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Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Divisional Round

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

Sometimes you choose the wrong secondary receiver. That was my kryptonite last week as I went to war with Mack Hollins and Keon Coleman instead of Curtis Samuel. Making matters worse, I used more Olamide Zaccheaus and not enough Dyami Brown. On a smaller slate, those minuscule misreads can be maddening and extra costly. Consider this a reminder to maximize lineup builds when choosing your WR3, using all our recommendations.

Recommended DFS lineups

*Note: For the Wildcard playoffs, all three sites feature the full slate of games Saturday-Monday.

DK Lineup: QB Josh Allen ($7.7k), RB Derrick Henry ($8.0k), RB Jahmyr Gibbs ($7.7k), WR Khalil Shakir ($5.0k), WR Hollywood Brown ($4.2k), WR Dyami Brown ($3.9k), TE Dallas Goedert ($3.9k), FLEX James Cook ($6.7k), DST Los Angeles Rams ($2.7k)

FD Lineup: QB Jayden Daniels ($8.5k), RB Derrick Henry ($9.6k), RB Kareem Hunt ($5.8k), WR Terry McLaurin ($7.6k), WR Jameson Williams ($6.7k), WR DeAndre Hopkins ($5.8k), TE Dawson Knox ($4.7k), FLEX James Cook ($7.4k), DST Los Angeles Rams ($3.5k)

FB Lineup: QB Jayden Daniels ($7.1k), RB Derrick Henry ($7.7k), RB Jahmyr Gibbs ($7.6k), WR Terry McLaurin ($6.5k), WR Khalil Shakir ($4.7k), WR/TE DeAndre Hopkins ($4.4k), TE Dawson Knox ($3.0k), FLEX James Cook ($6.4k), SUPERFLEX Josh Allen ($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
Lamar Jackson $7,800 $8,700
Josh Allen $7,700 $9,000
Jayden Daniels $7,000 $8,500
Jalen Hurts $6,800 $8,200
Jared Goff $6,300 $8,000
Patrick Mahomes $6,000 $7,700
Matthew Stafford $5,200 $7,300
C.J. Stroud $5,000 $7,200

Quarterback

Weekly strategy: We finally have a week in which all the quarterbacks are decent plays. Considering the prices, Jayden Daniels and Patrick Mahomes are the safest plays. That said, the more expensive, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen have huge upsides because of their rushing acumen. I don’t foresee using C.J. Stroud or Matthew Stafford.

Fantasy four-pack

Josh Allen, Bills vs. BAL ($7,700 DK, $9,000 FD) Way back in Week 4, Baltimore destroyed Buffalo and dealt Allen his worst game of the season. At that point in the season, Baltimore’s pass defense was embarrassingly bad. They have improved significantly since. Still, this is postseason Allen, and he has posted an average of 272 passing yards, 55 rushing yards, and 2.5 total TDs. Those are his floor this week in a probable shootout.

Jayden Daniels, Commanders @ DET ($7,000 DK, $8,500 FD) With the largest line this week (55), Vegas predicts this game to be high scoring. I agree, as neither defense strikes fear in the opposition. Daniels’ rushing numbers (10 games with greater than 40 rushing yards) provide a higher floor than Jared Goff, but both make solid plays here. 

Lamar Jackson, Ravens @ BUF ($7,800 DK, $8,700 FD) Over the last four games of the regular season, Buffalo was the second-worst team in the league against the pass. This is shocking since they faced Tyrod Taylor, Drake Maye, Jared Goff, and Joe Milton. Meanwhile, Jackson has three or more scores nine times this season, including once versus Buffalo. Both QBs will post three total scores this week.

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs vs. HOU ($6,000 DK, $7,700 FD) Last week, Houston suffocated the Chargers and stole Justin Herbert’s mojo. Herbert posted more INTs than he had all season combined. Mahomes has thrown his share of INTs, but he has only two over his last nine games. He also has looked more confident since the team landed DeAndre Hopkins and Hollywood Brown returned to health. Stack both receivers (or Travis Kelce) with Mahomes against a defense that allows the third-most passing TDs per game. 

Sleepers

Jared Goff, Lions vs. WAS: ($6,300 DK, $8,000 FD) Detroit has proven they will never let their foot off the gas. This week, both teams’ defensive vulnerabilities will require an aggressive approach. Detroit has a stronger rushing game to lean upon, but Goff should still throw for two or three scores. 

Jalen Hurts, Eagles vs. LAR ($6,800 DK, $8,200 FD) Hurts posted a quiet Week 12 against Los Angeles. This was because of  Saquon Barkley going ape. I expect the Rams to commit more to stopping the run this week, which should open up the passing game for Hurts. Los Angeles has allowed the second-most passing TDs per game among remaining playoff teams, so pencil him in for a pair of passing scores. 

 

Running back DraftKings FanDuel
Saquon Barkley $8,200 $9,300
Derrick Henry $8,000 $9,600
Jahmyr Gibbs $7,700 $8,900
Kyren Williams $6,900 $7,700
James Cook $6,700 $7,400
Joe Mixon $6,500 $7,600
David Montgomery $5,700 $4,000
Isiah Pacheco $5,500 $5,700
Brian Robinson Jr. $5,300 $6,000
Austin Ekeler $5,100 $5,500
Kareem Hunt $5,000 $5,800
Justice Hill $4,800 $5,400
Kenneth Gainwell $4,700 $4,800
Ty Johnson $4,500 $5,200
Samaje Perine $4,300 $4,700
Dameon Pierce $4,200 $4,500
Blake Corum $4,000 $4,000
Craig Reynolds $4,000 $5,000
Dare Ogunbowale $4,000 $4,300
Ray Davis $4,000 $4,700

Running back

Weekly strategy – Pay up for two of the top three choices. I’m leaning toward Derrick Henry and Jahmyr Gibbs. Saquon Barkley went berserk against the Rams earlier this season, and it’s a fair pivot to him from Gibbs if you believe David Montgomery will be more involved. Speaking of Montgomery, that FD price makes him a must-play if he even dresses. James Cook is the clear pivot from the top three. I do not trust Joe Mixon (ankle) or Kyren Williams. The discount punts will be Austin Ekeler and Kareem Hunt.

Fantasy four-pack

Derrick Henry, Ravens @ BUF ($8,000 DK, $9,600 FD) Over his last four games, Henry has posted 701 total yards and five TDs. This is insane, seeing as how they’ve faced the fourth- and sixth-best run defenses and the 11th-best run defense (2x) during that span. Buffalo ranked 30th against the run this season. Plus, Henry already eviscerated them to the tune of 209 total yards and two scores. The price is daunting, but there isn’t a higher ceiling at any position on this slate.

Saquon Barkley, Eagles vs. LAR ($8,200 DK, $9,300 FD) If you don’t use Henry, you must use Barkley. Fitting both of them is possible but difficult. Just seven weeks ago, Barkley topped 300 total yards against this defense. That won’t happen again, but even half of that will put him in rarified air.

Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions vs. WAS ($7,700 DK, $8,900 FD) While Barkley has a higher ceiling than Gibbs, I feel the latter may be a safer play this week. Gibbs has eight TDs since David Montgomery (knee) was knocked out in Week 15. Montgomery may return this week. If he does, this peels some of the shine off Gibbs. In that case, pivot to Barkley or James Cook. If Montgomery remains out, Gibbs may outscore all the other RBs.

James Cook, Bills vs. BAL ($6,700 DK, $7,400 FD) Baltimore has an elite rushing defense. Still, Cook has 19 total TDs this year, including seven over his last five games. This play isn’t as sexy as the top three, but Cook should have much less ownership, providing necessary variance on a smaller slate. That monetary savings also will come into play when you build out your WR corps.

Sleepers

Kareem Hunt, Chiefs vs. HOU ($5,000 DK, $5,800 FD) Isaiah Pacheco (ribs) will return for this game, but he has failed to score in each of the five games since his return from the fibula fracture he suffered in Week 2. Hunt has been the primary beneficiary of Pacheco’s absences scoring in half of the games that he has played.

Austin Ekeler, Commanders @ DET ($5,100 DK, $5,500 FD) Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. split opportunities down the middle last week. That said, it was Ekeler in the game when it mattered down the stretch. Throughout his career, Ekeler has been a receiving stud, so he will see a higher snap share this week in what projects as a shootout.

Wide Receiver DraftKings FanDuel
Nico Collins $7,600 $8,500
Puka Nacua $7,400 $8,600
Amon-Ra St. Brown $7,200 $8,700
A.J. Brown $7,000 $8,300
Terry McLaurin $6,300 $7,600
Jameson Williams $6,100 $6,700
Zay Flowers $5,900 $6,900
DeVonta Smith $5,600 $7,300
Cooper Kupp $5,400 $6,400
Xavier Worthy $5,200 $6,300
Khalil Shakir $5,000 $6,100
Rashod Bateman $4,900 $6,200
DeAndre Hopkins $4,700 $5,800
Amari Cooper $4,400 $5,500
Olamide Zaccheaus $4,300 $5,400
Hollywood Brown $4,200 $6,000
Keon Coleman $4,100 $5,300
Demarcus Robinson $4,000 $4,900
Dyami Brown $3,900 $5,100
John Metchie III $3,800 $5,600
Tim Patrick $3,700 $5,200
Jahan Dotson $3,600 $4,700
Robert Woods $3,600 $5,000
Mack Hollins $3,500 $4,800
Curtis Samuel $3,400 $5,000
JuJu Smith-Schuster $3,400 $4,900
Nelson Agholor $3,300 $5,100
Tutu Atwell $3,300 $4,600
Jamison Crowder $3,200 $4,600
Justin Watson $3,200 $4,700
Xavier Hutchinson $3,200 $4,800
Jordan Whittington $3,100 $4,100
Kalif Raymond $3,100 $4,300
Tylan Wallace $3,000 $4,500
Tyler Johnson $3,000 $4,000

Wide receiver

Weekly strategy – First things first, I promised myself that I will make multiple lineups to include all the “interchangeable” WR3s. As for WR1, choose between Nico Collins, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Terry McLaurin. I don’t mind Puka Nacua, but the matchup concerns me. For WR2, or as a cheap WR1, use Jameson Williams or DeVonta Smith. Khalil Shakir and Rashod Bateman also make solid WR2 choices. My favorite WR3 option is DeAndre Hopkins in the revenge game. His teammate Hollywood Brown is cheaper but lacks the revenge narrative. The punt WR3s to mix and match are Olamide Zaccheaus, Dyami Brown (my favorite), Curtis Samuel, Mack Hollins, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson. 

Fantasy four-pack

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions vs. WAS ($7,200 DK, $8,700 FD) Thirteen of the 18 WR1s to face Washington have reached double-digit PPR points, and seven of those 13 have topped 20 PPR points. The return of Marshon Lattimore should help, but Mike Evans dominated against him last week. St. Brown should surpass Evans’ 7-92-1 line.

Terry McLaurin, Commanders @ DET ($6,300 DK, $7,600 FD) During the regular season, no team allowed more receiving yards to opposing WRs. They allowed 23 different WRs to reach double-digit PPR points. Meanwhile, McLaurin has eight TDs over his last seven games.

Nico Collins, Texans @ KC ($7,600 DK, $8,500 FD) Collins has scored in back-to-back games. This gives him eight in 13 games played this year. He also is averaging over 18 PPR points per game this year. KC is stingy against opposing WRs regarding yards and receptions, but they have allowed the sixth-most WR touchdowns.  

Puka Nacua, Rams @ PHI ($7,400 DK, $8,600 FD) Amazingly, Nacua has scored in only three games this season. Still, from Week 11 to Week 17, Nacua ranked second among WRs in receptions, targets, and receiving yards. Only three of the final 14 WR1s to face Philly scored a TD. In Week 12, the Eagles kept Nacua out of the end zone, but he finished with 9-117. That is certainly repeatable here. If he scores, it is cake.

Sleepers

DeAndre Hopkins, Chiefs vs. HOU ($4,700 DK, $5,800 FD) Hopkins gets the revenge game versus Houston. In their earlier meeting, he played fourth fiddle behind Xavier Worthy, Travis Kelce, and Hollywood Brown. Still, he has five or more catches in every career postseason appearance, while averaging 6-74. Houston allowed the second-most WR touchdowns during the regular season, so all of KC’s weapons are in play here.

Khalil Shakir, Bills vs. BAL ($5,000 DK, $6,100 FD) Baltimore’s secondary has improved throughout the season. That said, 16 of 18 WR1s to face them reached double-digit PPR points. This includes Shakir, who finished Week 4 with 4-62. Shakir would probably have had a larger line, but he injured his ankle in that game. He returned to that game but was severely limited and ended up missing the next outing. 

Tight End DraftKings FanDuel
Travis Kelce $5,000 $6,500
Mark Andrews $4,500 $5,900
Sam LaPorta $4,200 $6,000
Zach Ertz $4,000 $5,500
Dallas Goedert $3,700 $6,100
Dalton Kincaid $3,700 $5,400
Isaiah Likely $3,500 $5,100
Tyler Higbee $3,400 $5,200
Dalton Schultz $3,300 $5,300
Noah Gray $3,000 $5,000
Colby Parkinson $2,900 $4,500
Davis Allen $2,800 $4,300
Grant Calcaterra $2,800 $4,400
Brock Wright $2,700 $4,200
Dawson Knox $2,700 $4,700

Tight end

Weekly strategy – Any of the top five TEs are great options. If Zay Flowers (knee) remains out, give Mark Andrews a slight bump to the head of the pack. Based on their prices, Dallas Goedert on DK and Zach Ertz on FD are the top picks. Isaiah Likely, Dalton Kincaid, Noah Gray, and Dawson Knox are the punt options. 

Fantasy four-pack

Mark Andrews, Ravens @ BUF ($4,500 DK, $5,900 FD) From Week 6 onward, only Ja’Marr Chase posted more receiving TDs than Andrews. Meanwhile, over the final four weeks of the regular season, only one team allowed more TE receiving yards than Buffalo. 

Travis Kelce, Chiefs vs. HOU ($5,000 DK, $6,500 FD) Kelce posted a mediocre 5-30 against Houston in Week 16. Despite seeing a plethora of targets this season, that line was closer to the mean than the exception. Still, Kelce is a different beast in the postseason, averaging 7.5-87 with 19 TDs in 22 career games.

Sam LaPorta, Lions vs. WAS ($4,200 DK, $6,000 FD) Only two teams allowed fewer TE receptions this season than Washington. Of course, only five teams allowed more TE touchdowns than this defense. This suggests LaPorta may have a quiet receiving day outside of the red zone, but he still may score twice.

Zach Ertz, Commanders @ DET ($4,000 DK, $5,500 FD) Detroit has posted elite defensive numbers against opposing TEs this year. That said, they faced only two of the top 10 TEs all season. Tucker Kraft scored in one of his two meetings against Detroit, and George Kittle finished with 8-112. Both performances came over the last five weeks of the season. They also allowed a score to Cole Kmet during that span. Ertz has scored in six of his last eight games, and he will do so again here.

Sleepers

Dalton Kincaid, Bills vs. BAL ($3,700 DK, $5,400 FD) Saving money at the TE position improves your likelihood of rostering three expensive stud RBs. Use Kincaid (or Dawson Knox) against a TE defense that finished 2024 bottom-10 in receptions and yards allowed.

Isaiah Likely, Ravens @ BUF ($3,500 DK, $5,100 FD) The same dollar savings comes into play for Likely. He scored three times over his last six games. A TD here pretty much guarantees him 3x value on DK. Plus, he has posted 6-91 over the last two weeks while Zay Flowers (knee) has been out. If Flowers remains out, Likely’s line is likely to be above average.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Wild Card Weekend

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

And then there were 14 teams … well, a dozen this week. No more resting players. No more moral victories. Every day could be their last day. Fortunately, with DFS, your last day won’t come until Super Bowl Sunday. That’s right, folks – it’s playoff DFS!

Recommended DFS lineups

*Note: For the Wildcard playoffs, all three sites feature the full slate of games Saturday-Monday.

DK Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($6.8k), RB Bucky Irving ($7.0k), RB James Cook ($6.7k), WR Ladd McConkey ($6.8k), WR Terry McLaurin ($6.5k), WR Jalen McMillan ($5.2k), TE Mark Andrews ($4.7k), FLEX Tucker Kraft ($3.7k), DST Green Bay Packers ($2.6k)

FD Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($7.9k), RB Bucky Irving ($7.6k), RB James Cook ($8.0k), WR Puka Nacua ($8.7k), WR Keon Coleman ($5.3k), WR Jalen McMillan ($6.4k), TE Tucker Kraft ($5.3K), FLEX J.K. Dobbins ($7.1k), DST Green Bay Packers ($3.7k)

FB Lineup: QB Josh Allen ($7.9k), RB Saquon Barkley ($8.1k), RB J.K. Dobbins ($5.7k), WR Terry McLaurin ($7.1k), WR Keon Coleman ($4.1k), WR/TE Jalen McMillan ($4.8k), TE T.J. Hockenson ($4.2k), FLEX Bucky Irving ($6.6k), SUPERFLEX Baker Mayfield ($6.5k)

*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 $8,200 $8,900
Lamar Jackson $8,000 $8,700
Jayden Daniels $7,500 $8,400
Jalen Hurts $7,300 $8,300
Baker Mayfield $6,800 $7,900
Sam Darnold $6,500 $7,800
Bo Nix $6,300 $7,500
Justin Herbert $6,000 $7,600
Jordan Love $5,800 $7,200
Matthew Stafford $5,700 $7,100
C.J. Stroud $5,500 $7,000
Russell Wilson $5,300 $6,900
Malik Willis $5,000 $6,600
Kenny Pickett $4,800 $6,000
Tanner McKee $4,500 $6,000

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Baker Mayfield, Jayden Daniels, and Josh Allen are the safest plays. Lamar Jackson will be without his top receiving weapon, but his legs keep him viable. Jalen Hurts (head) has not yet cleared the concussion protocol, but I am concerned that the injury will deny his use of the tush-push. Either way, he still has a safe floor. Justin Herbert and Sam Darnold are the discount pivots.

Fantasy four-pack

Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers vs. WAS ($6,800 DK, $7,900 FD) Washington allowed Mayfield to throw for 289-4 back in Week 1. Much has changed since then, but he remains red hot, throwing for 16 TDs over his last five games. He also is running the ball with authority, posting 20-plus rushing yards 10 times this season. 

Jayden Daniels, Commanders @ TB ($7,500 DK, $8,400 FD) Among the playoff teams, only Houston has allowed more total QB touchdowns this year. Daniels scored twice against them back in Week 1, thanks to 88 rushing yards. The Buccaneers’ pass defense numbers appear to have improved since their Week 11 bye, but a closer look shows that they have faced only one top-20 QB during this recent stretch. Before leaving last week’s game with a leg issue, Daniels had posted 17 total TDs over his previous five games. Stack him with two of Zach Ertz, Terry McLaurin, and Olamide Zaccheaus.

Josh Allen, Bills vs. DEN ($8,200 DK, $8,900 FD) Speaking of successful rushing QBs, Allen has 12 rushing TDs with 28 passing scores, placing him behind only Lamar Jackson in total scores this season. Allen’s price is high enough to limit his upside, but he still should post three total scores. 

Lamar Jackson, Ravens vs. PIT ($8,000 DK, $8,700 FD) Jackson and the Ravens are heavily favored, but historically Pittsburgh has posed a stiff challenge. He has played in eight career games against this defense (six as a starter) and posted only eight passing TDs and nine INTs. He has NEVER scored a rushing TD against them. With Zay Flowers (knee) out, Jackson will struggle once again. He won’t lose, but his line will be well below his normal output.

Sleepers

Justin Herbert, Chargers @ HOU: ($6,000 DK, $7,600 FD) Houston has allowed the sixth-fewest passing yards and the third-most passing TDs. Something doesn’t quite compute there. Herbert has multiple passing scores in four straight games. That trend will continue, especially if Quentin Johnston (thigh) continues his growth opposite Ladd McConkey. 

Sam Darnold, Vikings @ LAR ($6,500 DK, $7,800 FD) Chock last week up to a severe case of the yips. He still has two of the greatest WRs in football, a highly reliable pass-catching RB, and a top-10 TE at his disposal. He’ll have a comeback game here throwing for a floor of 280-2. 

