With games all week long, the slate for Week 17 is thin. This makes things a little easier in terms of combinations of usable lineups. However, it also increases the likelihood of a chopped tourney pot. When the player pool is smaller, finding the one key variant player from the masses is important. Just remember to enjoy this week since next week we will get several teams pulling their starting lineups out of a hat.
Recommended DFS lineups
*Note: FanDuel and Fanball include the Sunday night game on their Main Slate. DraftKings doesn’t include them, so the pricing is listed as N/A.
DK Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($6.9k), RB Jonathan Taylor ($7.9k), RB Bucky Irving ($6.7k), WR Brian Thomas Jr. ($6.8k), WR Adam Thielen ($5.7k), WR Jalen McMillan ($4.6k), TE Chig Okonkwo ($3.6k), FLEX Tank Bigsby ($5.2k), DST Las Vegas Raiders ($2.6k)
FD Lineup: QB Jayden Daniels ($8.5k), RB Bucky Irving ($8.0k), RB Tank Bigsby ($6.1k), WR Terry McLaurin ($7.9k), WR Brian Thomas Jr. ($7.5k), WR Jalen McMillan ($5.9k), TE Chig Okonkwo ($5.4K), FLEX Aaron Jones ($7.4k), DST Las Vegas Raiders ($3.2k)
FB Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($6.4k), RB Saquon Barkley ($8.3k), RB Jonathan Taylor ($7.2k), WR Terry McLaurin ($7.3k), WR Adam Thielen ($5.2k), WR/TE Jalen McMillan ($3.7k), TE Chig Okonkwo ($3.5k), FLEX Jerome Ford ($5.6k), SUPERFLEX Jayden Daniels ($7.6k)
*Note: Player salaries are color-coded based on expected output. Red = Less than 2.5x value, Black = 2.5x value, Green = Greater than 3x value.
| Quarterback | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Josh Allen | $8,500 | $9,100 |
| Jayden Daniels | N/A | $8,500 |
| Jalen Hurts | $7,500 | $8,300 |
| Baker Mayfield | $6,900 | $8,200 |
| Sam Darnold | $6,400 | $7,700 |
| Jordan Love | $6,200 | $7,800 |
| Anthony Richardson | $5,900 | $8,000 |
| Tua Tagovailoa | $5,800 | $7,500 |
| Aaron Rodgers | $5,700 | $7,300 |
| Bryce Young | $5,600 | $7,100 |
| Kenny Pickett | $5,500 | $6,600 |
| Cooper Rush | $5,400 | $7,000 |
| Derek Carr | $5,300 | $6,900 |
| Spencer Rattler | $5,300 | $6,900 |
| Mac Jones | $5,200 | $6,600 |
| Michael Penix Jr. | N/A | $6,600 |
| Aidan O’Connell | $5,100 | $6,800 |
| Mason Rudolph | $5,000 | $6,700 |
| Drew Lock | $4,900 | $6,500 |
| Dorian Thompson-Robinson | $4,800 | $6,400 |
| Tyrod Taylor | $4,700 | $6,200 |
| Tanner McKee | $4,500 | $6,000 |
| Tommy DeVito | $4,400 | $6,000 |
Quarterback
Weekly strategy – Potential lingering injuries to Josh Allen (elbow) and Jalen Hurts (concussion) may shrink the playable pool even more. Fortunately, Jayden Daniels, Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and Jordan Love are all strong plays. Bryce Young, Mason Rudolph, and Mac Jones are the cheap punt choices.
Fantasy four-pack
Jayden Daniels, Commanders vs. ATL (N/A DK, $8,500 FD) Atlanta has held Desmond Ridder and Drew Lock in check for the last two weeks. Before that, they gave up 16 passing TDs over six games against NFL-level QBs. They also have allowed the ninth-most QB-rushing yards. Daniels should have a field day here.
Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers vs. CAR ($6,900 DK, $8,200 FD) Coming into this week, Carolina had allowed the most passing touchdowns this season. Mayfield has nine passing TDs over the last three weeks, and his 34 passing TDs rank third on the season. Stack him with Mike Evans and/or Jalen McMillan.
