Tag: who do i start

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 6

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 6 DFS fantasy football

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

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

DALLAS @ PHILADELPHIA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday Night

DENVER @ LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

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

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

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

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

Quarterback

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Running Back

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Wide Receiver

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

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

Tight End

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

Fantasy Four-pack

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

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

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

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

DFS Sleepers

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

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

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 5

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 5 DFS fantasy football

Quarterback concussions were the story of Week 4. We saw two veterans knocked out on Sunday in addition to the gruesome injury sustained by Tua Tagovailoa on Thursday. Scary head trauma aside, make sure to keep your brain in check and limit yourself to a short memory when setting DFS lineups.

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

CINCINNATI @ BALTIMORE

Seldom will Joe Burrow (QB3) find himself as the third-worst QB on a slate of four passers. It actually is a pretty strong matchup for him as Baltimore is putrid against the pass. Unfortunately, two of the other three have juicy matchups, too. If you want to avoid the heavy ownership numbers, definitely consider Burrow here.

One of those who will be more heavily owned is Lamar Jackson (QB1). His matchup isn’t as smooth as Burrow’s but Jackson offers the elite rushing production to go along with his passing stats. This alone makes him the safest floor option among the QBs.

Efficiency has never been a calling card for Joe Mixon (RB1). Fortunately, he gets so much volume that it doesn’t really matter. Samaje Perine (RB6) is his backup, but his usage is far too sporadic to rely on outside of Showdown contests.

J.K. Dobbins (RB2) looked comfortable in Week 4. This should strike fear into the hearts of all of Baltimore’s opponents as now they have one more weapon to deal with. Justice Hill (hamstring – RB8) was running strong before getting knocked out of last week’s game. If he can go, consider him as a flex option. If Hill is out, Mike Davis (RB11) will be the backup. He has no value. Patrick Ricard (RB10), on the other hand, is always a fun TD-dependent Showdown flyer.

The only thing that kept Baltimore’s secondary from getting thrashed by Buffalo last week was the remnants of a hurricane. They remain one of the worst pass defenses in the league. Ja’Marr Chase (WR1) and Tee Higgins (WR3) can both be considered as WR1. I also love Tyler Boyd (WR8) as the third leg to a Burrow stack. You can ignore the depth options here barring a practice-week injury.

Rashod Bateman (foot – WR5) was repeatedly in and out of the Week 4 game with an injury. Watch his practice status this week. If he can go, consider him as a WR2. I particularly like him as the run-it-back play in a Bengals’ stack.  Devin Duvernay came close to scoring once again last week. He is a great WR3 option here. Demarcus Robinson (WR12) could be a sneaky WR3/flex option, especially if Bateman is limited.

Hayden Hurst (groin – TE4) would be a strong play against Baltimore with the revenge game narrative. Unfortunately, he is ranked fourth among the active TEs on this loaded slate. Consider him as a cheap flex play in a multiple-TE lineup.

Mark Andrews (TE2) failed in the cake matchup last week. Forget about it and move on. Cincy has been gouged by both Pat Freiermuth and Tyler Conklin already this season. They are chopped beef compared to Andrews. On a loaded slate, Isaiah Likely (TE5) can be left to Showdown contests.

Monday Night

LAS VEGAS @ KANSAS CITY

Kansas City’s pass defense is shaky enough to consider using a punt lineup with Derek Carr (QB4). His value is even higher if Hunter Renfrow can go.

Patrick Mahomes (QB2) is facing the second-worst pass defense on this slate. Yes, Baltimore is even worse than Vegas (30th versus 31st). Last Sunday night, Mahomes showed once again how ridiculously good he can be … expect another huge game here.

Josh Jacobs (RB3) scored twice last week. That was twice more than I predicted going up against Denver. He was also the second-most-targeted option in the Vegas passing attack. KC has struggled with pass-catching backs allowing 40 receptions through the first four games. Even if Hunter Renfrow returns, Jacobs is a safe play at either RB1 or RB2. Brandon Bolden (RB9) and Zamir White (RB12) don’t see enough usage to deploy here.

Coming into Week 4, Kansas City had split the workload between all three of Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB4), Jerick McKinnon (RB7), and Isaiah Pacheco (RB5). CEH lapped McKinnon in season touches in just Week 4 securing his spot as the lead man. While McKinnon seemingly has fallen even behind Pacheco, CEH can be used as an RB2 this week. Pacheco can be considered as a flex play, and McKinnon should probably be limited to Showdown lineups.

Davante Adams (WR2) continues to hoard targets for Vegas. I love pairing him with one of the Bengals as WR1 and WR2. Hunter Renfrow (concussion – WR6) has missed a pair of games with a concussion. If he can go, roll him out as a WR3. I prefer him on DK, where he gets the full PPR. If Renfrow misses another game, you can use Mack Hollins (WR7) as a WR3. That said, I wouldn’t trust him as more than a desperation punt play if Renfrow returns.

The Chiefs have spread the ball around through the first four weeks. Still, JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR4) has been consistently the top WR option. You will have the choice to use him as a cheap WR2 or an expensive WR3. Marques Valdes-Scantling (WR10) has been far less consistent and has battled some injuries. He could be used as a WR3, at best. Mecole Hardman (WR11) is cheap, but he has been ignored for the last two weeks. I can’t trust his usage right now. Skyy Moore (WR13) finally made the box score this past week, but I’d like to see more consistency before using him outside of Showdown.

Darren Waller (WR3) is ranked lower here than most weeks. He will be my least-owned option as I’d rather take the savings on Hurst if I choose to fade the top two options.

KC loves to attack their divisional rivals with Travis Kelce (TE1). In his last eight meetings with Vegas, Kelce has posted 56-808-5.  His price is high, but I would do everything possible to ensure he is in my lineup.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Carson Wentz ($5.7k), RB Rhamondre Stevenson ($5.5k), RB Dameon Pierce ($6.2k), WR A.J. Brown ($7.5k), WR Robert Woods ($5.2k), WR Curtis Samuel ($5.8k), TE T.J. Hockenson ($4.9k), FLEX James Robinson ($6.3k), DST Detroit Lions ($2.8k)

FD Lineup: QB Carson Wentz ($6.8k), RB James Robinson ($8k), RB Damien Harris ($7.2k), WR A.J. Brown ($8k), WR Curtis Samuel ($5.8k), WR Robert Woods ($5.9k), TE David Njoku ($5.7k), FLEX Jamaal Williams ($8.3k), DST Minnesota Vikings ($4.3k)

FB Lineup: QB Joe Burrow ($6.6k), RB Jamaal Williams ($6k), RB Dameon Pierce ($5.6k), WR A.J. Brown ($6.7k), WR Tee Higgins ($6.2k), WR Elijah Moore ($4.3k), TE Cameron Brate ($3.4k), FLEX James Robinson ($5.7k), FLEX Damien Harris ($5.3k)

Quarterbacks DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,200 $9,000
Jalen Hurts $8,100 $8,600
Kyler Murray $7,400 $8,100
Justin Herbert $7,100 $8,200
Matthew Stafford $6,400 $7,400
Kirk Cousins $6,300 $7,100
Dak Prescott $6,200 $7,500
Jared Goff $6,100 $8,000
Tom Brady $6,000 $7,800
Ryan Tannehill $5,800 $6,900
Carson Wentz $5,700 $6,800
Jacoby Brissett $5,600 $6,700
Trevor Lawrence $5,600 $7,600
Geno Smith $5,500 $6,900
Jameis Winston $5,500 $7,300
Cooper Rush $5,400 $6,500
Jimmy Garoppolo $5,400 $7,000
Marcus Mariota $5,400 $6,800
Teddy Bridgewater $5,400 $6,400
Justin Fields $5,300 $6,600
Zach Wilson $5,300 $7,200
Andy Dalton $5,200 $6,500
Mac Jones $5,200 $6,600
Bailey Zappe $5,100 $6,300
Baker Mayfield $5,100 $6,400
Brian Hoyer $5,100 $6,300
Kenny Pickett $5,100 $6,500
Mitch Trubisky $5,100 $6,500
Davis Mills $5,000 $6,400
Taysom Hill $4,900 N/A

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Jalen Hurts and Justin Herbert are the best plays on the board this week. If you choose to pivot to under $6k on DK consider Tom Brady, Ryan Tannehill, Carson Wentz, or Trevor Lawrence. Wentz is my favorite from that group as he should have low ownership. His FD price is also palatable. Teddy Bridgewater and Davis Mills could be barrel-scraping bargains.

Fantasy Four-pack

Jalen Hurts, Eagles @ ARI
($8,100 DK, $8,600 FD) Hurts has two games with three total TDs and two games with one total TD. Fortunately, his rushing acumen keeps his value up even when he has a bad passing game. Arizona was decimated by Patrick Mahomes in Week 1 but has held middling QBs in check since then. Hurts is good enough to turn this into a shootout.

Justin Herbert, Chargers @ CLE
($7,100 DK, $8,200 FD) Herbert leads the league in passing yards, but he has only thrown for nine TDs this year. Meanwhile, Cleveland has allowed zero or one passing TD in three of four games. You might think this is a bad sign for Herbert until you realize that the best QB that Cleveland has faced was Joe Flacco. Cleveland is about to be exposed.

Josh Allen, Bills vs. PIT ($8,200 DK, $9,000 FD) Pittsburgh has faced only one above-average QB this season. That was Joe Burrow back in Week 1. He threw for 338-2 in that game and even gained 47 rushing yards. After facing three straight subpar QBs, Pittsburgh may not be ready for Allen. I like him to approach 300-3 with a floor of 275-2 plus another 40 yards on the ground.

Tom Brady, Buccaneers vs. ATL
($6,000 DK, $7,800 FD) Tom Brady has all of his weapons back healthy and will get healthy as well against an Atlanta pass defense that has allowed multiple passing TDs in three of four games.

DFS Sleepers

Carson Wentz, Commanders vs. TEN
($5,700 DK, $6,800 FD)  Wentz is coming off a pair of stinkers against top-tier pass defenses. Recency bias will keep most DFS players off of him as they forget about his two early-season blowups against the Jags and Lions. Tennessee has allowed the third-most passing yards and the most passing TDs per game. With two horrible pass defenses facing off here expect big scoring on both sides.

Teddy Bridgewater, Dolphins @ NYJ
($5,400 DK, $6,400 FD)
I’ve always bad-mouthed Bridgewater for his standard line of 210-1. That said, this feels like a two-TD game for Teddy-one-TD. I could see stacking him with either Tyreek Hill or Jaylen Waddle, but Waddle would be my choice because he is cheaper.

Running backs DraftKings FanDuel
Christian McCaffrey $8,500 $8,700
Derrick Henry $8,200 $8,900
Nick Chubb $8,000 $9,400
Austin Ekeler $7,800 $9,000
Dalvin Cook
 $7,300 $7,300
Leonard Fournette $6,900 $7,800
Alvin Kamara $6,600 $7,000
Jamaal Williams $6,500 $8,300
Miles Sanders $6,500 $7,600
Najee Harris $6,500 $6,600
Alexander Mattison $6,400 $7,300
James Conner $6,300 $6,700
James Robinson $6,300 $8,000
Dameon Pierce $6,200 $7,500
David Montgomery $6,200 $7,100
Devin Singletary $6,100 $6,000
Kareem Hunt $6,000 $5,900
Antonio Gibson $5,900 $6,300
Khalil Herbert $5,900 $7,100
Ezekiel Elliott $5,800 $6,200
Tony Pollard $5,700 $5,700
Cam Akers $5,600 $6,100
Damien Harris $5,600 $7,200
Darrell Henderson $5,500 $6,100
Jeff Wilson $5,500 $6,500
Rhamondre Stevenson $5,500 $6,000
Breece Hall $5,400 $6,600
Mark Ingram $5,400 $6,000
Rashaad Penny $5,300 $6,900
Chase Edmonds $5,200 $5,700
J.D. McKissic $5,200 $5,100
Rachaad White $5,100 $5,800
Travis Etienne $5,100 $5,600
Kenneth Gainwell $5,000 $5,200
Raheem Mostert $5,000 $5,800
Rex Burkhead $5,000 $5,100
Dontrell Hilliard $4,900 $5,000
Michael Carter $4,900 $5,500
Brian Robinson $4,800 $5,500
Craig Reynolds $4,800 $5,500
Kenneth Walker $4,700 $5,300
Tyler Allgeier $4,700 $5,700
Zack Moss $4,700 $5,100
Eno Benjamin $4,600 $5,400
Darrel Williams $4,400 $5,000
Caleb Huntley $4,300 $5,600

Running Back

Weekly strategy – Christian McCaffrey finally saw the targets he deserved last week, but this matchup is ugly. Derrick Henry has a slightly better matchup, so I prefer him here. Austin Ekeler and Nick Chubb have much better matchups than both of them. Still, Dalvin Cook has the best matchup of any of them and is cheaper. If I spend up at RB it will be for one of these five. That said, there are just too many bargains to not skip the high-priced guys. James Robinson Jamaal Williams, Dameon Pierce, Kareem Hunt, and the Patriots’ RBs will make up most of my lineups. You can even punt easily with Breece Hall (knee), Mark Ingram (if Alvin Kamara (ribs) is out again), or Tyler Allgeier.

Fantasy Four-pack

Nick Chubb, Browns vs. LAC
($8,000 DK, $9,400 FD) The Chargers have allowed rushing TDs each of the last two weeks. They also were torched by pass-catching backs all season. Chubb is not involved in the passing game at all, but he still is among the top two in both total yards and scores among RBs. Both Chubb and Kareem Hunt will score this week.

Derrick Henry, Titans @ WAS
($8,200 DK, $8,900 FD) Tennessee is using Henry in the passing game. That is a scary thought as he has already scored in three straight games on the ground. 

Dalvin Cook, Vikings vs. CHI ($7,300 DK, $7,300 FD) Cook is cheaper than all of the other decent plays among the high-priced tier. Plus, only two teams are allowing more RB rushing yards per game than Chicago. At home against this decrepit franchise, Cook will feast in a blowout (at least until Alexander Mattison is asked to finish this one off).

Austin Ekeler, Chargers @ CLE
($7,800 DK, $9,000 FD) Ekeler woke up from his TD slumber to score three times last week. His success will continue this week as Cleveland has already given up five total RB scores this season. Plus, all of those targets add up fast in the full-PPR world of DK.

DFS Sleepers

Tyler Allgeier, Falcons @ TB
($4,700 DK, $5,700 FD) Allgeier has a tough-on-paper matchup with the Buccaneers. Still, with Cordarrelle Patterson out for at least the next month, Allgeier is going to get all the touches he can handle. This volume should make him a favorite sleeper play this week.

Breece Hall, Jets vs. MIA ($5,400 DK, $6,600 FD) Only one RB has more targets through the first four weeks than Hall. Now, he faces a Miami team that is tough against the run but has allowed the fifth-most RB receptions. This game will be a sneaky shootout where Hall hauls in six or seven passes. 

Wide receivers DraftKings FanDuel
Cooper Kupp $9,600 $9,500
Justin Jefferson $8,900 $8,800
Stefon Diggs $8,400 $8,600
Tyreek Hill $8,000 $8,400
Deebo Samuel $7,700 $7,300
Amon-Ra St. Brown $7,600 $8,200
A.J. Brown $7,500 $8,000
Marquise Brown $7,200 $7,800
Mike Williams $7,100 $7,400
CeeDee Lamb $7,000 $7,200
Mike Evans $6,900 $7,500
DK Metcalf $6,800 $7,100
Jaylen Waddle $6,700 $7,700
Christian Kirk $6,600 $7,600
Keenan Allen $6,600 $7,000
Gabe Davis $6,400 $6,000
Adam Thielen $6,300 $6,300
Terry McLaurin $6,200 $6,500
Brandin Cooks $6,100 $6,800
Diontae Johnson $6,100 $6,700
Amari Cooper $6,000 $7,000
DeVonta Smith $6,000 $6,600
Chris Godwin $5,900 $7,000
Drake London $5,900 $6,200
Curtis Samuel $5,800 $5,800
Michael Thomas $5,800 $7,100
Chris Olave $5,700 $6,900
Tyler Lockett $5,600 $6,800
Julio Jones $5,500 $5,700
Brandon Aiyuk $5,400 $5,900
Allen Robinson $5,300 $5,700
DJ Moore $5,200 $5,900
Garrett Wilson $5,200 $6,000
Robert Woods $5,200 $5,900
Corey Davis $5,100 $5,900
Greg Dortch $5,100 $4,900
Joshua Palmer $5,100 $5,500
Darnell Mooney $5,000 $5,800
Elijah Moore $5,000 $5,300
Isaiah McKenzie $5,000 $6,100
Michael Gallup $5,000 $6,000
Josh Reynolds $4,900 $6,400
Noah Brown $4,900 $5,400
Russell Gage $4,900 $6,200
DJ Chark $4,800 $5,600
Jakobi Meyers $4,800 $6,000
DeVante Parker $4,700 $5,700
Jahan Dotson $4,500 $5,800
Chase Claypool $4,400 $5,600
A.J. Green $4,300 $5,100
George Pickens $4,300 $5,500
Jarvis Landry $4,300 $5,500
Robbie Anderson $4,300 $5,500
K.J. Osborn $4,200 $5,200
Marvin Jones $4,200 $5,200
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $4,200 $5,400
Breshad Perriman $4,100 $5,200
Donovan Peoples-Jones $4,100 $5,400
Nico Collins $4,100 $5,400
Rondale Moore $4,100 $5,200
Zay Jones $4,100 $5,700
Ben Skowronek $4,000 $5,300
Nelson Agholor $4,000 $5,500
Olamide Zaccheaus $4,000 $5,300
DeAndre Carter $3,900 $5,100
Equanimeous St. Brown $3,900 $5,200
Kyle Phillips $3,900 $5,200
Kalif Raymond $3,700 $5,100
Jamal Agnew $3,600 $5,300
Kendrick Bourne $3,600 $5,200
Tre’Quan Smith $3,500 $4,900
Brandon Powell $3,400 $4,700
Laviska Shenault $3,400 $4,600
David Bell $3,300 $4,800
Marquez Callaway $3,300 $5,100
Van Jefferson $3,200 $5,000
Cedrick Wilson $3,100 $4,800

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – Stefon Diggs and Justin Jefferson have great matchups but high prices. This WR slate is kind of gross, so strongly consider using one of them. You can also save a little money by rolling out Deebo Samuel or A.J. Brown instead. Christian Kirk, Brandin Cooks, and Terry McLaurin are decent WR2 options. At WR3, consider Curtis Samuel, Robert Woods, Elijah Moore, Josh Reynolds, or DeVonta Smith. There are not a lot of good punt plays this week. If you must go there, use one of the Titans, Jaguars, or Texans’ depth WRs.

Fantasy Four-pack

Justin Jefferson, Vikings vs. CHI
($8,900 DK, $8,800 FD)
Jefferson has scored and/or topped 100 yards in each of his four career matchups against Chicago. This season Chicago hasn’t really been tested. They will be this week.

Stefon Diggs, Bills vs. PIT
($8,400 DK, $8,600 FD) Diggs leads all WR in TDs and is second in both receiving yards and receptions. This is impressive seeing as how last week he was playing in the remnants of a hurricane. Prior to last week’s meeting with the Jets, the Steelers had allowed the WR1 on their first three opponents to post a combined 26-325-2.

Deebo Samuel, 49ers @ CAR
($7,700 DK, $7,300 FD) Marquise Brown and Chris Olave have clobbered Carolina over consecutive weeks. This week, they have to deal with the Swiss Army Knife that is Samuel. We know Samuel can score through the air or on the ground. This week, don’t be surprised when he scores both ways. 

A.J. Brown, Eagles @ ARI
($7,500 DK, $8,000 FD) Jalen Hurts is my favorite QB of Week 5, so his top WR needs to be my favorite stack. Through four weeks, Brown has scored only once, but he is averaging over 100 receiving yards per game. He will do both this week in a shootout.

DFS Sleepers

Curtis Samuel, Commanders vs. TEN
($5,800 DK, $5,800 FD) I need to dig somewhere to find a third Samuel to stack with Deebo and Curtis this week. He was dealing with an illness early in the week but should be good to go for Sunday. He could be in for a big day against the Titans’ 29th-ranked pass defense with Jahan Dotson (ankle) unlikely to go.

Robert Woods, Titans @ WAS
($5,200 DK, $5,900 FD) Only one team is allowing more yards to opposing WRs than Washington. With Treylon Burks (toe) doubtful to play, Woods should easily have his best game of the season here. He was the only WR other than Burks to catch a pass last week and already has 36% of the WR receptions on the team.

Tight ends DraftKings FanDuel
George Kittle $5,200 $6,500
T.J. Hockenson $4,900 $7,000
Taysom Hill N/A $6,000
Zach Ertz $4,800 $5,900
Dallas Goedert $4,700 $6,100
Kyle Pitts $4,400 $5,600
Tyler Higbee $4,300 $5,500
Gerald Everett $4,200 $6,300
Pat Freiermuth $4,100 $5,800
David Njoku $3,800 $5,700
Tyler Conklin $3,700 $5,300
Dawson Knox $3,600 $5,000
Mike Gesicki $3,500 $5,000
Cameron Brate $3,400 $4,900
Dalton Schultz  $3,400 $4,800
Will Dissly $3,300 $5,100
Irv Smith $3,200 $4,700
Logan Thomas $3,200 $5,200
Evan Engram $3,100 $4,900
Juwan Johnson $3,000 $4,700
Hunter Henry $2,900 $4,500
Austin Hooper $2,800 $4,500
Noah Fant $2,800 $4,800
Adam Trautman $2,700 $4,500
Jonnu Smith $2,700 $4,400
C.J. Uzomah $2,600 $4,300
O.J. Howard $2,600 $4,500
Brevin Jordan $2,500 $4,300
Colby Parkinson $2,500 $4,500
Jake Ferguson $2,500 $4,400
Jordan Akins $2,500 $4,400
Tommy Tremble $2,500 $4,600

Tight End

Weekly strategy – Most of the top TEs are off of the main slate. Fortunately, the remaining TEs actually have decent matchups. T.J. Hockenson is the best of the best on this board but that FD price is extreme. Zach Ertz, Tyler Higbee, and Kyle Pitts (hamstring) could be in for decent volume production. Dallas Goedert has a great matchup as well. David Njoku (knee) has also emerged as a weekly reliable option. Cameron Brate (concussion), Logan Thomas, Will Dissly, or one of the Saints are the only punt options.

Fantasy Four-pack

T.J. Hockenson, Lions @ NE
($4,900 DK, $7,000 FD) With injuries to Detroit’s top two WRs, Hockenson feasted against Seattle to the tune of 8-179-2. If the Lions remain short-handed, expect them to lean on Hockenson once again. This will be a strong game plan since New England has allowed five TE scores over the last three weeks.

Tyler Higbee, Rams vs. DAL
($4,300 DK, $5,500 FD) So, Higbee is the real WR2 in Los Angeles this season. If Matthew Stafford doesn’t look at Cooper Kupp, he looks immediately to Higbee. Kupp will have to deal with Trevon Diggs, which should open up another healthy dose of targets for the TE who is leading the league in that category.

Dallas Goedert, Eagles @ ARI
($4,700 DK, $6,100 FD) Arizona has given up a ton of yards and points to opposing TEs. Of course, they have also faced three of the best in the league. Goedert is currently fifth at the position in receiving yards, so there is no rest for the weary this week. He will continue his 5-60 production and may even score this week, too.

Zach Ertz, Cardinals vs. PHI
($4,800 DK, $5,900 FD) This game could be gold for TEs. Consider the Jalen Hurts-A.J. Brown-Dallas Goedert stack, and then run it back with Ertz. Philly has a pair of studs at the outside corners to frustrate the Cardinals’ top outside WRs. This should mean that passes will be funneled to Ertz and Rondale Moore in the middle of the field.

DFS Sleepers

David Njoku, Browns vs. LAC
($3,800 DK, $5,700 FD) Njoku has been on fire, posting 14-162-1 over the last two weeks. He always had the pedigree to support this level of production, but he never had the chance until now. Expect consistent 6-60 production all season.

Will Dissly, Seahawks @ NOS
($3,300 DK, $5,100 FD) Don’t look now, but Dissly has scored in three of the first four weeks. The Saints are actually posting solid stats against the position, but the only above-average TE they have faced is Kyle Pitts (and it isn’t as if he is being used as a top TE currently).

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 4

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 4 DFS fantasy football

Running back injuries and vultures marred the early slate last week. Khalil Herbert taking over for David Montgomery cost me a ton of cash. I also would like that second touchdown for Dalvin Cook instead of Alexander Mattison. Don’t even get me started on Jamaal Williams and Chase Edmonds. Will Herbert be a must-start this week? Will we see more vultures? Will Justin Fields ever complete more passes than most nine-man high school football teams? Find out this and more below in this week’s DFS Domination.

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

KANSAS CITY @ TAMPA BAY

A lot has changed since Super Bowl LV between these teams. One thing that has not is the QB matchup. Patrick Mahomes (QB1) is seeking revenge for being shut out in that game. Only three of Mahomes’ pass-catchers remain from that game, but Mahomes is still the safest play of the four QBs on this slate.

Tom Brady (QB2) threw for three TDs in that game. Two of those went to Rob Gronkowski and one went to Antonio Brown. My “Magic 8 Ball” says we won’t see either of them this week. We will see a few of Brady’s injured weapons return, though, and that should keep him viable this week after a pair of short-handed games.

It was not a good week on the ground for Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB3). He did catch five passes and scored a TD, but it was easily his worst game of the year. Running against Tampa is virtually impossible, but this tableau is full of sketchy RB matchups. Historically, Tampa has been generous to pass-catching backs. CEH has a 12-7 target advantage over Jerick McKinnon (RB6) on the year, but it has been 9-3 over the last two games. Consider CEH as an RB2 or McKinnon as a punt-flex.

Leonard Fournette (RB1) is the only player remaining for either team that scored a TD in that Super Bowl. He also is the only RB on this whole slate that I feel comfortable starting. KC has been so-so against the run, and the Chiefs allowed a fair amount of RB receptions, too. His receptions will dip this week with the return of the other weapons, but he still has the highest floor of any RB here.

Skyy Moore (WR19) was supposed to be more involved last week. Don’t you just love coach speak? He gets the lowest rating of any WR, and he is unusable until he sees an offensive target. Fortunately, JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR4) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (abdomen – WR10) are performing strongly. Smith-Schuster deserves WR2 consideration and MVS can be considered for WR3. Mecole Hardman (WR13) had a down week, but he has provided punt-WR3-level performance all season. He is also the last remaining KC WR from that Super Bowl appearance.

Mike Evans (WR2) will return from his suspension, and Chris Godwin (hamstring – WR6) might return from his injury. This will boost Tom Brady immensely. Julio Jones (PCL – WR8) is also a possible returnee. Evans is an easy WR1, and Godwin would be a WR2, if he plays. I wouldn’t trust Jones yet, though, unless Godwin remains out. Russell Gage (WR7) came up huge against Green Bay. His numbers will drop with the returns, but he is still a safe WR2 play. Breshad Perriman (knee, hamstring – WR11) and Cole Beasley (WR12) are both usable at WR3, but only if both Godwin and Jones don’t play. Jaelon Darden (WR16) should be left to Showdown contests.

This is the slate to consider double-TE or even triple-TE. Travis Kelce (TE1) is the best option. Just get him into your lineup and smile. I’d only consider Noah Gray (TE6) in Showdown.

Cameron Brate (TE4) will see fewer targets now that Tampa is getting their pass-catchers back. He still is a decent flex play if you go multiple-TE.

Monday Night

LOS ANGELES RAMS @ SAN FRANCISCO

Matthew Stafford (QB3) had a rough day versus Arizona. He won’t have it any easier this week. Plus, his price won’t be enough of a discount to pivot to him.

At least Jimmy Garoppolo (QB4) will be priced cheaply enough to consider for punting the position. Unfortunately, he is far and away the least talented QB on this slate and is facing an elite defense.

The Rams are playing musical chairs with their backfield. Darrell Henderson (RB5) led the way in Week 1, but Cam Akers (RB4) has been the more valuable the last two weeks. San Fran is stifling against the run making neither more than a cheap pivot RB2.

San Francisco is treading thin at the RB position. Jeff Wilson (RB2) has performed adequately enough to be the second-safest play on this weak slate. The team also has undrafted rookie Jordan Mason (RB6), but he can be ignored. As always, consider Kyle Juszczyk (RB7) in Showdown.

