000 $6,300
Christian Kirk $5,900 $7,200
Terry McLaurin $5,900 $6,200
Tyler Lockett $5,800 $6,800
Jerry Jeudy $5,700 $6,200
JuJu Smith-Schuster $5,600 $6,700
Robert Woods $5,500 $5,800
Drake London $5,400 $6,000
Curtis Samuel $5,300 $5,500
Tyler Boyd $5,300 $6,000
Rashod Bateman $5,200 $6,500
Julio Jones $5,100 $5,300
Michael Gallup $5,100 $6,100
Joshua Palmer $5,000 $5,700
Romeo Doubs $5,000 $5,800
DJ Moore $4,900 $5,500
Hunter Renfrow $4,900 $5,700
DJ Chark $4,800 $5,300
Elijah Moore $4,800 $5,100
Corey Davis $4,700 $5,600
Josh Reynolds $4,700 $5,600
Alec Pierce $4,600 $6,100
Mack Hollins $4,600 $5,500
Marvin Jones $4,600 $5,500
Devin Duvernay $4,500 $5,900
Garrett Wilson $4,500 $5,500
Treylon Burks $4,500 $5,000
Wan’Dale Robinson $4,500 $5,500
Darius Slayton $4,400 $5,300
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,400 $5,600
Noah Brown $4,400 $5,400
Russell Gage $4,400 $5,400
Zay Jones $4,400 $5,700
Kadarius Toney $4,300 $4,800
Mecole Hardman $4,300 $5,700
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $4,300 $5,400
Nico Collins $4,200 $5,600
Olamide Zaccheaus $4,200 $5,500
Donovan Peoples-Jones $4,100 $5,600
Richie James $4,000 $5,300
KJ Hamler $3,900 $5,200
Parris Campbell $3,900 $5,400
DeAndre Carter $3,700 $5,200
Demarcus Robinson $3,600 $5,400
Jauan Jennings $3,500 $5,200
Dyami Brown $3,400 $5,000
Skyy Moore $3,400 $5,100
Christian Watson $3,300 $5,200
Jamal Agnew $3,300 $5,100
David Bell $3,200 $4,900

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – I want one of the Bengals’ top two in all of my lineups this week. Davante Adams is the other player I would consider up top. Michael Pittman and Mike Williams both have decent matchups, but their prices seem slightly inflated. WR2 offers me the chance to choose between Christian Kirk, Allen Lazard, Amari Cooper, and Tyler Lockett. I could even see using two of them if I need to save some money here. Hunter Renfrow would be a great WR3, if you don’t use Adams. Otherwise, look at Michael Gallup, Alec Pierce, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Joshua Palmer (if Keenan Allen remains out).

Fantasy Four-pack

Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals vs. ATL
($8,200 DK, $8,500 FD) Amari Cooper is the only WR1 to not dominate this defense. Chase will go off for a second-straight week as long as he doesn’t have a setback with his hip. Stack him with Joe Burrow, and run it back with a WR from Atlanta.

Davante Adams, Raiders vs. HOU
($8,700 DK, $8,600 FD) Adams has scored in four of five games and in the other game, he topped 100 receiving yards. Houston has really had trouble stopping alpha WRs, like Adams, all season. Plus, Adams appears to be ready to play “angry” after his postgame incident in Week 5. This could be a 10-150-2 type of blowup game.

Michael Pittman Jr., Colts @ TEN
($7,400 DK, $7,500 FD) The matchup for Pittman is nice, but it would seem a hell of a lot better if the price was say $1k less on each site. Tennessee held Pittman in check back in Week 4, but if he gets another 16 targets like last week he will be fine. Personally, I would rather fade Pittman at this price and use Alec Pierce at his price instead. I think they will both score here.

Mike Williams, Chargers vs. SEA
($7,200 DK, $7,800 FD) When it comes to Williams you have two true outcomes. Either he breaks the slate with multiple long TDs, or he posts 2-20-0. Much like Pittman, the price is a bit high here. Still, this matchup should be an easy one for the deep threat.  