Running back DraftKings FanDuel
Saquon Barkley $8,500 $9,600
Derrick Henry $8,200 $9,800
Josh Jacobs $7,700 $7,800
Kyren Williams $7,400 $8,600
Joe Mixon $7,200 $7,500
Bucky Irving $7,000 $7,600
James Cook $6,700 $8,000
J.K. Dobbins $6,200 $7,100
Aaron Jones Sr. $6,000 $7,400
Brian Robinson Jr. $5,800 $6,500
Jaylen Warren $5,200 $5,600
Javonte Williams $5,100 $5,300
Najee Harris $5,000 $6,000
Rachaad White $5,000 $5,700
Emanuel Wilson $4,900 $5,200
Jaleel McLaughlin $4,900 $5,500
Austin Ekeler $4,800 $5,400
Cam Akers $4,800 $6,200
Dameon Pierce $4,700 $4,900
Ray Davis $4,700 $5,000
Audric Estime $4,600 $5,100
Kenneth Gainwell $4,600 $4,900
Justice Hill $4,500 $4,800
Chris Brooks $4,400 $4,600
Gus Edwards $4,300 $5,000
Keaton Mitchell $4,200 $4,200
Ty Johnson $4,200 $4,800
Dare Ogunbowale $4,100 $4,500
Jeremy McNichols $4,000 $4,400
Kimani Vidal $4,000 $4,700

Running back

Weekly strategy – Paying up for Saquon Barkley or Derrick Henry is a risky move this week. Their prices are so high that it severely limits your flexibility elsewhere. There is no way to have both of them active on your roster. I prefer pivoting to Bucky Irving, James Cook, J.K. Dobbins, and Aaron Jones. Unfortunately, the depth options all suck this week. Brian Robinson Jr. and Jaleel McLaughlin are the best of the worst, so you are probably spending up here, anyway.

Fantasy four-pack

Saquon Barkley, Eagles vs. GB ($8,500 DK, $9,600 FD) Jalen Hurts (head) playing will “hurt” Barkley’s scoring odds. Still, he should fill the box score in other ways. Since Week 7, he is averaging 155 combo yards per game.

Bucky Irving, Buccaneers vs. WAS ($7,000 DK, $7,600 FD) Since taking over as the primary back in Week 10, Irving has scored and/or topped 100 total yards in every game except one (he left that game early with an injury). Back in Week 1, Irving and Rachaad White combined for 182 combo yards against Washington.

Derrick Henry, Ravens vs. PIT ($8,200 DK, $9,800 FD) It’s not an optimal matchup, but never underestimate the damage that Henry can do on any carry. He has topped 160 total yards in three straight games, including a 189-yarder against the Steelers.

James Cook, Bills vs. DEN ($6,700 DK, $8,000 FD) Cook has six TDs over his last four games. Among RBs, only Jahmyr Gibbs posted more total scores. Denver is solid against the run, but they struggle against pass-catching backs, Cook will do some damage both ways.

Sleepers

Brian Robinson Jr., Commanders @ TB ($5,800 DK, $6,500 FD) This is a sign of how tough this slate is for RBs. There are no clear discount options. Robinson is at least the volume back for a good offense. That said, he may cede goal-line work to his QB and Austin Ekeler. 

Jaleel McLaughlin, Broncos @ BUF ($4,900 DK, $5,500 FD) Deciding which Broncos RB to trust is painstaking work. McLaughlin has recently worked as the leading ball carrier. Against a bad run defense, that puts him into volume-punt consideration.

Wide Receiver DraftKings FanDuel
Justin Jefferson $8,100 $9,200
Mike Evans $7,900 $8,400
Nico Collins $7,800 $8,500
Puka Nacua $7,600 $8,700
A.J. Brown $7,500 $8,600
Ladd McConkey $6,800 $7,500
Courtland Sutton $6,600 $7,100
Terry McLaurin $6,500 $7,700
Cooper Kupp $6,400 $7,000
George Pickens $6,300 $6,900
Jordan Addison $6,100 $6,800
DeVonta Smith $5,700 $7,400
Jayden Reed $5,500 $6,000
Romeo Doubs $5,400 $5,800
Khalil Shakir $5,300 $6,200
Jalen McMillan $5,200 $6,400
Marvin Mims Jr. $5,100 $5,900
Rashod Bateman $5,000 $6,100
Amari Cooper $4,900 $5,500
Quentin Johnston $4,800 $6,300
Keon Coleman $4,600 $5,300
Dontayvion Wicks $4,500 $5,400
Olamide Zaccheaus $4,400 $5,600
Joshua Palmer $4,300 $5,500
Demarcus Robinson $4,200 $4,700
Devaughn Vele $4,100 $5,400
Calvin Austin III $4,000 $5,200
John Metchie III $3,900 $5,100
Mack Hollins $3,800 $5,100
Tutu Atwell $3,800 $4,600
Robert Woods $3,700 $5,000
Jalen Nailor $3,600 $4,900
Malik Heath $3,600 $4,300
Diontae Johnson $3,500 $5,300
Jahan Dotson $3,500 $4,500
Dyami Brown $3,400 $4,600
Jamison Crowder $3,400 $5,200
Nelson Agholor $3,400 $4,800
Derius Davis $3,300 $4,600
Jordan Whittington $3,300 $4,200
Mike Williams $3,300 $4,700
Sterling Shepard $3,300 $5,000
Bo Melton $3,200 $4,200
Johnny Wilson $3,200 $4,700
Van Jefferson $3,200 $4,800
Xavier Hutchinson $3,200 $4,900
Curtis Samuel $3,100 $4,900
Troy Franklin $3,100 $4,800
Tylan Wallace $3,100 $4,400

Wide receiver

Weekly strategy – Mike Evans and Puka Nacua are the top options. Justin Jefferson may see reduced ownership coming off last week’s fiasco. The Eagles’ duo are safe plays, but both may have floor games if the team leans on Saquon Barkley. If I chose one of them, it would be DeVonta Smith at WR2. That said, I will probably choose between Ladd McConkey, Courtland Sutton, and Terry McLaurin at WR2. If you fade Evans, you must play Jalen McMillan at WR3. I also love Marvin Mims Jr., Rashod Bateman, and Olamide Zaccheaus in this spot. You also should consider one of the Packers. I’d lean towards Romeo Doubs. With the lack of quality depth options at RB this week, you are probably picking your flex from here or TE. I like Quentin Johnston, Keon Coleman, Mack Hollins, Diontae Johnson, and Nelson Agholor to fill this role. 

Fantasy four-pack

Mike Evans, Buccaneers vs. WAS ($7,900 DK, $8,400 FD) Only five WR1s have finished with fewer than 10 PPR points against this defense, and six have topped 20 PPR points.

Puka Nacua, Rams vs. MIN ($7,600 DK, $8,700 FD) In Week 8, Nacua was one of three Rams WRs to finish in double-digit PPR points against Minnesota. That was his first game back from injury. Since then, he has pulled away from the rest of the WR corps with 43% of their total yards and 42% of their receptions.

Terry McLaurin, Commanders @ TB ($6,500 DK, $7,700 FD) Tampa ranks bottom-10 in every WR receiving category. Meanwhile, McLaurin is finishing the season on the upswing with seven TDs in his final six games.

Justin Jefferson, Vikings @ LAR ($8,100 DK, $9,200 FD) The Rams have allowed the second-fewest WR receptions, but they also have simultaneously allowed the fourth-most WR receiving TDs. Last week was just the fourth time all season that Jefferson has failed to haul in five or more passes. He will get back on track here. 

Sleepers

Jalen McMillan, Buccaneers vs. WAS ($5,200 DK, $6,400 FD) Four weeks in a row and the sites still haven’t jacked up McMillan’s price. What more does he need to do? Seven touchdowns over the last five weeks. If you don’t use Evans, you must use McMillan. Frankly, only the salary cap is stopping you from using both of them.

Marvin Mims Jr., Broncos @ BUF ($5,100 DK, $5,900 FD) Speaking of WRs who are getting no price-bump respect, Mims has four TDs over the last two weeks and six over his last seven contests. The timing is right for Mims as Buffalo has allowed an average of 18 PPR points to WR2s over the last four weeks. 

Tight End DraftKings FanDuel
Mark Andrews $4,700 $6,200
Pat Freiermuth $4,400 $5,500
Zach Ertz $4,300 $5,800
T.J. Hockenson $4,200 $5,900
Cade Otton $4,100 $5,400
Dalton Kincaid $4,000 $5,700
Dallas Goedert $3,900 $6,000
Tucker Kraft $3,700 $5,300
Dalton Schultz $3,600 $5,600
Will Dissly $3,400 $5,000
Tyler Higbee $3,300 $5,100
Isaiah Likely $3,200 $5,200
Payne Durham $3,100 $4,900
Dawson Knox $3,000 $4,700
Stone Smartt $2,900 $4,700
Grant Calcaterra $2,800 $4,600
Luke Musgrave $2,700 $4,500
Adam Trautman $2,600 $4,300
Cade Stover $2,600 $4,500
Josh Oliver $2,500 $4,800
Lucas Krull $2,500 $4,600
Nate Adkins $2,500 $4,400

Tight end

Weekly strategy – The top of the TE position is strong this week. Each of the top four options should be in play. Mark Andrews is the best option. Pat Freiermuth is my top pivot. That said, both T.J. Hockenson and Zach Ertz have safe floors. Tucker Kraft, Isaiah Likely, and Will Dissly are the cheap punt plays.

Fantasy four-pack

Mark Andrews, Ravens vs. PIT ($4,700 DK, $6,200 FD) With no Zay Flowers (knee), Andrews is the safest bet to catch a TD this week for Baltimore. He has TDs in six straight games and 11 over his last 12 games. Plus, Pittsburgh has allowed the second-most TE receptions, so receptions and yardage also are in play. 

Pat Freiermuth, Steelers @ BAL ($4,400 DK, $5,500 FD) Freiermuth has done little versus Baltimore this season. That said, he has posted four TDs over his last six games. So, worst-case scenario, he scores and finishes with 4-40-1.  

Zach Ertz, Commanders @ TB ($4,300 DK, $5,800 FD) Since Week 11, Ertz has been tied for second among TEs in touchdowns. He will score again this week as Tampa has allowed the fifth-most TE receptions and the second-most TE receiving yards. 

T.J. Hockenson, Vikings @ LAR ($4,200 DK, $5,900 FD) Over the last four weeks, no team has allowed more TE receptions, receiving yards, or TDs than the Rams. Hockenson had a rough Week 18, but he continues to be peppered with targets, recording five or more in seven straight games.

Sleepers

Tucker Kraft, Packers @ PHI ($3,700 DK, $5,300 FD) Philly is elite against every position and TE is no different. Still, Kraft leads all the Packers in receiving TDs and he ranks second in receptions and receiving yards. With Christian Watson (knee) out for the postseason, Kraft should see a further boost in usage here.

Will Dissly, Chargers @ HOU ($3,400 DK, $5,000 FD) Dissly outsnapped his Chargers TE competition last week. He also was the only TE to catch a pass in that game. Meanwhile, Houston has allowed the fifth-most TE touchdowns this season, including three over their last four games. Both Dissly and Stone Smartt can be cheap punt plays here. 

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 18

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 18 DFS fantasy football.

Players are being rested, and players are splitting roles. Some superstars will play a only few snaps, and others want to play despite nothing to play for. That is the insanity of Week 18. Enjoy the madness and don’t forget to tune in for our playoff DFS coverage over the next few weeks!

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 ($7.0k), RB Kenneth Gainwell ($5.6k), RB Bijan Robinson ($8.5k), WR Brian Thomas Jr. ($7.3k), WR Adam Thielen ($6.2k), WR Jalen McMillan ($5.1k), TE Noah Gray ($3.8k), FLEX Mack Hollins ($3.7k), DST Arizona Cardinals ($2.7k)

FD Lineup: QB Jared Goff ($7.9k), RB Bucky Irving ($7.9k), RB Bijan Robinson ($9.2k), WR Jordan Addison ($7.1k), WR Jameson Williams ($6.5k), WR Jalen McMillan ($6.1k), TE Sam LaPorta ($6.0K), FLEX Blake Corum ($5.5k), DST Arizona Cardinals ($3.7k)

FB Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($6.5k), RB Bijan Robinson ($7.7k), RB Jonathan Taylor ($7.4k), WR Jordan Addison ($6.0k), WR Jameson Williams ($6.3k), WR/TE Jalen McMillan ($4.6k), TE Noah Gray ($3.3k), FLEX Bucky Irving ($6.4k), SUPERFLEX Sam Darnold ($6.4k)

*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 $9,000
Jayden Daniels $7,800 $8,700
Baker Mayfield $7,000 $8,400
Sam Darnold N/A $8,100
Jared Goff N/A $7,900
Bo Nix $6,400 $7,800
Jordan Love $6,100 $7,300
C.J. Stroud $6,000 $7,300
Kyler Murray $6,000 $7,600
Anthony Richardson $5,900 $7,500
Justin Herbert $5,900 $7,700
Bryce Young $5,800 $6,900
Tua Tagovailoa $5,800 $7,400
Drake Maye $5,700 $7,100
Matthew Stafford $5,700 $7,000
Aaron Rodgers $5,600 $7,000
Caleb Williams $5,600 $7,100
Carson Wentz $5,600 $6,700
Geno Smith $5,500 $7,200
Kenny Pickett $5,500 $6,700
Mitchell Trubisky $5,500 $7,000
Joe Flacco $5,400 $7,000
Michael Penix Jr. $5,400 $6,900
Cooper Rush $5,200 $6,800
Jimmy Garoppolo $5,200 $6,300
Mac Jones $5,200 $6,700
Aidan O’Connell $5,100 $6,600
Drew Lock $5,100 $6,600
Mason Rudolph $5,000 $6,500
Tanner McKee $5,000 $6,400
Will Levis $5,000 $6,000
Spencer Rattler $4,800 $6,500
Tyler Huntley $4,800 $6,700
Jacoby Brissett $4,700 $6,000
Trey Lance $4,700 $6,000
Joshua Dobbs $4,000 $6,000

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and Jared Goff are the top players. Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix should play the full game, making them adequate pivots. To save money, consider Justin Herbert and Bryce Young. You also can use whoever starts for Indianapolis, Mac Jones, Michael Penix Jr., or Jimmy Garoppolo as punts.

Fantasy four-pack

Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers vs. NO ($7,000 DK, $8,500 FD) Tampa has everything on the line this week. New Orleans’ pass defense has been in a free fall since trading away Marshon Lattimore. Plus, Mayfield already toasted them once for 325-4. This is certainly in the realm of outcomes for this week. 

Jared Goff, Lions vs. MIN (N/A DK, $7,900 FD) This game may approach 90 combined points, and it is possible that neither punter steps on the field. Over the last four weeks, Goff has thrown for 1,416 yards and 14 TDs. Plus, Minnesota allows the fifth-most passing yards per game.

Sam Darnold, Vikings @ DET (N/A DK, $8,100 FD) In their Week 7 meeting, Darnold threw for only 259-1. Of course, that was before Detroit lost something like 271% of its defense to injury. The Lions will play their backups this week not by choice, but because they are the only players not currently on IR. In what projects as a shootout, the slightly more expensive Darnold will have lower ownership than Goff. 

Jayden Daniels, Commanders @ DAL ($7,800 DK, $8,700 FD) Daniels is on fire posting 17 TDs over his last five games and over 60 rushing yards in four of those contests. This included a three-TD game against the Cowboys. While Washington has already guaranteed itself a spot in the playoffs, the Commanders may want to play Daniels this full game to avoid a first-round matchup with Tampa or Philadelphia. 

Sleepers

Bryce Young, Panthers @ ATL: ($5,800 DK, $6,900 FD) Young’s yardage totals have been meager, but he has multiple TDs in four of his last five games. Meanwhile, only one team has allowed more passing TDs per game than Atlanta. With their running game muted, stack Young with Adam Thielen or Xavier Legette.

Mac Jones, Jaguars @ IND ($5,200 DK, $6,700 FD) We all saw what Drew Lock did to this defense. Well, Mac Jones is basically Drew Lock. Several middling QBs embarrassed Indy this season (Bo Nix, Mason Rudolph, the skeletal remains of Aaron Rodgers, Drake Maye, Tyler Huntley, Justin Fields, Will Levis, and Trevor Lawrence) all have posted reasonable numbers against this defense. Ironically, the only QB the Colts have held out of the end zone this season was Jared Goff.

Running back DraftKings FanDuel
Bijan Robinson $8,500 $9,200
Jahmyr Gibbs N/A $8,800
Jonathan Taylor $8,200 $8,500
Josh Jacobs $8,100 $8,200
Bucky Irving $7,700 $7,900
Kyren Williams $7,600 $8,400
Joe Mixon $7,400 $7,700
Alvin Kamara $7,300 $7,400
De’Von Achane $7,200 $8,000
James Cook $7,000 $8,100
Aaron Jones Sr. N/A $7,300
Zach Charbonnet $6,700 $7,000
Breece Hall $6,500 $7,200
J.K. Dobbins $6,300 $7,500
Tony Pollard $6,200 $6,700
Tyjae Spears $6,100 $6,700
Brian Robinson Jr. $6,000 $6,900
Isaac Guerendo $5,900 $7,000
Rico Dowdle $5,800 $7,100
Tyrone Tracy Jr. $5,800 $6,400
Cam Akers N/A $6,000
Rachaad White $5,700 $5,800
Blake Corum $5,600 $5,500
Kenneth Gainwell $5,600 $5,600
Rhamondre Stevenson $5,500 $6,000
Dameon Pierce $5,400 $5,200
D’Andre Swift $5,400 $6,100
Patrick Taylor Jr. $5,400 $4,900
Alexander Mattison $5,300 $5,500
Antonio Gibson $5,300 $5,600
Kendre Miller $5,300 $5,600
Ray Davis $5,200 $6,200
Travis Etienne Jr. $5,200 $6,100
Ameer Abdullah $5,100 $6,300
Austin Ekeler $5,100 $4,000
Emanuel Wilson $5,100 $5,300
Tank Bigsby $5,100 $5,500
Braelon Allen $5,000 $5,700
Chris Rodriguez Jr. $5,000 $5,300
Raheem Blackshear $5,000 $5,100
Ty Johnson $5,000 $5,900
Javonte Williams $4,900 $5,300
Tyler Allgeier $4,900 $5,700
Devin Singletary $4,800 $5,100
Gus Edwards $4,800 $5,400
Jaleel McLaughlin $4,800 $5,900
Carson Steele $4,700 $4,300
Michael Carter $4,700 $5,800
Raheem Mostert $4,700 $4,900
Audric Estime $4,600 $5,200
Jeremy McNichols $4,600 $5,000
Tyrion Davis-Price $4,600 $4,500
Kimani Vidal $4,500 $5,200
Samaje Perine $4,500 $5,400
Mike Boone $4,400 $5,000
Roschon Johnson $4,400 $4,800
Jamaal Williams $4,300 $5,300
Clyde Edwards-Helaire $4,100 $5,400
Miles Sanders $4,000 $4,000

Running back

Weekly strategy –  Bijan Robinson and Jonathan Taylor are the top-two plays this week. I also like Jahmyr Gibbs on FD, just not as much as the other two. Bucky Irving is the cheaper pivot at RB1. At RB2, consider Brian Robinson Jr., Rico Dowdle, Kenneth Gainwell, Blake Corum, or whoever starts for Tennessee. Samaje Perine, Ray Davis, Ty Johnson, Emanuel Wilson, Michael Carter, Carson Steele, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire will all see playing time boosts because of injuries or players resting. I might use one of them as a punt flex.

Fantasy four-pack

Jonathan Taylor, Colts vs. JAX ($8,200 DK, $8,500 FD) Over the last three weeks, Taylor has led the league in carries, rushing yards, and rushing TDs. Now, he faces a Jacksonville team allowing just under 27 PPR points per game to opposing RBs. Taylor’s value will go up even more if Joe Flacco starts this game.

Bijan Robinson, Falcons vs. CAR ($8,500 DK, $9,200 FD) Carolina is allowing 29.5 PPR points per game to opposing backs. This includes allowing 830 total yards to the position over their last four games. Since Week 13, Robinson has exploded as his RB opportunity share increased from 26% to 33%.