I predicted the down Week 3 for Cooper Kupp (WR1). He will return to stud-dom this game and is a must-start WR1 on a small slate. Allen Robinson (WR9) has 10 targets over the last two weeks, but his production continues to lack. He is a slightly overpriced WR2 here. With Van Jefferson (knee) out for the next month, Ben Skowronek (WR14) and Brandon Powell (WR15) have at least a bit of value. You can consider one of them at WR3, but I wouldn’t.

Deebo Samuel (WR3) is one of only three WRs that I would consider for WR1. I’d also consider using him at WR2 if you want to go cheaper at RB. Brandon Aiyuk (WR5) is a decent WR2 option as well (at a much cheaper price). Jauan Jennings (WR17) and Ray-Ray McCloud (WR18) are not used enough to be relied upon here.

Tyler Higbee (TE2) remains tied for third in TE targets. I will definitely use him in multiple-TE lineups. Kendall Blanton (TE5) returned to the Rams last week and caught a long pass. He should still be left to Showdown.

George Kittle (TE3) returned last Sunday night and performed adequately, at best. I was expecting more despite this being his first game. Still, you can use him in multiple-TE lineups or as a pivot. His breakout is coming eventually.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Josh Allen ($8.4k), RB Jamaal Williams ($6.1k), RB Dameon Pierce ($5.6k), WR Gabe Davis ($6.6k), WR Devin Duvernay ($4.1k), WR Kendrick Bourne ($3.7k), TE Mark Andrews ($7.1k), FLEX Khalil Herbert ($5.7k), DST Chicago Bears ($2.7k)

FD Lineup: QB Josh Allen ($8.9k), RB Jamaal Williams ($7.4k), RB Dameon Pierce ($6.8k), WR Gabe Davis ($6.5k), WR Amari Cooper ($7.5k), WR Greg Dortch ($5.3k), TE Mark Andrews ($8.4k), FLEX Robert Tonyan ($4.9k), DST Chicago Bears ($4.1k)

FB Lineup: QB Josh Allen ($7.4k), RB Najee Harris ($5.8k), RB Jamaal Williams ($5.3k), WR Stefon Diggs ($7.4k), WR Zay Jones ($4k), WR Kendrick Bourne ($3.5k), TE Mark Andrews ($6.5k), FLEX Dameon Pierce ($5.1k), FLEX Kareem Hunt ($4.8k)

Quarterbacks DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,400 $8,900
Lamar Jackson $8,300 $8,800
Jalen Hurts $8,200 $8,600
Kyler Murray $7,600 $7,800
Justin Herbert $7,100 $8,000
Russell Wilson $6,700 $7,100
Aaron Rodgers $6,300 $7,400
Carson Wentz $6,000 $6,900
Jared Goff $5,900 $7,600
Derek Carr $5,800 $7,200
Trevor Lawrence $5,700 $7,500
Marcus Mariota $5,600 $7,300
Matt Ryan $5,600 $6,700
Jacoby Brissett $5,500 $6,800
Ryan Tannehill $5,500 $6,800
Daniel Jones $5,400 $7,000
Geno Smith $5,400 $6,600
Cooper Rush $5,300 $6,400
Justin Fields $5,300 $6,700
Baker Mayfield $5,200 $6,600
Joe Flacco $5,200 $6,500
Zach Wilson $5,200 $6,500
Brian Hoyer $5,100 $6,300
Mitch Trubisky $5,100 $6,500
Davis Mills $5,000 $6,400

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Jalen Hurts is a decent third option, but there is no “non-weather” reason to avoid using one of Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson. Jared Goff and Carson Wentz are decent pivots. Also consider using Jacoby Brissett, Geno Smith, or Davis Mills as a punt play.

Fantasy Four-pack

Josh Allen, Bills @ BAL
($8,400 DK, $8,900 FD) Allen is sitting as the top-ranked QB through three weeks. Now, he gets to face the 30th-ranked pass defense in Baltimore. The only thing that could slow this aerial assault is if there are any remnants of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Ian up the coast in Baltimore.

Lamar Jackson, Ravens vs. BUF ($8,300 DK, $8,800 FD) If the weather does become a factor in this game, I give a slight advantage to Jackson, who runs more than Allen. This game has the makings of a scoring fest, so get as many stack legs into this matchup as you can.

Jalen Hurts, Eagles vs. JAX
($8,200 DK, $8,600 FD) Philly is more inland than Baltimore, so if you do decide to pivot due to weather, this game has high point potential, too. That said, I don’t trust Hurts’ arm as much as I trust that of Allen or Jackson. A.J. Brown also missed practice this week due to the birth of his child. They may be off-kilter to start this game. If you stack this one perhaps consider using DeVonta Smith or Dallas Goedert instead.

Aaron Rodgers, Packers vs. NE
($6,300 DK, $7,400 FD) I don’t love the upper- to midpriced QBs this week. That said, Rodgers seems to be developing a rapport with his receiving corps as Allen Lazard is healthy and Romeo Doubs looks like an impact rookie. The Patriots just was gouged by Lamar Jackson for four TDs last week. At home, Rodgers will throw for at least two.

DFS Sleepers

Jared Goff, Lions vs. SEA
($5,900 DK, $7,600 FD)  This is perhaps the safest pivot game for stacking if the weather is wreaking havoc across the East Coast. Both teams have many passing-game weapons and questionable pass defenses. Goff’s value slips since Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) cannot go, but you can still stack guys like T.J. Hockenson (hip) and D.J. Chark (ankle) with him.

Jacoby Brissett, Browns @ ATL
($5,500 DK, $6,800 FD)
Atlanta just allowed Geno Smith to throw for 325-2. Prior to that, they allowed five passing TDs over the first two games against Matthew Stafford and Jameis Winston. Stafford is the only QB in that group better than Brissett (and you could argue Stafford is not playing up to form yet this year). Brissett isn’t going to light up the box score, but 225-2 with 25-30 rushing yards is certainly in play. Consider stacking him with Amari Cooper or David Njoku to save some money.

Running backs DraftKings FanDuel
Jonathan Taylor $8,800 $8,700
Christian McCaffrey $8,700 $8,800
Derrick Henry $8,300 $8,600
Saquon Barkley $8,000 $8,100
Nick Chubb
 $7,900 $9,200
Austin Ekeler $7,700 $8,400
Aaron Jones $7,500 $7,300
Najee Harris $6,700 $7,000
Javonte Williams $6,600 $6,900
Cordarrelle Patterson $6,500 $7,600
James Robinson $6,400 $7,800
James Conner $6,300 $6,800
David Montgomery $6,200 $7,200
Ezekiel Elliott $6,100 $6,400
Jamaal Williams $6,100 $7,400
AJ Dillon $6,000 $6,500
Antonio Gibson $6,000 $6,600
Kareem Hunt $6,000 $6,100
Miles Sanders $6,000 $6,600
Tony Pollard $6,000 $6,000
Devin Singletary $5,900 $6,200
Melvin Gordon $5,800 $6,500
Khalil Herbert $5,700 $7,200
Dameon Pierce $5,600 $6,800
Josh Jacobs $5,500 $6,500
Breece Hall $5,400 $6,300
Travis Etienne $5,400 $5,700
Damien Harris $5,300 $6,200
J.K. Dobbins $5,300 $5,800
Michael Carter $5,200 $5,700
Rhamondre Stevenson $5,200 $5,900
J.D. McKissic $5,100 $5,300
Zack Moss $5,000 $5,200
Kenneth Gainwell $4,900 $5,000
Rashaad Penny $4,900 $6,700
Darrel Williams $4,800 $5,500
Kenneth Walker $4,800 $5,200
Nyheim Hines $4,700 $5,100
Boston Scott $4,600 $4,800
Brandon Bolden $4,500 $4,800
Tyler Allgeier $4,500 $4,800
Eno Benjamin $4,400 $5,600

Running Back

Weekly strategy – The prices continue to go down for Jonathan Taylor (toe) and Christian McCaffrey (thigh). It is hard to not take advantage of it despite their minor injuries. That said, I am spending big at QB and WR, so I may opt for something cheaper here. Austin Ekeler has an easy matchup, but we have to be concerned about his early-season rushing numbers. Najee Harris, Cordarrelle Patterson, and James Robinson all make volume-based pivots. If David Montgomery (ankle) misses this game, Khalil Herbert is a must-start. The same goes for Jamaal Williams if D’Andre Swift (shoulder) is out. Miles Sanders, Antonio Gibson, Kareem Hunt, and Dameon Pierce are my discount RB alternatives to avoid the high ownership of Williams and Herbert. If you choose to punt here, consider Breece Hall or Rashaad Penny.

Fantasy Four-pack

Nick Chubb, Browns @ ATL
($7,900 DK, $9,200 FD) Chubb leads the league in rushing yards and is tied for the NFL lead in total RB scores. This comes despite him ceding touches to Kareem Hunt. The FD price is too high but under $8k on DK is hard to pass.

Jonathan Taylor, Colts vs TEN
($8,800 DK, $8,700 FD) Taylor missed some practice this week due to a toe issue, but he is good to go. He has posted a pair of stinkers after decimating Houston in Week 1. He will get his groove back here, at a discounted price.

Christian McCaffrey, Panthers vs. ARI ($8,700 DK, $8,800 FD) McCaffrey also missed practice this week due to a thigh problem. Considering his history of leg injuries, this gives me cause to worry. Thankfully, he is also priced lower than usual. Arizona has allowed four total running back TDs. McCaffrey will get back into the end zone this week … I’d just prefer we saw more passes in his direction.

Austin Ekeler, Chargers @ HOU
($7,700 DK, $8,400 FD) Ekeler’s rushing effectiveness this season has left us scratching our heads as if we had horrible scalp psoriasis. Fortunately, he has feasted in the passing game. Houston has allowed a league-worst 190 combo yards per game to opposing RBs. If Ekeler can’t get it going on the ground this week, he might not all year.

DFS Sleepers

Dameon Pierce, Texans vs. LAC
($5,600 DK, $6,800 FD) The DFS sites have updated everyone’s salary except for Dameon Pierce. Someone needs to tell them that he has the 15th-most rushing yards despite playing sparingly in Week 1. They also can be told that the Chargers are allowing an average of 147 combo yards and a total score per week to opposing backs.

Breece Hall, Jets @ PIT
($5,400 DK, $6,300 FD) Hall has been a PPR beast over the first three weeks. It remains to be seen if the QB change will affect this usage. My money is on Hall remaining an asset. I’d just like to see Michael Carter out of the picture.

Wide receivers DraftKings FanDuel
Stefon Diggs $8,400 $8,700
Davante Adams $8,300 $7,900
Amon-Ra St. Brown $7,700 $8,000
A.J. Brown $7,400 $8,300
Michael Pittman $7,200 $7,500
Mike Williams $7,000 $7,200
Marquise Brown $6,900 $7,700
DK Metcalf $6,800 $7,100
CeeDee Lamb $6,700 $6,800
Christian Kirk $6,600 $7,600
Gabe Davis $6,600 $6,500
Keenan Allen $6,500 $7,300
Terry McLaurin $6,500 $6,700
Courtland Sutton $6,400 $6,800
Amari Cooper $6,300 $7,500
Allen Lazard $6,200 $6,000
Drake London $6,100 $6,300
Diontae Johnson $6,000 $7,000
Tyler Lockett $5,900 $6,900
Brandin Cooks $5,800 $6,400
DeVonta Smith $5,800 $6,900
Curtis Samuel $5,700 $6,200
Rashod Bateman $5,600 $6,600
Jerry Jeudy $5,500 $6,500
Garrett Wilson $5,400 $6,100
DJ Moore $5,300 $6,100
Hunter Renfrow $5,300 $5,600
Robert Woods $5,200 $5,800
Isaiah McKenzie $5,100 $5,900
Michael Gallup $5,100 $6,000
Darnell Mooney $5,000 $5,800
DJ Chark $5,000 $5,700
Greg Dortch $5,000 $5,300
Joshua Palmer $5,000 $5,800
Noah Brown $4,900 $5,600
Elijah Moore $4,800 $5,600
Jakobi Meyers $4,800 $6,000
Chase Claypool $4,700 $5,700
Robbie Anderson $4,700 $5,700
Treylon Burks $4,700 $5,700
DeVante Parker $4,600 $5,700
Josh Reynolds $4,600 $5,900
Corey Davis $4,500 $5,600
Romeo Doubs $4,500 $5,900
Jahan Dotson $4,300 $5,700
Marvin Jones $4,300 $5,400
Equanimeous St. Brown $4,200 $5,400
Mack Hollins $4,200 $5,800
Zay Jones $4,200 $5,900
A.J. Green $4,100 $5,200
Devin Duvernay $4,100 $5,700
Kadarius Toney $4,100 $5,000
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $4,100 $5,200
Olamide Zaccheaus $4,100 $5,300
DeAndre Carter $4,000 $5,200
Donovan Peoples-Jones $4,000 $5,400
Nico Collins $4,000 $5,300
Randall Cobb $4,000 $5,200
Richie James $4,000 $5,500
Alec Pierce $3,900 $5,100
KJ Hamler $3,900 $5,500
Kyle Phillips $3,900 $5,000
Nelson Agholor $3,900 $5,600
George Pickens $3,800 $5,100
Rondale Moore $3,800 $5,000
Christian Watson $3,700 $5,300
Kendrick Bourne $3,700 $5,200
Ashton Dulin $3,500 $5,200
Chris Moore $3,500 $5,400
Laviska Shenault $3,500 $4,600
Quez Watkins $3,500 $5,000
Byron Pringle $3,400 $5,000
Demarcus Robinson $3,400 $4,800
Parris Campbell $3,400 $4,800
Wan’Dale Robinson $3,400 $4,800

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – If there was a way to do it, I would stack Josh Allen with both Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. Unfortunately, I know that is nearly impossible. I will have one of them in every lineup. The other high-priced WRs have solid but not spectacular matchups or some other concern. At WR2 consider Tyler Lockett, Amari Cooper, DeVonta Smith, or Brandin Cooks. Curtis Samuel can also be considered, although his price is starting to reach that shady territory. Isaiah McKenzie, Greg Dortch (back), Zay Jones (ankle), Devin Duvernay, Laviska Shenault (hamstring), and the Patriots’ WRs (if Brian Hoyer starts) are the best WR3 choices.

Fantasy three-pack

Stefon Diggs, Bills @ BAL
($8,400 DK, $8,700 FD)
Stefon Diggs leads the league in receiving yards and receiving TDs. He also is only one reception behind the league leader. The weather may take away some of the deep passing in this game, but Diggs can run the middle routes with the best of them, so 12-150-2 is certainly a possibility.

A.J. Brown, Eagles vs. JAX
($7,400 DK, $8,300 FD) I am slightly concerned about Brown missing practice this week due to the birth of his child. Still, he is an elite-level talent facing an improving but still young defense in a shootout. If you have concerns about his absences, consider rolling with DeVonta Smith instead.

Davante Adams, Raiders vs. DEN
($8,300 DK, $7,900 FD) Adams cannot possibly continue this lack of production. He is still getting targeted, ranking third in that category. He also has scored in every game. The receptions and yardage will come here even against a tough defense. 

DFS Sleepers

Tyler Lockett, Seahawks @ DET
($5,900 DK, $6,900 FD) Jeff Okudah has done a remarkable job of shutting down opposing WR1s this year. The problem is that his DB running mates have more holes in their coverage than a colander. Okudah will shadow DK Metcalf this week, providing Lockett the chance to go off. He netted nine catches on 11 targets each of the last two weeks. Expect a similar line here.

Brandin Cooks, Texans vs. LAC
($5,800 DK, $6,400 FD) Cooks has been Mr. Consistent his entire career. Unfortunately, he is off to a slow start in 2022. The Chargers have allowed the fifth-most WR receptions and TDs to five different WRs already. So, Cooks will finally get in gear this week.

Tight ends DraftKings FanDuel
Mark Andrews $7,100 $8,400
Darren Waller $5,600 $6,500
Kyle Pitts $5,000 $6,100
Zach Ertz $4,700 $5,500
Dallas Goedert $4,500 $6,200
Pat Freiermuth $4,200 $5,600
T.J. Hockenson $4,100 $5,400
Gerald Everett $4,000 $5,500
Dalton Schultz $3,900 $5,300
Dawson Knox $3,800 $5,000
David Njoku $3,700 $5,700
Tyler Conklin $3,600 $5,400
Robert Tonyan $3,500 $4,900
Evan Engram $3,400 $5,000
Albert Okwuegbunam $3,300 $4,900
Logan Thomas $3,300 $5,100
Cole Kmet $3,200 $4,700
Will Dissly $3,200 $4,800
Austin Hooper $3,100 $4,600
Noah Fant $3,100 $4,800
Foster Moreau $3,000 $4,600
Geoff Swaim $3,000 $4,700
Harrison Bryant $2,900 $4,600
Hunter Henry $2,900 $4,600
Jonnu Smith $2,900 $4,600
Daniel Bellinger $2,800 $4,600
O.J. Howard $2,700 $4,500
C.J. Uzomah $2,600 $4,400
Jelani Woods $2,600 $4,500
Brevin Jordan $2,500 $4,400
Jake Ferguson $2,500 $4,600
Jordan Akins $2,500 $4,500
Kylen Granson $2,500 $4,500
Peyton Hendershot $2,500 $4,100

Tight End

Weekly strategy – Mark Andrews is expensive. He is also the undisputed top option of the week. If you don’t use him, consider Pat Freiermuth or T.J. Hockenson. On DK, consider using David Njoku (knee), Robert Tonyan, or Evan Engram as a punt option, but limit your exposure to them on FD due to the price difference. If you use a punt-QB lineup with Geno Smith or Ryan Tannehill, then Austin Hooper (neck) or Will Dissly can both be on the menu, too, in stacks.

Fantasy Four-pack

Mark Andrews, Ravens vs. BUF
($7,100 DK, $8,400 FD) In a game that is expected to be the highest point total, you want all of the top scoring options active. None are safer than Andrews, who will score at least twice against this short-handed secondary.

Darren Waller, Raiders vs. DEN
($5,600 DK, $6,500 FD) Waller didn’t do as much last week as I would’ve liked with Hunter Renfrow out. Renfrow remains in the concussion protocol, so he may miss another contest here. Denver’s defense’s biggest weakness might be against this position, so Vegas should attack them with Waller here.

Kyle Pitts, Falcons vs. CLE
($5,000 DK, $6,100 FD) We finally saw the real Pitts last week. Despite the abysmal start, Pitts still finds himself eleventh in TE receiving yards. That ranking will continue to rise here in a sneaky shootout.

T.J. Hockenson, Lions vs. SEA
($4,100 DK, $5,400 FD) Only seven teams have allowed more TE receiving yards than Seattle. Meanwhile, Hockenson has started the season slowly, but he did score last week. With Amon-Ra St. Brown missing this game, Hockenson will be the red zone beneficiary and score again.

DFS Sleepers

David Njoku, Browns @ ATL
($3,700 DK, $5,700 FD) We have predicted the Njoku breakout for it seems like a decade. Little did we know it would take Jacoby freaking Brissett to unlock the huge tight end. The Falcons have allowed an average of 6.3-74 to the position. That should be considered Njoku’s floor as long as his knee doesn’t limit him.

Evan Engram, Jaguars @ PHI
($3,400 DK, $5,000 FD) Philly’s exterior secondary may be the best in football. Unfortunately, their underneath coverage has been sloppy, at best. Engram hasn’t done much this year, but Jacksonville will deploy him frequently this week as their outside receivers are swallowed up by James Bradberry and Darius Slay. Engram has familiarity with Philly from his time with New York. In six career games against them, he has topped five receptions and/or scored four times.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 3

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 2 DFS fantasy football

Week 2 witnessed some slate-breaking performances by cheap QBs and some heart-breaking performances by expensive RBs. Will we see more of the same this week or will we finally see the first sense of normalcy in 2022?

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

SAN FRANCISCO @ DENVER

When the NFL made their schedule, I doubt they planned on Jimmy Garoppolo (QB2) being the second-best option on this slate. Even then, it isn’t a great matchup as San Fran is still run-first and Denver has a great pass defense, though injuries could play a role.

Russell Wilson (QB1) is the top option here. Still, this matchup isn’t great either, and Wilson has struggled to start the season as his WR corps is plastered with injuries. I may end up fading him due to his price.

Injuries have promoted Jeff Wilson (RB3) to RB1 in San Fran on the depth chart. Of course, we all know that Deebo Samuel is likely to finish with just as strong of a line, just not qualifying at the position. I don’t mind using Wilson at RB2/flex. I also don’t hate Kyle Juszcyzk (RB7) as a punt play or on Showdown.

Javonte Williams (RB2) once again split touches evenly with Melvin Gordon (RB6) despite the clear difference in talent. San Francisco is elite against the run, so I cannot recommend either of them highly here.

Deebo Samuel (WR1) is the strongest WR play on this slate (and arguably the strongest RB play as well). He needs to be in your lineup. Brandon Aiyuk (WR5) has a rough matchup here, but I’d consider him at WR3 (if you don’t use Samuel). Both Jauan Jennings (WR13) and Ray-Ray McCloud (WR14) have dart-throw WR3/flex values at a minimum cost. I especially like Jennings in Showdown.

The injuries continue to mount for Denver. Jerry Jeudy (ribs, WR6) joins KJ Hamler (knee, WR10) and out-for-the-year Tim Patrick as WRs to spend time on the trainer’s table this season. Either Jeudy or Hamler could be a WR3 option if they play, but I’d be scared to trust either of them. Courtland Sutton (WR2), on the other hand, is a strong play with the Broncos being shorthanded. I’d even consider Montrell Washington (WR11) as a WR3 option if both Hamler and Jeudy are out.

We may finally see George Kittle (groin, TE1) this week. His presence on the field would make Garoppolo’s day easier. If he is out again, do not consider Ross Dwelley (TE5) or Tyler Kroft (TE6). They are not reliable enough.

Albert Okwuegbunam (TE3) could have value if the Denver WRs remain out. He also could be ignored by his QB like in Week 2. If you choose to do a double-TE lineup consider him here.

Monday Night

DALLAS @ NEW YORK GIANTS

Cooper Rush (QB3) actually looked serviceable in Week 2. He has the softest matchup on the board, and, based on his price, I will definitely give him some ownership.

Meanwhile, Daniel Jones (QB4) is not very good, and he is facing a better-than-I-expected Dallas defense. He also has the worst collection of pass-catchers on the board. Ignore him completely.

Ezekiel Elliott (RB4) and Tony Pollard (RB5) split the workload for a second-straight week. Elliott is getting more carries, and Pollard is getting more receptions. This game will be more run-forward for Dallas, so I prefer Elliott. Still, they are both options at RB2 on a small slate.

This is the only spot I will recommend using a Giant. Saquon Barkley (RB1) is the best RB on the slate, and it isn’t particularly close. Much like Samuel above, Barkley should be 100 percent owned.

Considering their synergy, I love Noah Brown (WR4) as a stack with Cooper Rush. CeeDee Lamb (WR3) is a more-talented receiver, but Brown has been more valuable to start the season. Brown’s value will slide some as Michael Gallup (knee, WR8) returns as expected. I’d only consider Gallup at WR3 as he is expected to be on a snap count. Don’t bother with any of the other depth WRs for Dallas.

When you look at the Giants’ WR room, all I can think is “yuck!” Sterling Shepard (WR7) and Richie James (WR9) only rank this high because the whole slate is devoid of talent. One of them could be your WR3, at best. Kadarius Toney (WR12) was active last week, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at the box score. Wan’Dale Robinson (WR15) actually looks like an intriguing dynasty piece, but he has been battling injury. Don’t use him or any of the other chaff here this week.

Dalton Schultz (knee, TE2) isn’t a bad third-leg to a stack with Rush and either Brown or Lamb. I could even see doing a double-TE lineup with him and Kittle. Just confirm his status before putting him into your lineup. None of the backup TEs have any value, even if Schultz is out.

Daniel Bellinger (TE4) caught a TD in Week 2. It was also his only catch and only target. This does not bring me joy.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Jalen Hurts ($7.6k), RB Dalvin Cook ($7.9k), RB David Montgomery ($5.9k), WR A.J. Brown ($7.3k), WR Curtis Samuel ($5.1k), WR Mack Hollins ($3.3k), TE Dallas Goedert ($4.7k), FLEX Dameon Pierce ($5k), DST Baltimore Ravens ($3k)

FD Lineup: QB Jared Goff ($7.1k), RB Dalvin Cook ($8.3k), RB David Montgomery ($7.1k), WR Justin Jefferson ($9.5k), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown ($7.8k), WR DeVonta Smith ($6k), TE Zach Ertz ($5.2k), FLEX Dameon Pierce ($5.8k), DST Jacksonville Jaguars ($3.2k)

FB Lineup: QB Jared Goff ($5.7k), RB Joe Mixon ($6.7k), RB David Montgomery ($5.4k), WR Justin Jefferson ($7.6k), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown ($6.6k), WR Curtis Samuel ($4.8k), TE Logan Thomas ($3.3k), FLEX Dameon Pierce ($4.3k), FLEX DeVonta Smith ($4.9k)

Quarterbacks DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,200 $9,000
Lamar Jackson $8,000 $8,600
Patrick Mahomes $7,900 $8,700
Jalen Hurts $7,600 $8,100
Justin Herbert $7,400 $8,200
Kyler Murray $7,300 $7,800
Kirk Cousins $6,700 $7,600
Joe Burrow $6,600 $7,500
Matthew Stafford $6,500 $7,700
Aaron Rodgers $6,400 $7,400
Carson Wentz $6,300 $7,500
Tua Tagovailoa $6,100 $7,300
Tom Brady $6,000 $7,400
Derek Carr $5,900 $7,100
Jared Goff $5,800 $7,100
Ryan Tannehill $5,700 $7,200
Justin Fields $5,600 $7,000
Marcus Mariota $5,500 $7,300
Trevor Lawrence $5,400 $7,000
Joe Flacco $5,300 $6,800
Baker Mayfield $5,200 $6,600
Jameis Winston $5,200 $6,900
Matt Ryan $5,200 $6,700
Mac Jones $5,100 $6,400
Chase Daniel $5,000 $6,500
Davis Mills $5,000 $6,400
Geno Smith $5,000 $6,300
Taysom Hill $4,900 n/a

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts are the two safest high-priced options. Kirk Cousins and Joe Burrow are cheaper pivots that will return better production than they did last week. Of that foursome, Hurts will be my first choice. If I go cheaper, it will be with Jared Goff or Trevor Lawrence. The FD pricing structure does not encourage punting this position, but on DK consider Davis Mills or Matt Ryan if you are feeling a little froggy.

Fantasy Four-pack

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs @ IND
($7,900 DK, $8,700 FD)
The Colts are starting the season looking like a gimpy animal and Mahomes and the Chiefs are coming to Indy to send them to the 2022 glue factory. A healthy Michael Pittman would help keep the Colts in the race until the homestretch, but ultimately Mahomes and his paddock-mates will pull away. Nevertheless, consider running it back with Pittman here if he plays.

Jalen Hurts, Eagles @ WAS ($7,600 DK, $8,100 FD) I will eat crow on Hurts. The addition of superstar A.J. Brown has made this offense impossible to defend. Washington allowed Jared Goff to throw for four scores, and he presented no rushing threat. Expect Hurts to manufacture a total of three scores here.

Josh Allen, Bills @ MIA
($8,200 DK, $9,000 FD) Allen has 25 total TDs in eight career matchups against Miami. Unfortunately, he has topped 260 passing yards against them only once. Basically, Miami frustrates him through the air, but then he still gets it done on the ground as is witnessed by his 7-1 record against them. What this means is expect a solid floor day of 250-2, 40-1, which is solid but not spectacular by his lofty standards.

Kirk Cousins, Vikings vs. DET
($6,700 DK, $7,600 FD) I love how recency bias can sway ownership figures in DFS. Cousins looked lost last week in Philly. Fast-forward to this Sunday, Minnesota will be at home and the game will not be in primetime (where Cousins has historically struggled). I expect that he will have low ownership numbers this week. Meanwhile, I’ll be happy to stack him and Justin Jefferson against a Detroit secondary that has allowed the fifth-most passing yards in an expected shootout.

DFS Sleepers

Jared Goff, Lions @ MIN
($5,800 DK, $7,100 FD) The other side of this shootout is led by Goff. Minnesota has actually allowed more passing yards than Detroit. If you want less expensive access to this game, stack Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown and then run it back with Adam Thielen or Irv Smith. 

Derek Carr, Raiders @ TEN
($5,900 DK, $7,100 FD)
Tennessee will still be shellshocked from facing the Bills and Stefon Diggs. Now they have to contend with Carr and Davante Adams. Expect that pair to score twice against this soft secondary, and then hopefully Carr can add another score elsewhere.