DFS Sleepers

Allen Lazard, Packers @ WAS
($6,100 DK, $6,600 FD) With Randall Cobb out for the next month expect Lazard to be featured even more than he already has been. In just five games, Lazard has scored in four of them and topped 100 yards in the other one (just like what Davante Adams has done in Vegas). Opposing WR1s are averaging 6-87 through the first six weeks, and they have given up four TDs to the position.

Wan’Dale Robinson, Giants @ JAX
($4,500 DK, $5,500 FD) Robinson clicked immediately with Daniel Jones last week and scored his first career TD. Jacksonville is middling against the pass, so anyone who suits up for New York is a decent play. Let’s see if the connection continues to grow.

Tight ends DraftKings FanDuel
Travis Kelce $8,000 $8,300
Mark Andrews $7,400 $8,500
Darren Waller $5,400 $6,000
George Kittle $5,300 $6,600
T.J. Hockenson $4,800 $6,200
Kyle Pitts $4,300 $5,900
David Njoku $4,200 $5,700
Robert Tonyan $4,100 $5,500
Gerald Everett $4,000 $6,300
Dalton Schultz $3,600 $4,800
Hayden Hurst $3,500 $4,900
Daniel Bellinger $3,400 $5,100
Evan Engram $3,300 $5,200
Tyler Conklin $3,200 $4,800
Noah Fant $3,100 $5,000
Cameron Brate $3,000 $4,500
Isaiah Likely $3,000 $4,500
Logan Thomas $3,000 $5,000
Mo Alie-Cox $3,000 $4,700
Will Dissly $3,000 $4,800
Jake Ferguson $2,900 $4,300
Albert Okwuegbunam $2,800 $4,600
Cade Otton $2,700 $4,900
Donald Parham $2,700 $4,300
Austin Hooper $2,600 $4,500
O.J. Howard $2,600 $4,500
Greg Dulcich $2,500 $4,000
Harrison Bryant $2,500 $4,500
Jelani Woods $2,500 $4,700

Tight End

Weekly strategy – As usual when paying up here opt for Travis Kelce. Otherwise, go cheap and use one of Gerald Everett, Hayden Hurst, Daniel Bellinger, or my favorite option, Evan Engram. If Dalton Schultz (knee) remains out consider punting with Jake Ferguson. The other punt options are Donald Parham and Greg Dulcich.

Fantasy Four-pack

Travis Kelce, Chiefs @ SF
($8,000 DK, $8,300 FD) The matchup may seem tough on paper, but San Francisco is dealing with a pile of injuries among their starters. It is so bad that even a mediocre TE would get a boost against them. Kelce is a little better than a mediocre TE.

Mark Andrews, Ravens vs. CLE
($7,400 DK, $8,500 FD) Andrews (knee) is eighth among all players with 52 targets this year and third among all players in receiving scores. Cleveland has actually held the position in check until last week. So, expect more of a floor game here than a blowup, especially if his knee limits him. If he ends up unable to play because of the injury, Isaiah Likely will be chalk.

David Njoku, Browns @ BAL
($4,200 DK, $5,700 FD) Njoku has topped 50 yards in four straight games. This actually places him as the yardage leader among TEs during that span. He also is fourth among TEs in receptions during this stretch. Meanwhile, Baltimore has allowed a TE to score in four of six games.

Gerald Everett, Chargers vs. SEA
($4,000 DK, $6,300 FD) The stats for opposing TEs versus Seattle are bloated due to Taysom Hill’s three rushing scores. Still, they have given up huge receiving numbers to the position every game as well. Everett has struggled a bit the last two weeks, but Seattle is the slump-buster that he needs.

DFS Sleepers

Hayden Hurst, Bengals vs. ATL
($3,500 DK, $4,900 FD) Tee Higgins played through his injury last week and that limited Hurst’s production. That said, Atlanta is bad enough against the pass that Hurst, Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase, Tyler Boyd, and even Mike Thomas could score against this team. Heck, I’d even consider Samaje Perine as part of a mega-stack against them.