Bucky Irving, Buccaneers vs. NO ($7,700 DK, $7,900 FD) Since Week 10, Irving has scored and/or topped 100 total yards in every game that he has completed. Meanwhile, no team has allowed more RB rushing TDs.

Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions vs. MIN (N/A DK, $8,800 FD) This price is a tad higher than I like, but since David Montgomery‘s injury, Gibbs trails only Jonathan Taylor in total yards and TDs among RBs.

Sleepers

Blake Corum, Rams vs. SEA ($5,600 DK, $5,500 FD) There was a ton of preseason hype over Corum potentially wrestling the starting RB job from Kyren Williams. The team plans to rest Williams this week. Last season at Michigan, Corum finished with 28 total TDs in 15 games.

Ray Davis, Bills @ NE ($5,200 DK, $6,200 FD) With nothing to play for, James Cook will see minimal, if any, snaps this weekend. This means that Davis and Ty Johnson will see an enormous boost in touches against a defense that allows the second-most RB rushing yards and the second-most total RB touchdowns.

Wide Receiver DraftKings FanDuel
Justin Jefferson N/A $9,500
Amon-Ra St. Brown N/A $9,000
Puka Nacua $8,300 $8,800
Mike Evans $8,000 $8,900
Nico Collins $7,800 $8,700
Brian Thomas Jr. $7,300 $8,000
Malik Nabers $7,100 $8,100
Davante Adams $7,000 $7,800
Ladd McConkey $6,900 $7,600
Terry McLaurin $6,800 $7,400
Tyreek Hill $6,700 $7,900
Drake London $6,500 $7,000
Courtland Sutton $6,400 $7,300
Jordan Addison N/A $7,100
Cooper Kupp $6,300 $6,900
Jameson Williams N/A $6,500
Adam Thielen $6,200 $6,400
Jaxon Smith-Njigba $6,100 $7,700
Garrett Wilson $6,000 $6,800
Keenan Allen $6,000 $6,100
DJ Moore $5,900 $6,300
Jauan Jennings $5,800 $6,800
Xavier Worthy $5,800 $6,600
Deebo Samuel Sr. $5,700 $6,700
Jakobi Meyers $5,700 $6,600
DK Metcalf $5,600 $7,200
Jayden Reed $5,600 $6,500
Marvin Harrison Jr. $5,500 $6,700
Romeo Doubs $5,500 $6,000
Calvin Ridley $5,400 $6,200
Jaylen Waddle $5,400 $5,900
Josh Downs $5,300 $6,000
Khalil Shakir $5,300 $6,300
Chris Olave $5,200 $5,800
Michael Pittman Jr. $5,200 $6,200
Darnell Mooney $5,100 $6,200
Jalen McMillan $5,100 $6,100
Alec Pierce $5,000 $5,800
Amari Cooper $5,000 $5,700
DeAndre Hopkins $4,900 $5,900
Rome Odunze $4,900 $5,700
Keon Coleman $4,800 $5,700
Quentin Johnston $4,800 $5,900
Brandin Cooks $4,700 $5,900
Christian Watson $4,700 $5,800
Marvin Mims Jr. $4,600 $5,600
Wan’Dale Robinson $4,600 $5,600
Hollywood Brown $4,500 $6,100
Olamide Zaccheaus $4,500 $5,800
Dontayvion Wicks $4,400 $5,400
Tim Patrick N/A $5,400
Joshua Palmer $4,400 $5,500
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $4,400 $5,300
DeMario Douglas $4,300 $5,100
Jalen Tolbert $4,300 $5,500
Parker Washington $4,300 $5,600
Demarcus Robinson $4,200 $4,800
Kayshon Boutte $4,200 $5,100
Xavier Legette $4,200 $5,000
Jalen Coker $4,100 $4,900
Ray-Ray McCloud III $4,100 $5,400
Ricky Pearsall $4,100 $4,900
John Metchie III $4,000 $5,500
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,000 $5,600
Michael Wilson $4,000 $6,400
David Moore $3,900 $4,600
Devaughn Vele $3,900 $5,200
Malik Washington $3,900 $5,300
Robert Woods $3,800 $5,400
Tre Tucker $3,800 $5,100
Tutu Atwell $3,800 $4,700
Diontae Johnson $3,700 $5,700
JuJu Smith-Schuster $3,700 $5,300
Mack Hollins $3,700 $5,500
Darius Slayton $3,600 $5,000
Dyami Brown $3,600 $4,800
Sterling Shepard $3,600 $5,100
Tyler Lockett $3,600 $5,400
Adonai Mitchell $3,500 $5,000
Allen Lazard $3,500 $4,900
Jahan Dotson $3,500 $4,800
Jamison Crowder $3,500 $5,200
Justin Watson $3,500 $5,200
Bo Melton $3,400 $4,500
Derius Davis $3,400 $4,700
KaVontae Turpin $3,400 $5,000
Tyler Boyd $3,400 $4,800
Greg Dortch $3,300 $4,700
Xavier Hutchinson $3,300 $5,200
Cedrick Wilson Jr. $3,200 $4,900
Kendrick Bourne $3,200 $4,800
Troy Franklin $3,200 $5,000
Curtis Samuel $3,100 $5,300
Jonathan Mingo $3,100 $4,700
Kevin Austin Jr. $3,100 $4,800
Luke McCaffrey $3,100 $4,600
Alex Erickson $3,000 $4,000
Britain Covey $3,000 $4,000
Dante Pettis $3,000 $4,700
Devin Duvernay $3,000 $4,600
Johnny Wilson $3,000 $4,900
Josh Reynolds $3,000 $4,700
KhaDarel Hodge $3,000 $4,300

Wide receiver

Weekly strategy – Justin Jefferson and Amon-Ra St. Brown are both available only on FD. In a shootout, they are both dynamic plays, but their price tags will be hard to swallow. DK users will want to target Mike Evans and Brian Thomas Jr. as their top options. Ladd McConkey (toe), Terry McLaurin, Drake London, and Courtland Sutton are the top WR1 pivots. On FD, if you don’t use Jefferson or St. Brown, you must use at least one of Jameson Williams or Jordan Addison. Adam Thielen and Keenan Allen are my favorite WR2 options. The easy pivots are Michael Pittman Jr., Darnell Mooney, and Calvin Ridley. You must use Jalen McMillan at WR3, regardless of whether you play Evans. Punts to consider include: Olamide Zaccheaus, Marvin Mims Jr., Jalen Tolbert, Xavier Legette, and whoever starts for Kansas City, Buffalo, and the Rams.

Fantasy four-pack

Justin Jefferson, Vikings @ DET (N/A DK, $9,500 FD) As mentioned above, injuries have decimated the Lions defense. Stopping Jefferson is tough with elite DBs. Against backups, he will smash. In nine career games versus Detroit, Jefferson is averaging 7.6-128 with four TDs.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions vs. MIN (N/A DK, $9,000 FD) St. Brown has been equally dominant against the Vikings in his career averaging 8-93 with four TDs. Plus, he has never posted fewer than six receptions against Minnesota. Both receivers should top the 25-point plateau this week.

Mike Evans, Buccaneers vs. NO ($8,000 DK, $8,900 FD) New Orleans has allowed the fifth-most receiving yards to WRs. Over their last nine games, they are allowing an average of 19.3 PPR points to opposing WR1s. With his 1,000-yard streak on the line in a win-and-in game, Evans is a lock for 7-110-1. 

Brian Thomas Jr., Jaguars @ IND ($7,300 DK, $8,000 FD) If you watched the Giants and Colts play last week, I’m sorry for your lot in life. Nevertheless, you saw Malik Nabers go ham against this secondary. That was the third consecutive game where an opposing WR1 scored against them. A repeat of Thomas’ Week 5 performance of 5-122-1 seems probable.

Sleepers

Jalen McMillan, Buccaneers vs. NO ($5,100 DK, $6,100 FD) Three weeks in a row and the sites still refuse to jack up McMillan’s price. Fine with me. I’ll just keep trotting him out there and counting the Benjamins rolling back in. Nine times this season, the Saints have allowed a secondary receiver to reach double-digit PPR points. With six scores in his last four games, this is a formality.

Olamide Zaccheaus, Commanders @ DAL ($4,500 DK, $5,800 FD) Zaccheaus has posted 13-155-3 on 17 targets over the last two games. If Dyami Brown (hamstring) remains out, expect similar production against a Dallas defense that has allowed the fourth-most WR receiving yards and the most WR receiving TDs over the last four weeks.

Tight End DraftKings FanDuel
Brock Bowers $6,600 $7,300
Trey McBride $6,500 $7,400
George Kittle $6,000 $7,600
Jonnu Smith $5,800 $6,300
Sam LaPorta N/A $6,000
T.J. Hockenson N/A $5,900
Hunter Henry $4,300 $5,200
Cade Otton $4,200 $5,200
Dalton Kincaid $4,100 $5,700
Kyle Pitts $4,000 $5,300
Zach Ertz $4,000 $5,400
Dalton Schultz $3,900 $5,600
Jake Ferguson $3,900 $5,200
Chig Okonkwo $3,800 $5,400
Noah Gray $3,800 $5,500
Noah Fant $3,700 $4,900
Tucker Kraft $3,700 $5,100
Juwan Johnson $3,600 $5,300
Will Dissly $3,600 $5,000
Brenton Strange $3,500 $5,000
Cole Kmet $3,500 $5,100
Tyler Conklin $3,400 $4,900
Tyler Higbee $3,400 $4,800
Austin Hooper $3,300 $4,800
Dawson Knox $3,300 $5,000
Foster Moreau $3,200 $5,200
Payne Durham $3,200 $4,900
Grant Calcaterra $3,100 $4,800
Stone Smartt $3,100 $4,900
AJ Barner $3,000 $4,700
Tommy Tremble $2,900 $4,700
Devin Culp $2,800 $4,300
Adam Trautman $2,700 $4,600
Ja’Tavion Sanders $2,600 $4,600
Lucas Krull $2,600 $4,600
Michael Mayer $2,600 $4,500
Irv Smith Jr. $2,500 $4,300

Tight end

Weekly strategy – The TE position feels weak up top this week. Brock Bowers has a rough matchup, and Trey McBride and George Kittle (ankle/hamstring) get a tough matchup against each other. Plus, Jonnu Smith potentially has QB issues to deal with. If you are playing on FD, T.J. Hockenson or Sam LaPorta. Otherwise, go on the cheap with Tucker Kraft,  Noah Gray, Juwan Johnson, Jake Ferguson, or Zach Ertz. There are several potential punts including: Grant Calcaterra, Stone Smartt, Foster Moreau, Adam Trautman, and Dawson Knox. 

Fantasy four-pack

Sam LaPorta, Lions vs. MIN (N/A DK, $6,000 FD) Since Week 6, LaPorta trails only Mark Andrews in TE touchdowns. This includes scoring four over the last five games. The Vikings held him in check in their earlier meeting, but I cannot expect a repeat of that here.

Trey McBride, Cardinals vs. SF ($6,500 DK, $7,400 FD) Hell has frozen over. McBride finally score his TD. Since Week 12, he has had 16 more targets and 15 more receptions than the next closest TE. This has propelled him into second place for the season in every relevant TE category except TDs.

Jonnu Smith, Dolphins @ NYJ ($5,800 DK, $6,300 FD) QB issues circle this game, but Smith has scored in six of his last seven games making him at worst a TD-dependent play. Jaylen Waddle (knee) may return this week. This could affect Smith’s volume. Still, he has a safe floor.

T.J. Hockenson, Vikings @ DET (N/A DK, $5,900 FD) It is all hands on deck in this game. Hockenson missed the earlier game because of an injury suffered due to a dirty hit by this defense last season. Chalk this up as a double-revenge game for the former Lion.

Sleepers

Zach Ertz, Commanders @ DAL ($4,000 DK, $5,400 FD) Ertz’s yardage and reception totals have been meager, but he has scored five times in the last six games (including once against Dallas). The Commanders are playing this game hoping for a better seed in the postseason, so expect them to go full go all game.

Noah Gray, Chiefs @ DEN ($3,800 DK, $5,500 FD) With Travis Kelce (rest) and other Chiefs starters resting expect Gray to be one of the top options in the passing game this week. Denver leans as a TE-funnel defense, so anticipate a gigantic game here as long as Carson Wentz is serviceable.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 17

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 17 DFS fantasy football.

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.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 16

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 16 DFS fantasy football.

Did you get Cooper’ed last week? Whether it was Amari or Kupp, looking at that goose egg in the live scoring box is disheartening. It’s even more gut-wrenching when you know that if that zero had just produced his weekly average, you would have gone from a minimal profit to a four-figure payday. For me, it was the Grinch, Amari, who put the coal down my stocking. So, unfortunately, my wallet did not grow three sizes last week.

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 Aaron Rodgers ($5.6k), RB Jahmyr Gibbs ($7.5k), RB Jerome Ford ($5.6k), WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba ($6.0k), WR Davante Adams ($7.1k), WR Keenan Allen ($5.3k), TE Brenton Strange ($3.5k), FLEX Chuba Hubbard ($6.8k), DST Tennessee Titans ($2.6k)

FD Lineup: QB Cooper Rush ($7.0k), RB Chuba Hubbard ($7.1k), RB Jahmyr Gibbs ($8.3k), WR CeeDee Lamb ($8.5k), WR Keenan Allen ($6.2k), WR Jalen McMillan ($5.8k), TE Brenton Strange ($5.2K), FLEX Bucky Irving ($7.8k), DST Atlanta Falcons ($4.0k)

FB Lineup: QB Aaron Rodgers ($5.6k), RB Jahmyr Gibbs ($7.3k), RB Chuba Hubbard ($5.9k), WR Davante Adams ($6.7k), WR CeeDee Lamb ($7.1k), WR/TE Mike Evans ($7.0k), TE Hunter Henry ($3.9k), FLEX Bucky Irving ($5.9k), SUPERFLEX Cooper Rush ($5.3k)

*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 $8,700 $9,400
Jalen Hurts $7,800 $8,600
Joe Burrow $7,500 $8,300
Jayden Daniels $7,300 $8,200
Baker Mayfield N/A $8,100
Jared Goff $6,800 $7,800
Sam Darnold $6,500 $7,700
Brock Purdy $6,300 $7,500
Kyler Murray $6,100 $8,000
Tua Tagovailoa $6,000 $7,600
Matthew Stafford $5,900 $7,100
Cooper Rush N/A $7,000
Drake Maye $5,800 $6,800
Geno Smith $5,700 $7,300
Aaron Rodgers $5,600 $7,300
Caleb Williams $5,500 $7,200
Anthony Richardson $5,400 $7,400
Bryce Young $5,300 $6,700
Mac Jones $5,200 $6,800
Sam Howell $5,200 $6,600
Aidan O’Connell $5,100 $6,900
Desmond Ridder $5,100 $6,900
Mason Rudolph $5,000 $6,500
Drew Lock $4,900 $6,400
Dorian Thompson-Robinson $4,800 $6,000
Michael Penix Jr. $4,500 $6,000

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – With many teams making QB changes this week, there are several cheap options to choose from. Unfortunately, you get what you pay for. Mac Jones and Aidan O’Connell are the only cheap QBs to trust. Still, this is the week to use one of the proven options. Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Baker Mayfield (hamstring) are the top choices. Sam Darnold, Cooper Rush, and my favorite option of the week, Aaron Rodgers, are the pivots. Just use one of those six and don’t get too cute here.

Fantasy four-pack

Josh Allen, Bills vs. NE ($8,700 DK, $9,400 FD) New England shut out Arizona last week, but before that they allowed 11 total QB scores over their prior three games. Meanwhile, Allen has 13 total TDs over his last three games.

Joe Burrow, Bengals vs. CLE ($7,500 DK, $8,300 FD): Burrow has three or more touchdowns in six straight games, giving him eight such games out of 14 to start the season. Cleveland will not slow down this train; expect at least three TDs once again. 

Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers @ DAL (N/A DK, $8,100 FD) Dallas has allowed the third-most total TDs to the QB position. They have especially struggled with QBs who can run. Mayfield (hamstring) isn’t exactly Michael Vick, but he has three rushing TDs and averages 19 rushing yards per game. Plus, he has seven passing scores over his last two games. Stack him with Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan.

Jalen Hurts, Eagles @ WAS ($7,800 DK, $8,600 FD) Washington held Hurts in check back in Week 11. Of course, that came at the altar of Saquon Barkley, posting nearly 200 total yards and two scores. That also was one of only three games in which Hurts did not have multiple TDs. He’ll get back on track here, with two total scores being his floor.

Sleepers

Aaron Rodgers, Jets vs. LAR ($5,600 DK, $7,300 FD) Over the last four weeks, only four teams have allowed more total TDs to the position. Quietly Rodgers has moved into the top seven in passing TDs. I expect another pair of scores here.

Mac Jones, Jaguars @ LV ($5,200 DK, $6,800 FD) Jones has a couple more games to end this season as an audition for the second act of his career. Over the last three weeks, he has posted a pair of two-TD games. Meanwhile, five of the last seven QBs to face Vegas have scored at least twice.

Running back DraftKings FanDuel
Saquon Barkley $8,300 $9,100
Bijan Robinson $8,100 $8,900
Chase Brown $7,700 $8,200
Jahmyr Gibbs $7,500 $8,300
De’Von Achane $7,400 $8,000
Kyren Williams $7,200 $8,500
James Conner $7,100 $8,400
James Cook $7,000 $8,700
Bucky Irving N/A $7,800
Jonathan Taylor $6,900 $7,700
Rico Dowdle N/A $7,300
Chuba Hubbard $6,800 $7,100
Isaac Guerendo $6,700 $7,700
Tony Pollard $6,600 $7,200
Aaron Jones Sr. $6,400 $7,500
Kenneth Walker III $6,300 $7,000
Rachaad White N/A $7,000
Brian Robinson Jr. $6,200 $6,800
Breece Hall $6,100 $8,100
Zach Charbonnet $6,000 $6,900
Rhamondre Stevenson $5,900 $6,500
Travis Etienne Jr. $5,800 $6,300
D’Andre Swift $5,600 $6,200
Jerome Ford $5,600 $6,800
Tyler Allgeier $5,500 $5,700
Tyrone Tracy Jr. $5,500 $6,400
Cam Akers $5,400 $5,500
Antonio Gibson $5,300 $5,000
Tank Bigsby $5,300 $6,100
Ezekiel Elliott N/A $4,900
Patrick Taylor Jr. $5,200 $4,800
Ty Johnson $5,200 $5,500
Alexander Mattison $5,100 $5,600
Braelon Allen $5,100 $5,500
Isaiah Davis $5,000 $5,100
Travis Homer $5,000 $4,800
Raheem Mostert $4,900 $4,900
Tyjae Spears $4,900 $5,900
Kenneth Gainwell $4,800 $5,000
Roschon Johnson $4,800 $5,200
Ray Davis $4,700 $5,200
Trey Benson $4,600 $5,100
Devin Singletary $4,500 $5,400
Khalil Herbert $4,500 $5,000
Pierre Strong Jr. $4,400 $4,700
Jeremy McNichols $4,300 $5,300
Jaylen Wright $4,100 $4,700

Running back

Weekly strategy – Do you trust Jahmyr Gibbs to handle a full workload? I do. At this price, I cannot imagine not playing him. If I do pivot, it will be with Chase Brown or Bijan Robinson. James Conner and Bucky Irving are the other two players I can see playing there. At RB2, use one of Rico Dowdle or Chuba Hubbard. There are three potential punt plays Jerome Ford, Patrick Taylor Jr., and Alexander Mattison.

Fantasy four-pack

Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions @ CHI ($7,500 DK, $8,300 FD) Over the last four weeks, Chicago has allowed a league-worst six total TDs to the RB position. Plus, the Bears are allowing 169 combo yards per game over that stretch. Gibbs and David Montgomery (knee) were splitting just under 35 combined PPR points per game. If Gibbs gets even three-fourths of that, he will be golden. 

Bijan Robinson, Falcons vs. NYG ($8,100 DK, $8,900 FD) Obviously, all the eyes will be on Michael Penix Jr. He proved an elite passer in college, and New York is talent-challenged, so he may find success here. Robinson will be a large part of that passing game. Over their last four games, the Giants are third-worst in RB receptions and receiving yards allowed.