Running backs DraftKings FanDuel
Jonathan Taylor $9,000 $9,400
Christian McCaffrey $8,800 $8,500
Derrick Henry $8,100 $8,800
Austin Ekeler $8,000 $8,700
Dalvin Cook
 $7,900 $8,300
Saquon Barkley $7,800 $8,500
Joe Mixon $7,600 $8,200
Aaron Jones $7,400 $7,000
D’Andre Swift $7,200 $8,000
Alvin Kamara $7,000 $7,000
Leonard Fournette $6,500 $7,200
Antonio Gibson $6,400 $6,700
Clyde Edwards-Helaire $6,300 $7,300
James Conner $6,200 $7,100
James Robinson $6,100 $6,600
AJ Dillon $6,000 $6,900
David Montgomery $5,900 $7,100
Cordarrelle Patterson $5,800 $7,600
Darrell Henderson $5,700 $6,300
Damien Harris $5,600 $6,400
Devin Singletary $5,600 $6,100
Cam Akers $5,500 $5,800
Mark Ingram $5,500 $5,700
Miles Sanders $5,500 $6,800
Jamaal Williams $5,400 $6,500
Josh Jacobs $5,400 $6,500
Travis Etienne $5,400 $5,600
Breece Hall $5,300 $6,200
J.D. McKissic $5,300 $5,300
J.K. Dobbins $5,300 $6,000
Khalil Herbert $5,200 $6,000
Michael Carter $5,200 $5,900
Chase Edmonds $5,100 $5,700
Darrel Williams $5,100 $4,900
Dontrell Hilliard $5,100 $6,200
Dameon Pierce $5,000 $5,800
Kenneth Gainwell $5,000 $5,900
Kenneth Walker $5,000 $5,200
Nyheim Hines $5,000 $5,100
Rashaad Penny $4,900 $6,200
Rex Burkhead $4,900 $5,200
Kenyan Drake $4,800 $5,500
Rhamondre Stevenson $4,800 $5,400
Zack Moss $4,800 $5,500
Boston Scott $4,700 $5,800
Eno Benjamin $4,700 $5,000
Gus Edwards $4,700 $5,000
Jerick McKinnon $4,500 $5,000
Raheem Mostert $4,500 $5,500
Tyler Allgeier $4,400 $4,800
Zander Horvath $4,000 $4,600

Running Back

Weekly strategy – Christian McCaffrey and Dalvin Cook are primed to finally break out this week. Use one of them or Joe Mixon at RB1. If you spend up for RB2, go with David Montgomery. He is my favorite value RB play of the week. Heck, he could also be your RB1 if you want to spend big at WR. Josh Jacobs and Dameon Pierce are volume-based punt options here. Unfortunately, most of the cheaper options need to be avoided this week.

Fantasy Four-pack

Dalvin Cook, Vikings vs. DET
($7,900 DK, $8,300 FD) Following an embarrassing defeat Monday night, coach Kevin O’Connell made it clear that the team had to get Cook more involved in the offense. That will start here against a Detroit defense that has already allowed four rushing TDs and the sixth-most RB receptions.

Joe Mixon, Bengals @ NYJ
($7,600 DK, $8,200 FD) Mixon underperformed in Week 2, but he is a true bell cow for Cincinnati. He will score this week as the Jets have allowed three TDs to RBs so far. He may even score twice. 

Christian McCaffrey, Panthers vs. NO
($8,800 DK, $8,500 FD) McCaffrey has never posted a huge rushing number against New Orleans, but he has always feasted against them through the air. On a week where there are more questions than answers at RB, go with the safe option, especially with his salary this low.

Jonathan Taylor, Colts vs. KC
($9,000 DK, $9,400 FD) I always love deploying Taylor when his price dips below $10k. A returning Michael Pittman would mean that Taylor will have more room to operate. Still, to keep this close, he will need to be targeted like Week 1 and not Week 2 since KC has allowed the most receptions to the position. 

DFS Sleepers

David Montgomery, Bears vs. HOU
($5,900 DK, $7,100 FD) Montgomery has been the only sign of life on this Bears offense. In Week 2, he averaged more than 8 YPC while gouging a Green Bay defense. Meanwhile, Houston has allowed a league-worst 367 combo yards to opposing RBs. Consider the game stack of both Montgomery and Dameon Pierce to give you big money to blow at WR.

Dameon Pierce, Texans @ CHI
($5,000 DK, $5,800 FD)
Pierce is cheap for one more week and Week 2 proved that Houston will feed him the rock. In fact, Pierce was the only RB to get a carry. The Bears have allowed 128 RB rushing yards per game. I’ll take that from the rookie.

Wide receivers DraftKings FanDuel
Cooper Kupp $9,900 $9,800
Justin Jefferson $9,300 $9,500
Davante Adams $8,400 $8,700
Ja’Marr Chase $8,100 $8,500
Stefon Diggs $7,700 $8,300
Tyreek Hill $7,600 $8,400
A.J. Brown $7,300 $8,000
Amon-Ra St. Brown $7,200 $7,800
Michael Pittman $6,900 $7,400
Jaylen Waddle $6,800 $7,500
Mike Williams $6,700 $7,000
Mike Evans $6,600 $7,700
Keenan Allen $6,500 $7,500
Terry McLaurin $6,400 $6,900
Gabe Davis $6,300 $7,200
Chris Godwin $6,200 $6,500
Christian Kirk $6,200 $7,100
DK Metcalf $6,100 $6,700
Tee Higgins $6,100 $7,300
Allen Lazard $6,000 $6,000
Marquise Brown $6,000 $7,000
Adam Thielen $5,900 $6,000
Michael Thomas $5,900 $7,300
Brandin Cooks $5,800 $6,600
Drake London $5,800 $6,200
Tyler Lockett $5,800 $6,600
Allen Robinson $5,700 $6,000
Rashod Bateman $5,700 $6,800
DJ Moore $5,600 $6,400
Julio Jones $5,600 $5,800
Hunter Renfrow $5,500 $5,800
JuJu Smith-Schuster $5,500 $6,100
Garrett Wilson $5,400 $6,100
Darnell Mooney $5,300 $6,300
DeVonta Smith $5,200 $6,000
Tyler Boyd $5,200 $5,900
Curtis Samuel $5,100 $6,300
DJ Chark $5,100 $5,500
Elijah Moore $5,000 $5,500
Jakobi Meyers $5,000 $6,200
Robbie Anderson $5,000 $5,700
Robert Woods $5,000 $5,700
Corey Davis $4,900 $5,800
K.J. Osborn $4,900 $5,500
Treylon Burks $4,900 $5,900
Jarvis Landry $4,800 $5,900
Joshua Palmer $4,800 $5,600
Isaiah McKenzie $4,700 $5,500
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,700 $5,600
Russell Gage $4,700 $5,700
Jahan Dotson $4,600 $6,000
Mecole Hardman $4,600 $5,800
Chris Olave $4,500 $5,500
Josh Reynolds $4,500 $5,300
Jamison Crowder $4,400 $5,400
Sammy Watkins $4,400 $5,400
Greg Dortch $4,300 $5,100
Olamide Zaccheaus $4,300 $5,100
DeAndre Carter $4,200 $5,300
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $4,200 $5,300
Nelson Agholor $4,100 $5,900
DeVante Parker $4,000 $5,200
Kyle Phillips $4,000 $5,500
Nico Collins $4,000 $5,400
Zay Jones $4,000 $5,400
Ashton Dulin $3,900 $5,600
Breshad Perriman $3,900 $5,300
Equanimeous St. Brown $3,900 $5,500
Randall Cobb $3,900 $5,000
Romeo Doubs $3,800 $5,300
Scotty Miller $3,800 $5,000
Christian Watson $3,600 $5,600
Rondale Moore $3,600 $5,000
Alec Pierce $3,500 $4,600
Van Jefferson $3,500 $5,000
Ben Skowronek $3,400 $4,900
Demarcus Robinson $3,400 $5,200
Parris Campbell $3,400 $4,900
Mack Hollins $3,300 $5,300

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – Justin Jefferson, A.J. Brown, Davante Adams, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Stefon Diggs are my favorite options this week. Stack them with their respective QBs. I would even recommend rostering two of them. Tee Higgins, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Brandin Cooks, Christian Kirk, and Drake London are my money-saving WR2 pivots. For WR3, consider Allen Lazard, Garrett Wilson, and Curtis Samuel. If injuries remain for Indy or Vegas, consider punting with Ashton Dulin or Mack Hollins.

Fantasy Four-pack

Justin Jefferson, Vikings vs. DET
($9,300 DK, $9,500 FD)
Detroit has allowed an average of 7-115 to WR1. Meanwhile, Jefferson has had one monster and one so-so game. Still, he has more targets than the rest of the Vikings’ WRs combined. 10-130-1 is a safe figure here as this will be a shootout.

Davante Adams, Raiders @ TEN
($8,400 DK, $8,700 FD)
Arizona stifled Adams last week, but Tennessee will have no chance here. Stefon Diggs absolutely reamed the Titans, and they even made the Giants’ WR room look fantasy-relevant. If Hunter Renfrow (concussion) misses this game, Adams and Mack Hollins will see even more targets making them a great three-legged stack with Derek Carr.

Stefon Diggs, Bills @ MIA
($7,700 DK, $8,300 FD) Diggs has scored a TD in three of four games against Miami since joining the Bills. Unfortunately, his reception and yardage numbers haven’t been huge. Still, the absence of Gabriel Davis (ankle) last week, forced even more targets than usual towards Diggs. If Davis is out again, expect a huge game; otherwise, just expect a big game. 

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions @ MIN
($7,200 DK, $7,800 FD) St. Brown has beasted to start the season. Now, he gets to assault a Minnesota secondary that has already watched multiple WRs scorch their cornerbacks. Plus, Minnesota may be without its top safety. Stack heavily in this game on both sides of the ball.

DFS Sleepers

Garrett Wilson, Jets vs. CIN
($5,400 DK, $6,100 FD) Wilson looks like this season’s Ja’Marr Chase. I am kicking myself that I don’t have more dynasty exposure to him. Fortunately, I can play him all that I want on DFS. Cincy should win this game, but Joe Flacco and Wilson could have value as a punt stack as the Jets are forced to throw to stay in this one.

Curtis Samuel, Commanders vs. PHI
($5,100 DK, $6,300 FD) Until the sites put some respect on Samuel with appropriate pricing, I will keep rolling him out. Philly has two top cornerbacks, but I presume they will be guarding Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, leaving Samuel to operate underneath and out of the backfield. Lean heavily on the Jalen Hurts-led Eagles’ stacks, using Samuel as a great run-it-back option.

Tight ends DraftKings FanDuel
Travis Kelce $7,900 $7,800
Mark Andrews $6,900 $7,700
Darren Waller $5,800 $6,400
Taysom Hill n/a $6,000
Kyle Pitts $4,800 $5,600
Dallas Goedert $4,700 $5,500
Zach Ertz $4,600 $5,200
Tyler Higbee $4,500 $5,700
Gerald Everett $4,400 $5,800
Mike Gesicki $4,300 $5,400
T.J. Hockenson $4,200 $5,500
Dawson Knox $4,100 $5,300
Hayden Hurst $3,900 $5,100
Tyler Conklin $3,800 $5,200
Evan Engram $3,700 $5,200
Robert Tonyan $3,700 $4,800
Cameron Brate $3,600 $4,600
Noah Fant $3,600 $4,800
Logan Thomas $3,500 $5,400
Cole Kmet $3,400 $5,000
Austin Hooper $3,300 $4,900
Hunter Henry $3,200 $4,800
Irv Smith $3,400 $5,000
Mo Alie-Cox $3,000 $4,600
Juwan Johnson $2,900 $4,800
C.J. Uzomah $2,800 $4,500
Ian Thomas $2,800 $4,600
Isaiah Likely $2,800 $4,500
Will Dissly $2,800 $4,500
Adam Trautman $2,700 $4,500
Kylen Granson $2,700 $4,700
O.J. Howard $2,700 $4,700

Tight End

Weekly strategy – Travis Kelce has a super matchup. He should be the clear TE1 this week. If I pay down at WR2, he will be mine. I don’t mind Darren Waller if Hunter Renfrow is out. The same goes for Gerald Everett if Keenan Allen is out. Also consider Dallas Goedert, Tyler Higbee, or Zach Ertz as they have solid matchups. As usual, FD TE pricing is too high at the punt level. So, if you want to punt, use Juwan Johnson, Logan Thomas, or Hayden Hurst on DK only.

Fantasy Four-pack

Travis Kelce, Chiefs @ IND
($7,900 DK, $7,800 FD)
Indy allowed a big production day to Evan Engram and, in Week 1, gave up two TDs to O.J. Howard. If these two ham-and-eggers can get it done against Indy, what are they gonna do to stop Kelce? We might see 10-125-2 here. If I don’t spend up at WR2, he will be my TE.

Darren Waller, Raiders @ TEN
($5,800 DK, $6,400 FD) If Hunter Renfrow misses this game with his concussion, Waller will see a heavy target volume. Otherwise, I will probably fade him at this price.

Tyler Higbee, Rams @ ARI
($4,500 DK, $5,700 FD) A couple of years back, we regularly attacked a bad Arizona defense against TEs. They improved last season but appear to have fallen apart again. To Arizona’s credit, its opposition has been the best of the best the first two weeks. Still, Higbee may start getting mentioned in that company if he continues to lead the league in TE targets. 

Zach Ertz, Cardinals vs. LAR
($4,700 DK, $5,700 FD)
Ertz showed last week that he was fully healthy as he led the Cardinals in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. With continued absences among the Cards’ WRs, expect Ertz to post big numbers repeatedly.

DFS Sleepers

Hayden Hurst, Bengals @ NYJ
($3,900 DK, $5,100 FD)
Hurst remains a great punt option, especially stacked with Joe Burrow and one of his WRs. The Jets have allowed the eighth-most yards to the position, so he should have a safe 3x floor on DK.

Juwan Johnson, Saints @ CAR
($2,900 DK, $4,800 FD)
For two straight games, Johnson has finished third on the Saints in targets. It won’t take much to reach 3x on DK.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 2

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 2 DFS fantasy football

After a crazy Week 1 of the fantasy football season — highlighted by some dominating plays (Jonathan Taylor, Justin Jefferson, Patrick Mahomes, Carson Wentz, and Curtis Samuel) and some milk cartons (Mike Williams, Austin Hooper, DeVonta Smith, Alvin Kamara, and Cole Kmet) — I am pumped to go back for seconds this weekend. So, let’s get down to it, starting with a triple-dose of Primetime DFS.

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

CHICAGO @ GREEN BAY

We didn’t get a true read on Justin Fields (QB6) last week thanks to a monsoon. Still, we know his weapons, or lack thereof. The best I can afford him is an outside shot at QB5 if Ryan Tannehill struggles.

Aaron Rodgers (QB4) also struggled last week due to a lack of weapons. If he can get one (or both) of his tackles and top WR, Allen Lazard, back he should make a jump in the right direction. If not, he might spend a lot of time on his back once again.

David Montgomery (RB4) failed to take advantage of the bad weather conditions. He also ceded a score to backup Khalil Herbert (RB10). Fortunately, Montgomery out-touched Herbert 2-1, so there isn’t really a controversy here yet. Green Bay was ground down but that was due to falling behind early. That won’t happen this week. So, don’t assume this is an easy 100-yard day for Montgomery.

A.J. Dillon (RB5) out-touched Aaron Jones (RB3) nearly 2-to-1. He also scored the only TD among the pair. That said, Jones averaged nearly 10 YPC while Dillon finished at 4.5 YPC. The game script should be much different this week for Green Bay. This will put both of these two in play at RB2. I prefer Jones, since we should see more carries than receptions this week.

Chicago’s WR corps was more like a corps(e) Week 1. The weather didn’t help things, but no WR saw more than three targets and none caught more than one pass. Darnell Mooney (WR6) should show out this week as Green Bay’s secondary looks overhyped. Equanimeous St. Brown (WR17) scored last week and gets the revenge game here. Consider him as a WR3/flex play. Byron Pringle (WR20) has more talent than St. Brown, but he and Dante Pettis (WR22) should remain bench-bound.

Allen Lazard (WR8) missed Week 1, but he will be the immediate favorite of Rodgers if he can go. Romeo Doubs (WR14) out-targeted Christian Watson (WR12) last week, but Watson should’ve had a long TD. Watson has more talent, so I like his chance better here. Randall Cobb (WR19) and Sammy Watkins (WR18) did little with their opportunity in Week 1. Neither should be used outside of Showdown at this point.

There was no excuse for Cole Kmet (TE5) posting a goose egg. The weather should’ve helped his cause, but he was targeted only once. Kmet is better than he showed here and Fields targeted him a lot at the end of 2021, so expect a bounce-back game.

Robert Tonyan (TE2) was tied for the second-most targets from Rodgers last week. As one of his few familiars on the field, I was not surprised. I love him this week in an easier matchup.

Monday Night

TENNESSEE @ BUFFALO

Ryan Tannehill (QB5) finished last week with a decent line but now faces an elite defense. The Titans will be playing keep-up, which should provide him many passing opportunities, I just wish he had better weapons.

You could argue that Josh Allen (QB1) is the top QB in all of football. This is why he is my top option here. It also helps that Tennessee has one of the more porous pass defenses among these games.

Derrick Henry (RB2) had a floor game by his standards against New York. He shouldn’t have. Unlike last year, Henry was ignored in the passing game, ceding every target (and two receiving TDs) to Dontrell Hilliard (RB9). This could be a disturbing trend that continues all season. This is a so-so slate for high-end RBs and considering his price, I may ignore Henry.

I have no clue what Buffalo is doing with their backfield, but it worked last week. Devin Singletary (RB7) was effectively carrying the ball while Zack Moss (RB11) was sure-handed through the air. This split may have been even more confusing had James Cook (RB14) not fumbled himself into the doghouse. Consider Singletary as an RB2 candidate, but I don’t trust the other two enough to rely on them.

Speaking of confusing situations, Robert Woods (WR9) was inexplicably ignored in Week 1. At least both rookie WRs, Kyle Phillips (WR13) and Treylon Burks (WR11), were active and efficient. Tennessee will have to throw the ball this week, so all three deserve WR3/flex consideration. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (WR24) can be ignored, barring an injury.

Start all of your Buffalo WRs. Stefon Diggs (WR3) and Gabriel Davis (WR4) can both be considered at WR1 or WR2. Also, consider both Jamison Crowder (WR15) and Isaiah McKenzie (WR10) at WR3. Tennessee’s pass defense is weak enough that all four could score here.

Austin Hooper (TE4) was also ignored by Tannehill this past week. Geoff Swaim (TE7) actually got more love than Hooper. That had to be an aberration. On a weak TE slate, go back to the well with Hooper. He cannot do any worse.

Buffalo also ignored their TE, Dawson Knox (TE6), last week. This team has just too many weapons, and Knox is truly TD-dependent. So I’d only use him on Showdown.

MINNESOTA @ PHILADELPHIA

Kirk Cousins (QB2) was off to a quick start in Week 1 and gets an equally burnable secondary this week. Unfortunately, Cousins has struggled in primetime over the recent past.

Meanwhile, Jalen Hurts (QB3) looked impressive last week both through the air and on the ground. I’m willing to eat crow about his development as a passer. He has many weapons right now, and Minnesota’s secondary is dealing with some injuries. This will be a big game for the youngster.

Dalvin Cook (RB1) had a floor game last week as Minnesota made a concerted effort to pass the ball. I expect a more even split here, and he should eat against a team that was gashed by both D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams. Alexander Mattison (RB12) is strictly a handcuff back. He can be ignored outside of Showdown.

Miles Sanders (RB6) looked great last week. He also still was forced to split rushes four ways with Hurts and Kenneth Gainwell (RB8) and Boston Scott (RB13). Unfortunately for Sanders, this is the Philly Way. Running will be harder here against a stout Minnesota run defense. Sanders can be an RB2, but the others can be left to Showdown contests.

Set it and forget it, Justin Jefferson (WR1) will be a lock for 100-1 all season. Adam Thielen (WR5) had a down Week 1, but his historical red-zone usage makes him a great WR2 option if you want access to this offense without paying Jefferson’s price. K.J. Osborn (WR16) also slogged last week. I’d consider him as a punt WR3 for exposure to this game. Jalen Reagor (WR25) gets the revenge game narrative. Unfortunately, that is all he will get this week.

I knew that A.J. Brown (WR2) would command targets but I didn’t imagine DeVonta Smith (WR7) vanishing off of the stat sheet. Minnesota’s secondary is imminently burnable, putting both of them in play here. I just hope that Smith doesn’t turn into Tyler Lockett. Quez Watkins (WR23) and Zach Pascal (WR21) split one target last week. They can be ignored in all formats.

Johnny Mundt (TE8) drew the “start” last week since Irv Smith (TE3) wasn’t ready to go full-go. Smith should be ready for a full workload this week. He makes a nice third leg of a Cousins-Jefferson stack.

Dallas Goedert (TE1) is the strongest play on a very weak primetime TE board. I’m gonna fade him, though, based on price and since Minnesota has been historically strong against the position.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Matt Ryan ($5.9k), RB Joe Mixon ($7.2k), RB Javonte Williams ($6.5k), WR Davante Adams ($8.6k), WR Michael Pittman ($6.7k), WR Curtis Samuel ($4.6k), TE Hayden Hurst ($3.6k), FLEX Jeff Wilson ($5.1k), DST Cincinnati Bengals ($2.2k)

FD Lineup: QB Matt Ryan ($6.8k), RB Darrell Henderson ($6.2k), RB Javonte Williams ($7.3k), WR Davante Adams ($8.8k), WR Michael Pittman ($7.8k), WR Christian Kirk ($6.5k), TE Hayden Hurst ($5.3k), FLEX Jeff Wilson ($6.3k), DST San Francisco 49ers ($4.9k)

FB Lineup: QB Derek Carr ($6.1k), RB Antonio Gibson ($5.4k), RB Javonte Williams ($6.1k), WR Davante Adams ($8.2k), WR Julio Jones ($4.3k), WR Curtis Samuel ($4.3k), TE Hayden Hurst ($3.4k), FLEX Jeff Wilson ($5.1k), FLEX Joe Mixon ($6.9k)

Quarterbacks DraftKings FanDuel
Kyler Murray $7,500 $8,500
Lamar Jackson $7,400 $8,200
Russell Wilson $7,200 $7,500
Joe Burrow $6,600 $7,900
Tom Brady $6,400 $8,000
Matthew Stafford $6,300 $7,600
Derek Carr $6,200 $7,300
Carson Wentz $5,800 $7,400
Trey Lance $5,700 $7,500
Marcus Mariota $5,900 $7,300
Tua Tagovailoa $5,600 $6,800
Jameis Winston $5,600 $7,200
Matt Ryan $5,500 $6,800
Jacoby Brissett $5,400 $6,600
Jared Goff $5,400 $6,700
Baker Mayfield $5,300 $7,000
Trevor Lawrence $5,300 $6,900
Davis Mills $5,200 $6,400
Mac Jones $5,200 $6,400
Daniel Jones $5,100 $7,100
Geno Smith $5,100 $6,300
Joe Flacco $5,100 $6,400
Cooper Rush $5,000 $6,100
Mitch Trubisky $5,000 $6,500
Brian Hoyer $4,800 $6,400
Taysom Hill $4,400 $X,XXX

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Russell Wilson had a mediocre Week 1, but this matchup is just too juicy. Kyler Murray and Derek Carr also are great options up top. Carson Wentz has a nice DK price, but he is a bit pricey on FD. Matt Ryan is my favorite play of the week (as long as Michael Pittman plays). Jared Goff and Baker Mayfield could be punt options.

Fantasy Four-pack

Russell Wilson, Broncos vs. HOU
($7,200 DK, $7,500 FD)
Wilson has no inner storyline to deal with this week. At home, versus a bottom-feeding defense, he should cook. After the end-of-game controversy last week, Wilson will have a mile(high)-length leash this week and 350-3 is easily in sight.

Kyler Murray, Cardinals @ LV ($7,500 DK, $8,500 FD) We expected a high-scoring affair last week. We were half-right. Murray salvaged his day with some garbage time numbers. We could see something similar this week in another potential shootout. Still, expect improvement here as Zach Ertz should be closer to 100%, and Rondale Moore may be back.

Derek Carr, Raiders vs. ARI
($6,200 DK, $7,300 FD) Patrick Mahomes picked this defense to shreds last week including attacking its’ supposed strength in the middle. Davante Adams is better than any WR on the Chiefs roster, making this the premiere stack of the week. Even consider going three-legged with Darren Waller, too.

Lamar Jackson, Ravens vs. MIA
($7,400 DK, $8,200 FD) Highlighting how poor this week’s QB class is, Jackson facing a stingy defense is the projected fourth-highest scorer. The establishment of Devin Duvernay as a legit Option C for this offense should open up more opportunities for Mark Andrews. I don’t love that stack, but it could pay dividends.

DFS Sleepers

Matt Ryan, Colts @ JAX
($5,500 DK, $6,800 FD) Ryan ended up posting a fantasy-friendly line in Week 1, despite his failure to win the game. That sounds very Carson Wentz-esque of him. Speaking of Wentz, he torched this secondary for four scores. Ryan has, at worst, even weapons to that of the Commanders, so expect a floor of 300-3 as long as Michael Pittman (quad) plays.

Carson Wentz, Commanders @ DET
($5,800 DK, $7,400 FD)
For the second week in a row, Wentz gets a cream-puff defense to pick on. I loved the hookup with Curtis Samuel last week and will definitely roll out this pair once again. Just be cautious of using Terry McLaurin against his former college teammate Jeff Okudah, who shut down DeVonta Smith last week.

Running backs DraftKings FanDuel
Jonathan Taylor $9,900 $10,000
Christian McCaffrey $8,900 $9,000
Alvin Kamara $7,400 $7,200
Saquon Barkley $7,300 $8,800
Joe Mixon
 $7,200 $8,300
Nick Chubb $7,100 $8,500
D’Andre Swift $7,000 $8,200
James Conner $6,900 $7,600
Leonard Fournette $6,700 $7,800
Kareem Hunt $6,600 $7,000
Javonte Williams $6,500 $7,300
Antonio Gibson $6,200 $7,400
Najee Harris $6,200 $7,200
Melvin Gordon $6,100 $6,000
Cordarrelle Patterson $6,000 $7,500
Ezekiel Elliott $5,900 $7,100
Josh Jacobs $5,800 $6,600
Tony Pollard $5,800 $5,700
Darrell Henderson $5,700 $6,200
Mark Ingram $5,700 $5,300
Cam Akers $5,600 $5,500
James Robinson $5,600 $6,800
Travis Etienne $5,600 $5,800
Damien Harris $5,500 $6,000
Jamaal Williams $5,400 $6,400
Jaylen Warren $5,400 $5,500
Rashaad Penny $5,400 $6,500
J.K. Dobbins $5,300 $6,000
Nyheim Hines $5,300 $5,500
Breece Hall $5,200 $5,900
Chase Edmonds $5,200 $6,000
J.D. McKissic $5,200 $5,200
Michael Carter $5,200 $5,900
Rhamondre Stevens $5,200 $5,600
Jeff Wilson $5,100 $6,300
Kenneth Walker $5,000 $5,500
Samaje Perine $5,000 $6,000
Tyrion Davis-Price $5,000 $5,000
Rex Burkhead $4,900 $5,800
Dameon Pierce $4,800 $5,600
Tyler Allgeier $4,600 $4,600
Rachaad White $4,500 $5,700
Raheem Mostert $4,400 $5,300
Zamir White $4,400 $4,600
Damien Williams $4,200 $4,800
Emo Benjamin $4,200 $4,900
Jordan Mason $4,200 $4,500

Running Back

Weekly strategy – Christian McCaffrey was not featured in the Carolina gameplan Week 1. They lost. He will be force-fed this week. Do what you can to get two of CMC, Saquon Barkley, Joe Mixon (my personal favorite), Nick Chubb, and, if he plays, D’Andre Swift (ankle) into your lineup. Jonathan Taylor’s matchup is nice, but that price is steep. Javonte Williams and Antonio Gibson are cheaper pivots. The punt options are few and far between. Consider Nyheim Hines, Darrell Henderson, or Jamaal Williams (if Swift cannot go).

Fantasy Four-pack

Christian McCaffrey, Panthers @ NYG
($8,900 DK, $9,000 FD)
The Giants actually held Derrick Henry somewhat in check last week (nearly 4.0 YPC), but they were eviscerated by Dontrell Hilliard through the air. McCaffrey offers the best of both of them and Carolina needs to feature him this week after a sloppy start to their season.