Evan Engram, Jaguars vs. NYG
($3,300 DK, $5,200 FD) Engram has put together a pair of quality starts in the last two weeks. Now, he gets the revenge game narrative versus the Giants. I love revenge game narratives, especially when they involve cheap TEs.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 6

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 6 DFS fantasy football

We knew it was coming. I hope you have done your preemptive planning. Week 6 is the onset of the bye weeks. Vegas, Tennessee, Houston, and Detroit all get a week to recover before setting course for the rest of the season. This leaves us with only 20 teams on the main slate. A thinner player pool makes it that much easier to put together the perfect lineup. It also makes it more important to smash on all of the sleepers. Hopefully, we can help you with that.

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

DALLAS @ PHILADELPHIA

Many thought Dak Prescott would return in Week 5. We were wrong. Now it appears that he won’t play this week either. Cooper Rush (QB4) is poised to get one more start. Against the Philly pass defense, I wouldn’t recommend either of them.

Jalen Hurts (QB2) continues to do damage through the air and on the ground. That said, this is the toughest test for Hurts this season. Dallas has an elite defense that should hold him in check. Still, I expect he will be over-owned. I’m not saying fade him completely, but I feel better using Justin Herbert. You can bump up Hurts slightly if Micah Parsons is limited by the hamstring injury he suffered last Sunday.

Tony Pollard (RB5) has looked the part of the better back between himself and Ezekiel Elliott (RB4) this season. Still, Dallas continues to give Zeke nearly a 2-to-1 advantage in touches. Either could be used as an RB2 here. Just be wary of the fact that no RB has had any real success against this defense since Week 1.

Philly finally decided to keep it simple using just Miles Sanders (RB2) as the primary RB and not playing musical chairs at the position. Dallas has some fast linebackers, so limit your expectations here. Kenneth Gainwell (RB8) is starting to look more like just a handcuff. You can give him Showdown work but nothing more.

CeeDee Lamb (WR3) struggled for the first few weeks with no assistance in the passing game. Now, he has Michael Gallup (WR8) back and Noah Brown (WR10) has evolved into a worthy third option. Lamb deserves no better than WR2 consideration here against this tough defense. Gallup could also be a WR3 option, but I would only play one of those two. Brown is a sneaky punt play here since third receivers have a much easier track to success against this secondary.

Philly has two viable fantasy WRs each week. This week, A.J. Brown (WR2) will have to battle with Trevon Diggs. He still deserves WR1 consideration, but I’d feel stronger about using DeVonta Smith (WR5) at WR2 and pairing him with Mike Williams at WR1. Quez Watkins (WR13) is a decent Showdown option, but he isn’t used enough to be trusted here.

Dalton Schultz (knee – TE3) left Week 5 due to a flareup of his prior knee injury. It is looking less likely that he plays this week. If he were to suit up, he would be an above-average play as teams operate underneath against this pass defense. You could even consider stacking both TEs in this game. Dallas’ backup TEs are Jake Ferguson (TE7) and Peyton Hendershot (TE9). Ferguson could be a punt play if Schultz is out. All Hendershot has going for himself is the coolest name in the league. Personally, I’d rather take a shot of lukewarm Jagermeister mixed with stale peach schnapps than take a shot on him.

Dallas Goedert (TE1) is the only truly safe TE on this slate. Save yourself a lot of headaches by just putting him in your lineup and building around him.

Monday Night

DENVER @ LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

This will be a divining test for Russell Wilson (QB3). He has the easiest defensive matchup on the slate. He also has looked absolutely washed for the last few weeks. With most users on Herbert and Hurts, he makes a decent pivot play at a much cheaper cost. I’ll give him another try here.

Despite the absence of his WR1a for most of the year, Justin Herbert (QB1) has been solid but not spectacular all season. Denver has impressive pass-defense stats. They also have faced four crappy QBs and Derek Carr. Herbert will be their first true test. I won’t put him on a huge ceiling game, but he should be safe for 280-2.

Melvin Gordon (RB3) did not lose a fumble last week. This should keep him penciled in as the RB1 for Denver for at least one more game. His numbers weren’t anywhere near as efficient as those of Mike Boone (RB6). Each can be considered as RB2 this week, because Los Angeles is rotten against RBs. The issue here is that Latavius Murray (RB7) may make his debut this week. If he does, downgrade the value of all three to flex level at best.