Sam Darnold, Vikings vs. GB ($6,400 DK, $7,700 FD) Over his last six games, Darnold has 16 of his 33 total TDs. Earlier this season, Darnold picked this defense apart to the tune of 275-3. Expect a similar line here.
Josh Allen, Bills vs. NYJ ($8,500 DK, $9,100 FD) Allen is dealing with hand/arm issues, but all signs point to him playing. He is coming off his second-worst game of the season, but this week he should see a return to form against a team that he already scored three times against this season. Plus, New York ranks second-worst, having allowed seven QB rushing TDs this year.
Sleepers
Bryce Young, Panthers @ TB ($5,600 DK, $7,100 FD) Only three teams have allowed more passing yards this season. This included allowing Young to throw for just under 300 yards back in Week 13, which was his best passing performance of the year. This also started a streak of three out of four games where Young scored a rushing TD. Meanwhile, Tampa has allowed the third-most QB rushing scores.
Mason Rudolph, Titans @ JAX ($5,000 DK, $6,700 FD) Rudolph has posted multiple TDs in four of his five full games played. This week he faces a Jacksonville defense that has allowed the most passing yards and the fourth-most passing TDs. Stack him with the white-hot Chig Okonkwo.
| Running back | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Saquon Barkley | $8,600 | $9,600 |
| Bijan Robinson | N/A | $8,900 |
| Josh Jacobs | $8,100 | $8,300 |
| Jonathan Taylor | $7,900 | $8,400 |
| De’Von Achane | $7,700 | $8,200 |
| Alvin Kamara | $7,300 | $8,500 |
| James Cook | $7,200 | $8,800 |
| Chuba Hubbard | $7,000 | $7,600 |
| Bucky Irving | $6,700 | $8,000 |
| Tony Pollard | $6,400 | $7,000 |
| Breece Hall | $6,300 | $7,900 |
| Aaron Jones |
$6,200 | $7,400 |
| Rico Dowdle | $6,000 | $7,100 |
| Brian Robinson Jr. | N/A | $6,900 |
| Jerome Ford | $5,900 | $6,600 |
| Tyrone Tracy Jr. | $5,800 | $6,500 |
| Rachaad White | $5,700 | $6,800 |
| Alexander Mattison | $5,600 | $5,700 |
| Kendre Miller | $5,500 | $6,200 |
| Tyjae Spears | $5,400 | $5,800 |
| Travis Etienne Jr. | $5,300 | $6,000 |
| Tank Bigsby | $5,200 | $6,100 |
| Ameer Abdullah | $5,100 | $5,600 |
| Tyler Allgeier | N/A | $5,500 |
| Jeremy McNichols | N/A | $5,100 |
| Braelon Allen | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Chris Rodriguez Jr. | N/A | $5,000 |
| Cam Akers | $4,900 | $5,200 |
| Jamaal Williams | $4,800 | $5,400 |
| Raheem Mostert | $4,700 | $5,100 |
| Ty Johnson | $4,700 | $5,400 |
| Ezekiel Elliott | $4,600 | $5,300 |
| Kenneth Gainwell | $4,600 | $4,800 |
| Isaiah Davis | $4,500 | $4,900 |
| Chris Brooks | $4,400 | $4,900 |
| Pierre Strong Jr. | $4,300 | $4,500 |
| Devin Singletary | $4,200 | $5,200 |
| Ray Davis | $4,200 | $5,500 |
| Emanuel Wilson | $4,100 | $5,300 |
| Jaylen Wright | $4,100 | $4,600 |
| Jordan Mims | $4,000 | $4,300 |
Running back
Weekly strategy – We face another existential crisis involving Saquon Barkley. Will Barkley be the entire offense if Jalen Hurts (concussion) and/or Kenny Pickett (ribs) miss this game, or will they focus all their defensive efforts on him? Bijan Robinson and Jonathan Taylor have cake matchups. One of those three must be your RB1. At RB2, I prefer to spend up for Bucky Irving or Chuba Hubbard (knee). You also can use Aaron Jones in the revenge game. Alexander Mattison, Tank Bigsby, Tyjae Spears, Jerome Ford, and Devin Singletary are potential punts or flex plays.