Chase Brown, Bengals vs. CLE ($7,700 DK, $8,200 FD) Only six teams have allowed more rushing TDs to opposing RBs. Meanwhile, Brown has now scored at least once in six of his last seven games (coinciding with Zack Moss‘ season-ending injury). In the other game, he finished with 143 total yards. 

Saquon Barkley, Eagles @ WAS ($8,300 DK, $9,100 FD) As mentioned above, Barkley (knee) went berserk against Washington back in Week 11. He has come back to Earth since the return of DeVonta Smith, but it is still hard to not play him here. Barkley has scored at least once in each of his last five games versus Washington.

Sleepers

Chuba Hubbard, Panthers vs. ARI ($6,800 DK, $7,100 FD) Hubbard posted his third dud in his last four games. I’m shocked, as the injury to Jonathon Brooks (knee) should’ve reopened the door to his early season success. Arizona has struggled all season with pass-catching RBs and Hubbard ranks 10th in RB receptions this year.

Jerome Ford, Browns @ CIN ($5,600 DK, $6,800 FD) In Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s few career appearances, the rushing game has been pathetic. Of course, half of those games came against elite rushing defenses. Nick Chubb (foot) scored in the earlier meeting against Cincy (during which DTR played), but the entire RB room combined for only 52 total yards. Still, Cincy has been struggling against the position recently, allowing six total scores over their last four games.

Wide Receiver DraftKings FanDuel
Ja’Marr Chase $8,500 $9,500
Justin Jefferson $8,200 $9,000
Puka Nacua $8,000 $8,900
Mike Evans N/A $8,800
Amon-Ra St. Brown $7,900 $8,600
A.J. Brown $7,800 $8,700
CeeDee Lamb N/A $8,500
Terry McLaurin $7,300 $8,000
Davante Adams $7,100 $8,400
Tyreek Hill $6,900 $7,700
Tee Higgins $6,800 $7,800
Jerry Jeudy $6,700 $7,200
Garrett Wilson $6,600 $7,100
Cooper Kupp $6,500 $8,300
Drake London $6,400 $7,400
Brian Thomas Jr. $6,300 $7,300
Jordan Addison $6,200 $6,900
Malik Nabers $6,100 $8,200
Jaxon Smith-Njigba $6,000 $7,900
Jauan Jennings $5,900 $7,000
Khalil Shakir $5,900 $6,600
DeVonta Smith $5,800 $7,600
Jakobi Meyers $5,800 $6,700
Calvin Ridley $5,700 $5,900
DJ Moore $5,700 $6,300
Adam Thielen $5,600 $6,200
Jaylen Waddle $5,600 $6,000
DK Metcalf $5,500 $7,500
Jameson Williams $5,500 $6,100
Darnell Mooney $5,400 $6,400
Marvin Harrison Jr. $5,400 $6,800
Keenan Allen $5,300 $6,200
Jalen McMillan N/A $5,800
Brandin Cooks N/A $5,700
Amari Cooper $5,200 $5,600
Deebo Samuel Sr. $5,200 $6,500
Rome Odunze $5,100 $5,900
Michael Pittman Jr. $5,000 $6,100
Sterling Shepard N/A $5,200
Cedric Tillman $4,900 $5,100
Josh Downs $4,900 $6,000
Alec Pierce $4,800 $5,400
Elijah Moore $4,800 $5,500
Keon Coleman $4,700 $5,300
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $4,700 $5,400
Ray-Ray McCloud III $4,500 $5,700
Tim Patrick $4,500 $5,500
DeMario Douglas $4,400 $4,900
Jalen Tolbert N/A $4,900
Parker Washington $4,300 $5,600
Jalen Coker $4,200 $5,200
Michael Wilson $4,200 $5,000
Wan’Dale Robinson $4,100 $5,100
Allen Lazard $4,000 $4,900
Demarcus Robinson $4,000 $5,000
Tre Tucker $3,900 $4,900
Tyler Lockett $3,900 $5,300
Adonai Mitchell $3,800 $4,900
Darius Slayton $3,800 $4,800
KaVontae Turpin N/A $4,800
Malik Washington $3,700 $4,700
Tyler Boyd $3,700 $4,800
Andrei Iosivas $3,600 $5,100
David Moore $3,600 $4,800
Mack Hollins $3,600 $5,200
Kayshon Boutte $3,500 $4,700
Olamide Zaccheaus $3,500 $4,700
Tutu Atwell $3,500 $4,700
Dyami Brown $3,400 $4,900
Kendrick Bourne $3,400 $4,800
Jahan Dotson $3,300 $4,600
Jalen Nailor $3,300 $4,900
Josh Reynolds $3,300 $4,500
Greg Dortch $3,200 $4,900
Michael Woods II $3,200 $4,500
Curtis Samuel $3,100 $4,800
Devin Duvernay $3,100 $4,800
Jamison Crowder $3,000 $4,600

Wide receiver

Weekly strategy – Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson are the top pair. Unfortunately, they are both priced outside my planned spending range. I feel more comfortable targeting second-tier guys like Davante Adams, Mike Evans, and CeeDee Lamb. At WR2, I am choosing between Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Malik Nabers, Khalil Shakir, and Brian Thomas Jr. Continue riding the recent success of Adam Thielen and Keenan Allen at WR3. Tim Patrick and Jalen McMillan are the two punts that should outproduce their price point. 

Fantasy four-pack

Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals vs. CLE ($8,500 DK, $9,500 FD) Chase is on pace for the WR Triple Crown. Even if you throw out his two Week 1 and Week 2 duds, Chase has more receiving yards and receiving TDs than any other WR. Cleveland held Chase to only 5-55-1 in their earlier meeting. He should approach double that here.

Justin Jefferson, Vikings @ SEA ($8,200 DK, $9,000 FD) After a string of six straight scoreless outings, Jefferson has hauled in three TDs, over his last two games. Seattle has allowed the eighth-most WR-receiving TDs, so Jefferson should keep his scoring run going here.

CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys vs. TB (N/A DK, $8,500 FD) Even with a pair of partial games (because of injury) in the mix, Lamb (shoulder) has the most WR targets since Week 6. During this stretch, he has six or more receptions in all but one game. 

Mike Evans, Buccaneers @ DAL (N/A DK, $8,800 FD) This game should be a shootout. Vegas has it tied for the highest combined total. Over the last four weeks, Dallas has allowed the second-most WR receptions and receiving yards. Since returning from his injury, Evans is averaging 6.5-104 with three TDs.

Sleepers

Keenan Allen, Bears vs. DET ($5,300 DK, $6,200 FD) Allen has four TDs in his last four games while serving as the primary red-zone target for Chicago. This stretch includes a Week 13 meeting with Detroit during which Allen finished with 5-73-2. 

Adam Thielen, Panthers vs. ARI ($5,600 DK, $6,200 FD) Since his return in Week 12, Thielen is top-14 in both WR receptions and receiving yards while averaging 6-77. Expect a similar line here, plus a TD.

Tight End DraftKings FanDuel
Brock Bowers $6,500 $7,700
Trey McBride $6,200 $7,500
George Kittle $6,000 $7,600
Jonnu Smith $5,500 $7,000
David Njoku $5,200 $6,500
T.J. Hockenson $4,800 $5,800
Sam LaPorta $4,700 $6,000
Dalton Kincaid $4,600 $5,600
Cade Otton N/A $5,400
Jake Ferguson N/A $5,300
Hunter Henry $4,100 $5,000
Kyle Pitts $4,000 $5,300
Zach Ertz $3,800 $5,200
Cole Kmet $3,700 $5,200
Noah Fant $3,600 $5,000
Brenton Strange $3,500 $5,200
Chig Okonkwo $3,400 $5,100
Grant Calcaterra $3,400 $4,800
Dawson Knox $3,300 $4,900
Mike Gesicki $3,300 $5,000
Jordan Akins $3,200 $5,100
Tyler Higbee $3,200 $4,000
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 – As usual, Brock Bowers, George Kittle, and Trey McBride are the best options. T.J. Hockenson is the top pivot. I also like David Njoku (hamstring) if he plays, but I am concerned about the QB situation and his various maladies. Hunter Henry also plays here at a discount price. Brenton Strange‘s (shoulder) participation was limited early in the week, but if he plays it will be hard to avoid him.

Fantasy four-pack

Trey McBride, Cardinals @ CAR ($6,200 DK, $7,500 FD) Kyler Murray has promised that he will get McBride a receiving TD. We’ve heard that one before. Still, if it’s gonna happen, this is the week. Carolina has given up the most TE touchdowns.

Brock Bowers, Raiders vs. JAX ($6,500 DK, $7,700 FD) The return of Aidan O’Connell returns my trust in Bowers. Jacksonville has allowed the third-most TE scores this season, and they have struggled with EVERY legitimate TE that they have faced this year. 

George Kittle, 49ers @ MIA ($6,000 DK, $7,600 FD) Miami had been steady against TEs most of the season. Unfortunately, over their last four games, things have gone pear-shaped. They are averaging 8-85.5-0.5 over that stretch. Kittle has been very reliable this year scoring and/or topping 60 receiving yards in 10/12 games played.

T.J. Hockenson, Vikings @ SEA ($4,800 DK, $5,800 FD) Over the last four weeks, Seattle has allowed the most TE receptions and the third-most TE receiving yards. Hockenson’s stats have been just aight since his return, but his best numbers have come in the easiest matchups. This certainly qualifies as one of those.

Sleepers

Brenton Strange, Jaguars @ LV ($3,500 DK, $5,200 FD) Strange (shoulder) is currently dealing with an AC joint sprain. The timing stinks since he has been solid while filling in for Evan Engram (shoulder). Still, early reports have him playing this weekend. This is great news since Vegas is bottom-four in every significant statistical category against TEs.

Hunter Henry, Patriots @ BUF ($4,100 DK, $5,000 FD) Since Week 7, Henry has been top-seven in TE targets, receptions, and receiving yards. Unfortunately, he has failed to score over that stretch. His odds will improve this week if Buffalo remains without three of their starting DBs who missed last week.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 15

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 15 DFS fantasy football.

If you have made it into your full-season fantasy playoffs, congratulations! Better luck next year if you find yourself on the outside looking in. Regardless of your lot in life there, the DFS slates are here for everyone. This week is notorious for both the expanded player pool to choose from thanks to no byes and the expanded player pool of competitors buying in to scratch the itch of their regular fantasy season being Kaput. With more competition, enter your lineups early and often before the contests fill up.

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 Tua Tagovailoa ($6.1k), RB Chase Brown ($7.2k), RB Rico Dowdle ($6.1k), WR Tyreek Hill ($7.4k), WR Davante Adams ($6.9k), WR Devaughn Vele ($4.2k), TE Stone Smartt ($2.6k), FLEX Chuba Hubbard ($6.5k), DST New York Jets ($3.0k)

FD Lineup: QB Aaron Rodgers ($7.1k), RB Chuba Hubbard ($7.5k), RB Rico Dowdle ($7.1k), WR Tyreek Hill ($8.7k), WR Davante Adams ($7.9k), WR DeAndre Hopkins ($6.5k), TE Stone Smartt ($4.5K), FLEX Zach Charbonnet ($6.7k), DST Cincinnati Bengals ($4.0k)

FB Lineup: QB Joe Burrow ($7.0k), RB Brian Robinson Jr. ($6.1k), RB Chuba Hubbard ($6.0k), WR Ja’Marr Chase ($8.1k), WR Tyreek Hill ($7.2k), WR/TE Davante Adams ($6.5k), TE Stone Smartt ($3.0k), FLEX Rico Dowdle ($5.8k), SUPERFLEX Aaron Rodgers ($5.3k)

*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 $9,500
Lamar Jackson $8,300 $9,000
Jalen Hurts $8,000 $8,500
Jayden Daniels $7,500 $8,700
Joe Burrow $7,300 $8,600
Patrick Mahomes $6,700 $7,900
Jared Goff $6,500 $8,000
Baker Mayfield $6,400 $7,700
Bo Nix $6,300 $7,600
C.J. Stroud $6,200 $7,400
Jordan Love N/A $7,400
Tua Tagovailoa $6,100 $8,300
Kyler Murray $6,000 $7,800
Justin Herbert $5,900 $7,500
Anthony Richardson $5,800 $7,500
Russell Wilson $5,700 $7,300
Geno Smith N/A $7,200
Drake Maye $5,600 $6,900
Jameis Winston $5,500 $7,000
Aaron Rodgers $5,400 $7,100
Bryce Young $5,300 $6,800
Cooper Rush $5,200 $6,800
Jake Haener $5,100 $6,700
Will Levis $5,000 $6,600
Mac Jones $4,900 $6,500
Spencer Rattler $4,600 $6,000
Tommy DeVito $4,400 $6,200

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson are the top two options. Josh Allen is in play, but don’t expect anywhere near last week’s numbers. Fortunately, there also are three cheaper plays that I like just as much as those three. Tua Tagovailoa is my favorite play of the week. Kyler Murray and Justin Herbert (leg/ankle) also have great matchups. Aaron Rodgers, Bryce Young, Will Levis, and Cooper Rush are all punt options.

Fantasy four-pack

Joe Burrow, Bengals @ TEN ($7,300 DK, $8,600 FD) On the season, Tennessee has allowed the fewest passing yards. That said, they have given up 37% of their season-long total over the last four weeks. Over his last five games, Burrow has 18 passing TDs.

Lamar Jackson, Ravens @ NYG ($8,300 DK, $9,000 FD) The Giants have allowed the fifth-most QB rushing touchdowns. They also have allowed eight QBs to run for 20 yards or more and three to top 40 rushing yards. Meanwhile, Jackson is averaging over six YPC, while also passing for the second-most TDs.

Josh Allen, Bills @ DET ($8,500 DK, $9,500 FD) Detroit ranks seventh-worst in rushing yards allowed to QBs and Allen has 50-plus rushing yards in three of his last four games. It won’t be the ceiling game of last week, but Allen will still find his way to three total scores.

Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins @ HOU ($6,100 DK, $8,300 FD) No team has allowed more passing TDs than Houston. The struggle will continue this week as Tua is riding a four-game smoldering streak where he is averaging 325 passing yards and 2.8 TD/game. Stack him with either of his top WRs and/or Jonnu Smith.

Sleepers

Aaron Rodgers, Jets @ JAX ($5,400 DK, $7,100 FD) Despite playing through a maligned season, Rodgers is still top-10 in passing TDs. It helps that he has two elite WRs. Only two teams have given up more passing TDs, and only one team has surrendered more passing yards than Jacksonville. So, the old man should have one of his best games of the year.

Cooper Rush, Cowboys @ CAR ($5,200 DK, $6,800 FD) Since Week 11, Rush is ninth in passing yards and 10th in passing TDs. Carolina has allowed a league-worst 29.8 points per game and Dallas is second-worst at 28.2 points per game. This game could be a sneaky points fest.

Running back DraftKings FanDuel
Saquon Barkley $8,600 $9,300
Derrick Henry $8,300 $9,200
De’Von Achane $7,900 $8,600
Joe Mixon $7,800 $9,000
Alvin Kamara $7,700 $8,800
Josh Jacobs N/A $8,200
Jahmyr Gibbs $7,500 $8,000
Chase Brown $7,200 $8,100
David Montgomery $7,000 $7,700
Kenneth Walker III N/A $7,700
Jonathan Taylor $6,900 $7,800
James Cook $6,800 $8,300
Tony Pollard $6,700 $7,600
James Conner $6,600 $7,900
Chuba Hubbard $6,500 $7,500
Breece Hall $6,400 $8,500
Bucky Irving $5,800 $7,400
Brian Robinson Jr. $6,200 $7,300
Rico Dowdle $6,100 $7,100
Isiah Pacheco $6,000 $7,000
Najee Harris $5,900 $6,900
Zach Charbonnet N/A $6,700
Rhamondre Stevenson $5,900 $6,600
Rachaad White $5,800 $7,200
Tyrone Tracy Jr. $5,700 $6,500
Travis Etienne Jr. $5,600 $6,200
Nick Chubb $5,500 $6,300
Braelon Allen $5,400 $6,400
Jaylen Warren $5,400 $5,800
Gus Edwards $5,300 $6,000
Jeremy McNichols $5,300 $5,400
Javonte Williams $5,200 $5,900
Khalil Herbert $4,800 $5,500
Ezekiel Elliott $5,100 $5,300
Tank Bigsby $5,100 $5,700
Isaiah Davis $5,000 $5,500
Kareem Hunt $5,000 $6,100
Antonio Gibson $4,900 $5,200
Jerome Ford $4,900 $5,500
Raheem Mostert $4,900 $5,000
Justice Hill $4,800 $5,600
Kimani Vidal $4,800 $5,200
Devin Singletary $4,700 $5,300
Jaleel McLaughlin $4,700 $5,000
Ray Davis $4,700 $5,300
Emanuel Wilson N/A $5,100
Kenneth Gainwell $4,600 $4,900
Trey Benson $4,600 $5,000
Audric Estime $4,500 $5,500
Kendre Miller $4,500 $4,900
Jaylen Wright $4,400 $4,800
Ty Johnson $4,400 $5,200
Dameon Pierce $4,700 $5,000
Tyjae Spears $4,300 $5,400
Chris Brooks N/A $4,700
Kenny McIntosh N/A $4,700
Cordarrelle Patterson $4,000 $4,200

Running back

Weekly strategy – Derrick Henry and Joe Mixon are the only two expensive backs I like this week. That said, I’d rather save here and spend big at WR. Chuba Hubbard, Rico Dowdle, and Brian Robinson Jr. will fill most of my lineups. You also can use whoever starts for Tampa Bay or Rhamondre Stevenson. If Breece Hall (knee) remains out, Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis would have some value as punt plays. Jaleel McLaughlin and Kimani Vidal fit that role as well.

Fantasy four-pack

Derrick Henry, Ravens @ NYG ($8,300 DK, $9,200 FD) The Giants are allowing 4.9 YPC and the fourth-most 141.7 rushing yards per game. Let’s see them try to stop Henry, who is averaging just under six YPC. 

Joe Mixon, Texans vs. MIA ($7,800 DK, $9,000 FD) Over the last four weeks, the Dolphins have allowed the third-most RB receptions and the second-most RB receiving yards. Mixon is on fire right now, scoring 11 times in his last eight games.

Chuba Hubbard, Panthers vs. DAL ($6,500 DK, $7,500 FD) Jonathon Brooks (ACL) retore his ACL, leaving this backfield entirely in the hands of Hubbard. Since Week 3, Chuba has scored and/or topped 100 total yards in nine of 11 games. Dallas is giving up the third-most 141.9 rushing yards per game. All of that will go to Hubbard.

Josh Jacobs, Packers @ SEA (N/A DK, $8,200 FD) Seattle allows 145 combo yards per game to opposing RBs. Meanwhile, Jacobs has been getting fed at the stripe, scoring eight times in his last four games.

Sleepers

Rico Dowdle, Cowboys @ CAR ($6,100 DK, $7,100 FD) Over the last three games, Dowdle is averaging 121 combo yards per game. Carolina is dead last against the run. They have given up 210 more total yards to opposing RBs than the next-worst team. They also have allowed the most total TDs to the position. 

Brian Robinson Jr., Commanders @ NO ($6,200 DK, $7,300 FD) Robinson has been up and down all season, but he has scored a TD in seven of the 10 games that he has played. Only the Panthers have allowed more RB rushing TDs, so another score is definitely in play.