Jonathan Taylor, Colts @ JAX
($9,900 DK, $10,000 FD) It is always hard to spend this much at RB. He needs to hit 30 points to return 3x value. The matchup suggests it is possible, but I’d rather take my chances with Nyheim Hines here at half the price.

Joe Mixon, Bengals @ DAL
($7,200 DK, $8,300 FD) Cincinnati won’t have to pass the ball to win this week. That is good, because Tee Higgins may not be available for this one. Even if they choose to throw, Higgins’ absence could lead to another nine-target game for Mixon.

D’Andre Swift, Lions vs. WAS
($7,000 DK, $8,200 FD) Swift pummeled Philadelphia to the tune of 175-1. His line might go underappreciated since Jamaal Williams vultured a pair of scores. Washington gave up a total of 134-2 to the pair of Jacksonville RBs, so another 100-1 would be safe for Swift, if he is cleared to go. If Swift misses the game, Williams is a must-start.

DFS Sleepers

Darrell Henderson, Rams vs. ATL
($5,700 DK, $6,200 FD) It was impossible to predict Henderson out-touching Cam Akers 6-to-1. It was also impossible to predict Atlanta limiting Alvin Kamara. Of course, hindsight has proven that injuries were responsible for both situations. Atlanta’s run defense is not this good, and Akers is clearly not 100%. Henderson’s line will surprise no one this week.

Nyheim Hines, Colts @ JAX
($5,300 DK, $5,500 FD)
Despite rumors that Indianapolis would pivot more of Jonathan Taylor’s looks to Hines this season, Taylor still dominated the carries and they split the receiving work. Hines did see six targets, catching them all for 50 yards. Meanwhile, Jacksonville allowed 10-92 to Washington’s RBs through the air. At half of Taylor’s salary, Hines provides you access to this offense and opens up the ability to spend up at both RB1 and WR1.

Wide receivers DraftKings FanDuel
Cooper Kupp $9,900 $9,700
Davante Adams $8,600 $8,800
Ja’Marr Chase $8,000 $8,700
Deebo Samuel $7,100 $8,000
Tyreek Hill $7,100 $8,000
CeeDee Lamb $6,900 $7,700
Mike Evans $6,800 $8,300
Michael Pittman $6,700 $7,800
Terry McLaurin $6,600 $7,300
Amon-Ra St. Brown $6,500 $6,900
Jaylen Waddle $6,400 $7,200
DK Metcalf $6,300 $6,800
Marquise Brown $6,200 $7,400
Courtland Sutton $6,100 $6,800
Brandin Cooks $6,000 $6,700
Tee Higgins $5,900 $7,000
Diontae Johnson $5,800 $7,100
Michael Thomas $5,800 $7,000
Christian Kirk $5,700 $6,500
DJ Moore $5,700 $6,200
Jerry Jeudy $5,600 $6,300
Tyler Lockett $5,600 $6,200
Allen Robinson $5,500 $5,700
Hunter Renfrow $5,500 $5,600
Julio Jones $5,500 $5,700
Rashod Bateman $5,500 $6,400
Amari Cooper $5,400 $6,300
Tyler Boyd $5,400 $6,600
Robbie Anderson $5,300 $5,900
Drake London $5,200 $5,600
Michael Gallup $5,200 $6,000
Brandon Aiyuk $5,100 $5,700
DJ Chark $5,100 $5,700
Elijah Moore $5,000 $5,800
Jarvis Landry $5,000 $6,100
Sterling Shepard $4,900 $5,800
Russell Gage $4,800 $6,100
Chase Claypool $4,700 $6,000
Corey Davis $4,600 $5,900
Curtis Samuel $4,600 $5,700
Chris Olave $4,500 $5,300
DeVante Parker $4,500 $5,500
Jalen Tolbert $4,500 $5,000
Donovan Peoples-Jones $4,400 $5,800
Garrett Wilson $4,400 $5,400
Jakobi Meyers $4,400 $5,500
Marvin Jones $4,400 $5,400
A.J. Green $4,300 $5,400
Devin Duvernay $4,300 $5,900
Zay Jones $4,300 $5,500
Jahan Dotson $4,200 $5,500
Kadarius Toney $4,200 $5,100
Kenny Golladay $4,200 $5,400
Olamide Zaccheaus $4,200 $5,400
Nico Collins $4,100 $5,100
Rondale Moore $4,100 $5,300
Kendrick Bourne $4,000 $5,000
Bryan Edwards $3,900 $4,800
KJ Hamler $3,900 $5,100
Darius Slayton $3,800 $5,000
D’Wayne Eskridge $3,800 $5,000
Noah Brown $3,800 $5,200
Cedrick Wilson $3,700 $5,100
Parris Campbell $3,700 $5,100
George Pickens $3,600 $5,000
Marquise Goodwin $3,600 $4,700
Nelson Agholor $3,600 $5,100
David Bell $3,500 $4,800
Greg Dortch $3,500 $5,500
Van Jefferson $3,500 $5,000
Jauan Jennings $3,400 $5,300
Alec Pierce $3,300 $4,800
Ben Skowronek $3,300 $5,100
Demarcus Robinson $3,300 $5,100
Laviska Shenault $3,300 $4,700
Mike Thomas $3,300 $5,300
Ashton Dulin $3,200 $5,200
Breshad Perriman $3,200 $4,700
Richie James $3,200 $5,500

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – Davante Adams is the top pick this week. I love him stacked with Derek Carr. Cooper Kupp is pricier, but he could approach similar output. One of the two should be your WR1. Michael Pittman (quad), Marquise Brown, Deebo Samuel, and Courtland Sutton are my pivots. At WR2, consider Hunter Renfrow, Julio Jones (knee), DJ Moore, and Christian Kirk. Curtis Samuel remains my favorite WR3 option. If you don’t use him, consider Jarvis Landry, Zay Jones, Donovan Peoples-Jones, DJ Chark, or Greg Dortch. I’d also consider using one of them at flex.

Fantasy Four-pack

Davante Adams, Raiders vs. ARI
($8,600 DK, $8,800 FD)
Adams and Derek Carr are my favorite stack this week. Arizona had no answer for Kansas City last week, and Adams has more talent than anyone who lined up at WR for the Chiefs … 10-125-1 is the floor here.

Cooper Kupp, Rams vs. ATL
($9,900 DK, $9,700 FD)
If you can figure out how to fit both Kupp and Adams under the cap, do it. Atlanta has a decent defensive backfield, but they gave up two scores to New Orleans’ alpha WR Michael Thomas last week. I am a tad concerned about his price, but he has topped 30 points many times before.

Deebo Samuel, 49ers vs. SEA
($7,100 DK, $8,000 FD) The loss of Eli Mitchell forced Samuel to garner more RB snaps last week. Last year, in a similar spot, Samuel feasted out of the backfield. Seattle is just okay against the pass, but they are rotten at stopping receiving backs. I’m stoked for Samuel’s stats if he gets an equal share of backfield snaps and receptions.

Michael Pittman, Colts @ JAX
($6,700 DK, $7,800 FD) Pittman (quad) was limited in practice midweek, but he should be good to go for Sunday. Pittman’s activity will affect my decision whether to start Matt Ryan or not. They make a perfect reduced-cost stack against a subpar secondary.

DFS Sleepers

Curtis Samuel, Commanders @ DET
($4,600 DK, $5,700 FD) People forgot about Samuel due to his injuries last season. He was brought in by Ron Rivera to revive his jack-of-all-trades role from their days together in Carolina. He showed out in Week 1 and with both Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson to keep defenses honest; Samuel should find lots of room to operate inside.

DJ Chark, Lions vs. WAS
($5,100 DK, $5,700 FD) I love run-it-back stacks. You can go either way in this game. Jared Goff or Carson Wentz paired with Chark and Samuel at WR2 & WR3 allows you the savings to use big bucks RBs or Kupp and Adams at WR1 and flex. 

Tight ends DraftKings FanDuel
Mark Andrews $6,400 $7,400
George Kittle $5,900 $6,100
Darren Waller $5,600 $6,800
Taysom Hill $X,XXX $6,200
Kyle Pitts $5,400 $5,900
Dalton Schultz $5,200 $5,600
T.J. Hockenson $4,700 $5,700
Zach Ertz $4,500 $5,200
Pat Freiermuth $4,400 $5,400
Mike Gesicki $4,300 $5,200
Tyler Higbee $4,200 $5,300
Noah Fant $4,000 $5,000
Cameron Brate $3,900 $4,900
Albert Okwuegbunam $3,700 $5,100
David Njoku $3,700 $4,900
Evan Engram $3,600 $4,900
Hayden Hurst $3,600 $5,300
Hunter Henry $3,600 $5,100
Logan Thomas $3,400 $5,200
Tyler Conklin $3,400 $5,100
C.J. Uzomah $3,200 $4,600
Jonnu Smith $3,200 $4,700
Mo Alie-Cox $3,200 $4,800
Harrison Bryant $3,100 $4,700
Ian Thomas $3,100 $4,600
Adam Trautman $3,000 $4,600
O.J. Howard $3,000 $5,000
Tyler Kroft $2,800 $4,300
Will Dissly $2,800 $4,200
Brevin Jordan $2,600 $4,700
Andrew Beck $2,500 $4,000
Colby Parkinson $2,500 $4,100
Juwan Johnson $2,500 $4,500

Tight End

Weekly strategy – Mark Andrews has a decent matchup and his DK price is workable. Darren Waller is a little cheaper and his game projects as more of a shootout. If you are feeling a little froggy, consider Kyle Pitts or Dalton Schultz. Neither should have high ownership rates and each could outproduce their salaries. T.J Hockenson, Tyler Higbee, and Zach Ertz make even cheaper pivots. Hayden Hurst is my favorite play (especially if Tee Higgins is out). The other punt options are Logan Thomas and O.J. Howard (who will be too heavily owned).

Fantasy Four-pack

Mark Andrews, Ravens vs. MIA
($6,400 DK, $7,400 FD)
Xavien Howard will likely be asked to cover Rashod Bateman. That will leave Andrews and Devin Duvernay as the best stack options with Lamar Jackson. A vanilla Week 1 by Andrews keeps his salary low for one more week take advantage of it.

Darren Waller, Raiders vs. ARI
($5,600 DK, $6,800 FD)
This is a weak week for main slate TEs. Still, elite TE, Travis Kelce, took Arizona to the woodshed last week, and Waller is one of the few who are close to the same stratosphere as Kelce.

Kyle Pitts, Falcons @ LAR
($5,400 DK, $5,900 FD) This is another ranking based more on the player’s talent than the matchup. Pitts had an awful final line, but he was targeted seven times. Expect a better output as Pitts gets more comfortable with Marcus Mariota. 

T.J. Hockenson, Lions vs. WAS
($4,700 DK, $5,700 FD)
Finally, a good matchup to go along with a talented athlete. Hockenson makes a nice third leg to a Jared Goff-DJ Chark stack in what could be a sneaky shootout.

DFS Sleepers

Hayden Hurst, Bengals @ DAL
($3,600 DK, $5,300 FD)
The eight targets recorded by Hurst last week were fifth among all TEs. If Tee Higgins misses another game, expect a similar workload here.

Logan Thomas, Commanders @ DET
($3,400 DK, $5,200 FD)
Thomas finished Week 1 tied for 11th in TE targets with six. Not bad for a guy coming off an ACL tear. As mentioned above, this game could be a shootout, and Thomas adds another potential third leg to a stack.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 1

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 1 DFS fantasy football

Welcome back to another season of DFS Domination. For the new readers, we rank all of the realistic plays for the Main Slate Millionaire contests on DraftKings (DK) and FanDuel (FD). We also offer a breakdown of suggested plays for the Primetime Slate. Our charts are color-ranked. Players in RED will struggle to reach 2.5x value. Players in BLACK will likely achieve 2.5x value but are not guaranteed additional success. Players in GREEN are likely to exceed 3x value.

I also provide the top four scorers at each position regardless of salary and a pair of discount sleepers at each position. Plus, you can find my favorite lineups for DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanball (FB).

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

Tom Brady (QB2) looked gaunt at a recent press conference. Perhaps age is finally turning the page on his career. I’m more concerned about his season-long well-being playing behind an offensive line filled out with third-stringers.

Dak Prescott (QB3) is probably the best option here as his ownership will be the lowest among the three playable options. Tampa Bay’s defense is no joke, but I prefer Dallas’ ability to throw against them much more than to run against the Bucs.

Despite their offensive line woes, Leonard Fournette (RB2) is a solid play this week. Lenny’s top backup is now an unproven rookie whose best attribute (receiving) is one that Fournette is also very good at. I will not be using Rachaad White (RB7) outside of Showdown contests until we see his actual usage.

Ezekiel Elliott (RB4) is not recommended this week. He will have a resurgence this year, just not this week. Tampa is elite up the middle against the run. This means ignoring Tony Pollard (RB6) as well. Of course, if I need to roster a third RB this week, Pollard’s price might put him in play.

Mike Evans (WR1) is the strongest play this week. Dallas has ballhawks in their secondary, but they also often overplay the ball. Chris Godwin (WR6) will be an OK play in a pass-heavy offense if he is cleared to go (still a big if). Julio Jones (WR7) will finish as high as WR4 if Godwin doesn’t play. Either way, he makes a nice WR3/flex play this week. Provided his hamstring allows him to play, Russell Gage (WR8) will also see a boost if Godwin misses the game. I like him as the third leg in a Brady-Evans triple stack.

CeeDee Lamb (WR2) was underwhelming last season when left to fend for himself. His supporting cast is even more suspect this year. So, unless you are playing Dak, fade him here. Jalen Tolbert (WR10) looked mediocre this preseason, but he will need to provide an immediate impact with Michael Gallup (knee) out. With no other options, Tolbert could be a sneaky play these first few weeks. Noah Brown (WR12) has experience with Dak, but don’t play him outside of Showdown contests.

Cameron Brate (TE3) and Kyle Rudolph (TE5) are looking to replace Rob Gronkowski’s production. Both are red-zone threats. If Godwin is out, Brate will definitely score.

Dalton Schultz (TE1) is the best option on this slate. Dak will need to establish an Option B in the passing game and Schultz will be it.

Monday Night

It will be an immediate revenge game for Russell Wilson (QB1). Against the weakest defense on the slate (including multiple injuries in their secondary), Wilson should lead the slate. Of course, the game script could minimize Wilson’s pass attempts in the second half.

With a strong defense facing Geno Smith (QB4), this will get ugly. The only reason to consider him here is as a pure punt play or as part of a run-it-back stack in superflex contests.

The two-headed Broncos’ backfield is back. Fortunately, Melvin Gordon (RB5) admits that he is the backup now. Javonte Williams (RB1) will move the ball at will against this defense. An early lead should provide both backs enough touches to be fantasy-relevant. The only way Williams fails to be the top back this week is if Denver decides to use them in a true 50-50 split. Neither back was a huge pass-catcher last year, but Seattle was abysmal against that role. Don’t be surprised if Williams hauls in five+ passes.

With Kenneth Walker III (groin) doubtful to play, Rashaad Penny (RB3) will need to pick up where he left off last season as the primary ball carrier for this run-first offense. Based on volume alone, you should consider him for RB2/flex. Travis Homer (RB8) could be considered in Showdown contests only.

We still do not know if Jerry Jeudy (WR4) or Courtland Sutton (WR3) will be Russell Wilson’s favorite receiver this season. I’m starting the year with my money on Sutton (the bigger body) being Option A, but they should both be viable as WR2 this week. KJ Hamler (WR11) could be a sneaky WR3/flex option here as his speed could translate into the Tyler Lockett role if he is fully recovered from his 2021 ACL injury.

If DK Metcalf (WR5) wasn’t DK Metcalf, he would barely have a pulse this week. Denver has a strong defensive backfield, which will frustrate Metcalf nearly as much as Geno’s lame duck throws will. Still, DK is a physical freak and by sheer volume, I expect he will sneak in a score. Tyler Lockett (WR9) is even less likely to make an impact this week. I want no part of him until Drew Lock takes over at QB. Dee Eskridge (WR13) can be used in Showdown contests only.

Injuries to rookie Greg Dulcich secure that Albert Okwuegbunam (TE2) will be the primary pass-catching TE to start the year. Seattle is solid at safety, but I still like Big Albert here on the small slate, especially if you use a double-TE lineup.

Noah Fant (TE4) also gets a revenge game right away. Unfortunately, he has not been in rhythm with Smith this preseason. It has been so bad that he is listed as the TE 1b behind Will Dissly (TE6) as 1a on the official depth chart. The Seahawks will use a lot of two-TE sets this season, and Smith will be forced to check down often making one playable. My money is on Fant since he has more natural talent.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

At DK: $5.5k for Matt Ryan. $5.2k for Chase Edmonds. $7.6k for Alvin Kamara. $5.9k for Amari Cooper. $5.5k for Michael Pittman.$5.2k for JuJu Smith-Schuster. $4.9k for T.J. Hockenson. $6.8k for D’Andre Swift at flex. $3.4k for the Carolina Panthers defense.

At FD: $6.9k for Ryan. $8.5k for Kamara. $7.6k for D’Andre Swift. $6.8k for Antonio Gibson at flex. $7.2k for Pittman. $6.6k for Mike Williams. $6.4k for Smith-Schuster. $5.3k for Pat Freiermuth. $4.7k for the Carolina Panthers defense.

At Fanball (double-flex – includes Sunday night): Jared Goff, Kamara, and Edmonds, Gibson at flex, Christian McCaffrey at second flex. Smith-Schuster, K.J. Osborn, DJ Chark, and Hayden Hurst.

Quarterbacks DraftKings FanDuel
Patrick Mahomes $7,700 $8,700
Justin Herbert $7,600 $8,400
Lamar Jackson $7,300 $8,500
Kyler Murray $7,200 $8,200
Aaron Rodgers $7,000 $7,800
Jalen Hurts $6,800 $8,000
Joe Burrow $6,400 $7,700
Kirk Cousins $6,100 $7,300
Trey Lance $6,000 $7,500
Derek Carr $5,900 $7,400
Ryan Tannehill $5,700 $7,100
Tua Tagovailoa $5,700 $7,000
Justin Fields $5,600 $6,900
Trevor Lawrence $5,600 $7,000
Carson Wentz $5,500 $6,800
Matt Ryan $5,500 $6,900
Jared Goff $5,400 $6,800
Mac Jones $5,400 $6,600
Baker Mayfield $5,300 $6,600
Davis Mills $5,300 $6,500
Jameis Winston $5,300 $6,700
Jacoby Brissett $5,200 $6,300
Marcus Mariota $5,200 $6,500
Daniel Jones $5,000 $7,100
Mitch Trubisky $5,000 $6,400
Joe Flacco $4,800 $6,200

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – There are two high-scoring matchups right away as Justin Herbert faces Derek Carr and Patrick Mahomes faces Kyler Murray. Also consider Lamar Jackson or Jalen Hurts as run-based alternatives. Still, I suggest going cheap this week with Matt Ryan, Jared Goff, Jameis Winston, or Davis Mills.

Fantasy Four-pack

Justin Herbert, Chargers vs. LVR
($7,600 DK, $8,400 FD)
This contest features a revenge game narrative for Herbert and the Chargers coming off being knocked out of the playoffs last year by Vegas. Plus, this game has the second-highest combined points so expect a shootout. Herbert has faced Vegas four times in his career averaging 311 yards and 2.75 TD per game. 300-3 sounds right here. Roll out the Herbert-Mike Williams stack this week.

Lamar Jackson, Ravens @ NYJ ($7,300 DK, $8,500 FD) Jackson will likely be without his top RB this week. This means he will do even more running than usual. From a DFS standpoint, that is like manna from heaven. Feel free to stack Jackson with both Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman.

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs @ ARI
($7,700 DK, $8,700 FD) OK, we finally get to see a KC offense without Tyreek Hill. Mahomes still has myriad weapons to throw to, and I love both Marquez Valdes-Scantling and JuJu Smith-Schuster this week as Arizona can be beaten on the outside. This game has the highest projected points and will be a shootout. This sets up for a nice roll-it-back lineup with Marquise Brown included, too.

Kyler Murray, Cardinals vs. KC
($7,200 DK, $8,200 FD) Murray also will be without his top weapon from last season. Fortunately, the Cardinals acquired Marquise Brown to fill in for him. KC has completely retooled its secondary this offseason. The newcomers are young and talented, but they may not be ready to face an Arizona Air Raid offense. Bump up Murray’s projections if Zach Ertz is cleared to play; otherwise, expect 280-3.

DFS Sleepers

Matt Ryan, Colts @ HOU
($5,500 DK, $6,900 FD) Houston is young and improving, but they aren’t there yet. After last season’s shorthanded WR room in Atlanta, Ryan should be licking his chops to have Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce, and Parris Campbell to throw at. Ryan’s price makes him a great value option, especially paired with the equally discounted Pittman.

Jared Goff, Lions vs. PHI
($5,400 DK, $6,800 FD)
Motownphilly is back again this week. Last year, Goff’s final line against Philly was more boy than man. In his defense, his WR room had three total catches. His top three receiving options were a TE, his starting RB, and another RB who is out of the league. This year, he has Amon-Ra St. Brown, DJ Chark, Josh Reynolds, and Quintez Cephus to choose from — plus all of his auxiliary tools. Give him the manly 250-2 here on the discount.

Running backs DraftKings FanDuel
Jonathan Taylor $9,100 $10,200
Derrick Henry $8,600 $9,700
Christian McCaffrey $8,500 $9,500
Austin Ekeler $8,200 $9,400
Dalvin Cook
 $7,900 $8,400
Alvin Kamara $7,600 $8,500
Joe Mixon $7,100 $8,300
James Conner $7,000 $7,700
D’Andre Swift $6,800 $7,600
Aaron Jones $6,700 $7,400
Nick Chubb $6,500 $7,800
Najee Harris $6,400 $8,200
Josh Jacobs $6,300 $7,000
Saquon Barkley $6,100 $6,800
David Montgomery $6,000 $6,600
Antonio Gibson $5,800 $6,800
Cordarrelle Patterson $5,800 $6,600
Damien Harris $5,700 $6,300
Kareem Hunt $5,700 $6,300
J.K. Dobbins $5,600 $6,900
James Robinson $5,600 $6,200
Travis Etienne $5,600 $6,200
Breece Hall $5,500 $6,400
Rhamondre Stevenson $5,500 $5,600
Clyde Edwards-Helaire $5,400 $5,800
Eli Mitchell $5,400 $6,700
Miles Sanders $5,400 $6,500
AJ Dillon $5,300 $6,100
Chase Edmonds $5,200 $5,800
Jamaal Williams $5,200 $5,700
Ronald Jones $5,200 $5,500
J.D. McKissic $5,100 $5,200
Jeff Wilson $5,100 $5,500
Michael Carter $5,100 $5,200
Nyheim Hines $5,100 $5,400
Kenyan Drake $5,000 $5,700
Rex Burkhead $4,900 $5,100
Dameon Pierce $4,800 $5,400
Zamir White $4,700 $4,900
Kenneth Gainwell $4,600 $5,300
Boston Scott $4,500 $4,900
Myles Gaskin $4,500 $4,900
Tyler Allgeier $4,500 $4,800
Mike Davis $4,400 $5,600
Eno Benjamin $4,200 $4,900
Jerick McKinnon $4,200 $5,200

Running Back

Weekly strategy – Each of the top-six priced options on both sites would make a great RB1 this week. The issue is fitting two of them under the cap. If I had to choose from among them, Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara would be my first two picks. D’Andre Swift and Antonio Gibson would be my less expensive pivots. You could even pair two of that foursome. Even cheaper yet are likely lead options Chase Edmonds and Dameon Pierce. Just know that Pierce is going to have ridiculous ownership numbers, so you may want to fade him. If you want to punt RB2 without using Pierce, consider using Nyheim Hines or Kenyan Drake.

Fantasy Four-pack

Jonathan Taylor, Colts @ HOU
($9,100 DK, $10,200 FD)
Houston allowed the second-most rushing yards last year, including 288 to Taylor. Jonathan also added four rushing TDs in those two games. In those games, Taylor did nothing through the air. If he even catches a pittance of passes here, he is a lock for 3x (even with that high FD price).

Christian McCaffrey, Panthers vs. CLE
($8,500 DK, $9,500 FD) Both DFS sites have McCaffrey priced below $10k. You will not get this discount all season. You may not even get this discount next week. Use it while you can. Cleveland is decent against the run, but CMC will do enough across the board to be a top-five overall scorer this week.

Alvin Kamara, Saints @ ATL
($7,600 DK, $8,500 FD) Atlanta’s defense is better against the pass than the run. It won’t matter here because Kamara will beat them both ways. Anything short of 150 combo yards and a score would be disappointing. In fact, the only way he doesn’t reach that figure is if he is suspended over the weekend.

Derrick Henry, Titans vs. NYG
($8,600 DK, $9,700 FD) The Giants improved their defense this offseason. Unfortunately, they still will have no answer for King Henry. Tennessee is devoid of receiving talent coming into this season, so they will have to lean even more than ever on their hoss RB. We may even see Henry pick up where he left off last season by developing into a semi-functioning pass-catcher, too.

DFS Sleepers

Antonio Gibson, Commanders vs. JAX
($5,800 DK, $6,800 FD) You need to feel bad for Brian Robinson. Now, Washington will be forced to feed Gibson the ball. Despite being dissed by his coaching staff this preseason, he actually proved over the last couple of seasons that he is an incredibly talented RB. Jacksonville broke the bank to shore up their offense this offseason, but that defensive front is very young and unproven at this level. If J.D. McKissic (groin) is limited this week, bump Gibson’s value up even more.

Chase Edmonds, Dolphins vs. NE
($5,200 DK, $5,800 FD)
The release of Sony Michel left Edmonds as the early-down favorite in Miami. There are many weapons in this offense this year, but you know that Bill Belichick will be plotting to shut down both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. This should leave Edmonds free to overachieve this week. This time next week, his salary will be much higher.

Wide receivers DraftKings FanDuel
Davante Adams $8,100 $8,500
Justin Jefferson $7,800 $8,100
Deebo Samuel $7,400 $8,400
Ja’Marr Chase $7,100 $8,200
Keenan Allen $7,000 $7,400
Tyreek Hill $6,800 $7,700
Mike Williams $6,600 $6,600
Terry McLaurin $6,500 $7,000
A.J. Brown $6,400 $7,100
Jaylen Waddle $6,400 $6,800
Brandin Cooks $6,300 $6,600
Marquise Brown $6,200 $6,900
Amon-Ra St. Brown $6,100 $6,500
Tee Higgins $6,100 $7,000
Diontae Johnson $6,000 $6,700
DJ Moore $6,000 $6,400
Amari Cooper $5,900 $6,300
Hunter Renfrow $5,800 $5,900
Darnell Mooney $5,700 $6,200
Michael Thomas $5,700 $6,200
Allen Lazard $5,600 $6,500
Robert Woods $5,600 $5,600
DeVonta Smith $5,500 $6,100
Michael Pittman $5,500 $7,200
Adam Thielen $5,400 $6,100
Rashod Bateman $5,300 $6,100
Brandon Aiyuk $5,200 $5,600
JuJu Smith-Schuster $5,100 $6,400
Christian Kirk $5,100 $5,800
Christian Watson $5,100 $5,200
Elijah Moore $5,100 $6,000
Chase Claypool $5,000 $5,800
Drake London $5,000 $5,500
Jarvis Landry $5,000 $5,700
Treylon Burks $5,000 $5,900
Corey Davis $4,900 $5,400
K.J. Osborn $4,900 $5,200
Sterling Shepard $4,900 $5,500
DeVante Parker $4,800 $5,700
DJ Chark $4,800 $5,300
Kenny Golladay $4,800 $5,600
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $4,800 $5,100
Robbie Anderson $4,800 $5,300
Tyler Boyd $4,800 $5,700
Garrett Wilson $4,700 $5,300
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,700 $5,500
Sammy Watkins $4,700 $5,500
A.J. Green $4,600 $5,700
Mecole Hardman $4,600 $5,400
Chris Olave $4,500 $5,000
Byron Pringle $4,400 $5,300
Donovan Peoples-Jones $4,400 $5,400
Marvin Jones $4,400 $5,000
Jakobi Meyers $4,300 $5,500
Bryan Edwards $4,200 $5,100
Curtis Samuel $4,200 $5,100
Darius Slayton $4,200 $5,100
Kendrick Bourne $4,200 $5,100
Nico Collins $4,200 $5,200
George Pickens $4,100 $5,200
Kadarius Toney $4,100 $5,300
Zay Jones $4,100 $5,100
Olamide Zaccheaus $4,000 $5,000
Rondale Moore $4,000 $5,500
Alec Pierce $3,900 $4,900
Cedrick Wilson $3,900 $5,100
Devin Duvernay $3,800 $5,000
Joshua Palmer $3,800 $4,900
Skyy Moore $3,800 $4,600
David Bell $3,600 $5,000
Jahan Dotson $3,400 $4,900
Nelson Agholor $3,400 $4,900
Quez Watkins $3,400 $5,200
Randall Cobb $3,400 $5,100
Parris Campbell $3,300 $5,200
Quintez Cephus $3,000 $4,800
Romeo Doubs $3,000 $5,000

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – Davante Adams gets to show off his connection with Derek Carr immediately. He and Justin Jefferson are the two best options up top. Either Chargers wide receiver would be a slightly cheaper pivot (I prefer Mike Williams). Also, consider going cheaper this week with JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquise Brown, or volume options like Amari Cooper, Darnell Mooney, Michael Pittman, and Rashod Bateman at WR1 and WR2. I also like Allen Lazard (ankle) in this range, if he gets a clean bill of health. The WR corps of Jacksonville, Detroit, and whoever suits up for the New York Giants each make WR3 sense based on their opponents. Still, my top punt options this week are K.J. Osborn, Sammy Watkins, Nico Collins, and the depth WRs for Arizona.