Fantasy four-pack
Jonathan Taylor, Colts @ NYG ($7,900 DK, $8,400 FD) I was getting super-annoyed by Anthony Richardson stealing all of Taylor’s red zone love. Well, Taylor said, “Richardson can’t steal my TDs from 65 yards out.” Meanwhile, the Giants have allowed 11 scoring plays of greater than 20 yards.
Bijan Robinson, Falcons @ WAS (N/A DK, $8,900 FD) Since Week 6, Robinson has scored and/or topped 100 total yards in all but one game. This included a 103-yard, two-TD game last week. Only two teams are allowing more YPC than Washington, so Robinson will eat again.
Saquon Barkley, Eagles vs. DAL ($8,600 DK, $9,600 FD) If the Eagles don’t have to use their third-string QB, Barkley will carve up this defense. He feasted last week after Jalen Hurts was knocked out. I’d be happy with another 29-150-2 game.
Chuba Hubbard, Panthers @ TB ($7,000 DK, $7,600 FD) Hubbard (knee) got back on track last week against Arizona, scoring for the ninth time in 15 games this year. Tampa has been solid against the run, but they have an absurd split where they are allowing 53 more rushing yards per game at home.
Sleepers
Tank Bigsby, Jaguars vs. TEN ($5,200 DK, $6,100 FD) Over the last four weeks, Tennessee has allowed 749 total yards and eight total TDs to the RB position. Bigsby is still splitting touches with Travis Etienne, but he has scored twice in the past three weeks, while Etienne hasn’t scored since Week 2.
Jerome Ford, Browns vs. MIA ($5,900 DK, $6,600 FD) It took an injury, but Cleveland is back to using their best RB, Ford. He is averaging 9.8 YPC over the last two weeks. Early reports suggest chilly rain all game this week, so expect both teams to lean on their ground games.
| Wide Receiver | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Jefferson | $8,300 | $9,000 |
| A.J. Brown | $7,800 | $8,800 |
| Mike Evans | $7,500 | $8,600 |
| Davante Adams | $7,100 | $8,100 |
| Terry McLaurin | N/A | $7,900 |
| Tyreek Hill | $6,900 | $7,400 |
| Brian Thomas Jr. | $6,800 | $7,500 |
| Malik Nabers | $6,600 | $7,700 |
| Drake London | N/A | $7,100 |
| Jerry Jeudy | $6,500 | $6,800 |
| Jordan Addison | $6,300 | $7,000 |
| Garrett Wilson | $6,100 | $6,900 |
| Jakobi Meyers | $6,000 | $6,600 |
| Jayden Reed | $5,900 | $6,700 |
| DeVonta Smith | $5,800 | $7,200 |
| Darnell Mooney | N/A | $6,400 |
| Adam Thielen | $5,700 | $6,200 |
| Khalil Shakir | $5,600 | $6,500 |
| Calvin Ridley | $5,500 | $6,300 |
| Jaylen Waddle | $5,400 | $6,000 |
| Chris Olave | $5,200 | $6,000 |
| Ray-Ray McCloud III | N/A | $5,700 |
| Romeo Doubs | $5,100 | $5,600 |
| Amari Cooper | $5,000 | $5,500 |
| Olamide Zaccheaus | N/A | $5,200 |
| Dyami Brown | N/A | $5,100 |
| Jamison Crowder | N/A | $5,000 |
| Cedric Tillman | $4,900 | $4,900 |
| Christian Watson | $4,900 | $6,000 |
| Josh Downs | $4,800 | $6,100 |
| Alec Pierce | $4,700 | $5,600 |
| Michael Pittman Jr. | $4,700 | $5,900 |
| Brandin Cooks | $4,600 | $5,800 |
| Jalen McMillan | $4,600 | $5,900 |
| Keon Coleman | $4,500 | $5,400 |
| Nick Westbrook-Ikhine | $4,500 | $5,500 |
| Wan’Dale Robinson | $4,400 | $5,300 |
| Xavier Legette | $4,400 | $4,900 |