Wide Receiver DraftKings FanDuel
Ja’Marr Chase $8,400 $9,400
Nico Collins $8,100 $9,200
A.J. Brown $8,000 $8,600
Amon-Ra St. Brown $7,600 $8,500
Tyreek Hill $7,400 $8,700
CeeDee Lamb $7,300 $8,400
Terry McLaurin $7,200 $8,200
Mike Evans $7,100 $8,300
Jaxon Smith-Njigba N/A $8,100
Davante Adams $6,900 $7,900
Tee Higgins $6,800 $7,800
DK Metcalf N/A $7,600
Courtland Sutton $6,600 $7,200
Garrett Wilson $6,500 $7,400
Malik Nabers $6,400 $8,000
Ladd McConkey $6,300 $7,100
Jerry Jeudy $6,200 $6,900
Khalil Shakir $6,100 $7,000
Zay Flowers $6,000 $7,300
Jayden Reed N/A $6,700
Christian Watson N/A $6,200
Calvin Ridley $5,900 $6,000
Brian Thomas Jr. $5,800 $6,800
Jaylen Waddle $5,500 $6,200
Jameson Williams $5,600 $6,400
DeVonta Smith $5,500 $7,700
Marvin Harrison Jr. $5,500 $6,600
Adam Thielen $5,400 $6,100
Tank Dell $5,400 $6,100
Amari Cooper $5,300 $5,900
DeAndre Hopkins $5,300 $6,500
Josh Downs $5,200 $6,300
Xavier Worthy $5,100 $6,000
Tyler Lockett N/A $5,500
Romeo Doubs N/A $5,400
Dontayvion Wicks N/A $5,200
Elijah Moore $5,000 $4,700
Quentin Johnston $5,000 $5,900
Cedric Tillman $4,900 $5,700
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $4,900 $5,800
Alec Pierce $4,800 $5,900
Keon Coleman $4,800 $5,400
Brandin Cooks $4,700 $5,700
Xavier Legette $4,700 $5,500
Joshua Palmer $4,600 $5,500
Wan’Dale Robinson $4,600 $5,400
DeMario Douglas $4,500 $5,300
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,500 $5,700
Michael Wilson $4,400 $5,400
Rashod Bateman $4,400 $5,800
Allen Lazard $4,300 $5,000
Tim Patrick $4,300 $5,300
Devaughn Vele $4,200 $5,400
Diontae Johnson $4,200 $4,500
Noah Brown $4,200 $5,200
Darius Slayton $4,100 $5,100
Parker Washington $4,100 $5,500
Adonai Mitchell $4,000 $5,100
Marvin Mims Jr. $4,000 $5,300
Sterling Shepard $4,000 $5,800
David Moore $3,900 $5,200
Jalen Tolbert $3,900 $5,200
Andrei Iosivas $3,800 $5,600
Mack Hollins $3,800 $5,600
Mike Williams $3,800 $5,300
Jalen Coker $3,700 $4,900
Jalen McMillan $3,700 $5,500
JuJu Smith-Schuster $3,700 $5,100
Calvin Austin III $3,600 $5,600
Curtis Samuel $3,600 $5,300
KaVontae Turpin $3,600 $5,000
Kendrick Bourne $3,600 $5,000
Kayshon Boutte $3,500 $5,000
Van Jefferson $3,500 $5,000
Troy Franklin $3,400 $5,100
Nelson Agholor $3,300 $5,100
Michael Woods II $3,200 $4,600
Dyami Brown $3,100 $4,900
Greg Dortch $3,100 $4,700
Ja’Lynn Polk $3,100 $4,600
Devin Duvernay $3,000 $4,700
Lil’Jordan Humphrey $3,000 $4,800

Wide receiver

Weekly strategy – Ja’Marr Chase, CeeDee Lamb (shoulder), and Tyreek Hill are the top choices. You need to roster one of them, and I support taking two of them. The cheaper WR2 pivots would be Davante Adams, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr., and if he plays Ladd McConkey (leg). At WR3, I like Amari Cooper, Adam Thielen, Calvin Ridley, Jaylen Waddle, and Joshua Palmer (if McConkey doesn’t play). Tim Patrick, Devaughn Vele, Jalen McMillan, Van Jefferson, and Nelson Agholor are the only deserving punt plays. 

Fantasy four-pack

Tyreek Hill, Dolphins @ HOU ($7,400 DK, $8,700 FD) Hill has scored in four of five games. Since Week 8, Houston has given up at least 60 total yards to every WR1 they have faced, and four have scored.

Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals @ TEN ($8,400 DK, $9,400 FD) Chase leads the league in both receptions and receiving yards. Since Week 10, he is averaging a ridiculous 36.5 PPR points per game. Tennessee is very good against the pass, but over their last four games, opposing WR1s are averaging 19.5 PPR points.

CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys @ CAR ($7,300 DK, $8,400 FD) A shoulder injury continues to hamper Lamb. That said, he still leads the league in targets while ranking third in both receptions and receiving yards. This game will have a ton of points, so stack everyone here.

Davante Adams, Jets @ JAX ($6,900 DK, $7,900 FD) Since Week 9, Adams has led the Jets in every receiving category. Jacksonville cannot stop anything. They have allowed the fourth-most WR receptions and receiving yards.

Sleepers

Calvin Ridley, Titans vs. CIN ($5,900 DK, $6,000 FD) Ridley has more than twice as many targets as the next closest receiver on the Titans. With this volume, he should produce against a Bengals defense, allowing the sixth-most passing yards. 

Adam Thielen, Panthers vs. DAL ($5,400 DK, $6,100 FD) In the three games since returning from injury, Thielen is averaging 6.7-86. He also has a TD (and should actually have two). I’ve already discussed the potential points in this one and like a game stack here with at least five legs.

Tight End DraftKings FanDuel
Trey McBride $6,000 $7,500
Travis Kelce $5,700 $6,700
Jonnu Smith $5,400 $6,900
David Njoku $5,200 $6,500
Dalton Kincaid $4,900 $5,700
Evan Engram $4,600 $5,600
Cade Otton $4,500 $5,500
Sam LaPorta $4,400 $6,000
Tucker Kraft N/A $5,200
Hunter Henry $4,300 $5,000
Noah Fant N/A $5,000
AJ Barner N/A $4,900
Mark Andrews $4,100 $6,300
Zach Ertz $4,000 $5,200
Pat Freiermuth $3,900 $5,300
Jake Ferguson $3,800 $5,400
Isaiah Likely $3,600 $5,800
Grant Calcaterra $3,500 $4,900
Mike Gesicki $3,500 $5,100
Dawson Knox $3,400 $5,100
Juwan Johnson $3,400 $5,500
Dalton Schultz $3,300 $5,300
Noah Gray $3,200 $5,400
Ja’Tavion Sanders $3,100 $4,700
Foster Moreau $3,000 $5,000
Tommy Tremble $3,000 $4,900
Chig Okonkwo $2,900 $4,900
Daniel Bellinger $2,800 $4,800
Tommy Tremble $2,800 $4,800
Jordan Akins $2,700 $4,800
Stone Smartt $2,600 $4,500

Tight end

Weekly strategy – David Njoku (hamstring) is my favorite TE play of the week. Unfortunately, he is trending towards missing this contest. Watch his status. If he misses this game, his understudy, Jordan Akins, becomes a nice punt option. I would also like Trey McBride, Jonnu Smith, and Travis Kelce if I were to pay up here. Hunter Henry, Pat Freiermuth, and Jake Ferguson are much cheaper pivots. If you punt the position (or need a cheap flex) consider Chig Okonkwo and Stone Smartt.

Fantasy four-pack

Travis Kelce, Chiefs @ CLE ($5,700 DK, $6,700 FD) Cleveland has allowed an average of 7-72 to the position over the last four weeks. Kelce also feels way overdue for a TD here.

Trey McBride, Cardinals vs. NE ($6,000 DK, $7,500 FD) Speaking of overdue for a TD, McBride has not scored a receiving TD, despite catching 80 of his 106 targets. New England has allowed four TE touchdowns in their last six games, so maybe this is the week. 

Jonnu Smith, Dolphins @ HOU ($5,400 DK, $6,900 FD) Over their last four games, Houston has allowed an average of 5.8-75-0.5 to the position. Meanwhile, over his previous four games, Smith is averaging 7-86-1.

Sam LaPorta, Lions vs. BUF ($4,400 DK, $6,000 FD) LaPorta’s usage has been sporadic, but he has six or more targets in each of the last four games that he has played. Those targets have amounted to meager yardage numbers, but he did score three times. With the clear highest combined line on the slate, the scoring should continue here.

Sleepers

Jake Ferguson, Cowboys @ CAR ($3,800 DK, $5,400 FD) Ferguson is finally fully healthy. Now, he faces the Panthers, who have allowed a league-worst 10 tight end scores.

Stone Smartt, Chargers vs. TB ($2,600 DK, $4,500 FD) With Will Dissly (shoulder) out, Smartt gets to pillage a Buccaneers defense that has allowed the second-most yards to opposing TEs. After replacing Dissly at halftime last week, Smartt caught all three of his targets for 54 yards. I’d take two times that this week.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 14

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

With Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror, we face “Byepocalypse 2: Bye Harder with a Vengeance.” Six fantasy-relevant teams are playing outside the main slate, and five of the six teams on bye have multiple fantasy-relevant stars. Question No. 1 for everyone is “To Saquon, or not to Saquon?” Like one of the “Choose Your Own Adventure” books I read as a child, once you’ve made that decision, turn to one of two future pages to build the rest of your roster.

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 w/Barkley: QB Aidan O’Connell ($4.8k), RB Saquon Barkley ($9.0k), RB Isaac Guerendo ($5.4k), WR Drake London ($6.4k), WR Jakobi Meyers ($5.6k), WR Amari Cooper ($5.1k), TE Cade Otton ($4.4k), FLEX Brock Bowers ($6.5k), DST Tennessee Titans ($2.8k)

DK Lineup w/o Barkley: QB Jalen Hurts ($7.8k), RB Alvin Kamara ($8.0k), RB Bucky Irving ($6.6k), WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba ($6.3k), WR Keenan Allen ($5.6k), WR Sterling Shepard ($4.0k), TE Tommy Tremble ($3.0k), FLEX Tyrone Tracy Jr. ($5.8k), DST New Orleans Saints ($2.9k)

FD Lineup w/Barkley: QB Will Levis ($6.6k), RB Saquon Barkley ($10.0k), RB Bucky Irving ($7.7k), WR Drake London ($7.9k), WR Keenan Allen ($6.4k), WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine ($6.2k), TE Cade Otton ($5.6K), FLEX Isaac Guerendo ($5.2k), DST New Orleans Saints ($4.4k)

FD Lineup w/o Barkley: QB Jalen Hurts ($9.2k), RB Alvin Kamara ($9.2k), RB Bucky Irving ($7.7k), WR Drake London ($7.9k), WR Keenan Allen ($6.4k), WR Amari Cooper ($5.7k), TE Grant Calcaterra ($4.3K), FLEX Isaac Guerendo ($5.2k), DST New Orleans Saints ($4.4k)

FB Lineup w/Barkley: QB Baker Mayfield ($6.2k), RB Bucky Irving ($6.3k), RB Saquon Barkley ($8.5k), WR Drake London ($6.5k), WR Mike Evans ($7.0k), WR/TE Jakobi Meyers ($5.3k), TE Cade Otton ($4.6k), FLEX Tony Pollard ($5.4k), SUPERFLEX Aidan O’Connell ($5.2k)

FB Lineup w/o Barkley: QB Jalen Hurts ($7.5k), RB Alvin Kamara ($7.3k), RB Tony Pollard ($5.4k), WR Justin Jefferson ($7.4k), WR Jakobi Meyers ($5.3k), WR/TE Keenan Allen ($5.2k), TE Cade Otton ($4.6k), FLEX Bucky Irving ($6.3k), SUPERFLEX Sam Darnold ($5.9k)

*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 $8,000 $8,900
Jalen Hurts $7,800 $9,200
Baker Mayfield $6,400 $8,100
Tua Tagovailoa $6,300 $8,300
Brock Purdy $6,200 $8,000
Patrick Mahomes N/A $7,900
Sam Darnold $6,100 $7,600
Kyler Murray $6,000 $7,800
Russell Wilson $5,900 $7,700
Justin Herbert N/A $7,500
Geno Smith $5,800 $7,400
Matthew Stafford $5,700 $7,200
Caleb Williams $5,600 $7,300
Kirk Cousins $5,500 $7,000
Jameis Winston $5,400 $6,900
Aaron Rodgers $5,300 $6,800
Bryce Young $5,200 $7,000
Derek Carr $5,100 $7,100
Mac Jones $5,000 $6,700
Will Levis $5,000 $6,600
Aidan O’Connell $4,800 $6,700
Drew Lock $4,700 $6,500
Tommy DeVito $4,200 $6,500

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, and Baker Mayfield are the top options. Sam Darnold and Russell Wilson are the “top” pivots. Kirk Cousins has been awful of late, but he gets a juicy revenge-game narrative. Looking at those so-so pivot plays, use one of the punts: Mac Jones, Will Levis, or Aidan O’Connell.

Fantasy four-pack

Jalen Hurts, Eagles vs. CAR ($7,800 DK, $9,200 FD) Not surprisingly, DeVonta Smith‘s (hamstring) injury has hampered Hurts’ performance in recent games. Smith is on pace to return this week, but now Hurts will be without Dallas Goedert (knee). Against the Panthers, it won’t matter. The only question is whether he will rush for his three TDs or throw for them. 

Josh Allen, Bills @ LAR ($8,000 DK, $8,900 FD) Allen can run for TDs. He can throw for TDs. Heck, he can even catch laterals and take them to the house. The only thing he didn’t do last week was return a kick for a score. At least the weather won’t limit him this week. Build a stack of Allen with whoever starts at TE and Amari Cooper.

Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers vs. LV ($6,400 DK, $8,100 FD) These two pass defenses are currently tied, each allowing a seventh-worst 21 passing touchdowns. When two bad passing defenses lock horns, points typically come in bunches. Build an uber-stack with either QB and two weapons on each side.

Sam Darnold, Vikings vs. ATL ($6,100, $7,600 FD) The story of this game will be the Kirk Cousins revenge-game narrative. Still, Darnold has more passing TDs and fewer INTs than Cousins. Atlanta has fallen on defensive hard times lately allowing multiple passing TDs in seven of their last eight games.

Sleepers

Kirk Cousins, Falcons vs. MIN ($5,500 DK, $7,000 FD) Minnesota has allowed fewer passing scores than Atlanta, but they have allowed the fifth-most passing yards. Cousins has been in a slump, but never underestimate the power of the revenge game. Cousins will have little difficulty picking apart an opportunistic but undermanned Vikings secondary.

Aidan O’Connell, Raiders @ TB ($4,800 DK, $6,700 FD) Only one team has allowed more total TDs to the QB position. This includes giving up 16 total scores to the position over their last six games. O’Connell is coming off a tremendous performance against a much tougher KC defense. He may well finish as a top-10 QB this week, provided a midweek illness doesn’t limit the young QB.

Running back DraftKings FanDuel
Saquon Barkley $9,000 $10,000
De’Von Achane $8,200 $8,700
Alvin Kamara $8,000 $9,200
Bijan Robinson $7,500 $8,900
James Cook $7,400 $8,500
Kyren Williams $7,300 $8,400
Breece Hall $7,000 $8,300
Kenneth Walker III $6,800 $7,900
James Conner $6,700 $7,600
Bucky Irving $6,600 $7,700
Aaron Jones $6,500 $7,300
Tony Pollard $6,400 $7,500
Chuba Hubbard $6,200 $7,000
Najee Harris $6,000 $6,900
Isiah Pacheco N/A $6,700
Nick Chubb $5,900 $6,500
Tyrone Tracy Jr. $5,800 $6,600
D’Andre Swift $5,700 $6,300
Kareem Hunt N/A $6,300
Travis Etienne Jr. $5,600 $6,400
Gus Edwards N/A $6,000
Jaylen Warren $5,500 $5,900
Isaac Guerendo $5,400 $5,200
Rachaad White $5,300 $6,200
Ray Davis $5,200 $5,400
Alexander Mattison $5,100 $5,700
Tank Bigsby $5,100 $5,800
Braelon Allen $5,100 $5,400
Kimani Vidal N/A $5,100
Kenneth Gainwell $5,000 $4,900
Jerome Ford $4,900 $5,400
Raheem Mostert $4,900 $5,100
Devin Singletary $4,800 $5,500
Zach Charbonnet $4,800 $5,300
Ameer Abdullah $4,700 $5,800
Jonathon Brooks $4,700 $5,600
Cam Akers $4,600 $5,200
Sincere McCormick $4,600 $5,500
Trey Benson $4,500 $5,000
Tyler Allgeier $4,500 $5,600
Tyjae Spears $4,400 $5,600
Roschon Johnson $4,300 $5,300
Blake Corum $4,200 $4,800
Zamir White $4,200 $5,000
Cordarrelle Patterson $4,100 $4,300
Ty Johnson $4,100 $4,900

Running back

Weekly strategy – Whether to use Saquon Barkley is the ultimate question. If you don’t use him, you should our Kyren Williams at RB1. The pivots would be Bucky Irving and Tony Pollard. I also could see using one of them at RB2 if you go cheap at WR. Isaac Guerendo also will see heavy ownership at RB2 and FLEX. To seek variance from the masses, trust Tyrone Tracy Jr. instead. The only punts to consider are Kenneth Gainwell and whoever starts for the Raiders.

Fantasy four-pack

Saquon Barkley, Eagles @ CAR ($9,000 DK, $10,000 FD) The best RB in football facing the worst rushing defense in recent history. What could go wrong here? This feels like either a 250-yard, four-TD game or an absolute bust where everyone scores but him. Choose wisely.

Alvin Kamara, Saints @ NYG ($8,000, $9,200 FD) Taysom Hill (knee) is out for the year. Maybe now the Saints will allow Kamara to score a TD. The Giants are allowing a league-worst 5.1 YPC and they have given up six rushing TDs over the last three weeks. AK41 is the clear pivot from Barkley.

Kyren Williams, Rams vs. BUF ($7,300 DK, $8,400 FD) Buffalo is allowing 4.9 YPC. This is nearly a full yard per carry more than Williams averages. Still, we are playing him for the TDs. He has scored in all but three games.

Bucky Irving, Buccaneers vs. LV ($6,600 DK, $7,700 FD) Since Week 8, Irving (back, hip) has a nearly 3-to-2 opportunity advantage over Rachaad White. As long as the hip issue doesn’t linger, he should post his third-straight 150-total-yard performance.

Sleepers

Tyrone Tracy Jr., Giants vs. NO ($5,800 DK, $6,600 FD) No team is allowing more YPC than New Orleans, and only three teams have allowed more RB rushing scores. Due in part to a few fumbles, Tracy has recently seen a dip in usage. Still, he has scored in four of his last seven games.

Isaac Guerendo, 49ers vs. CHI ($5,400 DK, $5,200 FD) Can we say 100% ownership? Much like Barkley, this chalk could blow up in everyone’s face. That said, are you going to be the one who sits on the sideline as Guerendo does his best Christian McCaffrey (knee) impersonation? Over the last four weeks, Chicago has allowed over 24 PPR points per game to opposing RBs.

Wide Receiver DraftKings FanDuel
A.J. Brown $8,100 $9,300
Justin Jefferson $7,800 $9,200
Puka Nacua $7,700 $8,600
Mike Evans $7,200 $8,400
Tyreek Hill $7,100 $8,200
Cooper Kupp $7,000 $8,500
Malik Nabers $6,900 $8,300
George Pickens $6,800 $7,500
Davante Adams $6,700 $7,300
Garrett Wilson $6,600 $7,200
Drake London $6,400 $7,900
Jaxon Smith-Njigba $6,300 $8,000
DK Metcalf $6,200 $7,600
Ladd McConkey N/A $7,000
DJ Moore $6,100 $6,600
Marvin Harrison Jr. $6,000 $6,800
Deebo Samuel Sr. $5,900 $7,100
Khalil Shakir $5,900 $6,500
Brian Thomas Jr. $5,800 $6,900
DeVonta Smith $5,800 $7,400
Calvin Ridley $5,700 $6,300
DeAndre Hopkins N/A $6,100
Jerry Jeudy $5,700 $6,100
Jakobi Meyers $5,600 $6,700
Keenan Allen $5,600 $6,400
Xavier Worthy N/A $6,000
Darnell Mooney $5,500 $5,900
Jaylen Waddle $5,400 $5,900
Adam Thielen $5,300 $5,900
Jordan Addison $5,300 $6,000
Jauan Jennings $5,200 $6,400
Amari Cooper $5,100 $5,700
Quentin Johnston N/A $5,700
Cedric Tillman $5,100 $5,800
Keon Coleman $5,000 $5,600
Rome Odunze $5,000 $5,600
Xavier Legette $4,900 $5,500
Elijah Moore $4,800 $5,600
Joshua Palmer N/A $5,400
Wan’Dale Robinson $4,800 $5,400
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $4,700 $6,200
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,600 $5,800
Tre Tucker $4,600 $5,300
Ray-Ray McCloud III $4,500 $5,500
Ricky Pearsall $4,500 $5,000
Parker Washington $4,400 $5,800
Darius Slayton $4,300 $5,300
Tyler Lockett $4,300 $5,600
Demarcus Robinson $4,200 $5,700
Michael Wilson $4,100 $5,300
David Moore $4,000 $5,300
Sterling Shepard $4,000 $5,400
Curtis Samuel $3,900 $5,500
Mike Williams $3,800 $5,200
Cedrick Wilson Jr. $3,700 $4,900
Justin Watson N/A $4,900
Jalen Coker $3,700 $5,100
DJ Turner $3,600 $4,800
JuJu Smith-Schuster N/A $4,800
Tyler Boyd $3,600 $5,000
Jahan Dotson $3,500 $4,700
Mack Hollins $3,500 $5,400
Jalen Nailor $3,400 $5,000
Trey Palmer $3,400 $4,900
Tutu Atwell $3,400 $4,900
Calvin Austin III $3,300 $5,500
Kevin Austin Jr. $3,300 $4,800
Greg Dortch $3,200 $4,800
Van Jefferson $3,200 $4,700
Johnny Wilson $3,000 $5,000

Wide receiver

Weekly strategy – A.J. Brown is a solid play, but both Mike Evans (hamstring) and Drake London have a higher floor. Justin Jefferson has struggled in recent weeks as he has been triple-teamed. This may be his return to the glory game. I just wish his price was less. At WR2/WR3, you have several options. My favorites are Marvin Harrison Jr., Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers (ankle), Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Darnell Mooney. The punt choices include Parker Washington, Sterling Shepard, and Ray-Ray McCloud. 