Fantasy Four-pack

Justin Jefferson, Vikings vs. GB
($7,800 DK, $8,100 FD)
The word on the street is that Minnesota is going to throw the ball considerably more this season. Green Bay has a pair of studly cornerbacks, but Jefferson is in a class of his own. I’m not expecting a ceiling game here, but 8-110-1 is in play.

Davante Adams, Raiders @ LAC
($8,100 DK, $8,500 FD)
The Chargers are also set at cornerback, but this will be a huge test in Week 1. Adams and Derek Carr make a great stack, and I love to run it back with Mike Williams here. Just know that will leave you penny-pinching elsewhere.

Mike Williams, Chargers vs. LVR
($6,600 DK, $6,600 FD)
Anytime the FD price is the same or lower than the DK price, you have to use the player there. The Raiders lack anyone at cornerback to body up with the tall and physical Williams. This feels like a 6-100 game with a long TD.

Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals vs. PIT
($7,100 DK, $8,200 FD) Mark me concerned about rust from Joe Burrow after missing the preseason with appendix surgery. I’m also concerned about the number of weapons that Cincy has. Still, Pittsburgh cannot double-team all of them. Expect a floor of 6-70-1 with considerably higher upside if Burrow isn’t limited.

DFS Sleepers

JuJu Smith-Schuster, Chiefs @ ARI
($5,200 DK, $6,400 FD)
Patrick Mahomes’ top (and most-proven) WR in a shootout matchup with Arizona, Sign me up! Throw in the reduced price and it is a mortal lock at WR1 or WR2. Consider using Kyler Murray at QB and then stacking Marquise Brown and running it back with Smith-Schuster.

Rashod Bateman, Ravens @ NYJ
($5,300 DK, $6,100 FD)
Bateman is now the true WR1 in Baltimore. Unfortunately, the team is still run-first and Mark Andrews is the real No. 1 target. The Jets have improved at every level on defense, but volume alone puts Bateman in play for 7-70-1.

Tight ends DraftKings FanDuel
Mark Andrews $6,800 $7,900
Travis Kelce $6,600 $8,000
George Kittle $5,900 $6,100
Kyle Pitts $5,700 $6,000
Darren Waller $5,400 $7,000
T.J. Hockenson $4,900 $5,700
Mike Gesicki $4,800 $5,500
Dallas Goedert $4,500 $5,700
Zach Ertz $4,400 $5,600
Pat Freiermuth $4,200 $5,300
David Njoku $3,900 $5,000
Robert Tonyan $3,900 $5,100
Gerald Everett $3,800 $5,200
Hunter Henry $3,800 $5,400
Austin Hooper $3,700 $4,800
Cole Kmet $3,700 $5,000
C.J. Uzomah $3,600 $4,800
Evan Engram $3,500 $4,900
Tyler Conklin $3,500 $5,000
Irv Smith $3,400 $5,100
Mo Alie-Cox $3,400 $4,800
Hayden Hurst $3,300 $4,900
Logan Thomas $3,200 $5,500
Adam Trautman $3,100 $4,700
Brevin Jordan $3,100 $4,800
John Bates $3,100 $4,700
Harrison Bryant $2,900 $4,600
Dan Arnold $2,800 $4,400
Donald Parham $2,800 $4,500
Jonnu Smith $2,800 $4,700
Ryan Griffin $2,700 $4,100
Daniel Bellinger $2,500 $4,100
Isaiah Likely $2,500 $4,100

Tight End

Weekly strategy – Feel free to pay up for Mark Andrews, Travis Kelce, or Kyle Pitts. Pitts on FD is almost free money compared to those other two. For lesser ownership, consider T.J. Hockenson and Pat Freiermuth. If you decide to punt the position (I wouldn’t this week), Austin Hooper, Cole Kmet, and Hayden Hurst are decent dice rolls.

Fantasy Four-pack

Travis Kelce, Chiefs @ ARI
($6,600 DK, $8,000 FD)
Patrick Mahomes went on record saying it would be a different target each week for fantasy purposes. I’ll believe that when I see it. Kelce was option 1a last year, and he will repeat that role here. That said, I don’t love the FD price considering how cheap some others are and since Arizona’s best DBs are in the middle.

Mark Andrews, Ravens @ NYJ
($6,800 DK, $7,900 FD)
There wasn’t a more reliable TE than Andrews last season. With Marquise Brown out of town, Andrews and Rashod Bateman will need to step up even further. Stack both of them with Lamar Jackson against a still learning-on-the-job Jets defense. The threesome should combine for four total scores.

Kyle Pitts, Falcons vs. NO
($5,700 DK, $6,000 FD)
The only thing missing from Pitts’ rookie season was TDs. Reverse TD-regression is assured this season, starting this week. I mean someone has to catch the ball in Atlanta. Lock him in for 8-90-1 here as Atlanta is forced to throw the ball to stay in this one.

T.J. Hockenson, Lions vs. PHI
($4,900 DK, $5,700 FD)
This may be my favorite TE play of the week. Detroit has more weapons to choose from, but Hockenson has the familiarity with Jared Goff from last season. This is the cheap stack to use so that you can go massive at RB.

DFS Sleepers

Cole Kmet, Bears vs. SF
($3,700 DK, $5,000 FD)
Kmet is the unquestioned number two option for Chicago. This means he will see close to 10 targets per week. If he can reel in 5-50 that puts him at 3x on DK already.

Austin Hooper, Titans vs. NYG
($3,700 DK, $4,900 FD)
The Titans are seriously lacking in reliable passing-game options. That is why Hooper should be in for a big start to the year until Treylon Burks gets more NFL-ready. Tennessee has effectively used their TEs in the red zone before. A short score seems imminent to go along with 5-50.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 16

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

The NFL has completely unhinged their COVID protocols after last week’s schedule debacle. At this point, we are not expecting any more rescheduling tumult, but if we do, trust that I will update the DFS info to give you the best chance to dominate. Let’s make this weekend a Merry Christmas for all!

DFS: The X-Mas Sleigh-t

With all of the other reindeer battling COVID, Cleveland is hoping Baker Mayfield will be able to return and guide the coursers into Lambeau Field. Baker Claus may be coming to town, but we know that he won’t be gifting Alice Cooper’s boots to any of the Pack. I’m more concerned about him leaving points off the board than gifts under the tree this time. With three more reliable offenses on this slate, I cannot rank Baker higher than QB4. Case Keenum also missed Monday’s game and Nick Mullens got the start. Neither is as reliable as Mayfield, so if either was forced to start it wouldn’t help their cause.

Aaron Rodgers will face a very solid Cleveland defense that will definitely be bringing their sack to this holiday party. Unfortunately for them, when you sack Rodgers, the candy cane striped elves usually whistle for a penalty. Even in a less than jolly matchup, Rodgers is the top QB on this board.

Coming on a short week, I doubt that Cleveland will get Kareem Hunt back for this game. That should mean all aboard the Nick Chubb Express. Certainly, D’Ernest Johnson will see some work in the passing game. His value could be higher than expected if the game script derails the Chubb train. Chubb is the likely RB2 on this slate and Johnson can be the RB5/6. If Hunt plays, he could move into RB5 consideration as well.

Aaron Jones is such an effective RB that it pains me that Green Bay still feels the need to use AJ Dillon frequently in his stead. I’m taking nothing away from Dillon, who is built like the abominable snowman. I just would prefer to see the Packers feature one of them and not just mix and match. Multi-dimensional backs have had the most success against Cleveland this season. Jones has been more active in the passing game than Dillon, so I give him the RB3 nod and Dillon no higher than RB5.

Jarvis Landry should be back for this game. I’m not sure that I would recommend him here since Green Bay may have all three of their top CBs ready for this game. He would be my WR5 at best. Donovan Peoples-Jones is also in the hard-to-trust category here. One of these two will score. My money is on DPJ on a deep pass as Cleveland plays from behind. Don’t reach for any depth WRs here.

Unless you have been living in the North Pole for the last half-decade, you know that Davante Adams is one of the best WRs in football. He is easily the top WR on this slate. Just know that since early in the season, Cleveland had allowed more WR2s to have big games than WR1s. So expect points from Adams, but temper your ceiling. Marquez Valdes-Scantling was back physically healthy, then he caught COVID. If he plays, he should be a solid WR3 option for you this week. That is especially so, if you want to avoid the 100 percent ownership of Adams. Allen Lazard is also back active for Green Bay. If they both play, Lazard will have more receptions than MVS but fewer yards.

David Njoku and Austin Hooper are both in the TE2 consideration this week. Green Bay is just so-so against the position (especially Darnell Savage – who stunk up the joint last week), and this slate is lacking in reliable targets. I prefer Hooper (but he will need to clear COVID protocols on the short week), but either can be used comfortably since Cleveland throws to their TEs almost as much as their WRs. Harrison Bryant returned last week. If Hooper is out, I could see using Bryant in Showdown contests.

Josiah Deguara has struggled every time that I have gone to bat for him. So for his sake, I will say “don’t play him”. Cleveland has been run through by superstar TEs this season. Deguara is not a superstar, nor a star, heck he isn’t even a meteor. He is more like a lump of coal in your stocking. Now that I have said this, I am sure that he will go for 6-70-2. NOT! I forgot how physically large Mercedes Lewis is. There was a time with Jacksonville where he was a prototypical red-zone threat akin to someone like Jimmy Graham. Now he is just a depth piece. He can be ignored outside of Showdown contests.

I can see using Green Bay at defense this week, especially if Cleveland remains shorthanded by COVID cases. I don’t love any of the other defenses on this docket, so they are probably the safest play.

Instead of demanding figgy pudding on Christmas night, I am demanding Frank Reich let Carson Wentz throw the ball some more. Arizona has been reliably mediocre against the pass this season. Plus, they are coming off a game in which Jared Goff lit them up like a Clark Griswold Christmas light display. Wentz is still the QB3 on this slate, but I don’t mind pivoting to him here.

Kyler Murray delivered a big bah humbug to everyone who started him in Week 15. Indy has allowed only five passing TDs over their last five games despite facing both Josh Allen and Tom Brady in that string. I’m still ranking Murray a hair above Wentz because of his rushing potential. That said, the season-long loss of DeAndre Hopkins (and an ankle injury for Rondale Moore as well) is not going to help Murray’s potential.

Jonathan Taylor is the fantasy gift that keeps on giving. As I go to bed Friday night, visions of Taylor TDs will be dancing in my head. Every elite RB to face Arizona has dominated them. Taylor is a lock for RB1 here and should top 125 total yards and score at least once. Nyheim Hines vultured Taylor last week. It was also his only opportunity of the game. I’m not concerned about him being a factor here.

Both Chase Edmonds and James Conner played last week versus Detroit. Surprisingly, Conner, on a bad ankle, had more targets in the passing game than Edmonds. Even more surprisingly, neither scored against the Lions. With them back into a split workload, it is hard to rely on either of them. Conner as the goal-line threat gets the nominal RB4 slot here and Edmonds RB6 at best. That said, Conner hasn’t practiced as of Thursday, so there is a chance he misses this game. If he sits out, Edmonds is safe to roll out as RB4.

Michael Pittman made the referee’s naughty list last week by having his helmet ripped off of his head by an unruly defender. Maybe the ref should have checked the list twice before this questionable call. On this slate, I have Pittman as the WR2 as long as no one from Arizona attempts to rip his helmet off, too. Zach Pascal can be considered as a possible WR3 since non-WR1s have scored in four of the last five games against Arizona. This matchup isn’t strong enough to deploy T.Y. Hilton. You can use him in Showdown just not here in the main tourney. Ashton Dulin is also a fun Showdown play. He doesn’t get many touches, but when he does touch the ball, he is a threat to score.

As predicted, the absence of DeAndre Hopkins led to another big game by Christian Kirk. He is my WR3 here and I will have a lot of exposure to him. A.J. Green also had a solid game, and he can be considered in the WR5/6 range, especially if Rondale Moore misses this game with an ankle injury. If Moore plays, slide Green’s value down slightly. As for Moore, I’d be concerned about reinjury. So, he will not be in any of my lineups. Some undrafted WR named Antoine Wesley had eight targets last week. This was his third eye-raising performance of the season (all in games without Nuk). I might swing him out as a punt WR3 or Showdown captain just to see what happens. His value could be sneaky good if Moore is out.

Jack Doyle is my TE3 here. The matchup is not good, and he hasn’t done jack in the last two games. Remember when Mo Alie-Cox was a thing? He has had four catches on twelve targets since Week 7. That is not Mo Alie-Cox, that is LESS Alie-Cox.

With the injuries to the Arizona WR corps, Zach Ertz finished second in receptions, yardage, and targets last week. He has been heavily involved in this offense ever since the Cards acquired him from Philly. Meanwhile, Indy has gone pear-shaped against TEs allowing an average of 7-78 with four TDs over their last seven contests. Start Zach with confidence as the top TE on this slate.

Either of these defenses could be used as a pivot from Green Bay. That said, neither of them is that great. Kyler Murray has been a wee bit more loosey-goosey with the ball recently. So, if I was to pick one of these two, I would go with Indy.

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Garrett Gilbert got the start Tuesday evening against Philly. This wasn’t by choice as both Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen missed the game due to COVID. Heinicke was activated and will start this game. Dallas has an imposing real-life defense. That said, they allow some fantasy points. Heinicke will battle for the QB2/3 slot with Tua Tagovailoa.

Dak Prescott is the most talented QB on this slate. He also has the best matchup on the slate, the best WR corps on the slate, arguably the best TE on the slate, and the second-best backfield on the slate. Starting someone other than him is purely looking to be contrarian.

J.D. McKissic was put on IR. Antonio Gibson … running the ball against Dallas is hard. Having said that, know that Gibson averaged over six YPC and scored four times versus Dallas in 2020. Of course, that was also pre-Micah Parsons. Gibson is the RB3 here, provided a toe injury from last week’s game doesn’t prove costly. Backup Jaret Patterson is the RB6, at best, if Gibson is active.

Ezekiel Elliott continues to split opportunities with Tony Pollard despite Pollard’s torn plantar fascia. Washington is elite against the run but biblically bad against pass-catching backs. Zeke has a nearly 3-2 target lead over Pollard on the season. So he is a clear choice here. I’ll rank Zeke as RB2 on this board and give Pollard the RB4 nod at best.

The Football Team has played musical chairs behind Terry McLaurin at WR all season. Scary Terry will draw Trevon Diggs in coverage. This is both a blessing and a curse. Opposing QBs are afraid to throw it in his direction because he is such a ball hawk. That said, he has also been burnt like a batch of chestnuts left roasting in the fire overnight. Slot and possession receivers have also had success against Dallas this year. This puts a healthy Curtis Samuel into play. Of course, Samuel is not and has not been at any point this season HEALTHY. If he finds his way onto the field you can play him as a sneaky WR3. Otherwise, consider his understudy, Adam Humphries, as a WR3, too. Cam Sims actually had a big game versus Dallas in Week 14. That was predominantly because McLaurin got injured early and Sims filled his role in the offense. If Terry plays, you can mostly ignore Sims here. DeAndre Carter did some stuff earlier this year, as did Dyami Brown. I just don’t trust this passing offense enough to go that deep.

Dallas finally has their top three WRs all healthy at the same time. Now they get to face a rotten Washington secondary. Yes, please! CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup have been the top options for Dallas over the last month. Lamb gets the WR1 role this week, and Gallup is no worse than WR5. Amari Cooper is also in the WR5 range. The depth WRs for Dallas: Cedrick Wilson, Noah Brown, and Malik Turner have all gone back to their complementary roles with the return to health of the starters. Any of them could be used in Showdown slates, but Wilson is the only one I’d consider punting with on the main tourney,

Ricky Seals-Jones has the second-best matchup among the TEs on this slate. That said, none of the matchups is elite. So, I will still rank him at TE3. RSJ has been battling a non-COVID illness, so if that limits him, consider John Bates as a deep punt play.

The Football team is actually decent against TEs. That said, Dalton Schultz is the second-most talented TE on this board, and it will be hard to fade him against a subpar secondary. I’m afraid he might be over-owned, so I think this is a good spot to pivot away.

Consider Dallas’ defense with Heinicke starting at QB for WFT. Do not consider the Washington defense in any circumstance.

Tua Tagovailoa gets a tough matchup against a defense that just shut down Tom Brady. New Orleans has allowed a fairly large number of passing yards this season, but only four teams have allowed fewer passing scores. I still think Tua is the QB2 here.

Both Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian find themselves on the COVID list as of Thursday. This means something called Ian Book will get the start. Frankly speaking, he won’t need much to look more competent than Hill and Siemian throwing the ball. Of course, the Saints lose Hill’s rushing ability, which should boost the value of their RBs. With the unread Book at QB, he is the clear QB4 on this slate.

So, Duke Johnson, huh? I didn’t have that one on my 2021 bingo card. The Saints are a beast to run on, but they struggle at times with pass-catching backs. Prior to this season, Duke’s primary role has been as a change-of-pace pass catcher. He still is no better than RB5 here, just know that he could be a sneaky play. Myles Gaskin got hosed by Duke last week. This week, I want nothing to do with Gaskin here. I have him ranked at RB7, and I see no reason whatsoever to play him. Gaskin’s value will be even lower if Phillip Lindsay returns this week.

Alvin Kamara is the RB1 here. Miami’s run defense may look stout on paper, but they have faced one above-average RB since Week 6. Prior to that, they were getting gouged by equally subpar talent. I’m not going to expect the world here, but he should outproduce the other RBs on the board (especially with Taysom Hill out). Mark Ingram returned from COVID last week but didn’t do much against a tough TB defense. I’m not sure there is enough potential equity here for Ingram to be a value. He is probably the RB6 on this board, but his value would only come if Kamara gets knocked out of the game.

Jaylen Waddle missed last week’s game with COVID. He will return this week. This week he will likely lock horns with Marshon Lattimore.  Normally this would be scary. Of course, Waddle has fared well all season even against elite corners. He is no worse than WR5 here. I love him at WR2 this week in my lineups because people might fade him based on the matchup. DeVante Parker gets the easier defensive matchup and the much cheaper price. He will fly under the radar as well, making him a great WR3 option. Albert Wilson has been a favorite of mine on DK where the full PPR gives him big value potential. His numbers may be down with both Parker and Waddle active, but he could be worth a punt WR3 dart throw. I wouldn’t go any deeper here, though.

The Saints’ passing offense is bad. This is partially due to Taysom Hill and partially due to a mediocre corps of receiving talent. As I mentioned above, Ian Book can’t be that much worse than Hill at throwing the ball. Marquez Callaway is the safest play and I will make him a WR3 this week against a bad Miami pass defense. Tre’Quan Smith wouldn’t even be in discussion against a decent defense. Against Miami, he could be a punt WR3. Somehow Lil’ Jordan Humphrey is higher on the Saints depth chart than Kenny Stills. Stills was a healthy scratch in Week 15. That is absurd. He is more talented than any active WR not named Callaway for New Orleans currently. His inactivity is mind-blowingly confusing. If Stills is allowed to play, this is a revenge game for him.

Mike Gesicki is the best TE on this slate. The matchup isn’t great, but none of the TE matchups are. Gesicki has seen the third-most targets and receptions among TEs and the fifth-most receiving yards. The one thing he has not seen is a bunch of scoring opportunities. Much like Dalton Schultz, he will be highly owned. I’m just not sure I can fade him here.

Adam Trautman returned from injury last week. He promptly did nothing. Miami has given up a ton of yardage to the TE position. I still have him ranked as TE4 on the slate, but he might be a sneaky pivot play, especially since young QBs like to lean on their TEs.

I don’t mind either of these defenses. That said, I still will probably go with the masses and use Dallas. Either of these teams feels like a pivot, at best. With Miami getting the inexperienced QB, they might have a high ownership figure, too. That could lure some of the players away from Dallas – I’d like that very much.

The Main Slate: My recommended DFS lineups

At DK: $5.9k for Joe Burrow. $5.9k for Josh Robinson. $6.7k for Cordarrelle Patterson. $7.1k for Ja’Marr Chase. $5.3k for Odell Beckham. $4.9k for Antonio Brown. $7k for Mark Andrews. $4.4k for Samaje Perine (if Joe Mixon does not play, or $4.2k for Justin Jackson if Austin Ekeler does not play, or $4.5k for Craig Reynolds) at FLEX. $2.6k for the Atlanta Falcons defense.

At FD: $7.1k for Burrow. $8.2k for Robinson. $5.8k for Michael Carter (or $5.9k for Rhamondre Stevenson if Damien Harris does not play, or $5.4k for Jackson if Ekeler doesn’t play). $9.8k for Cooper Kupp. $7.1k for Chase. $5.6k for Jamison Crowder. $5.9k for Dallas Goedert. $6.6k for David Montgomery at FLEX. $3.8k for the Falcons defense.

At Fanball (SuperFlex – includes Sun Night): Dak Prescott, Burrow at SF, Montgomery, and Robinson, No more than $5.4k for FLEX (Stevenson, J.Jackson, Reynolds, Perine, or Kyle Pitts), Chase, A.Brown, CeeDee Lamb, and Andrews at TE.

DraftKings FanDuel
Patrick Mahomes $7,700 $8,700
Josh Allen $7,500 $8,500
Tom Brady $7,400 $8,400
Justin Herbert $7,200 $8,400
Lamar Jackson $6,900 $7,800
Matthew Stafford $6,700 $7,900
Jalen Hurts $6,400 $7,700
Kirk Cousins $6,200 $7,300
Russell Wilson $6,100 $7,500
Tyler Huntley $6,000 $7,500
Joe Burrow $5,900 $7,100
Derek Carr $5,800 $7,000
Cam Newton $5,600 $7,200
Ben Roethlisberger $5,500 $6,800
Davis Mills $5,500 $6,600
Jared Goff $5,400 $7,100
Matt Ryan $5,400 $6,800
Mac Jones $5,300 $6,700
Zach Wilson $5,300 $6,600
Justin Fields $5,200 $7,000
Drew Lock $5,100 $6,600
Mike Glennon $5,100 $6,400
Jake Fromm $5,000 $6,400
Trevor Lawrence $5,000 $6,500
Sam Darnold $4,000 $6,200

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – It feels like the Grinch has stolen the QB room for this week. Justin Herbert, Matthew Stafford, Jalen Hurts, and Joe Burrow are the only players I feel really confident in. If Jared Goff plays, I could see using him. I also don’t hate Justin Fields, Drew Lock, and Davis Mills.

Fantasy Four-pack

Matthew Stafford, Rams @ MIN
($6,700 DK, $7,900 FD)
Minnesota just cut one of their starting cornerbacks. Now they have to face the Rams offense. Not the best timing Vikings. Stafford should have little trouble throwing for three scores here.

Justin Herbert, Chargers @ HOU
($7,200 DK, $8,400 FD)
With questions circling Austin Ekeler’s status, Herbert may need to carry the load this week. Houston can be beaten through the air or on the ground so either way, LA will be successful. Heck, even if Ekeler plays, Herbert should still be a lock for 275-2 as his floor.

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Jalen Hurts, Eagles vs. NYG
($6,400 DK, $7,700 FD)
I’ll be the first to admit that I did not buy into Hurts this season. Still, Philly has embraced his skills and limitations. He can run the ball with the best of them and he takes all of the TD carries. Including four games with multiple rushing scores and eight games with more than 50 rushing yards. They also have the perfect complement to his short-field passing accuracy in Dallas Goedert. Only seven teams have allowed more passing TDs than the Giants. Hurts will end up with three total scores here.

Joe Burrow, Bengals vs. BAL
($5,900 DK, $7,100 FD)
Burrow will likely have a limited version of his starting RB, so he will need to shoulder the load this week. Baltimore should make that easy on him. They have given up the second-worst eight passing scores over the last four weeks. Back in Week 7, Burrow threw for 416-3 against Baltimore. That was before Baltimore lost the rest of its secondary.

DFS Sleepers

Jared Goff, Lions @ ATL
($5,400 DK, $7,100 FD)
Goff is currently on the COVID list, but he is vaccinated and has no symptoms. It remains to be seen if he is allowed to play this weekend, but based on the announced changes in policy it seems like he should be allowed to. Atlanta has allowed the third-most passing TDs, so it would behoove Goff to clear protocol. Over the last four weeks, only three QBs have more passing TDs than him.

Drew Lock, Broncos @ LV
($5,100 DK, $6,600 FD)
Lock did nothing last week to drive confidence heading into this game. Still, the Raiders have gone so pear-shaped that I could step in and throw for 250-2 against them. Lock has a sleigh-load of weapons to work with and I particularly like the stack with Noah Fant this week.

DraftKings FanDuel
Austin Ekeler $8,100 $9,400
Najee Harris $7,400 $8,400
Joe Mixon $6,900 $7,500
Alexander Mattison $6,800 $5,500
Cordarrelle Patterson $6,700 $7,200
Saquon Barkley $6,500 $7,000
D’Andre Swift $6,300 $7,800
Javonte Williams $6,100 $6,300
Josh Jacobs $6,000 $6,800
James Robinson $5,900 $8,200
Clyde Edwards-Helaire $5,800 $6,500
Melvin Gordon $5,800 $6,300
Darrell Henderson $5,700 $6,900
David Montgomery $5,700 $6,600
Damien Harris $5,600 $6,600
Miles Sanders $5,600 $6,400
Rashaad Penny $5,500 $6,100
Sony Michel $5,500 $6,900
Chuba Hubbard $5,400 $5,500
Devonta Freeman $5,300 $5,600
Michael Carter $5,200 $5,800
Devin Singletary $5,100 $5,800
Ronald Jones $5,100 $5,400
Jamaal Williams $5,000 $6,700
Rhamondre Stevenson $5,000 $5,900
Mike Davis $4,900 $5,500
Tevin Coleman $4,800 $5,700
Darrel Williams $4,600 $5,700
Ameer Abdullah $4,500 $5,100
Craig Reynolds $4,500 $6,000
Rex Burkhead $4,500 $5,400
Ty Johnson $4,500 $4,900
David Johnson $4,400 $5,200
Ke’Shawn Vaughn $4,400 $4,700
Latavius Murray $4,400 $5,300
Samaje Perine $4,400 $6,200
Jordan Howard $4,300 $5,700
Brandon Bolden $4,200 $4,900
Justin Jackson $4,200 $5,400

Running Back

Weekly strategy – There are several discount RBs who could be in play as COVID and injuries shake out this week. If Austin Ekeler plays, he is set up to be a stud. If he doesn’t play, Justin Jackson would become a must-start. Joe Mixon is rumored to be ready to play despite his ankle injury. His matchup is considerably sketchier (as is his reinjury history). If he is limited or out, a full workload for Samaje Perine could prove volume valuable. Cordarrelle Patterson and James Robinson have the best matchups on paper. You will need to start one (if not both of them). Other midtier options that I like include both Broncos, David Montgomery, Alexander Mattison, and Miles Sanders. If Damien Harris misses another game, Rhamondre Stevenson will be a solid play. Of course, knowing Bill Belichick. He could choose to make Stevenson a healthy scratch and give all of the work to Brandon Bolden. I also like Ronald Jones and Michael Carter as discount pivots who should see sizeable volume. The legend of Craig Reynolds may slip into the rearview mirror as the Detroit backfield gets healthy. That said, if Jamaal Williams and/or D’Andre Swift miss this game, you might be able to squeeze one more start out of him.