| Elijah Moore | $4,300 | $5,400 |
| Jalen Coker | $4,300 | $5,100 |
| Marquez Valdes-Scantling | $4,200 | $5,800 |
| Parker Washington | $4,200 | $5,500 |
| David Moore | $4,100 | $4,900 |
| Jalen Tolbert | $4,100 | $5,200 |
| Allen Lazard | $4,000 | $5,000 |
| Malik Washington | $4,000 | $5,100 |
| Dontayvion Wicks | $3,900 | $5,200 |
| Adonai Mitchell | $3,800 | $5,000 |
| Tre Tucker | $3,800 | $5,000 |
| Mack Hollins | $3,700 | $4,900 |
| Sterling Shepard | $3,600 | $5,300 |
| Tyler Boyd | $3,500 | $4,800 |
| KaVontae Turpin | $3,400 | $4,900 |
| Darius Slayton | $3,300 | $4,900 |
| Cedrick Wilson Jr. | $3,200 | $4,800 |
| River Cracraft | $3,200 | $4,300 |
| Jahan Dotson | $3,100 | $4,500 |
| Kevin Austin Jr. | $3,100 | $4,700 |
| Michael Woods II | $3,100 | $4,800 |
| Curtis Samuel | $3,000 | $4,800 |
| Dante Pettis | $3,000 | $4,600 |
| Devin Duvernay | $3,000 | $4,600 |
| Jonathan Mingo | $3,000 | $4,500 |
| Josh Reynolds | $3,000 | $4,800 |
| Rakim Jarrett | $3,000 | $4,500 |
| Trey Palmer | $3,000 | $4,700 |
Wide receiver
Weekly strategy – Justin Jefferson, Mike Evans, and Terry McLaurin are the top three choices this week. If Philly gets Hurts back, A.J. Brown also is a viable WR1 option. At WR2, Brian Thomas Jr., Jordan Addison, and Adam Thielen (hamstring) make the most sense. The depth at WR is ugly this week. Jalen McMillan, Romeo Doubs, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Michael Pittman Jr. are the best of this foul stench. You need one of them. My recommendation is to use McMillan and then choose a WR1 other than Evans.
Fantasy four-pack
Justin Jefferson, Vikings vs. GB ($8,300 DK, $9,000 FD) Over his last three home games versus the Packers, Jefferson has posted 22-412-4. He also scored against them earlier this year on the road.
Mike Evans, Buccaneers vs. CAR ($7,500 DK, $8,600 FD) Over the last four weeks, only five teams have given up more TDs to opposing WRs than Carolina. This stretch included an 8-118-1 game by Evans.
Terry McLaurin, Commanders vs. ATL (N/A DK, $7,900 FD) Only one WR1 failed to reach double-digit PPR points against this team this season. That was the game where Tampa started Sterling Shepard as their alpha. Since Week 12, McLaurin has led all WRs in TDs.
A.J. Brown, Eagles vs. DAL ($7,800 DK, $8,800 FD) Both Jalen Hurts and Kenny Pickett have had success connecting with Brown. So, as long as one of those two is starting, he will be a safe floor play of 8-90-1 against a defense that has allowed the most WR receptions over the last four weeks.
Sleepers
Adam Thielen, Panthers @ TB ($5,700 DK, $6,200 FD) In his second game back from injury, Thielen posted 8-99-1 against this defense. He has become Bryce Young‘s favorite target. Unfortunately, he suffered a hamstring injury in practice on Thursday. Assuming he suits up, he makes a grand play against a fantasy-friendly defense. If you use Young, stack him with Thielen and run it back with Mike Evans, or …
Jalen McMillan, Buccaneers vs. CAR ($4,600 DK, $5,900 FD) McMillan. He has scored four times in the last three weeks. Ride the fiery streak here as long as his price remains this low.
