Tag: FanDuel DFS football picks sleepers and best bets

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

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

TENNESSEE @ KANSAS CITY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday Night

BALTIMORE @ NEW ORLEANS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

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

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

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

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

Quarterback

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Running Back

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Wide Receiver

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Tight End

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

Green Bay @ Buffalo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday Night

CINCINNATI @ CLEVELAND

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

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

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

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

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

Quarterback

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Running Back

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Wide Receiver

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Tight End

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

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

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

PITTSBURGH @ MIAMI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday Night

CHICAGO @ NEW ENGLAND

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

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

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

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

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

Quarterback

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Running Back

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Wide Receiver

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Tight End

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

DALLAS @ PHILADELPHIA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday Night

DENVER @ LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

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

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

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

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

Quarterback

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Running Back

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Wide Receiver

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Tight End

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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