Austin Ekeler (RB1) is the RB1 this week. He will have 100 percent ownership and deservedly so. Don’t overthink this. Joshua Kelley (RB8) has notched out a niche as a change-of-pace back for the Chargers. He is a must-start in Showdown and a decent flex play if you make a Chargers’ Voltron stack.

Courtland Sutton (WR4) and Jerry Jeudy (WR6) each deserve WR2 consideration. Los Angeles has allowed multiple fantasy-viable WRs each of the last three weeks. Sutton has the safer floor of the two. KJ Hamler (WR12) should have caught a TD pass last week. Maybe Russell Wilson will actually look his way this time. Consider him a punt-WR3.

Keenan Allen (hamstring – WR6) has been M.I.A. since Week 1. If he returns this week, he could finish as one of the top WRs on the slate. I just think he’s going to miss this game, too. Odds are that Mike Williams (WR1) will lock horns with Patrick Surtain, which will limit his value. I still consider him the safest WR on the board, and he will get a bump if Allen is in there to open up some coverage. If Allen doesn’t play, consider Josh Palmer (WR9) as a WR3. DeAndre Carter (WR11) should be left to Showdown contests.

Greg Dulcich (hamstring – TE4) may finally return this week. There was a fair amount of preseason hype around the third-round rookie. Consider playing him as a third-leg in a Russell Wilson stack if he suits up. If Dulcich remains out, Albert Okwuegbunam (TE6) and Eric Saubert (TE7) are punt options, at best, and frankly, I’d ignore them both.

I’m amazed at what Gerald Everett (TE2) has accomplished this season. He had his first true dud last week. That said, on a weak slate, he deserves consideration. You could also take a flyer on Donald Parham (TE5). He has been a red-zone threat in the past and now appears to be fully healthy once again. He is TD-dependent, but his price makes him a decent option.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Josh Allen ($8.2k), RB Rhamondre Stevenson ($6k), RB Breece Hall ($5.8k), WR Gabe Davis ($6.5k), WR JuJu Smith-Schuster ($5.2k), WR Alec Pierce ($4.3k), TE Zach Ertz ($4.9k), FLEX Kenneth Walker ($5.4k), DST Minnesota Vikings ($3.4k)

FD Lineup: QB Josh Allen ($9.2k), RB Eno Benjamin ($6.3k), RB Rhamondre Stevenson ($7.5k), WR Gabe Davis ($6.9k), WR Allen Lazard ($6.2k), WR Richie James ($5.3k), TE Travis Kelce ($8.3k), FLEX Kenneth Walker ($6.5k), DST Carolina Panthers ($3.7k)

FB Lineup: QB Josh Allen ($7.6k), RB Breece Hall ($5.5k), RB Rhamondre Stevenson ($5.4k), WR Gabe Davis ($5.9k), WR Adam Thielen ($5.4k), WR Alec Pierce ($3.8k), TE Travis Kelce ($6.7k), FLEX Kenneth Walker ($5.2k), FLEX Eno Benjamin ($4.2k)

Quarterbacks DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,200 $9,200
Lamar Jackson $8,100 $8,800
Patrick Mahomes $8,000 $8,600
Kyler Murray $7,300 $8,300
Joe Burrow $6,700 $8,000
Tom Brady $6,300 $7,500
Matthew Stafford $6,200 $7,200
Aaron Rodgers $6,100 $7,500
Kirk Cousins $6,000 $7,600
Geno Smith $5,700 $7,400
Trevor Lawrence $5,600 $7,100
Jimmy Garoppolo $5,500 $7,100
Jacoby Brissett $5,400 $6,600
Jameis Winston $5,400 $7,000
Marcus Mariota $5,300 $6,800
Matt Ryan $5,300 $6,900
Zach Wilson $5,300 $6,700
Andy Dalton $5,200 $6,400
Daniel Jones $5,200 $6,800
Kenny Pickett $5,200 $6,500
Mac Jones $5,200 $6,600
Bailey Zappe $5,100 $6,300
Taysom Hill $5,100 N/A
Skylar Thompson $5,000 $6,300
P.J. Walker $4,900 $6,300

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes should be the top-two QBs in ownership and rightfully so. Their matchup could be record-setting. If you do pivot off of them, consider Tom Brady or Kirk Cousins. The only names that stand out as possible punts are Jimmy Garoppolo, Daniel Jones, Zach Wilson, and Matt Ryan.