Fantasy Four-pack

Austin Ekeler, Chargers @ HOU
($8,100 DK, $9,400 FD)
After two days of covert responses, Los Angeles finally admitted that Ekeler missed practice early this week due to COVID. To me, that sounds like tampering with the injury report. Of course, this ranking is based on him suiting up and playing. No team has allowed more total RB scores over the last four weeks. So Ekeler should have little trouble scoring here, too. If, by chance, Austin remains out Justin Jackson is a must-start.

Cordarrelle Patterson, Falcons vs. DET
($6,700 DK, $7,200 FD)
Detroit is the perfect cure for a struggling rushing attack. The 22 total RB scores they have allowed are worsted by only the Jets. It also includes a league-worst eight RB receiving scores. Patterson has seen his usage drop off in recent weeks, but it is all coming back here. The only way he doesn’t reach 125 combo yards and score twice is if Mike Davis actually does something. Yeah, I don’t like those odds, either.

James Robinson, Jaguars @ NYJ
($5,900 DK, $8,200 FD)
This may be the biggest spread in salary I have ever witnessed between the two sites. Robinson will hit 3x on DK. He may even hit 4x. Still, he may struggle to reach 3x on FD. The Jets are bad enough against the run to at least make it interesting.

Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams, Broncos @ LV
($5,800 DK, $6,300 FD & $6,100 DK, $6,300 FD)
Choosing between the Denver RBs is always tough. Against Vegas, it won’t matter which one you play, because they will both hit 3x as long as they don’t get hurt. Each is nursing an injury coming into this game, so check back on Friday and Saturday to confirm their practice statuses. If one should miss this game, the other could be the top scorer on the slate.

DFS Sleepers

David Montgomery, Bears @ SEA
($5,700 DK, $6,600 FD)
Seattle has allowed the most RB receptions and receiving yards. This is Montgomery’s forte (and ironically his predecessor in Chicago, Matt Forte’s forte as well). I guess Chicago likes dumping the ball off to their backs. Of course, part of it is that their QBs have not had the skill to get the ball downfield consistently. Over the last three weeks, he leads the league in RB receptions and targets. Seattle isn’t much better against rushers on the ground, so as long as the score doesn’t get out of hand, Monty should be a tournament casher this week.

Ronald Jones, Buccaneers @ CAR
($5,100 DK, $5,400 FD)
We all know how this is going to end. Jones is going to cough up a fumble in the first quarter and then ride pine the rest of the game. Still, if Santa brings Jones a bottle of Stick-Um for his hands, his volume this week could produce a Christmas miracle. The Panthers are middle-of-the-pack against the run, but they are much easier to run on than throw against. Plus, Tom Brady needs all the potential targets he can find right now.

DraftKings FanDuel
Cooper Kupp $9,100 $9,800
Tyreek Hill $8,400 $8,700
Justin Jefferson $8,100 $8,400
Keenan Allen $7,700 $7,700
Stefon Diggs $7,600 $7,500
Diontae Johnson $7,500 $7,400
Ja’Marr Chase $7,100 $7,100
Mike Evans $7,000 $7,600
Adam Thielen $6,900 $7,200
Hunter Renfrow $6,800 $7,100
Tyler Lockett $6,700 $7,300
DK Metcalf $6,400 $6,700
Brandin Cooks $6,300 $6,900
Tee Higgins $6,200 $6,500
Mike Williams $6,100 $6,600
DeVonta Smith $6,000 $5,900
Russell Gage $5,900 $6,700
Marquise Brown $5,800 $6,400
DJ Moore $5,700 $6,400
Amon-Ra St. Brown $5,600 $6,500
Van Jefferson $5,500 $6,300
Darnell Mooney $5,400 $6,100
Kenny Golladay $5,300 $5,500
Odell Beckham $5,300 $6,600
Chase Claypool $5,100 $5,900
Tyler Boyd $5,100 $6,200
Jamison Crowder $5,000 $5,600
Jerry Jeudy $5,000 $5,800
Kendrick Bourne $5,000 $5,600
Antonio Brown $4,900 $7,000
Jakobi Meyers $4,900 $5,700
Robby Anderson $4,900 $5,300
K.J. Osborn $4,800 $6,000
Gabriel Davis $4,700 $5,300
Josh Reynolds $4,600 $5,400
Rashod Bateman $4,500 $5,600
Tim Patrick $4,500 $5,600
Marvin Jones $4,400 $5,600
Breshad Perriman $4,200 $4,700
Courtland Sutton $4,200 $5,400
Darius Slayton $4,200 $5,200
Laviska Shenault $4,100 $5,400
Allen Robinson $4,000 $5,500
Emmanuel Sanders $4,000 $5,600
Jalen Guyton $3,900 $5,300
Kalif Raymond $3,900 $5,200
Sammy Watkins $3,900 $5,200
Tyler Johnson $3,900 $5,000
Kalif Raymond $3,900 $5,200
Sammy Watkins $3,900 $5,200
Tyler Johnson $3,900 $5,000
Kalif Raymond $3,900 $5,200
Sammy Watkins $3,900 $5,200
Tyler Johnson $3,900 $5,000
Olamide Zaccheaus $3,800 $5,100
Quez Watkins $3,800 $5,300
DeSean Jackson $3,700 $5,100
Jakeem Grant $3,700 $5,100
James Washington $3,700 $5,200
Nelson Agholor $3,600 $5,400
Scotty Miller $3,600 $4,900
Braxton Berrios $3,500 $5,300
Laquon Treadwell $3,500 $5,300
Mecole Hardman $3,500 $5,200
Zay Jones $3,500 $5,000
Freddie Swain $3,400 $4,800
Nico Collins $3,400 $5,200
Byron Pringle $3,300 $5,200
Chris Conley $3,300 $4,900
Damiere Byrd $3,300 $4,900
Bryan Edwards $3,200 $5,200
Josh Gordon $3,100 $4,800
Jaelon Darden $3,000 $4,600

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – I really like the idea of spending up at WR this week. With so many potential bargains at RB, it should be easy to do. Tyreek Hill dealing with COVID protocols is the only high-priced option who concerns me. Keenan Allen, Cooper Kupp, and Ja’Marr Chase are my three favorite plays. I will have at least one of that threesome in all of my lineups. If I don’t use Chase, either Tee Higgins or Tyler Boyd could be in at WR2. I also like DeVonta Smith, DJ Moore, Darnell Mooney, Russell Gage, both backup Rams, and both starters for Detroit (assuming Jared Goff plays). WR3 must be Antonio Brown on DK. His FD price is a little high so, you can weigh your options there. The other choices at WR3 are Jamison Crowder, both starters for the Patriots, every starter for Denver except Courtland Sutton, and any of the Jaguars. If I choose to punt at WR3, I could use Tyler Johnson or one of the KC backups if Hill and Travis Kelce miss this game.

Fantasy Four-pack

Cooper Kupp, Rams @ MIN
($9,100 DK, $9,800 FD)
The price is so darn high, but I still think that it is possible that Kupp hits 3x here. Minnesota is weak in their secondary, and unlike when they faced Chicago, they actually have other significant pass-catching threats to be aware of here. It is that sheer volume of weapons that is the only reason why I am not guaranteeing a two-TD game here. That said, I would not be surprised to see a final line of 12-140-2 here.

Keenan Allen, Chargers @ HOU
($7,700 DK, $7,700 FD)
Since Week 8, Allen is fourth in the league in targets and third in receptions, despite missing a game during that stretch. Meanwhile, Houston has struggled against stud possession receivers all season.

Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals vs. BAL
($7,100 DK, $7,100 FD)
Did you see what Chase did to Baltimore in Week 7? That was before Baltimore lost all of their secondary starters. Since that game, Chase has fizzled but the Ravens have fizzled more.

Justin Jefferson, Vikings vs. LAR
($8,100 DK, $8,400 FD)
Opposing WRs don’t produce much against Jalen Ramsey because most QBs are afraid to throw his direction. If Adam Thielen returns it may alter Minnesota’s strategy, but if not, Jefferson will see his standard double-digit targets. He also has scored and/or topped 80 yards in all but two games. Plus, only one WR has more yards this season and he (Cooper Kupp) is also playing in this game. Can you say “run-it-back game stack?”

DFS Sleepers

Jamison Crowder, Jets vs. JAX
($5,000 DK, $5,600 FD)
With Elijah Moore out, Crowder led the Jets in receiving last week. This week he faces a Jacksonville defense that has struggled with slot and possession receivers all season. Crowder did suffer a calf issue earlier this week, so if he is limited or out, Braxton Berrios will get to take advantage of this matchup. Either of these two will make a great play here.

Antonio Brown, Buccaneers @ CAR
($4,900 DK, $7,000 FD)
This is a combination of his price on DK and the fact that Chris Godwin, Leonard Fournette, and likely Mike Evans will miss this game. Tom Brady has to throw the ball to someone. Carolina is good against the pass but volume alone puts Brown in play.

DraftKings FanDuel
Travis Kelce $7,300 $7,800
Mark Andrews $7,000 $8,000
Rob Gronkowski $6,200 $6,700
Darren Waller $6,000 $6,500
Kyle Pitts $5,800 $5,900
Dawson Knox $5,300 $6,100
Dallas Goedert $5,100 $5,900
Hunter Henry $4,700 $6,000
Noah Fant $4,400 $5,600
Pat Freiermuth $4,300 $5,100
Tyler Conklin $3,900 $5,200
Tyler Higbee $3,800 $5,500
Gerald Everett $3,700 $4,900
Foster Moreau $3,600 $5,200
Jared Cook $3,500 $5,100
Evan Engram $3,400 $5,000
Cole Kmet $3,300 $5,000
James O’Shaughnessy $3,200 $5,300
Albert Okwuegbunam $3,100 $4,900
C.J. Uzomah $3,000 $5,000
Dan Arnold $2,900 $5,000
Kyle Rudolph $2,700 $4,400
Kendall Blanton $2,600 $4,500
Pharoah Brown $2,600 $4,400
Tommy Tremble $2,600 $4,500
Blake Bell $2,500 $4,200
Brevin Jordan $2,500 $4,800
Brock Wright $2,500 $4,500
Cameron Brate $2,500 $4,500
Jonnu Smith $2,500 $4,600
Noah Gray $2,500 $4,100
Tyler Kroft $2,500 $4,400

Tight End

Weekly strategy – I will have a hard time choosing my TE this week. There are many that I like here and very few that I do not trust. Mark Andrews is the obvious pay-up choice. Rob Gronkowski has a tough matchup, but much like Antonio Brown, someone has to catch the ball there. Kyle Pitts, Dallas Goedert, and Noah Fant all have easy matchups. If I don’t use one of those five, I will likely punt with Jared Cook, James O’Shaugnessy, C.J. Uzomah, Cameron Brate, or one of the Giants.

Fantasy Four-pack

Mark Andrews, Ravens @ CIN
($7,000 DK, $8,000 FD)
Andrews has been white-hot regardless of who has been at QB. Meanwhile, over their last nine games, Cincy has allowed an average of 6.7-80 to the position with five TDs allowed.

Dallas Goedert, Eagles vs. NYG
($5,100 DK, $5,900 FD)
Much like Andrews, Goedert has been on fire regardless of who starts at QB. Over the last four weeks, only two teams have allowed more receptions to the position. If you are starting Jalen Hurts (and you should), stack him with Goedert and possibly DeVonta Smith.

Rob Gronkowski, Buccaneers @ CAR
($6,200 DK, $6,700 FD)
Carolina is middle-of-the-pack against the TE position. It might not matter against Gronk since he may be targeted 15-plus times this week. With all of the injuries last week, Gronk saw 11 targets but only caught two of them. He is too good to fail like that again.

Noah Fant, Broncos @ LV
($4,400 DK, $5,600 FD)
Vegas is fourth-worst in receptions versus the position. They are second-worst in TDs allowed and they have given up the fifth-most receiving yards to the position. Meanwhile, Fant leads all of Denver in receptions and is second on the team in targets and third in receiving yards. Plus, Drew Lock seemed to be in sync with him last week.

DFS Sleepers

James O’Shaughnessy, Jaguars @ NYJ
($3,200 DK, $5,300 FD)
Over the last four weeks, the Jets are bottom five in every significant category against the position. During this same time frame, O’Shaughnessy returned and has become one of Trevor Lawrence’s favorite targets. Of course, Dan Arnold has been designated to return from IR, so keep an eye on his status to see if he is activated this week. An Arnold return will likely hurt O’Shaughnessy’s value. No team has scored fewer points than Jacksonville and no team has allowed more points than the Jets. Something has to give this week.

Jared Cook, Chargers @ HOU
($3,500 DK, $5,100 FD)
With Donald Parham assumedly out following his scary concussion last week, Cook will get to feast alone on the Houston defense. The Texans have faced only three upper-echelon TEs, all three had huge games. That said, Cook isn’t upper-echelon. I’d call him more “veteran-solid,” and his value should be heightened without Parham stealing red-zone looks. Only two teams are allowing more red-zone scoring visits per game, so Cook might steal a TD here (especially if Austin Ekeler is out).

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 15

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

We have finally passed all of the bye week shenanigans and have firmly planted ourselves into league playoffs. We also have our first Saturday slate of the year. Between this bonus slate, Thursday, and the primetime slate there are 10 teams taken out of the main slate’s player pool. This includes great offenses like KC, Tampa, Indy, Minnesota, and the Los Angeles Chargers. We also lose the Cleveland backfield, Taysom Hill, Alvin Kamara, Hunter Renfrow, and the Chicago Bears (whom no one will really miss). Since we have a bonus slate of play, I will break that down in addition to the primetime slate, so that we can all make even more moolah for the holidays!

DFS: The Saturday Slate

Derek Carr has been slightly dysfunctional since the arrest of Henry Ruggs and the injury to Darren Waller. His bad loss to KC last week isn’t entirely on his shoulders, though. The Raiders were behind the 8-ball from the onset. Carr did swallow four sacks and threw a pick, so he can’t be completely ignored in the realm of responsibility, either. He also has one or zero TDs in five of his last six starts. Coming into this season, I would’ve ranked him as the top QB on this slate. In this current environment, he is no better than QB3, and quite probably QB4.

Thanks to a well-timed bye week, Baker Mayfield may be his physically healthiest of the entire season. Of course, then what happens, he tests positive for COVID. If he can stumble out of bed and down the hall to the locker room, and escape the COVID protocols, he gets a great matchup. The Raiders’ pass defense is still sustaining its ranking based on early-season success. Unfortunately, they have been a shell of themselves over the last month plus. They aren’t the worst defense on the board, but they are bad enough that Mayfield should be QB2 on this small slate if he goes. Baker’s backup, Case Keenum, also tested positive for COVID (on Thursday). So it seems that if Baker is forced to sit this one out, Nick Mullens will get the start and is a slight (not awful) drop-off in terms of talent.

Josh Jacobs should’ve had success last week, but Vegas fell so far behind so fast that he never got a chance to get started. With Kenyan Drake out for the year, he will be the three-down back for Vegas the rest of the way. This is a decent week for him as Cleveland has been struggling against running backs since Week 5 (especially dual-threat RBs). I have him as my RB3 on this board simply because the top-two options are more reliable. That said, feel free to use all three of them. Peyton Barber is filling in a backup role right now, and he doesn’t have enough value, even if Jacobs got hurt.

Kareem Hunt left last week’s game with an ankle injury. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski claimed after the game that Hunt wanted to re-enter, but he was held out as a precaution. An early week MRI has ruled Hunt out. With Hunt absent, Nick Chubb once again gets to carry a full load for Cleveland. The numbers weren’t great last week, but this was against the top-ranked Baltimore run defense. This week, he faces the 24th-ranked Raiders. This locks in Chubb as the RB2 on this slate. D’Ernest Johnson will fill the Hunt role and be RB6.

Hunter Renfrow will probably help some owners win their fantasy leagues this season. This isn’t a great slate for WRs, so even in a middling matchup, he is the WR2 (and possibly WR1 if Jarvis Landry is out). Zay Jones is second on the team over the last three weeks in targets. I could see using him as a punt WR3 at best. Bryan Edwards and DeSean Jackson are splitting sprint routes. I can’t see using either of them in this contest, but you could use one in a Showdown slate looking to capitalize on a long TD.

Jarvis Landry scored last week. He also led the team in targets and tied for the team lead in receptions. By sheer lack of other options, he should be the WR1 on this slate. That said, he needs to clear the COVID protocol before this weekend. Donovan Peoples-Jones finally had a breakout game. It was against a decimated secondary, so take that with a grain of salt. He won’t be higher than WR5 for me this week, unless Landry is out. The only other WR to register more than one catch since Week 10 is Ja’Marcus Bradley. I actually like his future potential, but the future is not now. Drop the value on all of these WRs a little if Nick Mullens is under center.

Darren Waller is again out. Foster Moreau gets another start he falls to no better than TE3. Cleveland has struggled against elite TEs. Waller is elite … Moreau, not so much.

Cleveland likes to use three-TE sets (in the DFS world I call it triple-TE). It works great in reality, not so much in fantasy. Unfortunately for them, two of their top three TEs were held out of Week 14 (David Njoku due to COVID and Harrison Bryant due to an ankle injury). Austin Hooper was the last man standing last week (and now he has tested positive for COVID). He scored last week as expected. If Bryant remains out, and Hooper suits up, he will finish no worse than TE2 on this slate. A now-healthy Njoku could also be used as a punt TE play or even a punt FLEX if you spend too much elsewhere. If Njoku plays and Hooper is out, Njoku instantly becomes a popular TE4/5 play. The TE value should be the same whether Mullens or Mayfield starts.

All four of these defenses are fairly even in regards to their match to the opposing offense. I feel most owners will be on the New England Patriots, so I like to pivot to Cleveland. Despite their dysfunction, you could even consider Vegas here with all the COVID cases on Cleveland’s offense.

Saturday night, Mac Jones travels to Indy. The Colts started the year as one of the worst pass defenses in the league. A series of games against mediocre to outright bad QBs have improved their stats allowed, but they are still touchable through the air. I’m not sure that Jones has the passing upside to take advantage of them for more than 270-2. This will likely put him at QB3/4 on this board in a dogfight with Derek Carr.

Carson Wentz faces the toughest pass defense on the board. Unfortunately, this is a rough slate for passing offenses, so he is the de facto QB1. I actually believe that I would prefer a COVID-free Baker Mayfield this week, but it is close.

Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson would each be in consideration for RB3 here if the other was out injured. With both of them active, they get the RB4 and RB5 slots, respectively. Harris is very good, and I like using him as my FLEX to save a little dough. Stevenson led the team in carries in the Week 12 Wind Bowl, but Harris was more efficient with his touches. Plus, Harris has scored in seven of his last eight games. Stevenson has scored in only two games all season and one of those Harris missed due to injury. Brandon Bolden is the “James White role” in this offense. He won’t need to play a huge role this week, but he can be used in Showdown contests as a TD dart throw.

So much for that split backfield. Jonathan Taylor has taken the featured back role and run away with it. Over his last 10 games, he has had 18 total scores. New England is much worse against the run than the pass. Anything less than 125-2 would seem like a failure for JT this week. Nyheim Hines has been relegated to mop-up duty. There won’t be any of that this week. His only path to value here would be a Taylor injury. I’m not going to wish nor predict such a thing. Keep that karma away from this game.

Kendrick Bourne has actually found himself in reliable WR territory recently. Every year some no-name guy emerges from obscurity to perform well for the Patriots. This year it is him. I have him as my WR4 on this slate, and I like the idea of using him if you need to save some money. Nelson Agholor could also be used in a positive matchup. As could be Jakobi Meyers, despite his noted lack of scoring. True WR1s have destroyed Indy this year, but I’m not sure any of them fits that category. This might be a situation where you make three different lineups with each of them as your WR3.

Michael Pittman is the most talented WR on this slate. That said, he has a tough matchup, so he has to battle with Renfrow and Landry (if available) for the top fantasy play. I can see using the stack of him with Wentz. T.Y. Hilton failed in Week 13 against the Houston Texans. I cannot trust him in any game that isn’t against the Texans. Zach Pascal may be an interesting punt WR3 as a way to get access to this game without paying Pittman’s price. If it means anything, Ashton Dulin has scored in back-to-back games. He also has exactly one catch in each of those two games. I’d leave him for Showdown where he is a must-start.

Hunter Henry was a TD machine earlier this year. Now, he is sharing targets with Jonnu Smith once again. Indy has been foul against the position over the last month-plus. If Jonnu wanted to take the week off, Henry would challenge for TE2 or better on this slate. As it sits, Henry is a TD-dependent TE3/4. Jonnu can be ignored this week, unless Henry ends up missing the game somehow.

Jack Doyle is your TE4 (at best) here. He has been doing well since Week 8. That said, New England neutralizes the TE position. This suggests that Mo-Alie Cox is even less likely to help you this week.

The Patriots will be the most-owned defense on this slate. They also face the best offense on the slate. I believe in pivoting away from them. Indy gets the rookie QB, they might be a sneaky play here.

DFS: The Primetime Slate

As a QB, Taysom Hill has been a solid running back. The lack of talent to throw to, along with the lack of throwing talent, leaves his legs as his only truly valuable asset. Tampa’s secondary has been laughable all year, but does New Orleans have anyone that can take advantage of this? I have to presume Hill will manage to throw at least one score (probably to Alvin Kamara). I also like him to add one on the ground. I still cannot see him finishing as better than QB2 on this board.

Tom Brady managed to turn a bad matchup last week into a solid fantasy line anyways. This matchup is better, but still not perfect for him. Still, this is Brady, so I have to name him as the QB1 here, since none of the others has a sure-thing matchup, either.

On paper, this matchup should seem scary for Alvin Kamara. Running against Tampa Bay is never recommended. Fortunately for Kamara, Tampa can be bested by pass-catching backs. They rank second worst in receptions allowed to the position. This advantage locks Alvin in at RB2 here. Mark Ingram missed last week due to COVID. He should return this week, but with Kamara healthy, he is nothing more than a change-of-pace option with no red-zone value due to Hill. Unless you are putting out a Kamara-gets-injured lineup, then he can be avoided. Tony Jones will fall back into a depth role, with zero value unless Ingram is out again. Even then, I wouldn’t consider him.

New Orleans is arguably tougher than Tampa to run on. They are also not as flimsy against pass-catching backs. That said, Leonard Fournette is in playoff mode already. He is stepping up and getting it done regardless of matchup. Unfortunately for Lenny, he is dealing with an ankle issue. Assuming he plays, Fournette is RB4 here due to the level of talent in play on this slate. He should be at least your FLEX in a fair share of your lineups. Fournette would get a boost in that Gio Bernard is out for this game. He also would get a boost in that Ronald Jones just isn’t very good. I’ll give Jones the courtesy RB5 nod, but I don’t really see myself using him unless Fournette is ruled out.

The Saints’ wide receiver room is pretty awful. Deonte Harris is suspended. This leaves the unholy trinity of Tre’Quan Smith, Marquez Callaway, and Lil’Jordan Humphrey (hamstring). Callaway has the most talent of that threesome, and Tre’Quan has seen the most targets recently. Against most teams, I’d leave them all on the bench, but Tampa is bad enough against the pass to consider one of those two as a punt WR3. Especially, if you are looking to run it back versus a Buccaneers-led game stack.

Antonio Brown is going to miss at least one more game due to suspension for creating a faux vax card. In his absence, it will be business as usual for Tampa as Mike Evans and Chris Godwin should dominate touches. It should be noted that Evans has posted only 7-114-2 across his last three matchups against New Orleans as he has seen the most top coverage. Compare that to Godwin, who has posted 17-260-1 over that same three-game stretch. Plus, Godwin has received an absurd target share recently with 32 looks over the last two weeks. Godwin is the WR2 here and Evans the WR4/5. Breshad Perriman has bypassed both Tyler Johnson and Scotty Miller on the performance charts for Tampa. Johnson has more talent, but he just isn’t seeing as much usage as I’d like. Miller slipped so far he was actually inactive last week. Perriman is a vertical threat, so he could score any week, but his lack of targets makes him very TD-dependent. Personally, I would only consider Perriman or Johnson in Showdown slates.

Nick Vannett and Juwan Johnson aren’t going to scare anyone. Vannett has seen an uptick in usage since the injury to Adam Trautman, who this week was designated to return. Tampa is so-so versus the position while Minnesota is elite against it, so he might sneak into TE3 consideration over Cole Kmet. Johnson hasn’t seen many targets, but he is a big body and that could equate to a red-zone target or two since the New Orleans WRs aren’t anything to write home about, either.

The Saints are good against TEs, but Rob Gronkowski is such a TD threat that he gets the TE1 spot without any effort. The matchup is tough enough that I’m not going to use Cameron Brate, though.

I don’t see how you could use either of these defenses here with two better options on MNF.

Monday night, Kirk Cousins gets another primetime game. Haven’t the schedule makers learned their lesson yet? Cousins is 1-9 for his career on Monday nights and 9-17 overall in primetime. Plus, over five career games with Minnesota versus the Bears, Cousins has only thrown for seven total TDs. The Bears defense is not as strong as recent years, but still keep your Kirk expectations in check. He should be the QB2 here, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he finishes at QB3.

Justin Fields showed off his assets last week. Unfortunately, it was in a losing effort. Meanwhile, both of the speedy running QBs to face the Vikings this year have dominated them. Justin doesn’t have the level of skill that Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray bring to the table, so I will leave him at QB4 here. Just know that his rushing yards won’t hurt his value this week.

Alexander Mattison will miss this game due to COVID, so Dalvin Cook will get all of the work. This should be great for Cook, since the Bears have suffered a fall-off against the position of late. Plus, Cook is coming off a decimation of Pittsburgh, and he posted a solid 271-1 against Chicago in two games last season. Lock Cook in at RB1 and expect another huge night from him. Kene Nwangwu will be the backup this week. With Dalvin just a pair of weeks removed from a severe shoulder injury, Kene could be forced into action with a reinjury. He should get the RB6 nod. Nwangwu will also have value in the return game, and if he and the Minnesota defense are stacked, you can get the double payday if he scores a return TD. The team also signed veteran Wayne Gallman off waivers this week. I doubt he will have any value unless both the other backs get hurt.

This is the David Montgomery show. He has value on the ground and through the air. Minnesota has both of their top two LBs back healthy to slow down Montgomery. Still, I like his chances to finish with 125 combo yards and a score. This should set him up as RB3 this week and no lower than RB4. Khalil Herbert has entered witness protection since Monty’s return. He was even out-touched by Damien Williams last week. They are both just complementary pieces now, so they can be ignored.

Adam Thielen missed last week’s game due to an ankle injury. His status for Week 15 also is in question. If he plays, he is no more than WR5. His propensity to score TDs always keeps him in play when he suits up. Regardless of Thielen’s status, Justin Jefferson is the WR1 on this slate. Davante Adams was the latest alpha WR1 to throttle the Bears last week. Something that many have already done this year. Jefferson posted 16-239 against Chicago last season and is white-hot right now. I don’t see any way that he doesn’t post 10-130-1 as a floor here. K.J. Osborn is the WR that will benefit most if Thielen is out. In the game plus that Adam has been out, Osborn has been targeted 16 times and has scored twice. I will rank him at WR6/7 on the board, and he is a perfect WR3 play this week. Dede Westbrook is the Vikings’ WR4, and he also has COVID. Even if he plays, he doesn’t have any legit value outside of Showdown.

Darnell Mooney is a very good young WR. It remains to be seen if the Vikings shadow him with Patrick Peterson, or if Peterson is assigned the task of guarding the veteran Allen Robinson. Peterson can occasionally be beaten in coverage, but the rest of the Vikings secondary can be beaten on every play. Mooney is safe to utilize as either the WR4/5 on this docket. Robinson is more of a question mark due to his season-long struggles. That said, Minnesota has allowed 20 different WRs to post double-digit PPR points. So, I wouldn’t be surprised if both fared well this week. I’ll assign Robinson the WR7 rank, but he is a decent dart-throw WR3 option. Jakeem Grant has scored as a WR in back-to-back games. He also added a return TD last week. As long as I have been watching football, Minnesota has always struggled with quality return men. With the threat of a return TD, he also makes a possible punt WR3 or FLEX play to save you money up top. Damiere Byrd has actually been more involved in the passing offense than Grant, but I have to give the value edge to the latter here.

Tyler Conklin is your TE2 on this board. Chicago has allowed 27-264-3 to the position over the last five games. Meanwhile, Conklin has 11 targets over the last week-plus without Thielen.