| Tight End | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Brock Bowers | $6,700 | $7,600 |
| Jonnu Smith | $5,700 | $6,800 |
| David Njoku | $4,700 | $6,200 |
| T.J. Hockenson | $4,500 | $5,700 |
| Dalton Kincaid | $4,300 | $5,800 |
| Cade Otton | $4,200 | $5,300 |
| Brenton Strange | $4,000 | $5,100 |
| Tucker Kraft | $3,900 | $5,200 |
| Jake Ferguson | $3,700 | $5,500 |
| Chig Okonkwo | $3,600 | $5,400 |
| Juwan Johnson | $3,500 | $5,200 |
| Kyle Pitts | N/A | $5,000 |
| Zach Ertz | N/A | $5,000 |
| Tommy Tremble | $3,200 | $4,800 |
| Grant Calcatera | $3,100 | $4,700 |
| Dawson Knox | $3,000 | $4,800 |
| Foster Moreau | $3,000 | $5,100 |
| Payne Durham | $2,900 | $4,600 |
| Tyler Conklin | $2,900 | $4,900 |
| Daniel Bellinger | $2,800 | $4,800 |
| Ja’Tavion Sanders | $2,800 | $4,600 |
| Jordan Akins | $2,700 | $4,900 |
| Josh Oliver | $2,600 | $4,800 |
| AJ Barner | $3,100 | $4,700 |
| John Bates | $3,000 | $4,300 |
| Tommy Tremble | $3,000 | $4,800 |
| Daniel Bellinger | $2,900 | $4,900 |
| Ja’Tavion Sanders | $2,900 | $4,700 |
| Michael Mayer | $2,900 | $4,600 |
| Ben Sinnott | $2,800 | $4,400 |
| Josh Oliver | $2,800 | $4,900 |
| Tyler Conklin | $2,800 | $4,700 |
| Colby Parkinson | $2,700 | $4,900 |
Tight end
Weekly strategy – Jonnu Smith and Chig Okonkwo are two of my favorite TE plays this week. Brock Bowers has a tough matchup, but he has been elite all season. T.J. Hockenson and Tucker Kraft are the pivot choices who should have minimal ownership. Both Cade Otton and David Njoku are dealing with knee injuries. If either plays, they can be pivots as well. Their backups: Payne Durham and Jordan Akins, respectively, will have sneaky value if the starters ahead of them are out. Otherwise, consider the two Saints TEs as punt options.
Fantasy four-pack
Jonnu Smith, Dolphins @ CLE ($6,200 DK, $7,500 FD) Smith continues to be effective for Miami. Even in an ugly matchup last week, he finished with 6-62. Since Week 11, he is averaging just under 20 PPR points per game.
Chig Okonkwo, Titans @ JAX ($3,600 DK, $5,400 FD) Speaking of hot TEs, Okonkwo leads all TEs in targets and receptions over the last two weeks (since Mason Rudolph took over at QB). He should score this week as only three teams have given up more TE touchdowns.
Brock Bowers, Raiders @ NO ($6,700 DK, $7,600 FD) This will be a test for Bowers. New Orleans has allowed a league-low one TE score. Plus, only two of the last nine TEs to face them have reached double-digit PPR points. Bowers has three duds in his last five games, but he leads the league in every relevant TE statistical category except TDs.
T.J. Hockenson, Vikings vs. GB ($4,500 DK, $5,700 FD) Hockenson’s production has been middling since his return. That said, Green Bay has allowed the seventh-most receptions and receiving yards to the position. Josh Oliver scored in their earlier meeting, and Hock scored against them before his injury last season, so Minnesota targets its TEs against this unit.
Sleepers
Tucker Kraft, Packers @ MIN ($3,900 DK, $5,200 FD) Kraft doesn’t have a ton of targets or receptions, but he ranks seventh in receiving yards and third in receiving TDs among TEs. Minnesota has been generous to the position recently, allowing the seventh-most receiving yards and eighth-most receptions over the last four weeks.
Foster Moreau, Saints vs. LV ($3,000 DK, $5,100 FD) Moreau and Juwan Johnson are the closest healthy thing that New Orleans has to a receiving threat, provided WR Chris Olave (head) doesn’t return. The twosome will split 7-70-1 against one of the worst TE defenses in football. I trust Moreau to score just slightly more than Johnson.