Fantasy Four-pack

Josh Allen, Bills @ KC
($8,200 DK, $9,200 FD) Allen is the more expensive of the pair in this game. Still, both will account for three-plus touchdowns. I give a slight advantage to Allen, because he is more adept with his legs.

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs vs. BUF
($8,000 DK, $8,600 FD) Mahomes gets the home-field advantage in this game, but it won’t matter as both sides will push to rewrite the record books here. Anything less than 350-3 would be disappointing.

Lamar Jackson, Ravens @ NYG ($8,100 DK, $8,800 FD) The absence of Rashod Bateman (foot) affected Jackson more than we could’ve predicted last week. The best hope here is that Bateman is back and/or Jackson goes crazy on the ground (certainly possible). It’s not as if the Giants are going to scare anyone.

Tom Brady, Buccaneers @ PIT
($6,300 DK, $7,500 FD) Pittsburgh is not the elite defense it used to be. This will be a huge test for them as the Bucs are deep at WR now that everyone is healthy. Stack Brady with two of Mike Evans, Cameron Brate (concussion), and Chris Godwin if you want to avoid the mass ownership of Allen and Mahomes.

DFS Sleepers

Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers @ ATL
($5,500 DK, $7,100 FD)  Only three teams have allowed more passing yards than Atlanta. Meanwhile, Garoppolo’s stats have been very blase since taking over for Trey Lance, but last week he finally started to target George Kittle again. This will be a stack to attack as Atlanta is inept against opposing TEs. 

Daniel Jones, Giants vs. BAL
($5,200 DK, $6,800 FD)
Jones has posted OK stats this year considering that he has ZERO legitimate WRs. The passing TDs have been absent, but Jones is making up for it by rushing for the third-most yards among all QBs. Meanwhile, Baltimore has allowed a QB rushing touchdown in three straight games (on top of their allowing the most passing yards per game).

Running backs DraftKings FanDuel
Christian McCaffrey $8,300 $8,700
Nick Chubb $8,200 $9,500
Jonathan Taylor $8,000 $8,000
Saquon Barkley $7,700 $8,800
Aaron Jones
 $7,600 $7,300
Dalvin Cook $7,500 $8,300
Leonard Fournette $7,400 $8,500
Joe Mixon $6,900 $7,800
Alvin Kamara $6,700 $8,100
Clyde Edwards-Helaire $6,300 $7,000
Jeff Wilson $6,200 $7,200
James Conner $6,100 $6,900
James Robinson $6,100 $6,700
Najee Harris $6,000 $6,200
Rhamondre Stevenson $6,000 $7,500
Alexander Mattison $5,900 $5,300
Devin Singletary $5,900 $5,700
Breece Hall $5,800 $7,100
Kareem Hunt $5,700 $6,000
Raheem Mostert $5,700 $6,500
AJ Dillon $5,600 $5,900
J.K. Dobbins $5,500 $6,800
Nyheim Hines $5,500 $5,500
Kenneth Walker $5,400 $6,500
Cam Akers $5,300 $6,100
Deon Jackson $5,200 $5,600
Rachaad White $5,200 $5,200
Darrell Henderson $5,100 $5,700
Tyler Allgeier $5,100 $5,800
Mark Ingram $5,000 $5,100
Michael Carter $5,000 $5,900
Travis Etienne $5,000 $6,400
Caleb Huntley $4,900 $5,500
Isiah Pacheco $4,900 $5,700
Chase Edmonds $4,800 $5,300
Phillip Lindsay $4,700 $5,400
Eno Benjamin $4,600 $6,300
Matt Breida $4,600 $5,600
James Cook $4,500 $5,000
Tevin Coleman $4,500 $5,700
Zack Moss $4,300 $4,900
Justice Hill $4,100 $5,500
Damien Williams $4,000 $5,500
Darrel Williams $4,000 $5,600
Kyle Juszczyk $4,000 $4,600