Cole Kmet would normally be your TE3 here. Unfortunately, he has been splitting usage with Jimmy Graham recently. Also, Minnesota has been elite against the TE position despite their recent foibles (3 TDs allowed in the last four games while battling injuries). I’d almost rather use Graham here, despite knowing that he is TD-dependent.

I will likely use one of these two defenses. Minnesota gets to face the rookie QB. They are probably the top choice. Especially since Chicago has allowed the second-most sacks and the fourth-most turnovers. The Vikings don’t make a ton of turnovers, but they have no one on their O-line that can contain Robert Quinn.

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The Main Slate: My recommended DFS lineups

At DK: $5.6k for Ben Roethlisberger. $7.3k for Ezekiel Elliott. $5.7k for Chuba Hubbard. $7.5k for Diontae Johnson. $6.3k for Brandon Aiyuk. $4.9k for Marquez Valdes-Scantling. $3.4K for Ricky Seals-Jones. $5.1k for Chase Edmonds (if he plays, or $4.9k for David Johnson) at FLEX. $3.7k for the Miami Dolphins defense.

At FD: $6.6k for Big Ben. $6.7k for Zeke. $6k for Hubbard. $7.8k for Diontae. $8.5k for Davante Adams. $9k for Cooper Kupp. $4.5k for Seals-Jones. $6.5k for Edmonds (or $6.9k for Antonio Gibson) at FLEX. $4.2k for the Los Angeles Rams defense.

At Fanball (SuperFlex – includes Sun Night): Aaron Rodgers, Big Ben at SF, Zeke, and James Robinson, Edmonds (or Hubbard or Myles Gaskin) at FLEX, Adams, Diontae, Chris Godwin, and Seals-Jones.

DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,100 $8,700
Kyler Murray $7,900 $8,800
Aaron Rodgers $7,500 $7,600
Lamar Jackson $7,200 $7,700
Matthew Stafford $7,000 $7,700
Jalen Hurts $6,600 $7,800
Dak Prescott $6,500 $7,500
Russell Wilson $6,400 $7,200
Joe Burrow $6,100 $7,300
Ryan Tannehill $5,900 $7,000
Jimmy Garoppolo $5,800 $6,700
Tua Tagovailoa $5,700 $7,400
Ben Roethlisberger $5,600 $6,600
Taylor Heinicke $5,500 $6,900
Teddy Bridgewater $5,500 $6,600
Cam Newton $5,400 $6,900
Davis Mills $5,400 $6,800
Tyler Huntley $5,400 $6,400
Matt Ryan $5,300 $6,500
Gardner Minshew $5,200 $6,200
Mike Glennon $5,200 $6,700
Zach Wilson $5,200 $6,500
Jared Goff $5,100 $6,400
Trevor Lawrence $5,100 $6,500
P.J. Walker $5,000 $6,300
Mitchell Trubisky $4,700 $6,100

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – If Aaron Rodgers isn’t limited by his toe, he has a layup of a game. The safer plays will be Matthew Stafford and Dak Prescott. Jimmy Garoppolo, Ben Roethlisberger, and Tua Tagovailoa are all solid plays at significant costs savings. If Gardner Minshew starts, he is almost a must-start punt option. If you want to take a deep flier, consider Trevor Lawrence and Davis Mills against each other.

Fantasy Four-pack

Dak Prescott, Cowboys @ NYG
($6,500 DK, $7,500 FD)
Dak faces a defense that has allowed the fourth-most passing scores over the last four weeks. For the year, New York finds itself in the bottom half against the position in every major category. Plus, Prescott has dominated New York recently. In his last four full games against the Giants (he was injured halfway through the Week 5 game last year), Dak has posted 1,351 yards and 14 TDs.

Matthew Stafford, Rams vs. SEA
($7,000 DK, $7,500 FD)
After a few shaky starts, Stafford appears to have turned things around. Seattle should accommodate further the repair to his season numbers. They have allowed the most total passing yards and the second-most completions this year. Keep an eye on Odell Beckham’s COVID status. I believe his presence has actually aided Stafford’s rebound. If Beckham is out, Van Jefferson will need to step it up, making him a great potential stack option.

Aaron Rodgers, Packers @ BAL
($7,500 DK, $7,600 FD)
The Ravens have lost all semblance of pass defense. That is arguably the worst thing that can happen with Rodgers coming to town. As long as his toe doesn’t fall off, Aaron will be doling out TDs like Oprah Winfrey doles out Christmas gifts. The Ravens have been especially rotten against the deep pass. This is why I am going to stack Marquez Valdes-Scantling as often as I can.

Kyler Murray, Cardinals @ DET
($7,900 DK, $8,800 FD)
James Conner is not 100 percent and he may end up missing the game. Chase Edmonds may or may not return this week. Eno Benjamin is nothing special. Still, this is a game against Detroit. That means that we should see three or four rushing TDs. There is a realistic world where all of those TDs go to Kyler. Anything he does through the air is gravy.

DFS Sleepers

Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers vs. TEN
($5,600 DK, $6,600 FD)
Big Ben has always fared better at home than on the road. It has helped that he has always had multiple quality WRs. Tennessee may appear to have righted their ship against opposing QBs allowing only four passing TDs over the last five weeks. Upon closer examination, however, this five-week stretch includes their bye week and games against Mac Jones, Tyrod Taylor, Trevor Siemian, and Trevor Lawrence. Even an aged Roethlisberger is a surer thing than anyone on that list.

Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers vs. ATL
($5,800 DK, $6,700 FD)
Garoppolo continues to have success despite having his top WR playing mostly running back. Atlanta’s pass defense also looks better than earlier this year thanks to a series of untalented opponents over the last month plus. Rest assured, they aren’t any better than they were earlier this year. If Eli Mitchell returns this week, then Garoppolo will get Deebo Samuel back as a WR. That is a scary thought.

DraftKings FanDuel
Najee Harris $7,800 $8,800
Ezekiel Elliott $7,300 $6,700
Joe Mixon $7,200 $8,300
Cordarrelle Patterson $6,900 $7,000
Aaron Jones
 $6,600 $7,500
Saquon Barkley $6,500 $7,300
James Conner $6,400 $8,000
D’Andre Swift $6,300 $7,300
Eli Mitchell $6,200 $7,800
Javonte Williams $6,100 $7,000
Antonio Gibson $6,000 $6,900
Darrell Henderson $5,900 $6,800
Melvin Gordon $5,900 $7,000
Miles Sanders $5,800 $6,500
Sony Michel $5,800 $6,800
Tony Pollard $5,800 $5,800
AJ Dillon $5,700 $7,500
Chuba Hubbard $5,700 $6,000
Myles Gaskin $5,600 $6,600
Devonta Freeman $5,500 $5,900
James Robinson $5,400 $6,300
Rashaad Penny $5,400 $6,100
Jamaal Williams $5,300 $6,000
D’Onta Foreman $5,200 $5,800
Chase Edmonds $5,100 $6,500
Mike Davis $5,100 $5,600
Devin Singletary $5,000 $5,400
J.D. McKissic $5,000 $5,300
Jeff Wilson $5,000 $5,800
Tevin Coleman $5,000 $5,500
David Johnson $4,900 $5,500
Dontrell Hilliard $4,900 $5,200
Matt Breida $4,800 $5,300
Ty Johnson $4,800 $5,400
Michael Carter $4,700 $5,900
Jeremy McNichols $4,600 $5,300
Latavius Murray $4,600 $5,100
Phillip Lindsay $4,600 $5,500
Craig Reynolds $4,300 $5,300
Jordan H0ward $4,300 $5,700
Boston Scott $4,200 $5,400

Running Back

Weekly strategy – The RB field this week is shaky thanks to several injuries and COVID absences. Ezekiel Elliott should be the best option on paper, but his season hasn’t inspired confidence. Whoever starts for Arizona is a must-start for you. My money is on Chase Edmonds getting the call. The same goes for whoever starts for Miami. In that case, I am hoping that Myles Gaskin is recovered in time to start. The only other options I feel truly solid with are Chuba Hubbard, Joe Mixon, Cordarrelle Patterson, Antonio Gibson, and James Robinson (au revoir Urban Meyer – don’t let the door kick ya on the way out!). If Eli Mitchell returns, you could also use him. On the other hand, if Mitchell doesn’t return, Jeff Wilson will have value for one more week. The punt options include whoever starts for the Jets, Eagles, and Titans.

Fantasy Four-pack

Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys @ NYG
($7,300 DK, $6,700 FD)
If we knew for certain that Tony Pollard would miss another game, then Zeke would be a lock for the top spot this week. The Giants are allowing 157 combo yards per game to opposing RBs. Pollard is nursing a torn plantar fascia,  so I don’t have a clue how he thinks he is going to play. Dallas should put him on ice (literally) until the playoffs.

Cordarrelle Patterson, Falcons @ SF
($6,900 DK, $7,000 FD)
Patterson is a league winner in regular fantasy despite playing for an anemic offense. His receiving numbers have fizzled over the last month diminishing his value some. Coincidentally, this has come at the same time that he has picked up his scoring. San Fran has allowed some big RB receiving games recently, so perhaps CP gets his PPR-mojo back this week. The Falcons will need him here.

Najee Harris, Steelers vs. TEN
($7,800 DK, $8,800 FD)
This is a sign of how rough the RB board is this week. Harris has zero chance at 3x on FD, but (barring an amazing recovery by James Conner) Najee still will finish as one of the top three RBs this week. Tennessee looks dominant against the run if you just look at the stats. However, every decent or better RB they have faced has had their way with them. Their stats are being padded significantly by facing a who’s who of the worst backfields in football.

Joe Mixon, Bengals @ DEN
($7,200 DK, $8,300 FD)
Over their last nine games, Denver is allowing an average of 163 combo yards to the position. Meanwhile, Mixon has had two straight pedestrian efforts. Of course, he was playing through a non-COVID illness last week. Prior to this mini-slump, Mixon had scored 12 times in eight games. He should get back on track this week.

DFS Sleepers

Chuba Hubbard, Panthers @ BUF
($5,700 DK, $6,000 FD)
For some reason that escapes me, Buffalo’s run defense has gone south in correlation with the injury sustained by All-Pro cornerback, Tre’Davious White. Apparently, the rest of the defense is abandoning run-stoppage to fill White’s shoes in coverage? Seriously, though, this correlation doesn’t really make sense. All we can do is sit back and enjoy the results. Over their last four games, Buffalo has allowed 43 percent of their total RB allowed combo yards for the season (683/1,594). They have also given up seven of their 12 RB scores during this four-week span. Hubbard’s counting stats have been poor of late, but I expect Carolina to lean on him here.

Antonio Gibson, Football Team @ PHI
($6,000 DK, $6,900 FD)
Gibson had a tough go of it last week. Well, so did everyone on the Washington offense. Taylor Heinicke would have returned this week prior to his COVID diagnosis, so Garrett Gilbert draws the start. Philly is middle-of-the-pack against the run, but they have struggled with pass-catching backs. With J.D. McKissic appearing to be still sidelined by the concussion protocol, those vacated targets should go to Gibson.

DraftKings FanDuel
Cooper Kupp $9,000 $9,000
Davante Adams $8,900 $8,500
Deebo Samuel $8,200 $8,200
Stefon Diggs $7,700 $7,800
Diontae Johnson $7,500 $7,200
CeeDee Lamb $7,400 $7,400
Ja’Marr Chase $7,100 $7,500
Tyler Lockett $7,000 $7,300
Terry McLaurin $6,800 $6,900
Jaylen Waddle $6,600 $7,100
Tee Higgins $6,500 $6,800
Amari Cooper $6,400 $7,000
Brandon Aiyuk $6,300 $6,600
DK Metcalf $6,200 $6,800
DeVonta Smith $6,100 $5,900
DJ Moore $6,000 $6,600
Chase Claypool $5,900 $6,400
Marquise Brown $5,900 $6,700
Brandin Cooks $5,800 $6,900
Russell Gage $5,800 $6,000
Van Jefferson $5,600 $6,200
Michael Gallup $5,500 $5,900
Jerry Jeudy $5,400 $6,100
Odell Beckham $5,400 $6,000
Christian Kirk $5,300 $6,000
Kenny Golladay $5,300 $5,400
Amon-Ra St. Brown $5,200 $5,900
Kadarius Toney $5,100 $5,200
Jamison Crowder $5,000 $5,700
Rashod Bateman $5,000 $5,800
A.J. Green $4,900 $5,700
Cole Beasley $4,900 $5,800
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,900 $5,500
Tyler Boyd $4,900 $5,700
Robby Anderson $4,800 $5,800
Sterling Shepard $4,700 $5,600
Courtland Sutton $4,600 $5,600
Marvin Jones $4,600 $5,700
Darius Slayton $4,500 $5,000
Tim Patrick $4,500 $5,500
Kalif Raymond $4,400 $5,200
DeVante Parker $4,300 $5,800
Josh Reynolds $4,300 $5,100
Laviska Shenault $4,300 $5,400
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $4,200 $5,300
Sammy Watkins $4,100 $5,200
Allen Lazard $4,000 $5,300
Quez Watkins $3,900 $5,300
DeAndre Carter $3,800 $5,100
Curtis Samuel $3,700 $4,800
Gabriel Davis $3,700 $4,900
Cedrick Wilson $3,500 $4,900
James Washington $3,500 $5,100
Keelan Cole $3,500 $5,000
Nico Collins $3,500 $5,300
Olamide Zaccheaus $3,500 $5,000
Albert Wilson $3,400 $5,000
Laquon Treadwell $3,300 $5,100
Ray-Ray McCloud $3,300 $5,000
Jalen Reagor $3,200 $5,000

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – So, as much as I hate the RB class this week, I love the WR group. Cooper Kupp and Davante Adams each have a great matchup despite their huge salaries. I could see using one of them, but not both. I also really love Diontae Johnson, and CeeDee Lamb this week. I will have at least one of these four in all of my lineups. I like Brandon Aiyuk and DeVonta Smith as possible WR2s. Other possible plays there include Christian Kirk, A.J. Green, Jerry Jeudy, Odell Beckham (if he plays), and Van Jefferson. WR3 should be easy to fill as well. If you don’t use Adams, your WR3 must be Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Otherwise, I would consider Jamison Crowder, Rashod Bateman, Nico Collins, Albert Wilson, one of the Lions, or one of the Jaguars.

Fantasy Four-pack

Davante Adams, Packers @ BAL
($8,900 DK, $8,500 FD)
Baltimore has devolved into one of the worst pass defenses in the league. Now they have to face Aaron Rodgers and his weapons of PASS destruction. Adams leads this artillery in every category and it isn’t particularly close. As long as Rodgers isn’t hindered by his foot, this will be a Green Bay blowout.

Diontae Johnson, Steelers vs. TEN
($7,500 DK, $7,200 FD)
Since Week 8, Johnson leads the league in targets, he is third among WRs in receiving yards, and fourth in receptions. Now, he gets to face the team that has allowed the most receptions and receiving yards to the position, along with the fourth-most WR scores. Johnson is easily the surest 3x performer on this docket.

Cooper Kupp, Rams vs. SEA
($9,000 DK, $9,000 FD)
Kupp leads the league in every relevant WR category. He should be in the discussion for league MVP and is without a doubt the fantasy MVP this year. Week 5 versus Seattle was one of the very few times this year that Kupp didn’t score. He still posted 7-92. With Beckham in COVID protocol, Kupp may need to be even more involved this week. Of course, that also could mean more double coverage for him.

CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys @ NYG
($7,400 DK, $7,400 FD)
The Giants have struggled against elite WRs all season. That said, they have been particularly bad of late allowing a league second-worst six WR touchdowns and fourth-worst 57 receptions over the last four games. Lamb has been Dak Prescott’s favorite target this season leading the Cowboys in every receiving category.

DFS Sleepers

Christian Kirk, Cardinals @ DET
($5,300 DK, $6,000 FD)
Earlier this year when DeAndre Hopkins was out, Kirk led the Cardinals in receiving yards. Nuk is now out until at least the playoffs, so some combination of Kirk, A.J. Green, and Rondale Moore will have to step it up once again. Detroit is not good against the pass or the run, so playing any of these guys is a great idea.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Packers @ BAL
($4,900 DK, $5,500 FD)
There is a legit argument for starting both Adams and MVS. Baltimore’s secondary is a total shambles right now. Plus, they have been abused by long TDs this year. So far this season, Baltimore has allowed 14 TD passes of 20 yards or more and eight TD passes of 40 yards or more. This is his specialty. He has had five scores of 40-plus yards since the start of 2020.

DraftKings FanDuel
George Kittle $7,500 $7,800
Mark Andrews $6,400 $7,400
Kyle Pitts $5,500 $5,800
Zach Ertz $5,400 $5,300
Dallas Goedert $5,300 $6,000
Dawson Knox $5,100 $6,500
Mike Gesicki $5,000 $6,200
Dalton Schultz $4,900 $5,600
Pat Freiermuth $4,500 $5,300
Noah Fant $4,400 $5,600
Tyler Higbee $4,000 $5,200
Gerald Everett $3,500 $4,900
Ricky Seals-Jones $3,400 $4,500
Albert Okwuegbunam $3,300 $5,200
James O’Shaughnessy $3,200 $4,600
C.J. Uzomah $3,100 $5,100
Evan Engram $3,100 $5,000
Geoff Swaim $3,000 $4,600
Pharaoh Brown $2,900 $4,400
Ryan Griffin $2,900 $4,600
Brevin Jordan $2,800 $4,900
Brock Wright $2,800 $4,500
Josiah Deguara $2,700 $4,600
Tommy Tremble $2,600 $4,600
Marcedes Lewis $2,500 $4,300

Tight End

Weekly strategy – This TE pool is thin this week. George Kittle should have another huge game if Eli Mitchell remains out. Dallas Goedert and Zach Ertz are the safest pivots. I don’t dislike Dalton Schultz, Tyler Higbee, and Noah Fant, but each has a reason to make me hesitant. My recommendation is to play one of the top-three, or punt completely to Ricky Seals-Jones, Brevin Jordan, or James O’Shaughnessy.

Fantasy Four-pack

George Kittle, 49ers vs. ATL
($7,500 DK, $7,800 FD)
Kittle has been ridiculous since Deebo Samuel moved primarily to RB with the absence of Mitchell. In those two games, Kittle has posted 22-332-3. He has also scored six times in his last six games. If Samuel goes back to WR this week, Kittle might see a slip in targets, but not enough to ignore him here.

Mark Andrews, Ravens vs. GB
($6,400 DK, $7,400 FD)
Andrews did well with Tyler Huntley at the helm last week. I’d still feel better about him if we knew Lamar Jackson was going to play. It doesn’t help that Green Bay is actually above average against the position. Still, Andrews leads all TEs in receiving yards and receptions. So, don’t write him off completely.

Zach Ertz, Cardinals @ DET
($5,400 DK, $5,300 FD)
Hopkins’ absence should provide Ertz with some additional targets, especially in the red zone. Since joining the Cards in Week 7, Ertz leads the team in receiving TDs and receptions. He is also second in receiving yards and targets. Meanwhile, Detroit has allowed the fourth-most TE scores, the seventh-most TE receiving yards, and the eighth-most receptions to the position.

Dallas Goedert, Eagles vs. WAS
($5,300 DK, $6,000 FD)
Not surprisingly, since Zach Ertz left the team in Week 7, Goedert leads the Eagles in receptions and receiving yards. He is also second in receiving TDs and targets. In Week 13, with Gardner Minshew at QB, Goedert had his best week of the season. If Jalen Hurts returns this week, bump Goedert down slightly. If Minshew gets another start, consider using them as a stack. Heck, this might be your first chance to feel comfortable doing a double-TE stack with both Goedert and Ertz.

DFS Sleepers

Ricky Seals-Jones, Football Team @ PHI
($3,400 DK, $4,500 FD)
Do you think that Philly spent their bye week attempting to learn how to guard the TE position? Yeah, I don’t think so, either. They rank dead last in all of the pertinent statistical categories against the TE position. RSJ didn’t do much in his first game back from injury. That said, he also didn’t play a full complement of snaps. One full week later, he should be ready to take on a full workload. Terry McLaurin remains questionable with a concussion. If he is out, Seals-Jones could even make more of an impact here.

Tyler Higbee, Rams vs. SEA
($4,000 DK, $5,200 FD)
Higbee was robbed of a start last week because of a false-positive COVID test. He should make up for that this week against a Seattle defense that has allowed an average of 7-88-1.25 to the position over the last four weeks. Higbee has been involved heavily in the offense, even since Beckham arrived. If Beckham misses this game due to COVID, Higbee might see an additional bump in his targets.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 14

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

With redraft playoffs in sight, this week marks the final week of byes for the NFL. Of course, they saved one of the worst byes for when it mattered most as Jonathan Taylor will not be leading his owners this week.

For those teams that are toilet bowl bound or that have felt the drop of the guillotine, the hope of regular-season glory might be out the door already. Fortunately, DFS continues well into the fantasy playoffs and even the NFL playoffs as we always give you the best plays up until conference championship games.

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Justin Fields is starting a divisional rivalry matchup with the Green Bay Packers in primetime in December (although early reports are that the weather will be better Sunday than the rest of the week). This is what none of us needed. If there wasn’t a long-standing history between these two franchises, this game would’ve probably been flexed. In a slate with three top-10 fantasy QBs, seeing Fields as the fourth option leaves me humming the old Sesame Street “one of these things is not like the others” ditty. I’m surprised that Chicago wants to throw the youngster into the fire coming off of an injury to his ribs. I know from personal experience that rib injuries feel worse in the cold.

We have two strong QBs on MNF, but they also both have very good defenses. This is why even if the weather is bad here, I have to choose Aaron Rodgers as the QB1.

David Montgomery (groin, glute, shoulder) came back from his injury and immediately returned to bell-cow status. He remains the most physically-gifted member of the Bears offense. He is also the safest RB on the board here. I like him as my RB1. Khalil Herbert has shrunk back into the woodwork, but he has the talent to succeed if Monty’s current bevy of injuries proven costly. You can throw him into a Showdown lineup as an injury-pivot, just don’t expect anything substantial without that injury absence.

Aaron Jones should be back healthy for this game after getting a one-week rest. If A.J. Dillon wasn’t also on this roster, I would make him the clear RB2 on this slate. Unfortunately, these two will likely split touches and that could shrink each of their values. This week there are questions to every backfield except Chicago, so Jones will still be no worse than RB3 on the board. Dillon can be used as a FLEX at RB5/6.

Darnell Mooney is the only Chicago receiver you should seriously concern yourself with. He is the WR4/5 on the slate and deserves consideration at WR2 or WR3 if you spend up at the position. Marquise Goodwin suffered a pair of injuries and ended up missing most of the last two weeks. In his absence, Jakeem Grant has stepped up as a solid WR2 for Chicago, but he and Goodwin (if he plays) are no better than punt options here. Damiere Byrd has also seen a bump in usage, but he would be the low-man on my Chicago punt WR list. Oh, yeah, I didn’t forget about Allen Robinson. I just wish I could. I have to believe that most of the Chicago faithful feel the same.

Davante Adams deserves the WR1 spot on this board. He will of course have to fend off Cooper Kupp, but Adams’ matchup is definitely the better of the two. Allen Lazard returned in Week 12 and finished third on the team in WR targets. If he can avoid catching the ‘VID, he should catch a few passes here. He is a very safe WR3 option if you want exposure to this game at a cheaper price. The same can be said for Marquez Valdes-Scantling. MVS actually has more targets than Adams over the last two games. He has both a higher ceiling and a lower floor than Lazard. Randall Cobb (core) is out indefinitely, which could open a few targets for the not-named-Adams receivers.

Chicago with Andy Dalton under center has provided a boost in value to both the veteran, Jimmy Graham, and the youngster, Cole Kmet. Both would’ve been TD threats if Dalton started. Since Fields gets the start, Kmet falls to TE3 and Graham can be ignored.

Can you name Green Bay’s starting TE(s)? It technically falls to either Josiah Deguara or Marcedes Lewis. Neither should be in your tourney lineup. Lewis can perhaps be used in Showdown contests but, even then, that would be a desperation reach.

Green Bay’s defense isn’t very good, but they face the easiest QB on the slate. I imagine their ownership percentage will be huge. I’ll probably diversify between the two teams on MNF instead. As for Chicago, the only way I would play them is if the winds are stronger than 40 mph with horizontal snow coming down.

Monday night, two great offenses hook up against two great defenses. In their earlier meeting, they still managed to score 57 combined points. Matthew Stafford finished that game with 280-2. Of course, Stafford has also struggled over the last month or so. I’ll rate him at QB3 on this board, but his absolute ceiling is probably 300-3 and this feels like a 275-2 type of game.

Kyler Murray returned from injury last week and had a big game. I didn’t expect him to blow up in his first game back, but he did. The Cardinals ran all over the Los Angeles Rams in their earlier contest. That was pre-Von Miller. His presence will put a slight dent in Murray’s rushing output, but I still feel that Kyler finishes at QB2 here.

Darrell Henderson was active last week. Unfortunately, he had the same number of touches as I did. Obviously, his was just an emergency activation. The fact that he was active at least suggests that he should play this week. Still, we should be concerned about his potential volume. I’d have less concern if Sony Michel didn’t show out last week. We need to remember, however, Michel’s performance came against the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars. I’ll put Henderson at RB4 and Michel at RB7 this week (unless Henderson has a setback).

Early reports suggest that Chase Edmonds will return this week. That is too bad, because James Conner was having a career resurgence. Conner will remain the TD threat (despite Murray’s presence). Edmonds blew up against Los Angeles earlier this year. Still, I cannot imagine him getting even a half share in his first game back. Conner will be my RB3 and Edmonds will be no higher than RB5 here, but either could be used at FLEX.

Cooper Kupp continues to wreak havoc on the league. Only once this season has he failed to top 90 receiving yards and/or score. Of course, that game was the one against Arizona. I slightly prefer Davante Adams’ matchup this week, but Kupp needs to be in WR1 consideration. I also see no reason to not use both of them. Odell Beckham has now scored in back-to-back games. I think he could make it three in a row here as he continues to, literally, demand targets. If you want access to this game but don’t think you can afford Kupp, use OBJ. Van Jefferson has also done well since Robert Woods’s injury. He has six or more targets in each of his last six games. In their earlier meeting, Jefferson had a big game playing third-wheel. He still has that role, so I like him as a WR3 or FLEX play. Ben Skowronek has a great name, but he is not a great play. Leave him for Showdown slates, at best.

DeAndre Hopkins returned last week and caught a TD, then didn’t do much else. It is good to see him return, but I’d like to see more action for him. His numbers may have been higher if the Cardinals needed to throw more last week. I still see him as the WR3/4 here. I just don’t think I feel comfortable paying this much for him knowing that he will have to deal with Jalen Ramsey. He finished Week 4 with only a pedestrian 4-67-0. In that game, A.J. Green tied Nuk for the most receiving yards and he scored a TD. Coming off a no-show game last week, Green should be cheap and have low ownership. He makes a sneaky good WR3 play. Christian Kirk has noticed his numbers drop off of late. In a better game, I might consider him. I’ll leave him to Showdown slates only. The same goes for Rondale Moore.

Tyler Higbee will be no better than my TE2 here, and I expect him to finish as TE3. He has received steady targets since Woods’ injury, but he hasn’t done much with them. This means that he has become somewhat TD-dependent. This isn’t good when the team you are facing has allowed the second-fewest TE scores.

Zach Ertz is your top TE choice this week. The Rams are just so-so against the position and Maxx Williams toasted them in their earlier matchup. Plus, Ertz has fared well of late, with the obvious exception being last week. Let’s hope that Hopkins’ return doesn’t continue to hinder Ertz’s production.

These two defenses are solid. I lean slightly towards the Rams. Either would be a good choice since everyone else will be using the Packers.

[lawrence-related id=462780]

The Main Slate: My recommended DFS lineups

At DK: $6.7k for Dak Prescott. $6k for Saquan Barkley. $5.9k for Javonte Williams. $8.1k for Stefon Diggs. $7.2k for CeeDee Lamb. $3.6k for Curtis Samuel. $3.5K for Evan Engram. $5.9k for Chuba Hubbard at FLEX. $3.1k for the Seattle Seahawks defense.

At FD: $8.1k for Prescott. $7.3k for Barkley. $7.1k for Josh Jacobs. $7.8k for Lamb. $8.2k for Diggs. $4.8k for Samuel. $5.7k for Dalton Schultz. $6.7k for Javonte at FLEX. $4.3k for the Los Angeles Chargers defense.

At Fanball (SuperFlex – includes Sun Night): Patrick Mahomes, Prescott at SF, Jacobs, and Javonte, David Montgomery at FLEX, Lamb, Jarvis Landry, Travis Kelce, and Brevin Jordan.

