Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 14

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

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

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

Miami @ Los Angeles Chargers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday Night

NEW ENGLAND @ ARIZONA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

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

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

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

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

Quarterback

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Running Back

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Wide Receiver

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Tight End

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 12

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

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

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

GREEN BAY @ PHILADELPHIA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday Night

PITTSBURGH @ INDIANAPOLIS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

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

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

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

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

Quarterback

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Running Back

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Wide Receiver

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Tight End

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

Daily Fantasy Domination: 2022 Thanksgiving Edition

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

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

Buffalo Bills @ Detroit Lions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New England Patriots @ Minnesota Vikings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

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

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

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

Quarterback

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

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

Pay to Play

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

Stay Away

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

Value Play

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

Running Back

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

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

Pay to Play

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

Stay Away

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

Value Play

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

Wide Receiver

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

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

Pay to Play

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

Stay Away

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

Value Play

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

Tight End

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

Weekly strategyT.J. Hockenson is the safest play. I’d also consider Dalton Schultz or Dawson Knox.

Pay to Play

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

Stay Away

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

Value Play

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