Running Back

Weekly strategy – Questions loom over the highest-priced options. Christian McCaffrey is finally getting the expected touches, but now there is a coaching change and a QB change. Will Jonathan Taylor (ankle) and Saquon Barkley (shoulder) be 100 percent in decent matchups? Will Alvin Kamara (Taysom Hill-itis) ever score another TD? Any of these four could be your RB1 or a straight-up fade. The only high-priced guy that has zero qualms for me is Dalvin Cook. Jeff Wilson and J.K. Dobbins could have volume-based pivot appeal. I also do not hate Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Devin Singletary as exposure to the huge matchup between them. All that said, I will be loading up on Rhamondre Stevenson, Breece Hall, and Kenneth Walker. This may be my threesome on all sites. Keep an eye on James Conner (ribs). If he is out as expected, then Eno Benjamin and Darrel Williams could be bargain-basement plays in a good matchup.

Fantasy Four-pack

Saquon Barkley, Giants vs. BAL
($7,700 DK, $8,800 FD) Baltimore is allowing the second-most RB receptions and the fourth-most RB receiving yards. Meanwhile, Barkley is sixth and seventh, respectively, in those two categories. Barkley also ranks first overall in total yards by a running back. If his shoulder remains sound, expect 150 total yards and at least one score this week.

Christian McCaffrey, Panthers @ LAR
($8,300 DK, $8,700 FD) McCaffrey will be facing a paper tiger of a run defense this week. Unfortunately, he will be doing so with a new head coach and an unproven QB. Working in his favor is that the Panthers have finally started targeting him in the passing game. If the new coach, Steve Wilks, wants a chance to win his first game, he will continue that strategy.

Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots @ CLE ($6,000 DK, $7,500 FD) With Damien Harris (hamstring) out for the foreseeable future, Stevenson will be the lead dog for New England. Last week, Stevenson went off for 175 total yards. Expect more of the same as Cleveland has allowed a total of 503 combo yards and five total RB touchdowns IN JUST THE LAST TWO WEEKS! 

Dalvin Cook, Vikings @ MIA
($7,500 DK, $8,300 FD) Miami just allowed the Jets’ RBs to combine for 230 total yards and three touchdowns (in addition, to two other rushing TDs vultured by Zach Wilson and Braxton Berrios). They have also allowed at least one RB score every week except one. 120-1 is Cook’s floor here.

DFS Sleepers

Kenneth Walker, Seahawks vs. ARI
($5,400 DK, $6,500 FD) Rashaad Penny (leg) is done for the year. This will expedite Kenneth Walker’s ascension to RB1 in Seattle. Last week, Walker ripped off a huge TD run against a strong New Orleans run defense. Arizona is middle of the pack against the run (including allowing one total RB score per week). Given a full volume of work, Walker should score and approach 100 total yards. 

Breece Hall, Jets @ GB ($5,800 DK, $7,100 FD) OK, FD has finally caught on to Hall. Would someone like to tell DK? Only two RBs have more targets than Hall, and only Austin Ekeler has more receptions. Plus, Hall has now scored in back-to-back games and should’ve scored multiple times last week.