Fantasy four-pack

A.J. Brown, Eagles @ CAR ($8,100, $9,300 FD) Carolina is infinitely better against the pass than the run. Of course, that isn’t saying much considering how wretched their run defense has been in 2024. They have allowed back-to-back WR1s to score, so don’t be surprised if Brown does for the second time in his last three games. 

Mike Evans, Buccaneers vs. LV ($7,200, $8,400 FD) Over their last three games, Vegas has allowed an average of 6.3-83-1 to opposing WR1s. Meanwhile, Evans (hamstring) scored in his second game back from injury, giving him seven TDs in nine games.

Drake London, Falcons @ MIN ($6,400 DK, $7,900 FD) Possession receivers, like London, have eviscerated the Vikings all season. Kirk Cousins knows all the holes in this secondary, and he will continue to pepper London with targets. Since Week 10, only one WR has averaged more targets per game than him. 

Justin Jefferson, Vikings vs. ATL ($7,800 DK, $9,200 FD) Speaking of targets, Jefferson has received eight or more looks in nine of his last 10 games. Unfortunately, he hasn’t scored since Week 7. Atlanta has allowed the third-most WR receiving touchdowns, so JJ could get back into the end zone here.

Sleepers

Jakobi Meyers, Raiders @ TB ($5,600 DK, $6,700 FD) Despite a revolving door at QB, Meyers (ankle) has remained a legit WR2 all season. Since Week 8, Meyers has been top-10 among WRs in both targets and receptions. The ankle issue popped up on Thursday, so monitor his status going into this game. If he plays, chalk him up for a floor of 8-90. 

Amari Cooper, Bills @ LAR ($5,100 DK, $5,700 FD) Cooper has shed his wrist injury, opening the door for his first big performance since joining Buffalo. Opponents’ top WRs have scored in five straight against Los Angeles. Cooper will make it six.

Tight End DraftKings FanDuel
Brock Bowers $6,500 $8,000
Trey McBride $6,100 $7,200
George Kittle $5,800 $7,500
Jonnu Smith $5,300 $7,000
Travis Kelce N/A $6,800
David Njoku $5,100 $6,200
Dalton Kincaid $4,900 $5,700
Evan Engram $4,800 $5,900
Dallas Goedert $4,500 $6,000
Cade Otton $4,400 $5,600
T.J. Hockenson $4,300 $6,300
Kyle Pitts $4,100 $5,300
Noah Gray N/A $5,200
Will Dissly N/A $5,100
Dawson Knox $3,900 $5,000
Pat Freiermuth $3,800 $5,500
Cole Kmet $3,700 $5,200
Noah Fant $3,600 $5,000
Grant Calcaterra $3,500 $4,300
Juwan Johnson $3,400 $5,400
Ja’Tavion Sanders $3,300 $4,500
Tyler Higbee $3,200 $4,000
AJ Barner $3,100 $5,000
Foster Moreau $3,100 $4,800
Chig Okonkwo $3,000 $5,100
Tommy Tremble $3,000 $4,900
Tyler Conklin $2,900 $4,900
Colby Parkinson $2,800 $4,800

Tight end

Weekly strategy – Cade Otton had a dud in a glorious spot last week. This spot is even better. Brock Bowers is much more expensive, but his matchup is equally juicy. Trey McBride and David Njoku are the pivots. If Dalton Kincaid (knee) returns, he gets a soft opponent. Otherwise, Dawson Knox becomes a discount pivot play. The other punt choices are Pat Freiermuth, Will Dissly, and Grant Calcaterra.

Fantasy four-pack

Brock Bowers, Raiders @ TB ($6,500 DK, $8,000 FD) Bowers leads all of football in receptions, and he ranks fourth in receiving yards. Not bad for a rookie on a moribund team. Tampa is allowing the fourth-most yards to the position. I don’t love that FD price, but he is a must-play on DK.

Cade Otton, Buccaneers vs. LV ($4,400 DK, $5,600 FD) Prepare to engage a double-TE lineup — in the same game no less. Disregarding a Week 12 tilt when Vegas held Denver’s TEs to one catch and three yards, they are allowing an absurd average of 33.5 PPR points per game to the position since Week 8. Otton has posted back-to-back duds, which should keep his ownership respectable.

Trey McBride, Cardinals vs. SEA ($6,100 DK, $7,200 FD) If we could combine McBride’s receptions and yards with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine’s nose for TDs, we could have the world’s greatest football player. Just two weeks ago, McBride posted 12-133 on 15 targets against this defense.

David Njoku, Browns @ PIT ($5,100 DK, $6,200 FD) Since Jameis Winston took over at QB, back in Week 7, Njoku is third among TEs in targets, fifth in receptions, and second in receiving TDs. Meanwhile, over the last four weeks, Pittsburgh has allowed the fifth-most TE receptions and receiving yards.

Sleepers

Will Dissly, Chargers @ KC (N/A DK, $5,100 FD) Dissly trails only Ladd McConkey (knee) in receptions and targets among Chargers’ pass catchers. McConkey is iffy for this week. If he is out, Dissly should see a spike in usage. Meanwhile, KC has allowed the most receptions and yards to the position.

Grant Calcaterra, Eagles @ CAR ($3,500 DK, $4,300 FD) In the four games that Dallas Goedert (knee) missed earlier this season, Calcaterra was third on the team in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. Carolina has allowed a league-worst nine TE touchdowns, so this could be a sneaky and cheap way to get exposure to this game.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 13

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 13 DFS fantasy football.

Are you in need of a respite after spending the holiday with your family? Perhaps the best cure for the holiday blues is to plop down in front of the TV for six hours while eating leftovers – and what can make that even better? When you’re watching football on that TV and have money on the game!

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 Justin Herbert ($5.6k), RB Tony Pollard ($6.3k), RB Bucky Irving ($5.8k), WR A.J. Brown ($8.3k), WR Nico Collins ($7.9k), WR Quentin Johnston ($5.0k), TE Cade Otton ($4.5k), FLEX Mark Andrews ($3.9k), DST New York Jets ($2.5k)

FD Lineup: QB Justin Herbert ($7.9k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($8.8k), RB Bucky Irving ($7.2k), WR A.J. Brown ($8.8k), WR Ladd McConkey ($6.3k), WR David Moore ($5.1k), TE Cade Otton ($6.2K), FLEX Gus Edwards ($5.9k), DST New York Jets ($3.7k)

FB Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($6.3k), RB Bucky Irving ($5.9k), RB Gus Edwards ($3.7k), WR A.J. Brown ($7.6k), WR Mike Evans ($7.1k), WR/TE Ladd McConkey ($5.6k), TE Cade Otton ($4.7k), FLEX Christian McCaffrey ($7.8k), SUPERFLEX Justin Herbert ($5.7k)

*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 N/A $9,000
Lamar Jackson $8,000 $8,700
Jalen Hurts $7,700 $9,200
Jayden Daniels $7,200 $8,800
Joe Burrow $7,000 $8,300
Baker Mayfield $6,600 $8,500
Brock Purdy N/A $8,100
C.J. Stroud $6,400 $8,000
Kyler Murray $6,100 $7,700
Kirk Cousins $6,000 $6,900
Sam Darnold $5,900 $7,200
Matthew Stafford $5,800 $7,400
Russell Wilson $5,700 $7,500
Drake Maye $5,600 $6,800
Justin Herbert $5,600 $7,900
Anthony Richardson $5,500 $7,800
Geno Smith $5,500 $7,600
Trevor Lawrence $5,400 $7,100
Aaron Rodgers $5,300 $7,000
Derek Carr $5,100 $7,300
Will Levis $5,000 $6,700
Mac Jones $4,900 $6,400
Bryce Young $4,700 $6,600
Brandon Allen N/A $6,500

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Baker Mayfield, C.J. Stroud, and Jalen Hurts are the top options. Kyler Murray, Matthew Stafford, and Justin Herbert (my favorite) are the top pivots. Will Levis and Bryce Young are the punt options.

Fantasy four-pack

Jalen Hurts, Eagles @ BAL ($7,700 DK, $9,200 FD) Baltimore has allowed 400 more passing yards than the next closest team. They also have allowed the third-most passing TDs. Hurts has only scored two total TDs in the last two games. This should keep his ownership reduced. Stack him with A.J. Brown and Dallas Goedert.

Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers @ CAR ($6,600 DK, $8,500 FD) Mayfield has scored the third-most total TDs among all QBs and Carolina has allowed the fourth-most total TDs to the position. He won’t have to throw in this game, but he will, especially if Carolina can keep it close. Four total TDs are on the table.

C.J. Stroud, Texans @ JAX ($6,400 DK, $8,000 FD) One team to have allowed more total QB touchdowns than Carolina is Jacksonville. They also have allowed the second-most passing yards and the third-most QB rushing yards. In three career games versus Jacksonville, Stroud is averaging 310-2, with an additional 26 rushing yards per game and one rushing score.

Josh Allen, Bills vs. SF (N/A DK, $9,000 FD) Over the last two weeks, Allen has only three total TDs. Fortunately, he has kept his value up by posting over 100 rushing yards during that span. San Francisco has been very solid against the pass this season, but they have allowed the seventh-most QB rushing scores.

Sleepers

Justin Herbert, Chargers @ ATL ($5,600 DK, $7,900 FD) The $7,900 price tag on FD hardly qualifies as a discount, but his DK price rocks. Atlanta has allowed multiple passing TDs in every game since Week 4. Meanwhile, Herbert has multiple TDs in four of his last five games. 

Will Levis, Titans @ WAS ($5,000 DK, $6,700 FD) Levis is playing YOLO ball right now, throwing for eight completions of greater than 20 yards over his last two games. Meanwhile, Washington has allowed eight passing TDs of greater than 20 yards, including three in their last four games.

Running back DraftKings FanDuel
Saquon Barkley $8,500 $9,200
Joe Mixon $8,000 $9,500
Derrick Henry $7,800 $9,000
Christian McCaffrey N/A $8,800
Alvin Kamara $7,700 $8,300
Breece Hall $7,500 $8,700
Bijan Robinson $7,300 $8,500
Kyren Williams $7,200 $8,400
Kenneth Walker III $7,000 $8,000
Jonathan Taylor $6,900 $7,900
James Cook N/A $7,800
J.K. Dobbins $6,800 $7,500
Chuba Hubbard $6,700 $7,400
James Conner $6,600 $7,600
Aaron Jones $6,500 $7,700
Tony Pollard $6,300 $7,000
Chase Brown $6,200 $7,300
Brian Robinson Jr. $6,100 $7,100
Najee Harris $6,000 $6,900
Rhamondre Stevenson $5,900 $6,400
Bucky Irving $5,800 $7,200
Travis Etienne Jr. $5,700 $6,600
Austin Ekeler $5,600 $6,000
Jaylen Warren $5,500 $5,800
Jeremy McNichols $5,400 $6,700
Rachaad White $5,300 $6,500
Tank Bigsby $5,200 $6,300
Kenneth Gainwell $5,100 $5,400
Braelon Allen $5,000 $5,300
Tyler Allgeier $5,000 $5,700
Antonio Gibson $4,900 $5,000
Justice Hill $4,800 $5,600
Jonathon Brooks $4,700 $5,300
Dameon Pierce $4,600 $5,100
Cam Akers $4,500 $5,500
Sean Tucker $4,500 $5,000
Tyjae Spears $4,400 $5,500
Zach Charbonnet $4,400 $5,400
Gus Edwards $4,300 $5,900
Ray Davis N/A $5,200
Trey Benson $4,300 $5,200
D’Ernest Johnson $4,000 $5,100
Jordan Mason N/A $5,000

Running back

Weekly strategy – Christian McCaffrey and Joe Mixon are both pricy but safe RB1 options. To save money, pivot to Kyren Williams. I’m concerned about chasing points with Saquon Barkley and will fade him. At RB2, use Tony Pollard, assuming Tyjae Spears (concussion), remains out. Otherwise, consider Chuba Hubbard, Bucky Irving, and Rhamondre Stevenson. There are three injury-replacement punt options: Jeremy McNichols, Braelon Allen, and Gus Edwards.

Fantasy four-pack

Joe Mixon, Texans @ JAX ($8,000 DK, $9,500 FD) Over their last three games, Jacksonville has allowed 602 rushing yards and five rushing TDs. Mixon laid a goose egg last week. This, paired with his high price, should keep his ownership down. Before that dud, Mixon had scored 10 TDs over his prior six games. He also topped 100 total yards in five of the six games. 

Christian McCaffrey, 49ers @ BUF (N/A DK, $8,800 FD) McCaffrey continues to underperform since his return from injury. Brandon Allen‘s presence is the reason for last week’s performance. Brock Purdy (shoulder) is has a chance to return this weekend, so that would help CMC return to his pre-injury status as the best RB in football, but missed most of the year comes with rust to remove. It will help that Buffalo ranks in the bottom two in RB receptions, receiving yards, and receiving scores allowed.

Derrick Henry, Ravens vs. PHI ($7,800 DK, $9,000 FD) Only one team (the Chargers) has allowed fewer total TDs to opposing RBs than Philly. That said, they have allowed a rushing TD in back-to-back games. Plus, this is Derrick Henry. Last week was the first time he had not scored at least one TD all season. His opponent, not surprisingly, was the Chargers. Even in that shutout, he reached 140 yards.

Kyren Williams, Rams @ NO ($7,200 DK, $8,400 FD) Williams’ production has waned since the return of Los Angeles’ top WRs. That said, he scored last week against a tough Philadelphia defense. This gave him at least one TD in eight of 11 games. Meanwhile, since Week 5, New Orleans has allowed 28 PPR points per game to opposing RBs.

Sleepers

Tony Pollard, Titans @ WAS ($6,300 DK, $7,000 FD) This tout comes down to whether or not Tyjae Spears (concussion) plays. Over their last four games, Washington has allowed 156 combo yards per game to opposing RBs. If Spears is out, this will all go to Pollard, making him a slate-breaker. Even if Spears plays, Pollard should score and approach 100 total yards.

Bucky Irving, Buccaneers @ CAR ($5,800 DK, $7,200 FD) Over their last two games, Irving leads all Buccaneers backs in every category. He also has scored twice. Carolina is the worst team in the league against opposing RBs, allowing an average of 29.5 PPR points to the position this season. 

Wide Receiver DraftKings FanDuel
Ja’Marr Chase $8,600 $9,300
A.J. Brown $8,300 $8,800
Justin Jefferson $8,100 $8,900
Nico Collins $7,900 $9,100
Puka Nacua $7,600 $8,700
Cooper Kupp $7,400 $9,000
Terry McLaurin $7,100 $7,900
Davante Adams $7,000 $7,000
Garrett Wilson $6,900 $8,000
George Pickens $6,800 $7,400
Mike Evans $6,700 $8,300
Tee Higgins $6,600 $7,600
Drake London $6,500 $7,300
DK Metcalf $6,400 $7,800
Jaxon Smith-Njigba $6,300 $7,700
Deebo Samuel Sr. N/A $7,200
Zay Flowers $6,200 $7,100
Ladd McConkey $6,100 $6,300
Marvin Harrison Jr. $6,000 $6,900
Tank Dell $5,900 $6,400
DeVonta Smith $5,800 $7,500
Calvin Ridley $5,700 $6,800
Darnell Mooney $5,600 $6,500
Brian Thomas Jr. $5,500 $6,700
Josh Downs $5,400 $6,400
Jordan Addison $5,300 $6,300
Michael Pittman Jr. $5,200 $6,600
Khalil Shakir N/A $6,200
Amari Cooper N/A $6,100
Jauan Jennings N/A $6,100
Keon Coleman N/A $5,900
Xavier Legette $5,100 $5,800
Quentin Johnston $5,000 $6,200
Mack Hollins N/A $5,700
Alec Pierce $4,900 $5,600
Adam Thielen $4,800 $5,800
DeMario Douglas $4,700 $5,600
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,500 $6,000
Tyler Lockett $4,500 $5,600
Noah Brown $4,400 $5,500
Rashod Bateman $4,400 $5,500
Joshua Palmer $4,300 $5,500
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $4,300 $5,900
Ray-Ray McCloud III $4,300 $5,700
Curtis Samuel N/A $5,400
Ricky Pearsall N/A $5,300
Cedrick Wilson Jr. $4,200 $5,000
Diontae Johnson $4,200 $5,800
Michael Wilson $4,200 $5,400
John Metchie III $4,100 $5,000
Demarcus Robinson $4,000 $5,700
Mike Williams $4,000 $5,400
Sterling Shepard $4,000 $5,500
Adonai Mitchell $3,900 $5,000
Parker Washington $3,900 $5,500
Jahan Dotson $3,800 $5,200
Tyler Boyd $3,800 $5,000
Jalen Coker $3,700 $5,300
Jalen McMillan $3,700 $5,200
Andrei Iosivas $3,600 $5,200
Trey Palmer $3,600 $5,100
Tutu Atwell $3,600 $4,800
David Moore $3,500 $5,100
Jalen Nailor $3,500 $5,200
Kendrick Bourne $3,500 $5,000
Greg Dortch $3,400 $4,900
Kayshon Boutte $3,400 $5,100
Tim Jones $3,400 $5,300
Calvin Austin III $3,300 $5,400
Olamide Zaccheaus $3,300 $4,800
Ja’Lynn Polk $3,200 $4,700
Kevin Austin Jr. $3,200 $4,700
Nelson Agholor $3,200 $5,000
Van Jefferson $3,200 $4,600
Dyami Brown $3,100 $4,700
Tylan Wallace $3,100 $4,900
Johnny Wilson $3,000 $5,100

Wide receiver

Weekly strategy – A.J. Brown and Nico Collins are the top two WRs. I’d love to roster both of them, but to do so, you must go cheap at RB1. The Rams’ duo are the top pivots. At WR2, choose from Mike Evans, Marvin Harrison Jr., Ladd McConkey, and Drake London. I would stack one of those four with my QB. To save money, consider Calvin Ridley, Darnell Mooney, or Michael Pittman Jr. I wouldn’t stack them, though. Xavier Legette, “Iron Hands” Quentin Johnston, Rashod Bateman, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine are the best choices for WR3. You also can use Demarcus Robinson there if you don’t use Puka Nacua or Cooper Kupp. Other punt options include Noah Brown, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and David Moore. 

Fantasy four-pack

A.J. Brown, Eagles @ BAL ($8,300, $8,800 FD) Baltimore has allowed the most receiving yards to the position this season. In addition , the Ravens have allowed the second-most WR touchdowns and receptions. They have particularly struggled with WR1s, allowing 11 TDs to that spot over their last eight games.

Nico Collins, Texans @ JAX ($7,900, $9,100 FD) Jacksonville has allowed 10 passing TDs of greater than 20 yards this season. Collins should get in on the fun this week as he has posted 19-255-2 on 24 targets against this defense in their last two meetings.

