Tag: FanDuel DFS football picks sleepers and best bets

Fantasy Football DFS Daily Domination: Super Bowl LVIII

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

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

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

First up: The Rules

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

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

Second: The Usual Strategies

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

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

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

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

Potential lineups for DK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Potential lineups for FD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Game

San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Player Pool

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

Daily Fantasy Domination: Conference Championship Round

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

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

DFS: The Main Slate: recommended lineups

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

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

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

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

Quarterback

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

Pay to play

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

Stay away

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

Value play

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

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

Running back

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

Pay to play

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

Stay away

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

Value play

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

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

Wide receiver

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

Pay to play

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

Stay away

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

Value play

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

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

Tight end

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

Pay to play

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

Stay away

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

Value play

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

Daily Fantasy Domination: Divisional Round

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

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

NFL Divisional Round: recommended DFS lineups

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

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

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

Quarterback

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

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

Pay to Play

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

Stay Away

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

value play

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

Running Back

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

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

Pay to Play

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

Stay Away

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

Value Play

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

Wide Receiver

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

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

Pay to Play

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

Stay Away

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

Value Play

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

Tight End

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

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

Pay to Play

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

Stay Away

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

Value Play

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

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Wild Card Weekend

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

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

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

The Saturday-only Slate: recommended DFS lineups

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

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

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

The Sunday-only Slate: recommended DFS lineups

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

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

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

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

The Full Wild Card Weekend Slate: recommended DFS lineups

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

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

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

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

Quarterback

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

Pay to Play

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

Stay Away

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

Value Play

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

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

Running Back

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

Pay to Play

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

Stay Away

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

Value Play

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

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

Wide Receiver

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

Pay to Play

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

Stay Away

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

Value Play

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

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

Tight End

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

Pay to Play

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

Stay Away

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

Value Play

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

Daily Fantasy Domination: Week 12 Thanksgiving Edition

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

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

Thanksgiving Day Slate: recommended DFS lineups

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

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

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

Quarterback

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

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

Pay to Play

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

Stay Away

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

value play

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

Running Back

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

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

Pay to Play

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

Stay Away

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

Value Play

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

Wide Receiver

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

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

Pay to Play

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

Stay Away

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

Value Play

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

Tight End

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

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

Pay to Play

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

Stay Away

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

Value Play

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

Fantasy Football DFS 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.