Wide receivers DraftKings FanDuel
Cooper Kupp $9,700 $9,400
Justin Jefferson $8,900 $9,200
Stefon Diggs $8,400 $8,900
Ja’Marr Chase $7,700 $8,100
Deebo Samuel $7,600 $7,600
Tyreek Hill $7,500 $8,000
Marquise Brown $7,200 $8,200
Mike Evans $7,000 $7,700
Michael Pittman $6,900 $6,700
DK Metcalf $6,800 $7,400
Gabe Davis $6,500 $6,900
Tee Higgins $6,300 $7,200
Jaylen Waddle $6,200 $7,300
Chris Godwin $6,100 $6,800
Allen Lazard $6,000 $6,200
Adam Thielen $5,900 $5,900
Amari Cooper $5,900 $7,100
Christian Kirk $5,800 $7,000
Diontae Johnson $5,700 $6,300
Michael Thomas $5,600 $7,000
Tyler Lockett $5,600 $7,500
Chris Olave $5,500 $6,700
Brandon Aiyuk $5,400 $5,800
Drake London $5,400 $6,100
Jakobi Meyers $5,300 $6,600
JuJu Smith-Schuster $5,200 $6,400
Rashod Bateman $5,200 $6,500
DJ Moore $5,100 $5,700
Julio Jones $5,100 $5,500
Tyler Boyd $5,100 $6,000
Garrett Wilson $5,000 $5,700
Isaiah McKenzie $5,000 $6,000
Allen Robinson $4,900 $5,400
Elijah Moore $4,900 $5,200
Corey Davis $4,800 $5,800
Romeo Doubs $4,800 $5,500
Devin Duvernay $4,700 $6,200
George Pickens $4,600 $5,800
Marvin Jones $4,600 $5,500
Chase Claypool $4,500 $5,500
Kadarius Toney $4,500 $4,800
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,500 $5,800
DeVante Parker $4,400 $5,500
Randall Cobb $4,400 $5,700
Russell Gage $4,400 $5,700
Alec Pierce $4,300 $5,900
Jarvis Landry $4,300 $5,500
K.J. Osborn $4,300 $5,300
Richie James $4,200 $5,300
Rondale Moore $4,200 $5,600
Zay Jones $4,200 $5,600
A.J. Green $4,100 $5,300
Ben Skowronek $4,100 $5,500
Robbie Anderson $4,100 $5,300
Mecole Hardman $4,000 $5,600
Olamide Zaccheaus $4,000 $5,300
Donovan Peoples-Jones $3,900 $5,500
Marquez Callaway $3,900 $5,600
Darius Slayton $3,800 $5,600
Nelson Agholor $3,800 $5,400
Scotty Miller $3,800 $4,900
Khalil Shakir $3,700 $5,400
Tre’Quan Smith $3,700 $5,300
Jauan Jennings $3,600 $5,100
Wan’Dale Robinson $3,600 $4,900
Breshad Perriman $3,500 $4,900
Christian Watson $3,500 $5,000
Skyy Moore $3,500 $5,000
Cedrick Wilson $3,400 $5,000
David Sills $3,400 $5,100
Parris Campbell $3,400 $5,100
Demarcus Robinson $3,200 $5,400
Jamal Agnew $3,200 $5,100
David Bell $3,100 $4,900
Kendrick Bourne $3,100 $5,000
Mike Thomas $3,000 $4,600
Tutu Atwell $3,000 $4,900
Tyquan Thornton $3,000 $4,800

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – I don’t hate any of the top WR options. That said, Cooper Kupp’s price is borderline troubling going up against Jaycee Horn (ribs), assuming he plays. Stefon Diggs and Deebo Samuel are the safest WR1 choices. Cheaper pivots would include Gabe Davis, Marquise Brown, and Chris Godwin. WR2 will be much easier to outfit. Adam Thielen, Tyler Lockett, Chris Olave (concussion), Amari Cooper, Christian Kirk, Allen Lazard, and JuJu Smith-Schuster all deserve consideration. The depth WRs for Buffalo and Kansas City should be considered for WR3. If you want to look outside of that game, consider Randall Cobb, Alec Pierce, Devin Duvernay, and whoever suits up for the Giants.

Fantasy Four-pack

Stefon Diggs, Bills @ KC
($8,400 DK, $8,900 FD) With several weapons to target in this high-scoring game, why not just secure the most proven WR among them? Build your lineup around Diggs, Josh Allen, and Travis Kelce, and then fill out from there.

Justin Jefferson, Vikings @ MIA
($8,900 DK, $9,200 FD) Jefferson has had three monster games already this year. Now, he faces a Miami defense that will be without Byron Jones and possibly Xavien Howard, too. The price is a little high but so is his ceiling.

Cooper Kupp, Rams vs. CAR
($9,700 DK, $9,400 FD) Only one WR1 has performed well against Carolina this season. Still, this is Cooper Kupp, and he scores in the mid-20s in his worst games. Just know that this will be one of those 20- to 25-point floors if CB Jaycee Horn (ribs) plays.

Deebo Samuel, 49ers @ ATL
($7,600 DK, $7,600 FD) Pairing Samuel with Jimmy Garoppolo and George Kittle makes a sneaky value stack. Atlanta was crushed by WR1s the first two weeks and then proceeded to struggle in two of their next three games against the position. Samuel salvaged his poor game last week with a TD, Of course, that was against Carolina, who I mentioned above have limited most WR1s.