Puka Nacua, Rams @ NO ($7,600 DK, $8,700 FD) You can use Nacua or Cooper Kupp. Only four teams have allowed more WR receiving yards this season. Ignoring the game where he was ejected, Nacua has averaged 8-111 since returning from the IR.

Mike Evans, Buccaneers @ CAR ($6,700 DK, $8,300 FD) In his first game back, Evans led the Buccaneers in receiving yards. With his sea legs back, expect Evans to go off here. Against Carolina, he has scored and/or topped 90 yards in 11 of 19 career meetings.

Sleepers

Xavier Legette, Panthers vs. TB ($5,100 DK, $5,800 FD) The Panthers have spread the ball around all year, but Legette leads them in all the pertinent receiving categories. The Buccaneers offense will force Carolina to throw the ball to keep up. I would consider David Moore here, too, if Jalen Coker (quad) remains out.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Titans @ WAS ($4,300 DK, $5,900 FD) Westbrook-Ikhine has surpassed three receptions in exactly one game this season. Still, he has scored in six of seven games. A 35% conversion rate is unsustainable, but enjoy the fun while you can.

Tight End DraftKings FanDuel
George Kittle N/A $7,800
Trey McBride $5,800 $6,900
Taysom Hill $5,000 $7,000
Evan Engram $4,800 $5,800
Dalton Kincaid N/A $5,700
Kyle Pitts $4,600 $5,400
Cade Otton $4,500 $6,200
T.J. Hockenson $4,400 $6,500
Dallas Goedert $4,300 $6,000
Hunter Henry $4,200 $5,100
Mike Gesicki $4,100 $5,300
Will Dissly $4,000 $5,200
Mark Andrews $3,900 $5,600
Zach Ertz $3,800 $5,400
Isaiah Likely $3,700 $5,500
Dawson Knox N/A $5,000
Noah Fant $3,600 $4,900
Pat Freiermuth $3,500 $5,100
Ja’Tavion Sanders $3,400 $4,600
Dalton Schultz $3,300 $5,200
Austin Hooper $3,200 $5,000
Chig Okonkwo $3,100 $4,900
Juwan Johnson $3,100 $5,300
AJ Barner $3,000 $4,900
Foster Moreau $3,000 $4,800
Tyler Conklin $3,000 $4,800
Colby Parkinson $2,900 $4,800
Darnell Washington $2,900 $4,700
Tommy Tremble $2,800 $4,600
Davis Allen $2,700 $4,700
Brenton Strange $2,500 $4,700
Cade Stover $2,500 $4,900

Tight end

Weekly strategy – Cade Otton is my favorite play this week. He should have minimal ownership after last week’s dud. In a soft matchup, play Trey McBride, who is overdue for a TD. T.J. Hockenson, Dallas Goedert, and Mark Andrews are the pivots. You shouldn’t need to punt here, but if you do, use Pat Freiermuth.

Fantasy four-pack

Trey McBride, Cardinals @ MIN ($5,800 DK, $6,900 FD) Since Week 5, McBride has averaged 6.8-80. Now, we just need him to score TDs, too. Minnesota has allowed only two TE scores all season, so we may have to wait another week, but the yards will be there.

Cade Otton, Buccaneers @ CAR ($4,500 DK, $6,200 FD) Only two teams have allowed more yards to the TE position, and no team has allowed more touchdowns. Otton posted a dud last week with the return of Mike Evans, but that was against the third-best TE defense in terms of yards allowed. His ownership will be down as he goes off this week. 

T.J. Hockenson, Vikings vs. ARI ($4,400 DK, $6,500 FD) With teams triple-teaming Justin Jefferson, Hockenson posted an epic game last week. This gave him two solid games out of four since his return from injury. Arizona is mid against the position, but if they pick their poison in Jefferson, Hock will feast again.

George Kittle, 49ers @ BUF (N/A DK, $7,800 FD) Buffalo is very good against the position, but they allowed a pair of scores by Noah Gray last week. Kittle is elite enough to get it done, regardless. He has now scored in seven of the nine games that he has played. Just consider this more of a floor game, which is still probably 6-50-1.

Sleepers

Mark Andrews, Ravens vs. PHI ($3,900 DK, $5,600 FD) Andrews a sleeper? That DK price seems to say so. Philly was elite against the position to start the season, but three of the last five TE1s to face them have reached double-digit PPR points.

Pat Freiermuth, Steelers @ CIN ($3,500 DK, $5,100 FD) Cincy ranks fifth-worst in both yards allowed and receptions to the TE position. They also have allowed the second-most TE touchdowns. Freiermuth is no sure thing, but the matchup (and DK price) screams to give him a chance.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 12

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

With six teams on bye, the player pool is skinnier than it has been all season. Plus, the Primetime slate is pulling away four premium offenses. This could get ugly as we piece together our lineups. So, let’s start things out with a bang … QB Tommy DeVito …What could go wrong?

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 Tommy DeVito ($4.0k), RB Rhamondre Stevenson ($5.9k), RB De’Von Achane ($7.5k), WR Malik Nabers ($7.4k), WR Calvin Ridley ($5.7k), WR Rome Odunze ($4.8k), TE Travis Kelce ($5.8k), FLEX Kareem Hunt ($5.7k), DST Denver Broncos ($3.2k)

FD Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($7.9k), RB Rhamondre Stevenson ($6.4k), RB De’Von Achane ($9.1k), WR Mike Evans ($8.0k), WR Josh Downs ($6.9k), WR Rome Odunze ($5.4k), TE Ja’Tavion Sanders ($4.9K), FLEX Kareem Hunt ($7.5k), DST Chicago Bears ($3.9k)

FB Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($6.0k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($8.1k) RB Rhamondre Stevenson ($5.7k), WR Mike Evans ($7.0k), WR Malik Nabers ($6.7k), WR/TE Travis Kelce ($5.9k), TE Ja’Tavion Sanders ($3.3k), FLEX De’Von Achane ($7.1k), SUPERFLEX Tommy DeVito ($5.1k)

*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
Jalen Hurts N/A $9,300
Jayden Daniels $7,000 $9,000
Patrick Mahomes $6,800 $8,400
Jordan Love $6,700 $7,300
Jared Goff $6,600 $8,500
C.J. Stroud $6,500 $7,600
Brock Purdy $6,400 $8,100
Bo Nix $6,300 $8,000
Kyler Murray $6,200 $7,800
Baker Mayfield $6,100 $7,900
Matthew Stafford N/A $7,200
Sam Darnold $5,900 $7,100
Tua Tagovailoa $5,800 $7,700
Geno Smith $5,700 $7,400
Anthony Richardson $5,600 $7,500
Drake Maye $5,500 $6,900
Caleb Williams $5,100 $7,000
Cooper Rush $5,000 $6,400
Will Levis $4,900 $6,700
Gardner Minshew II $4,800 $6,500
Bryce Young $4,600 $6,600
Brandon Allen $4,000 $6,000
Joshua Dobbs $4,000 $6,000
Tommy DeVito $4,000 $6,000

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Jayden Daniels, Patrick Mahomes, and Jared Goff are this week’s top choices. Baker Mayfield is the cheaper pivot. If you punt this week, go with Caleb Williams or Cooper Rush, or better yet, embrace the glorious aura of Tommy DeVito.

Fantasy four-pack

Jayden Daniels, Commanders vs. DAL ($7,000 DK, $9,000 FD) Dallas has allowed the second-most QB rushing scores. Daniels has been mostly quiet since returning from an injury sustained in Week 7. Still, this will be a get-right game. Look for Daniels to account for three scores.

Jalen Hurts, Eagles @ LAR (N/A DK, $9,300 FD) Hurts has 15 total TDs over the last five weeks. Most have come via the “Brotherly Shove.” Unfortunately, the Rams have not allowed a QB rushing score this season. Still, Hurts has proven he can get it done through the air as well. Pencil him in for another three TDs, with at least one going to A.J. Brown.

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs @ CAR ($6,800 DK, $8,400 FD) Mahomes will take it upon himself to make up for the Chiefs’ loss last week. With JuJu Smith-Schuster and DeAndre Hopkins both healthy and with Travis Kelce looking for a rebound, we should expect a floor of three passing TDs as KC dominates.

Jared Goff, Lions @ IND ($6,600 DK, $8,500 FD) Goff didn’t have to throw the ball last week to lead his team to victory. Still, he did as the team piled it on versus the Jaguars. Only six teams are allowing more passing yards per game than Indy, and the Colts have sucked against TEs. This makes Sam LaPorta (shoulder) a great stack if he returns from his injury as expected.

Sleepers

Caleb Williams, Bears vs. MIN ($5,100 DK, $7,000 FD) The coaching change for Chicago has Williams back on track. Unfortunately, he still doesn’t have a TD in his last four games. He should fare better here as Minnesota gives out passing yards like Halloween candy. Plus, Minnesota will have to stop Williams’ legs and hasn’t faced a running QB since Week 1.

Tommy DeVito, Giants vs. TB ($4,000 DK, $6,000 FD) When attempting to cover the opposition’s passing attack, Tampa Bay just says “Fuggedaboutit.” They have allowed the fourth-most passing yards and the fifth-most passing TDs. DeVito has nothing to lose here. Expect the Giants to let him just grip it and rip it. Use him in a double stack with some combo of Malik Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton (concussion), and Theo Johnson.

Running back DraftKings FanDuel
Saquon Barkley N/A $10,000
Christian McCaffrey $8,500 $9,500
Joe Mixon $8,000 $9,300
De’Von Achane $7,500 $9,100
Jahmyr Gibbs $7,300 $8,600
Kyren Williams N/A $8,300
Jonathan Taylor $7,100 $8,000
Kenneth Walker III $6,900 $8,100
Josh Jacobs $6,800 $7,600
David Montgomery $6,700 $8,400
Chuba Hubbard $6,600 $7,100
James Conner $6,500 $7,700
Aaron Jones $6,400 $7,300
Isiah Pacheco $6,200 $8,200
D’Andre Swift $6,100 $7,000
Tyrone Tracy Jr. $6,000 $6,700
Rhamondre Stevenson $5,900 $6,400
Tony Pollard $5,800 $6,500
Kareem Hunt $5,700 $7,500
Austin Ekeler $5,600 $6,600
Brian Robinson Jr. $5,600 $7,900
Rico Dowdle $5,500 $6,300
Rachaad White $5,400 $6,900
Bucky Irving $5,300 $6,800
Javonte Williams $5,200 $6,200
Alexander Mattison $5,100 $5,700
Raheem Mostert $5,000 $6,000
Dameon Pierce $4,900 $5,400
Devin Singletary $4,900 $5,200
Jonathon Brooks $4,800 $5,500
Antonio Gibson $4,700 $5,000
Audric Estime $4,700 $5,600
Ezekiel Elliott $4,600 $5,800
Roschon Johnson $4,600 $6,100
Kenneth Gainwell N/A $4,900
Sean Tucker $4,600 $4,800
Jaleel McLaughlin $4,500 $4,900
Jaylen Wright $4,500 $4,700
Trey Benson $4,500 $5,200
Cam Akers $4,400 $5,900
Emanuel Wilson $4,400 $5,300
Tyjae Spears $4,400 $5,400
Ameer Abdullah $4,300 $5,000
Zach Charbonnet $4,300 $5,300
Zamir White $4,200 $5,000
Emari Demercado $4,100 $4,900
Jeremy McNichols $4,100 $4,800

Running back

Weekly strategy – Christian McCaffrey and De’Von Achane are your options at RB1. Use one of the two. The Lions’ duo, Joe Mixon, and James Conner are the only pivots to consider. Either Commander, Rhamondre Stevenson, or Tyrone Tracy Jr. are the top RB2 choices. Kareem Hunt reverts to a timeshare this week, but he remains a brilliant play considering the price. For a punt, consider Trey Benson or one of the Buccaneers.

Fantasy four-pack

Christian McCaffrey, 49ers @ GB ($8,500 DK, $9,500 FD) Over the last four games, Green Bay is allowing just under 24 PPR points per game to opposing RBs. McCaffrey has topped 100 total yards in back-to-back games since his return, but he has not made it into the end zone yet. That changes this week. 

De’Von Achane, Dolphins vs. NE ($7,500 DK, $9,100 FD) The New England Patriots knocked Achane out of the Dolphins’ previous matchup with only 17 total yards. The rest of the backfield posted 187 total yards and a TD in that game. Over the last two weeks, Achane has handled 69% of the Miami RB opportunities, so most of the work is going to him now.

Joe Mixon, Texans vs. TEN ($8,000 DK, $9,300 FD) Over the last four weeks, Tennessee has allowed the second-most total TDs to the position. Meanwhile, Mixon has ten total TDs over the last six weeks.

Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions @ IND ($7,300 DK, $8,600 FD) Gibbs, and David Montgomery have very similar stats. Montgomery has 160 opportunities, while Gibbs has 162. Gibbs has nine total TDs while Montgomery has ten. Gibbs has 23 receptions to Montgomery’s 21. So how do you choose? Gibbs has 272 more total yards. Over the last four weeks, Indy allowed an average of 132 total yards and one TD to the position.

Sleepers

Kareem Hunt, Chiefs @ CAR ($5,700 DK, $7,500 FD) Isiah Pacheco (leg) should return this week. In his first game back, I expect KC to limit his touches. Against this defense, both backs may top 100 yards and score. For the season, Carolina is allowing greater than 30 PPR points per game to opposing RBs. 

Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots @ MIA ($5,900 DK, $6,400 FD) Miami has allowed the fourth-most total RB touchdowns. This includes a rushing TD allowed to Stevenson back in Week 5. He finished with only 92 total yards in that game, but that was when Antonio Gibson was still a factor.  

Wide Receiver DraftKings FanDuel
Amon-Ra St. Brown $8,300 $9,500
Cooper Kupp N/A $9,200
Justin Jefferson $8,100 $9,000
Nico Collins $7,600 $8,900
Puka Nacua N/A $8,600
A.J. Brown N/A $8,500
Malik Nabers $7,400 $8,200
Cee Dee Lamb $7,300 $8,400
Tyreek Hill $7,200 $8,300
Mike Evans $7,000 $8,000
Terry McLaurin $6,800 $7,800
DK Metcalf $6,600 $7,900
DeVonta Smith N/A $7,700
Deebo Samuel Sr. $6,500 $7,600
Tank Dell $6,400 $7,000
Jaxon Smith-Njigba $6,300 $7,500
Josh Downs $6,200 $6,900
Marvin Harrison Jr. $6,100 $7,200
Jameson Williams $6,000 $6,800
Jayden Reed $5,900 $7,300
Courtland Sutton $5,800 $7,100
Calvin Ridley $5,700 $6,300
Jauan Jennings $5,600 $6,700
DJ Moore $5,500 $6,000
DeAndre Hopkins $5,400 $6,500
Jaylen Waddle $5,300 $5,900
Michael Pittman Jr. $5,300 $5,700
Christian Watson $5,200 $6,100
Wan’Dale Robinson $5,200 $5,700
Jakobi Meyers $5,100 $6,400
Jordan Addison $5,100 $6,200
Xavier Legette $5,000 $5,800
Xavier Worthy $5,000 $6,600
Alec Pierce $4,900 $5,700
Keenan Allen $4,900 $5,900
Demarcus Robinson N/A $5,600
Rome Odunze $4,800 $5,400
Tyler Lockett $4,800 $5,800
Adam Thielen $4,700 $4,900
Ricky Pearsall $4,700 $5,600
Darius Slayton $4,600 $5,300
Romeo Doubs $4,600 $5,600
Brandin Cooks $4,500 $5,000
DeMario Douglas $4,500 $5,400
John Metchie III $4,400 $5,500
Michael Wilson $4,400 $5,200
Dontayvion Wicks $4,300 $4,800
JuJu Smith-Schuster $4,300 $5,000
Noah Brown $4,200 $5,400
Sterling Shepard $4,200 $5,600
Jalen Tolbert $4,100 $5,300
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $4,100 $5,300
Jalen McMillan $4,000 $5,300
Tre Tucker $4,000 $5,200
Adonai Mitchell $3,900 $5,100
Devaughn Vele $3,900 $5,500
Jalen Coker $3,700 $5,300
Jahan Dotson N/A $4,700
Jonathan Mingo $3,700 $4,700
Tutu Atwell N/A $4,700
Greg Dortch $3,600 $4,900
Jalen Nailor $3,600 $5,000
Kendrick Bourne $3,500 $5,200
Justin Watson $3,500 $4,900
Kayshon Boutte $3,500 $5,100
Troy Franklin $3,500 $5,400
Tyler Boyd $3,500 $4,800
Kalif Raymond $3,400 $4,700
Lil’Jordan Humphrey $3,400 $5,000
Robert Woods $3,400 $4,800
Tim Patrick $3,400 $4,900
Jalin Hyatt $3,300 $4,700
Odell Beckham Jr. $3,300 $4,800
Olamide Zaccheaus $3,300 $4,900
Luke McCaffrey $3,200 $4,600
Marvin Mims Jr. $3,200 $5,100
Xavier Hutchinson $3,200 $4,900
Dyami Brown $3,100 $4,600
Ja’Lynn Polk $3,100 $4,600
Mecole Hardman $3,100 $4,700
Rakim Jarrett $3,100 $4,800
Josh Reynolds $3,000 $4,500

Wide receiver

Weekly strategy – The high-priced options are all in shaky territory. Amon-Ra. St. Brown has a good matchup, but won’t see as many targets as last week. Nico Collins should see more targets this week, but Tennessee is tough against the pass even without their top two CBs. Both Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua might eat into each other’s usage versus a tough Eagles secondary. Malik Nabers and Tyreek Hill become the top WR1 options by default. A returning Mike Evans (hamstring) and Terry McLaurin are the WR1 pivots. At WR2, use Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Josh Downs,  Courtland Sutton, or Calvin Ridley. I’d also consider using two of the above if I save at RB. Otherwise, use Rome Odunze, one of the Chiefs, or Wan’Dale Robinson at WR3. You can also consider Kendrick Bourne, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, or Sterling Shepard as a punt option.

Fantasy four-pack

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions @ IND ($8,300, $9,500 FD) Only seven teams have allowed more receiving yards to opposing WRs than Indy. St. Brown is coming off of a monster performance, and he has scored in eight straight games. With Sam LaPorta returning, St. Brown’s numbers won’t equal last week’s, but he will still post 8-110-1

Malik Nabers, Giants vs. TB ($7,400, $8,200 FD) Do we trust Tommy DeVito? Yes, heck, I’d trust Uncle Rico versus this secondary. The only way Nabers doesn’t pay off here is if DeVito and Drew Lock get hurt and the team is forced to turn to Tim Boyle.

Tyreek Hill, Dolphins vs. NE ($7,200 DK, $8,300 FD) In Week 5, Hill posted 6-69 versus New England despite having Tyler Huntley throwing him wounded ducks. Since the return of Tua Tagovailoa, Hill has caught 20 of 26 passes and scored in back-to-back games. Expect him to continue his resurgence here.

Nico Collins, Texans vs. TEN ($7,600 DK, $8,900 FD) Collins shook off the rust last week. This week expect a more traditional stat line. Before his injury, Collins had scored and/or topped 100 yards in three of five games.

Sleepers

Calvin Ridley, Titans @ HOU ($5,700 DK, $6,300 FD) Since Week 6, Ridley ranks third overall among WRs in targets. Meanwhile, over the last four games, Houston has allowed opposing WR1s to average 20.2 PPR points per game.

Rome Odunze, Bears vs. MIN ($4,800 DK, $5,400 FD) Minnesota has allowed the fifth-most WR receiving yards. They have particularly struggled with field stretchers, like Odunze. Meanwhile, Odunze was the target of 10 passes in the first game under the new play-caller for Chicago.