DFS Sleepers

JuJu Smith-Schuster, Chiefs vs. BUF
($5,200 DK, $6,400 FD) Everyone and their mother will be rostering Travis Kelce this week. So, why not pivot to Smith-Schuster and gain cheaper exposure to the game? This also applies to Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

Alec Pierce, Colts vs. JAX
($4,300 DK, $5,900 FD) Pierce has watched all of his statistical categories rise each of the last three weeks. Non-WR1s have fared well in three of the five contests against Jacksonville this season. Pierce should approach 7-75-1 here.

Tight ends DraftKings FanDuel
Travis Kelce $7,800 $8,300
Mark Andrews $7,000 $7,800
Taysom Hill N/A $7,500
George Kittle $5,100 $5,700
Zach Ertz $4,900 $6,000
Tyler Higbee $4,600 $6,200
Kyle Pitts $4,200 $5,500
David Njoku $4,000 $5,900
Pat Freiermuth $3,800 $5,300
Robert Tonyan $3,600 $4,900
Evan Engram $3,500 $5,200
Dawson Knox $3,400 $5,100
Tyler Conklin $3,400 $4,900
Cameron Brate $3,300 $4,800
Hayden Hurst $3,300 $4,900
Daniel Bellinger $3,200 $4,700
Irv Smith $3,200 $4,900
Hunter Henry $3,100 $4,700
Mike Gesicki $3,100 $4,800
Will Dissly $3,100 $5,000
Adam Trautman $3,000 $4,700
Mo Alie-Cox $3,000 $4,800
Noah Fant $3,000 $4,900
Cade Otten $2,900 $5,000
Isaiah Likely $2,800 $4,600
Juwan Johnson $2,800 $4,600
Quintin Morris $2,800 $4,500
Harrison Bryant $2,700 $4,500
Jonnu Smith $2,600 $4,400
Zach Gentry $2,600 $4,600
Colby Parkinson $2,500 $4,400
Parker Hesse $2,500 $4,400

Tight End

Weekly strategy – Just pay up and play Travis Kelce. It may feel like chasing points, but no other player can break a slate as quickly as he can. Think of him as your WR2 and pay down at that position. George Kittle would be a very sneaky pivot. He is much cheaper and the matchup is juicy. Zach Ertz and David Njoku are the other two higher-priced options with decent matchups. One of them could be used in a double-TE lineup. Hayden Hurst and Daniel Bellinger are cheap punt plays.

Fantasy Four-pack

Travis Kelce, Chiefs vs. BUF
($7,800 DK, $8,300 FD) Kelce broke the primetime slate last week. Don’t expect four TDs here, but he will score at least once. He should also have more receptions and yardage, think 7-100.

George Kittle, 49ers @ ATL
($5,100 DK, $5,700 FD) Atlanta has allowed an average of 82 combo yards per game to opposing TEs. Now, they have to face Kittle, whom Jimmy Garoppolo finally remembered existed. This will be his best week of the season.

Mark Andrews, Ravens @ NYG
($7,000 DK, $7,800 FD) The Giants have actually posted decent numbers against the TE position. Of course, they have also faced more stiffs than a mortician. With Rashod Bateman likely out again this week, Andrews should post a solid floor game of 7-70-1.

Zach Ertz, Cardinals @ SEA
($4,900 DK, $6,000 FD) Seattle has allowed at least one TE score in three of five games. They have also allowed the most total yards to the position. With DeAndre Hopkins out one more week, Ertz has one more big game in him.

DFS Sleepers

Hayden Hurst, Bengals @ NO
($3,300 DK, $4,900 FD) With Tee Higgins (ankle) on the wrong end of questionable, I expect Hurst to be highly involved in the passing game once again. He has scored in two straight, and this week will be number three.

Daniel Bellinger, Giants vs. BAL
($3,200 DK, $4,700 FD) With so many injuries in their passing game, Bellinger has carved out a small niche for himself. Baltimore has struggled against the pass all year and has allowed three different TEs to score. Try a punt stack with Bellinger, Daniel Jones, and Saquon Barkley.