Tight End DraftKings FanDuel
Brock Bowers $6,300 $7,500
George Kittle $6,000 $7,700
Travis Kelce $5,800 $7,200
Trey McBride $5,600 $6,700
Cade Otton $5,500 $6,600
Dallas Goedert N/A $6,100
Jake Ferguson $4,400 $5,900
Sam LaPorta $4,300 $5,800
T.J. Hockenson $4,200 $6,000
Jonnu Smith $4,100 $5,600
Hunter Henry $4,000 $5,200
Tucker Kraft $3,900 $5,400
Zach Ertz $3,800 $5,300
Colby Parkinson N/A $5,000
Noah Fant $3,700 $5,000
Cole Kmet $3,600 $5,100
Dalton Schultz $3,500 $5,500
Ja’Tavion Sanders $3,400 $4,900
Brock Wright $3,300 $5,100
AJ Barner $3,200 $4,900
Noah Gray $3,100 $5,000
Josh Oliver $2,900 $4,800
Theo Johnson $2,900 $4,800
Chig Okonkwo $2,800 $4,700
Elijah Higgins $2,800 $4,600
Adam Trautman $2,700 $4,600
Davis Allen N/A $4,400
Luke Schoonmaker $2,500 $4,400

Tight end

Weekly strategy – Travis Kelce and Trey McBride are the top options this week. George Kittle (hamstring) and Brock Bowers are a little pricier, but each should fare well with lesser ownership. A healthy Sam LaPorta (shoulder) also gets a cake matchup at a much lower price than the other four. Theo Johnson, Luke Schoonmaker, and Ja’Tavion Sanders are the punt options.

Fantasy four-pack

Travis Kelce, Chiefs @ CAR ($5,800 DK, $7,200 FD) No team has allowed more TE touchdowns than Carolina. Kelce will score at least once as KC looks to remedy his dud from last week.

Trey McBride, Cardinals @ SEA ($5,600 DK, $6,700 FD) Seattle has faced only five TEs of McBride’s caliber this season. Those five TEs have averaged 5.6-63 with three total TDs. Over his last six games, McBride is averaging 14 PPR points per game. That feels like his floor here.

Sam LaPorta, Lions @ IND ($4,300 DK, $5,800 FD) Reports suggest that LaPorta (shoulder) will return this week. Before his injury, he had scored in three of five games. Indy has allowed the third-most receptions and the fourth-most TDs to the position.

George Kittle, 49ers @ GB ($6,000 DK, $7,700 FD) Kittle (hamstring) has already announced that he is playing this weekend. Despite missing a pair of games, because of injury, Kittle leads all TEs in touchdowns. He is also averaging 70 receiving yards per game played.

Sleepers

Ja’Tavion Sanders, Panthers vs. KC ($3,400 DK, $4,900 FD) KC ranks dead last in TE receiving yards allowed, and only one team has allowed more TE receptions. Meanwhile, since Week 6, Sanders has led the Panthers in receptions and receiving yards.

Luke Schoonmaker, Cowboys @ WAS ($2,500 DK, $4,400 FD) Jake Ferguson (concussion) is expected to miss this week’s game. He also missed most of last week’s game during which Schoonmaker stepped in and posted 6-56 on 10 targets. The Commanders have allowed three TE scores over their last four games, so Schoonmaker may score here.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 11

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

With Thanksgiving Week and a pair of Byepocalypse weeks looming shortly, Week 11’s challenge is to squeeze as many Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs into your lineup as possible.

From a DFS standpoint, I am happy that this matchup is on the main slate, but I am still shocked that this game wasn’t flexed to prime time.

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 Russell Wilson ($5.9k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($8.3k), RB Nick Chubb ($6.0k), WR George Pickens ($7.0k), WR Calvin Ridley ($6.2k), WR Mack Hollins ($3.8k), TE Dawson Knox ($3.5k), FLEX Kareem Hunt ($6.7k), DST Cleveland Browns ($2.6k)

FD Lineup: QB Russell Wilson ($7.8k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($9.8k), RB Nick Chubb ($6.2k), WR George Pickens ($7.5k), WR Quentin Johnston ($6.0k), WR Calvin Ridley ($6.4k), TE Pat Freiermuth ($5.3K), FLEX Chase Brown ($6.8k), DST Cleveland Browns ($4.1k)

FB Lineup: QB Russell Wilson ($5.7k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($8.2k) RB Kyren Williams ($7.6k), WR George Pickens ($5.9k), WR Cedric Tillman ($3.9k), WR/TE George Kittle ($5.9k), TE Travis Kelce ($6.0k), FLEX Kareem Hunt ($6.2k), SUPERFLEX Jameis Winston ($5.5k)

*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
Lamar Jackson $8,000 $9,000
Josh Allen $7,800 $8,800
Joe Burrow N/A $8,500
Jordan Love $7,000 $7,700
Patrick Mahomes $6,800 $7,900
Brock Purdy $6,600 $8,400
Kirk Cousins $6,500 $7,100
Jared Goff $6,300 $8,300
Bo Nix $6,200 $7,400
Sam Darnold $6,100 $7,500
Tua Tagovailoa $6,000 $8,000
Russell Wilson $5,900 $7,800
Matthew Stafford $5,800 $7,400
Geno Smith $5,700 $7,600
Justin Herbert N/A $7,300
Drake Maye $5,600 $6,700
Aaron Rodgers $5,500 $7,100
Jameis Winston $5,500 $7,200
Caleb Williams $5,400 $7,000
Trevor Lawrence $5,400 $7,000
Joe Flacco $5,300 $6,900
Derek Carr $5,200 $7,200
Will Levis $5,100 $6,700
Desmond Ridder $5,000 $6,600
Gardner Minshew II $5,000 $6,600
Mac Jones $4,900 $6,800

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Despite facing off against each other’s elite defenses and without their top receiving weapons, Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes lock horns in another epic battle. The clear pivot play would be Brock Purdy. To save some money, I love Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston and, to a lesser degree, Matthew Stafford. Will Levis is a bottom-priced punt option.

Fantasy four-pack

Josh Allen, Bills vs. KC ($7,800 DK, $8,800 FD) KC’s defense is elite, but when these two teams meet, throw the recent trends out the window. In seven career meetings, Allen has 20 total TDs, and he has averaged 299 total yards per game. Stack him with two of Khalil Shakir, Dawson Knox (assuming Dalton Kincaid is out), and Mack Hollins (assuming Amari Cooper is out).

Joe Burrow, Bengals @ LAC (N/A DK, $8,500 FD) Burrow went berserk the last two weeks, throwing for nine TDs. This matchup looks tougher on paper, but the Chargers have faced only four top-20 QBs all season.

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs @ BUF ($6,800 DK, $7,900 FD) Despite facing a stingy Denver defense, Mahomes produced another solid yardage line last week. He threw for only one TD in that game, but Mahomes has six over the previous three weeks. Plus, he should get an enormous boost with the return of JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) this week.

Brock Purdy, 49ers vs. SEA ($6,600 DK, $8,400 FD) Purdy’s receivers returned to the field last week and he instantly went off for 353-2. Meanwhile, Seattle has allowed multiple passing TDs in five of their last six games, including three to Purdy in Week 6.

Sleepers

Russell Wilson, Steelers vs. BAL ($5,900 DK, $7,800 FD) Baltimore has the worst pass defense in football. They have allowed 30 more yards per game than the next worst team. They have also allowed the most passing TDs this year. Since becoming the starting quarterback in Week 7, Wilson has scored the sixth-most points per game among quarterbacks.

Jameis Winston, Browns @ NO ($5,500 DK, $7,200 FD) Winston gets the revenge game against a New Orleans defense that recently traded away their best cornerback. Stack him with David Njoku and Cedric Tillman.

Running back DraftKings FanDuel
Christian McCaffrey $8,300 $9,800
Alvin Kamara $8,200 $8,200
Derrick Henry $8,100 $9,400
Kyren Williams $7,900 $9,200
Bijan Robinson $7,800 $8,900
Jonathan Taylor $7,600 $8,400
Breece Hall $7,500 $8,500
Jahmyr Gibbs $7,300 $8,300
De’Von Achane $7,200 $8,700
Josh Jacobs $7,100 $7,400
Kenneth Walker III $7,000 $7,800
Aaron Jones $6,900 $7,600
James Cook $6,800 $7,900
Kareem Hunt $6,700 $8,000
J.K. Dobbins N/A $7,200
D’Andre Swift $6,600 $7,100
David Montgomery $6,500 $8,100
Tony Pollard $6,400 $6,900
Chase Brown N/A $6,800
Travis Etienne Jr. $6,300 $6,700
Najee Harris $6,200 $7,000
Rhamondre Stevenson $6,100 $6,500
Nick Chubb $6,000 $6,200
Jordan Mason $5,900 $5,200
Raheem Mostert $5,800 $6,600
Javonte Williams $5,700 $5,500
Tank Bigsby $5,600 $6,300
Alexander Mattison $5,500 $5,700
Braelon Allen $5,500 $5,400
Ray Davis $5,400 $5,300
Jaylen Warren $5,300 $5,500
Tyler Allgeier $5,300 $5,800
Justice Hill $5,200 $5,300
Zach Charbonnet $5,100 $5,100
Antonio Gibson $4,800 $5,100
Gus Edwards N/A $5,000
Jaleel McLaughlin $4,700 $5,000
Tyjae Spears $4,700 $5,300
Cam Akers $4,600 $5,600
Audric Estime $4,500 $5,400
Emanuel Wilson $4,500 $5,200
Zamir White $4,500 $5,100
Jerome Ford $4,400 $5,200
Khalil Herbert N/A $4,900

Running back

Weekly strategy – Christian McCaffrey immediately stepped back into a bell cow role. This week he faces a cake matchup. Bijan Robinson and Kyren Williams are the next best options. Detroit also has an easy matchup, but good luck choosing between Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Kareem Hunt is my favorite RB2 choice. Chase Brown and Nick Chubb can be RB2 pivots. They also are both great flex plays if you go cheaper elsewhere. Watch Najee Harris’s (ankle) injury status. If he is out, Jaylen Warren can be a punt option. Otherwise, take a flier on Alexander Mattison or Audric Estime.

Fantasy four-pack

Christian McCaffrey, 49ers vs. SEA ($8,300 DK, $9,800 FD) Since Week 4, Seattle has allowed over 27 PPR points per game to opposing RBs. This included allowing 26.9 PPR points to the Niners’ backups in Week 6. Nothing held McCaffrey back last week. He handled 20 of the 22 RB opportunities for San Fran.

Bijan Robinson, Falcons @ DEN ($7,800 DK, $8,900 FD) Pass-catching running backs can beat Denver’s defense. They rank fourth in RB targets and receptions and fifth in RB receiving yards and receiving TDs. This fits Robinson’s bill as he ranks third among RBs in both receptions and receiving yards.

Kyren Williams, Rams @ NE ($7,900 DK, $9,200 FD) Williams gets to feast on a Patriots’ defense that allows 145 combo yards and 1.1 total TDs per game to the RB position. Despite being shut out the last two weeks, Williams ranks second in total TDs among RBs.

Alvin Kamara, Saints vs. CLE ($8,200 DK, $8,200 FD) His price is the same on both sites, but he is only a legit play on DK because of the full PPR scoring. Kamara has five or more receptions in eight of 10 games. Meanwhile, Cleveland has faced legit pass-catching backs only a few times this year, so their numbers look artificially good.

Sleepers

Kareem Hunt, Chiefs @ BUF ($6,700 DK, $8,000 FD) With Isiah Pacheco’s (leg) return looming shortly, this may be the last week to enjoy huge scoring from Hunt. Buffalo is allowing a league third-worst 4.9 YPC to opposing rushers. Since Week 9, they have allowed 362 total yards and three total TDs to the position.

Nick Chubb, Browns @ NO ($6,000 DK, $6,200 FD) The Saints have allowed seven total RB touchdowns over the last four weeks. Chubb has been a dud since his return in Week 7, but here — at low ownership — he will go off.

Wide Receiver DraftKings FanDuel
Ja’Marr Chase N/A $9,600
Justin Jefferson $8,600 $9,000
Amon-Ra St. Brown $8,000 $9,200
Cooper Kupp $7,500 $8,800
Tyreek Hill $7,400 $8,500
Puka Nacua $7,300 $8,300
Davante Adams $7,200 $7,400
Garrett Wilson $7,100 $8,100
George Pickens $7,000 $7,500
Zay Flowers $6,900 $7,600
Deebo Samuel Sr. $6,800 $8,200
Drake London $6,700 $7,800
Tee Higgins N/A $7,100
Darnell Mooney $6,600 $7,000
DK Metcalf $6,500 $8,000
Jaxon Smith-Njigba $6,500 $7,300
Jayden Reed $6,400 $7,700
Josh Downs $6,400 $6,900
Khalil Shakir $6,300 $6,500
Calvin Ridley $6,200 $6,400
Brian Thomas Jr. $6,100 $6,600
Ladd McConkey N/A $6,300
DJ Moore $6,000 $6,100
Quentin Johnston N/A $6,000
Michael Pittman Jr. $6,000 $5,900
Courtland Sutton $5,900 $6,800
Jaylen Waddle $5,900 $6,200
Jameson Williams $5,800 $6,300
Tyler Lockett $5,800 $6,100
Amari Cooper $5,700 $6,300
DeAndre Hopkins $5,700 $6,700
Jakobi Meyers $5,600 $6,200
Xavier Worthy $5,600 $6,000
Romeo Doubs $5,500 $5,800
Joshua Palmer N/A $5,600
Andrei Iosivas N/A $5,500
Alec Pierce $5,400 $5,400
Jerry Jeudy $5,400 $5,800
Cedric Tillman $5,300 $6,500
Jauan Jennings $5,300 $6,200
Christian Watson $5,200 $5,700
Keenan Allen $5,200 $5,800
Demarcus Robinson $5,100 $5,900
Jordan Addison $5,100 $5,800
Dontayvion Wicks $5,000 $5,000
Rome Odunze $5,000 $5,600
Ricky Pearsall $4,900 $5,800
Diontae Johnson $4,800 $5,700
DeMario Douglas $4,700 $5,300
Gabe Davis $4,700 $5,700
Rashod Bateman $4,600 $5,400
JuJu Smith-Schuster $4,500 $5,200
Adonai Mitchell $4,400 $5,300
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,400 $5,900
Cedrick Wilson Jr. $4,300 $5,100
Elijah Moore $4,300 $5,500
Ray-Ray McCloud III $4,200 $5,600
Mike Williams $4,100 $5,700
Tre Tucker $4,100 $5,100
Jalen Nailor $4,000 $5,000
Parker Washington $4,000 $5,300
Devaughn Vele $3,900 $5,200
DJ Turner $3,900 $5,100
Mack Hollins $3,800 $5,600
Justin Watson $3,700 $4,800
Troy Franklin $3,700 $5,000
Calvin Austin III $3,600 $5,200
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $3,600 $5,400
Kalif Raymond $3,500 $4,800
Kayshon Boutte $3,500 $4,900
Nelson Agholor $3,500 $5,100
Jermaine Burton N/A $4,700
Van Jefferson $3,500 $4,400
Ja’Lynn Polk $3,400 $4,800
Odell Beckham Jr. $3,400 $4,700
Tim Patrick $3,400 $4,900
Tyler Boyd $3,400 $4,600
Curtis Samuel $3,300 $5,000
Mecole Hardman $3,300 $5,000
Tylan Wallace $3,300 $4,700
Lil’Jordan Humphrey $3,200 $4,500
Kendrick Bourne $3,100 $5,000
Marvin Mims Jr. $3,100 $4,400

Wide receiver

Weekly strategy – Spend up on Ja’Marr Chase or Puka Nacua. The only other elite player among the high-priced options is George Pickens. At WR2, pick Calvin Ridley, Khalil Shakir, Quentin Johnston, or DeAndre Hopkins. I love Jauan Jennings and Cedric Tillman for WR3. I also would consider JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) if he returns from his injury. If you punt this position, Mack Hollins, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Mike Williams are the best options.

Fantasy four-pack

Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals @ LAC (N/A DK, $9,600 FD) If you faced Chase last week, my condolences on your loss. Thankfully, in DFS, you can choose to play him this week even if you don’t own him in your season-long leagues. Over their last three games, the Chargers have allowed an average of 6.3-89-1 to opposing WR1s.

Puka Nacua, Rams @ NE ($7,300, $8,300 FD) In the two full games that Nacua has played since his return from injury, he has posted 16-204 on 23 targets. As long as he doesn’t punch anyone, he should post 9-100-1 here.

George Pickens, Steelers vs. BAL ($7,000 DK, $7,500 FD) Only two WR1s have not topped 100 yards and/or scored against this defense this season. Both came back in Weeks 3 and 4. Since then, they have allowed an average of 7-126-1.8 to opposing WR1s. Plus, Pickens has scored in two of the three games since Russell Wilson took over at QB.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions vs. JAX ($8,000 DK, $9,200 FD) This play isn’t as obvious as expected. Detroit could just run the ball down the throat of the Jaguars. Plus, St. Brown’s scoring touchdowns in seven consecutive games has helped his numbers look better than they are. Still, with Sam LaPorta (shoulder) in danger of missing this game, St. Brown could see an uptick in targets.

Sleepers

Calvin Ridley, Titans vs. MIN ($6,200 DK, $6,400 FD) Minnesota ranks in the bottom eight in receptions, yardage, and TDs allowed to opposing WRs. Meanwhile, since Week 6, Ridley ranks third among WRs in targets. 

Cedric Tillman, Browns @ NO ($5,300 DK, $6,500 FD) The sites have not bumped Tillman’s price up, despite his ranking 10th or better in receptions, targets, and receiving TDs among WRs, since Week 7.

Tight End DraftKings FanDuel
Travis Kelce $6,300 $7,400
George Kittle $6,000 $8,000
Brock Bowers $5,800 $7,200
David Njoku $5,500 $6,600
Evan Engram $5,200 $5,900
Dalton Kincaid $5,000 $5,800
Kyle Pitts $4,800 $5,500
T.J. Hockenson $4,700 $6,500
Mark Andrews $4,600 $6,100
Taysom Hill $4,500 $6,400
Tucker Kraft $4,400 $6,000
Sam LaPorta $4,300 $5,700
Mike Gesicki N/A $5,400
Pat Freiermuth $4,200 $5,300
Cole Kmet $4,100 $5,200
Isaiah Likely $4,000 $5,600
Hunter Henry $3,900 $5,300
Jonnu Smith $3,800 $5,100
Noah Fant $3,700 $5,000
Colby Parkinson $3,600 $5,000
Will Dissly N/A $5,000
Dawson Knox $3,500 $5,100
Juwan Johnson $3,400 $5,200
Brock Wright $3,300 $4,600
Tyler Conklin $3,200 $5,000
AJ Barner $3,100 $4,800
Josh Oliver $3,100 $4,700
Chig Okonkwo $3,000 $4,800
Foster Moreau $3,000 $4,800
Adam Trautman $2,800 $4,700
Brenton Strange $2,700 $4,700
Davis Allen $2,500 $4,200

Tight end

Weekly strategy – Travis Kelce and George Kittle each have juicy matchups. David Njoku, Pat Freiermuth, and Mike Gesicki are cheaper alternatives. If you want to take a deep dive, consider Will Dissly, Dawson Knox, or Brock Wright.

Fantasy four-pack

Travis Kelce, Chiefs @ BUF ($6,300 DK, $7,400 FD) In his last seven games against the Bills, Kelce is averaging 7.8-87 with eight TDs. Plus, over the last three weeks, Kelce is leading the league in TE targets, receptions, and receiving yards.

George Kittle, 49ers vs. SEA ($6,000 DK, $8,000 FD) Kittle has seven TDs over his last seven games. This includes a 5-58-2 against these Seahawks.

David Njoku, Browns @ NO ($5,500 DK, $6,600 FD) In the three games since Jameis Winston took over, Njoku has posted 20-166-2 on 28 targets. The Saints have struggled with the limited number of similarly talented TEs they have faced this season.

Brock Bowers, Raiders @ MIA ($5,800 DK, $7,200 FD) This isn’t a great matchup on paper, but Bowers has been matchup-proof this year. He ranks second among TEs in both receptions and targets, and he ranks first in receiving yards.

Sleepers

Mike Gesicki, Bengals @ LAC (N/A DK, $5,400 FD) Since Tee Higgins (quadriceps) went down to injury, Gesicki ranks top-four in every TE scoring category. As long as Higgins remains out, keep playing him. If Higgins plays, consider flipping to Pat Freiermuth at a similar price.

Dawson Knox, Bills vs. KC ($3,500 DK, $5,100 FD) With Dalton Kincaid (knee) on the wrong side of questionable, Knox will be a favorite target for Josh Allen. In six career games versus the Chiefs, Knox has scored three times. Plus, KC has allowed the most receiving yards to the position.