DraftKings FanDuel
Patrick Mahomes $8,000 $8,500
Josh Allen $7,800 $8,800
Tom Brady $7,600 $8,200
Lamar Jackson $7,400 $7,900
Justin Herbert $7,100 $8,400
Dak Prescott $6,700 $8,100
Russell Wilson $6,600 $7,500
Ryan Tannehill $6,400 $7,300
Joe Burrow $6,000 $7,100
Derek Carr $5,900 $7,200
Jimmy Garoppolo $5,800 $6,700
Teddy Bridgewater $5,700 $7,200
Taysom Hill $5,600 $7,700
Taylor Heinicke $5,500 $7,100
Cam Newton $5,400 $7,400
Matt Ryan $5,300 $6,800
Zach Wilson $5,300 $6,600
Baker Mayfield $5,200 $6,500
Trevor Siemian $5,200 $7,000
Jared Goff $5,100 $6,400
Trevor Lawrence $5,100 $6,300
Brandon Allen $5,000 $6,200
Davis Mills $5,000 $6,600
Mike Glennon $4,900 $6,200
Jake Fromm $4,800 $6,000

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – The board is ugly this week. You have to pay up for Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, or Dak Prescott. There is a whole bunch of chaff in the middle. None of it screams, “Play me.” You can take a flier on Baker Mayfield or maybe Trevor Lawrence. It wouldn’t be my choice to do so, but beggars can’t be choosers.

Fantasy Four-pack

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs vs. LV
($8,000 DK, $8,500 FD)
The Las Vegas Raiders have watched their defense take a long walk off of a short pier recently. Cue up a rematch against Mahomes, who threw for 406-5 just a couple of weeks ago. It was Mahomes’ only decent start since Week 6, so take it with a grain of salt. Still, St. Patrick is one of the only sure things this week.

Dak Prescott, Cowboys @ WAS
($6,700 DK, $8,100 FD)
Locking Dak in against one of the worst pass defenses in football should be the easiest decision of the week. Every quality QB to face them (and many lower-quality options) has dusted this pansy defense. Considering the price difference, I actually feel better about Prescott hitting 3x than even Mahomes. Feel free to stack him with any of his starting WRs or Dalton Schultz.

Josh Allen, Bills @ TB
($7,800 DK, $8,800 FD) 
Tampa has allowed the seventh-most passing TDs. Meanwhile, Allen has multiple TDs in all but three games. I don’t love the FD price, but this game could be higher-scoring.

Lamar Jackson, Ravens @ CLE
($7,400 DK, $7,900 FD)
This isn’t the best matchup on paper, but Jackson has the physical tools to exploit even tough situations. Jackson had twelve TDs against Cleveland during 2019 and 2020, but he posted only one score back in Week 12 of this season. If he can throw for 200-1 and add 75-1 on the ground, I will be happy.

DFS Sleepers

Baker Mayfield, Browns vs. BAL
($5,200 DK, $6,500 FD)
Baker is back at home for a Week 12 rematch with Baltimore. His previous game line was pedestrian, but he was also dealing with roughly 183 injuries and a few bumps and bruises, too. He got a bye week to recover, Baltimore got into a dogfight against Pittsburgh, where they suffered many crucial injuries. One of which was to key CB Marlon Humphrey. I’m probably going to spend up this week at QB, but if I must slum it up, this is a safer risk than most.

Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars @ TEN
($5,100 DK, $6,300 FD)
Trevor threw for 332-3 back in Week 1. Since then he has thrown for over 300 yards only once, and he has only six total passing TDs. Still, this is a battle of two rotten defenses facing two injury-decimated offenses. So, we could see some sneaky points scored here. Lawrence posted one of his better games of the season against Tennessee back in Week 5. It was 273-1  through the air, and he added 28 rushing yards and a score on the ground. A repeat of that performance would be much appreciated on this ugly slate.

DraftKings FanDuel
Austin Ekeler $8,300 $9,200
Alvin Kamara $7,900 $9,000
Joe Mixon $7,700 $8,500
Nick Chubb $7,600 $7,500
Leonard Fournette
 $7,400 $7,600
Ezekiel Elliott $7,300 $6,900
Cordarrelle Patterson $6,900 $7,800
Eli Mitchell $6,700 $7,400
D’Andre Swift $6,600 $7,000
Tony Pollard $6,400 $6,100
Josh Jacobs $6,200 $7,100
Clyde Edwards-Helaire $6,100 $6,500
Antonio Gibson $6,000 $7,400
Saquan Barkley $6,000 $7,300
Chuba Hubbard $5,900 $6,500
Javonte Williams $5,900 $6,700
James Robinson $5,800 $6,400
Mark Ingram $5,800 $7,200
Devonta Freeman $5,700 $6,300
Kareem Hunt $5,600 $6,500
Jamaal Williams $5,500 $6,200
Melvin Gordon $5,400 $6,700
Darrel Williams $5,300 $6,500
Dontrell Hilliard $5,300 $7,000
Matt Breida $5,300 $5,400
Alex Collins $5,200 $5,600
Jeremy McNichols $5,200 $5,300
David Johnson $5,100 $5,500
D’Onta Foreman $5,100 $5,900
J.D. McKissic $5,000 $5,300
Tevin Coleman $5,000 $5,400
Latavius Murray $4,900 $5,300
Mike Davis $4,900 $5,700
Adrian Peterson $4,700 $5,600
Devin Singletary $4,700 $5,500
Carlos Hyde $4,600 $5,800
Rex Burkhead $4,600 $5,300
Jeff Wilson $4,400 $4,900
Ty Johnson $4,400 $4,900
DeeJay Dallas $4,300 $4,800
Kyle Juszczyk $4,000 $4,500

Running Back

Weekly strategy – There are some injury concerns at the top of the RB price spectrum this week. Assuming Austin Ekeler and Alvin Kamara are good to go, they are the best plays of the week. Ekeler could see ridiculous volume with both of the Chargers’ starting WRs dealing with COVID. Leonard Fournette is the only high-priced pivot as throwing against Buffalo usually doesn’t work. I will have one of these three in many lineups. This week may be the one to go with some middle-tier RBs. Josh Jacobs, Antonio Gibson, Saquan Barkley, Chuba Hubbard, and Javonte Williams all could be your RB1 and RB2. Considering how thin the bottom tier is this week, you will need to roster at least one of them. Your dart throws include choosing which Titan will lead the way, which Seahawk will lead the way, or hoping that Eli Mitchell and/or D’Andre Swift is out so you can go for cheap volume with their backups. Generally speaking, though, this just seems like the week to not go dumpster diving here.

Fantasy Four-pack

Austin Ekeler, Chargers vs. NYG
($8,300 DK, $9,200 FD)
As I mentioned above, Ekeler may be the top WR option for Los Angeles this week. Both, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are in the COVID protocol right now. These absences hurt Justin Herbert’s value slightly, but it should severely boost Ekeler’s value. He has scored in all but three games and will score here as well, but the reason to play him this week is the 12- to 15-catch ceiling he is looking at.

Alvin Kamara, Saints @ NYJ
($7,900 DK, $9,000 FD) 
Kamara returns from his injury as his backup, Mark Ingram, finds himself headed to the COVID list. I’m always concerned about a player’s workload returning from an injury, but you and I could each run for nearly 100 yards behind any professional offensive line against this defense. I’d also normally be concerned about Taysom Hill vulturing his touchdown opportunities, but both of them could score multiple times this week, and Hill won’t vulture any of Kamara’s receptions.

Leonard Fournette, Buccaneers vs. BUF
($7,400 DK, $7,600 FD)
Throwing against Buffalo is a fool’s game. Much like running against Tampa Bay. Tom Brady will likely struggle by his lofty standards this week. So, don’t be surprised if the Bucs lean heavily on Fournette once again. Buffalo just got trampled by the Patriots on Monday night, despite knowing that they were going to run on every down. I seriously have no idea how they will hold Fournette in check with the looming presence of Brady finding someone open in the back of their minds.

Joe Mixon, Bengals vs. SF
($7,700 DK, $8,500 FD)
Mixon has 13 TDs over his last nine games. This includes scoring at least one in every single one of those games. Meanwhile, only four teams have allowed more total RB scores than San Fran. I’d feel much more comfortable here if Mixon was feeling better. He did have a non-COVID illness this week and he tweaked his neck last Sunday. If his bill of health is fully cleared on Sunday he might be able to reach 3x value.

DFS Sleepers

Chuba Hubbard, Panthers vs. ATL
($5,900 DK, $6,500 FD)
Carolina actually fired Joe Brady because he wouldn’t run the ball more. OK, let’s see what happens for Hubbard here. Chuba isn’t Christian McCaffrey, but he can be a reasonable dollar-store knockoff. It helps his cause that Atlanta has been futile against the run this year. Only twice have they not allowed at least one double-digit PPR performance this season. In those two games, they faced true “split” backfields, where they combined for a huge performance.

Javonte Williams, Broncos vs. DEN
($5,900 DK, $6,700 FD)
Speaking of split backfields, no team has seen a more even split of things than Denver. Plus, both Williams and Melvin Gordon have each looked great when they have been given the opportunity. Detroit trails only the New York Jets in terms of TDs allowed to the position. So, once again, they both could post absurdly good numbers this week. That said, Williams did his best Derrick Henry impersonation last week, so I don’t see how Denver doesn’t give him the advantage in touches this time around. One argument for playing Gordon is that Williams will have high ownership after last week’s line. Realistically, both could approach 100-1 this week.

DraftKings FanDuel
Tyreek Hill $8,500 $8,700
Stefon Diggs $8,100 $8,200
Deebo Samuel $8,000 $8,500
Keenan Allen $7,600 $7,600
CeeDee Lamb $7,200 $7,800
Chris Godwin $7,100 $7,700
Terry McLaurin $7,000 $7,100
Ja’Marr Chase $6,900 $7,200
Tyler Lockett $6,700 $7,300
Mike Evans $6,600 $7,200
DK Metcalf $6,500 $7,300
Tee Higgins $6,400 $6,800
Marquise Brown $6,300 $7,000
DJ Moore $6,200 $6,800
Hunter Renfrow $6,100 $6,700
Mike Williams $6,000 $6,900
Amari Cooper $5,900 $6,700
Elijah Moore $5,900 $6,300
Brandon Aiyuk $5,800 $6,400
Brandin Cooks $5,700 $6,500
Russell Gage $5,700 $6,200
Jerry Jeudy $5,600 $6,300
Michael Gallup $5,500 $6,100
Jarvis Landry $5,400 $6,400
Julio Jones $5,400 $6,500
Courtland Sutton $5,300 $6,000
Kadarius Toney $5,100 $5,300
Amon-Ra St. Brown $5,000 $5,800
Cole Beasley $5,000 $5,900
Tyler Boyd $5,000 $5,900
Emmanuel Sanders $4,900 $5,800
Kenny Golladay $4,800 $5,500
Tim Patrick $4,800 $5,700
Tre’Quan Smith $4,800 $5,600
Jamison Crowder $4,700 $5,500
Rashod Bateman $4,700 $5,400
Sammy Watkins $4,600 $5,300
Sterling Shepard $4,600 $5,700
Marvin Jones $4,500 $5,400
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $4,500 $5,700
Darius Slayton $4,400 $5,000
Laviska Shenault $4,300 $5,300
Marquez Callaway $4,300 $5,500
Robby Anderson $4,300 $5,500
Kalif Raymond $4,200 $5,000
Josh Reynolds $4,100 $5,300
DeSean Jackson $3,900 $5,100
Donovan Peoples-Jones $3,900 $5,200
Mecole Hardman $3,900 $5,300
Olamide Zaccheaus $3,800 $5,100
Curtis Samuel $3,600 $4,800
Tajae Sharpe $3,600 $4,800
Cedrick Wilson $3,500 $5,300
Gabriel Davis $3,500 $4,800
Chester Rogers $3,400 $5,200
DeAndre Carter $3,400 $5,200
Jalen Guyton $3,400 $5,200
Laquan Treadwell $3,400 $5,100
Bryan Edwards $3,300 $5,000
Jauan Jennings $3,300 $4,900
Joshua Palmer $3,000 $4,700
Nico Collins $3,000 $5,100
Scotty Miller $3,000 $4,700

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – This is a weird week for expensive WRs. Tyreek Hill, Stefon Diggs, and CeeDee Lamb should all blow up. I’d love to have one of them at WR1. That said, I am already spending a lot at QB, so I may have to spend down here. Lamb is my favorite of that threesome. The best money-saving pivots are Keenan Allen (if he plays), DK Metcalf, and DJ Moore. Unfortunately, all three of them have a slight concern holding me back from using them. Mike Williams could also be in play if he clears the COVID protocol. WR2 will likely come from Amari Cooper (if I don’t use Lamb), Jerry Jeudy, or Jarvis Landry. WR3 offers a larger pool of values. I like all of the starters for New Orleans and Jacksonville. I also am high on Donovan Peoples-Jones, Curtis Samuel, Gabriel Davis, and Jalen Guyton. Not exactly a murderer’s row, but all capable of excelling this week.

Fantasy Four-pack

Stefon Diggs, Bills @ TB
($8,100 DK, $8,200 FD)
The windstorm neutered Diggs’ output last week. That won’t be an issue at Tampa. The Bucs have really struggled with WR coverage this year (mainly due to the fact that you cannot run against them). Diggs has six scores over his last seven games. I don’t see any chance of Tampa holding him out of the end zone here and 7-75-1 feels like his receiving floor.

Tyreek Hill, Chiefs vs. LV
($8,500 DK, $8,700 FD)
Over the last four weeks, Vegas has allowed the third-most receptions and the fourth-most receiving TDs to the WR position. Tyreek went for two scores against the Raiders earlier this year. Last season, he scored once in each of their two games. Throwing the big-money Chiefs stack of Hill, Patrick Mahomes, and Travis Kelce together will leave you cash-poor elsewhere, but it should still pay off well.

CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys @ WAS
($7,200 DK, $7,800 FD)
Washington struggles against opponent’s top WRs, WR2s, slot WRs, random WRs signed off of the street, offensive linemen that report eligible at WR, etc. What I’m implying is that any WR active for Dallas will perform like a stud this week. Lamb has surpassed Amari Cooper as the lead dog here, so I have the highest degree of faith in him.

DJ Moore, Panthers vs. ATL
($6,200 DK, $6,800 FD)
Moore struggled in the Week 8 meeting between these two teams. That, of course, was with Sam Darnold being chased all over the field by ghosts. Cam Newton hasn’t exactly wowed since taking over, but at least he isn’t worse than Darnold. Moore should see an uptick in receptions with Christian McCaffrey out once again, now it is just a matter of Cam and DJ getting on the same page. Another week of practice between them certainly won’t hurt. On Atlanta’s behalf, no team has allowed more receptions to the WR position over the last four weeks.

DFS Sleepers

Jarvis Landry, Browns vs. BAL
($5,400 DK, $6,400 FD)
Landry had his best game of the season two weeks ago against Baltimore. That was before Baltimore lost their top CB for the season. In that game, Landry had more targets than the entire rest of the Cleveland WR room combined. It wasn’t the first time that Jarvis went off versus the Ravens. Since joining Cleveland, Landry has faced Baltimore seven times averaging 6-91 per game.

Jerry Jeudy, Broncos vs. DET
($5,600 DK, $6,300 FD)
While I will have massive exposure to the running attack of Denver, I will also have some exposure to this passing attack. Since returning from injury, Jeudy has paced the Broncos in every passing category except TDs. I like his chances of scoring here against a feeble Detroit defense that was just embarrassed by Justin Jefferson last week.

DraftKings FanDuel
Travis Kelce $7,400 $7,500
George Kittle $6,900 $7,100
Darren Waller $6,400 $6,600
Rob Gronkowski $6,000 $7,000
Mark Andrews $5,900 $6,900
Kyle Pitts $5,500 $5,900
Dalton Schultz $5,400 $5,700
T.J. Hockenson $5,300 $6,100
Dawson Knox $5,000 $6,000
Noah Fant $4,500 $5,800
Foster Moreau $4,000 $5,200
Ricky Seals-Jones $3,600 $4,500
Evan Engram $3,500 $5,300
Gerald Everett $3,500 $4,800
Austin Hooper $3,400 $5,000
David Njoku $3,400 $5,000
Jared Cook $3,200 $5,100
Albert Okwuegbunam $3,100 $4,700
Nick Vannett $3,100 $4,700
C.J. Uzomah $3,000 $5,100
John Bates $3,000 $4,600
Pharoah Brown $3,000 $4,600
James O’Shaughnessy $2,900 $4,500
Juwan Johnson $2,900 $4,400
Ryan Griffin $2,900 $4,700
Donald Parham $2,800 $4,600
Geoff Swaim $2,800 $4,500
Anthony Firkser $2,700 $4,900
Cameron Brate $2,700 $4,800
Tommy Tremble $2,600 $4,700
Brevin Jordan $2,500 $4,600

Tight End

Weekly strategy – Travis Kelce is a great play this week despite the price. I also like George Kittle (as long as Deebo Samuel remains out) and Mark Andrews. After that, Dalton Schultz and Noah Fant are the other higher-priced options in play. Still, it will be hard to fade Evan Engram (at his price), Jared Cook (if all the WRs are out), or Ricky Seals-Jones (if he returns from his injury). Brevin Jordan, one of the Saints, and James O’Shaughnessy are my only true punt options here.

Fantasy Four-pack

Travis Kelce, Chiefs vs. LV
($7,400 DK, $7,500 FD)
Vegas isn’t the worst team in the league versus TEs. Still, they are among the bottom four in every significant category against the position. Meanwhile, Kelce remains the gold standard at the position despite a sub-standard season. The typical Kelce season is so absurdly strong that this pretty damn impressive season is called out as just ‘aight. This feels like a week where Kelce reminds his detractors why he is the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be.

George Kittle, Niners @ CIN
($6,900 DK, $7,100 FD)
Kittle had a monster Week 13 with Deebo Samuel out injured. As of now, we don’t know for certain if Samuel will play this weekend. If Deebo misses another game, don’t be surprised to see Kittle have a repeat performance. Cincy is not exactly a stiff defense against the position. They can hold mediocre or bad TEs in check, but they have been victimized by higher-end options like T.J. Hockenson, Pat Freiermuth, and Darren Waller. Kittle will be good for 7-70-1 if Samuel plays. If Deebo is out, expect closer to 11-120-1 or 2.

Mark Andrews, Ravens @ CLE
($5,900 DK, $6,900 FD)
Cleveland has apparently stopped covering opposing TEs. Since Week 8, the Browns have allowed an average of 6-62-0.8 to the position. That included a 4-65-1 by Andrews in Week 12. Including that game, Andrews now has posted 24-325-6 against Cleveland since the start of 2019.

Dalton Schultz, Cowboys @ WAS
($5,400 DK, $5,700 FD)
Washington is better against tight ends than wide receivers. That really isn’t saying much. Still, this game will feature enough scoring that Schultz has a great opportunity to give you access to this game script without breaking the bank. I particularly like the triple-stack with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.

DFS Sleepers

Evan Engram, Giants @ LAC
($3,600 DK, $4,500 FD)
With Phail-ly on bye, Las Vegas and the Chargers are the two easiest TE defenses to pick on. Vegas gets Kelce, so you know they are about to get stomped. The Chargers get Engram, which will fly considerably lower under the radar. The Eagles are the only team to allow more TE scores this year than the Chargers. Plus five of those scores have come in the last four weeks.

Jared Cook, Chargers vs. NYG
($3,200 DK, $5,100 FD)
Justin Herbert will approach his huddle Sunday and see Cook, Donald Parham, and a bunch of reserve WRs. It should be pretty obvious who will pick up much of the slack assuming that both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams remain out with COVID. The Giants have already allowed nine different TEs to top 8 PPR points, and if Cook does that he is nearly at 3x on DK already. When you add on some additional targets his way, it seems inevitable.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 12

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

Hopefully, you have recovered from the indigestion of this past Thursday. Certainly, you can heat up some leftovers and make yourself a delicious sandwich. We just need to be thankful for our fattened bellies and our fattened wallets, and now we get a chance to stuff ourselves with a second helping of Week 12 DFS delight.

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Baker Mayfield is starting to look like the Black Knight from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. On Monday, during the @BlitzedPodcast, I compared him to Cavity Sam from the game Operation. Nevertheless, Kevin Stefanski is forcing him to persist. Can’t they start the kid that is watching the stadium for Baker in the commercial? If he does finally decide to take a rest Case Keenum gets the start and arguably makes a better fantasy play. Whichever of these two starts will be the QB4 on this slate.

Tyler Huntley started last week and didn’t look awful. Obviously, he is not Lamar Jackson, and if Lamar is healthy there is no chance that he isn’t playing. A healthy Jackson is the QB1 on the board, and an unhealthy but starting Jackson is QB3. If Huntley starts, he is the QB3, but I am not going to use him.

Kareem Hunt may return this week. If he does, it is a decent play, but his presence will actually murky things up with himself and Nick Chubb. If Hunt misses this one (as he should with the bye pending), Chubb is the RB1. If they both play, Chubb becomes RB2 and Hunt becomes RB4. This also puts D’Ernest Johnson back out to pasture. No Hunt = Johnson RB6.

Latavius Murray returned in Week 11, but he still played second fiddle to Devonta Freeman. What is this, 2015? Cleveland has been horse-bleep against the run recently. One of these two will be the RB3, my money is on Freeman. Which should leave the RB6/7 range for Murray.

Jarvis Landry as the last man standing is the de facto WR1 for Cleveland. I feel better about his chances if Keenum gets the start. Still, Baltimore has been mediocre against the pass. Even the once-unflappable Marlon Humphrey has been burnt a few times recently. Based on volume, both he and Donovan Peoples-Jones (if he returns from his groin injury) are playable at WR3/FLEX. Rashard Higgins will start if DPJ is not ready to return. He just isn’t talented enough to use even in a volume situation. Their fourth WR this past week was Ja’Marcus Bradley. He was called up from the practice squad but actually led the WR room in snaps. His deep ball threat factor is a kind of a duplication of DPJ. So bear that in mind. If DPJ is out, Bradley could be considered, especially in Showdown. The wild card is Anthony Schwartz. He looked like a young stud in Week 1 but hasn’t done much since then. He missed last week with a concussion, but he could be a deep punt WR3 if he plays.

Marquise Brown missed Week 11 due to a thigh injury. Before that, he was a target hog for Baltimore. The development of Rashod Bateman was already due to start altering that. Still, Bateman proved last week he is young enough that he will operate best as a WR2 on his team. On several occasions, the Browns have allowed multiple serviceable WR stat lines. So both are in WR3 consideration on this slate. Devin Duvernay and Sammy Watkins just won’t see enough usage if both Bateman and Brown suit up. Devin can be used in Showdown contests, but leave Sammy on the bench.

Baltimore has faced a murderer’s row of TEs this year. So their numbers are slightly inflated. Still, Cleveland almost trusts their TEs more than their WRs right now. Austin Hooper gets a ton of targets, but his final line always looks pedestrian. The story has been similar for David Njoku. Neither is a great play here, but they both might have a price worthy of a start. Hooper would be my choice of the two as the TE3 on the board.

Cleveland hasn’t been challenged by many imposing TEs this year. Still, on a small slate, Mark Andrews will be no worse than the TE2, and he will likely be the TE1. He owned the Browns last year, and I expect a repeat performance here.

Baltimore has the best defensive matchup on the board. Against a broken Baker or a backup Keenum, they should be your choice at DEF this week. Cleveland would have value if Huntley starts, but I still wouldn’t rank them higher than DEF3 here.

On Monday, the broken shell of Russell Wilson has a potential get-right matchup with the Washington Football Team. Washington has been one of the worst in the league against the pass this year. It is clear that the injury has Wilson not quite right, but he still gets the QB2 or QB3 slot here.

Taylor Heinicke had an impressive Week 11 in a tough matchup against the Panthers. Coming into that game, Carolina was ranked 1st overall against the pass and Seattle was the 32nd-ranked defense against the pass. This bodes well for young Taylor. Assuming Lamar Jackson plays, Heinicke and Wilson will jockey for the QB2/3 slot this week. The price difference puts Heinicke into most of my lineups.

Rashaad Penny is injured once again. Alex Collins had a tough go of it last week, and this week won’t be any easier. He will be no better than RB4 on the slate and that ranking is boosted by his volume of usage alone. DeeJay Dallas got some runs last week, including a TD. In a better matchup, I might consider him. Here, he is no better than an injury-punt FLEX play. Travis Homer did nothing last week. I expect him to do even less this time out.

Despite a fumble, Antonio Gibson got the lion’s share of touches last week. After a few injury-fueled, midseason duds, Gibson appears to have put the clamp down on the primary ball-carrier role. This is a bomb spot for him. If Kareem Hunt plays, Gibson could finish as the RB1 on this slate. If Hunt remains out, Gibson is a lock at RB2. J.D. McKissic does enough as a change-of-pack back and through the air to have value in a good matchup. This qualifies as one of those. If you don’t use Gibson, strongly consider starting McKissic as your FLEX to save some money. Jaret Patterson has been used recently to spell Gibson, but he won’t receive the volume necessary to be relevant here unless Gibson reinjures himself.

DK Metcalf has suffered the most due to Russell Wilson’s struggles the last two weeks. He couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity here to get back on track. Washington has allowed multiple stud WR performances basically every week this year. Metcalf must be in your starting lineup, and he should be either the WR1 or WR2 on the entire slate. As I just mentioned, multiple WRs have smashed against this defense on a weekly basis. This means that Tyler Lockett could easily have one of his overdue three-touchdown games here. One of these two must be in your lineup. There is no excuse not to use one of them. Freddie Swain looked to be the WR3 early on this year. Despite playing a fair number of snaps, he hasn’t caught a pass since Week 7. I’ll leave him for Showdown contests. The same goes for Dee Eskridge.

Terry McLaurin is in the conversation for WR1/2 this week. Seattle is playing better against the pass, but they can still be exploited by high-end WRs. Plus, most of the rest of Washington’s WR room is so-so. A returning Curtis Samuel could give this group a boost but I expect him to be on a snap count in his first game back. DeAndre Carter has scored in three straight games. I love him at WR3. Adam Humphries used to have value in PPR formats. He hasn’t done much in weeks, despite the team being shorthanded. You can ignore him. Cam Sims scored last week, but neither he nor Dax Milne will see enough snaps to be worth playing, especially if Samuel returns.

Washington has been mediocre against the TE position. Unfortunately, neither Gerald Everett nor Will Dissly is an obvious play. Everett may battle with the Cleveland TEs for TE3 on the board, but I’d rather use other players in this spot.

Ricky Seals-Jones missed last week’s game due to a hip injury. He is not guaranteed to return this week. Even if he does return, Logan Thomas is likely to return this week as well. Assuming no snap count for Thomas, he jumps into the TE2 spot on the slate. If neither of them plays, John Bates will get another start. He looked serviceable last week, but he doesn’t have the huge upside that Thomas or Seals-Jones would have against Seattle.

The WFT defense could harass the clearly not 100 percent Russell Wilson into some errant passes. I will definitely consider them. There is no upside in playing Seattle here.

[lawrence-related id=462433]

The Main Slate: My recommended DFS lineups

At DK: $5.6k for Cam Newton. $6.3k for Saquan Barkley. $5.3k for Melvin Gordon. $8.3k for Justin Jefferson. $7.9k for Deebo Samuel. $6.2k for DJ Moore. $3.8K for Evan Engram. $4.3k for Ty Johnson at FLEX. $2.3k for the Houston Texans defense.

At FD: $6.6k for Ben Roethlisberger. $9.7k for Christian McCaffrey. $7.5k for Barkley. $8.1k for Jefferson. $7.1k for Diontae Johnson. $6.4k for Elijah Moore. $5.5k for Engram. $5.2k for Ty Johnson at FLEX. $3.8k for the Atlanta Falcons defense.

At Fanball (SuperFlex – includes Sun Night): Tom Brady, Newton at SF, McCaffrey, and Damien Harris, Ty Johnson at FLEX, Jefferson, Chris Godwin, and DJ Moore, and Engram.

DraftKings FanDuel
Tom Brady $7,600 $8,200
Jalen Hurts $7,300 $8,400
Matthew Stafford $7,100 $7,700
Aaron Rodgers $6,900 $7,900
Justin Herbert $6,600 $7,800
Kirk Cousins $6,300 $7,500
Joe Burrow $6,200 $7,100
Ryan Tannehill $6,100 $7,200
Carson Wentz $5,800 $7,300
Jimmy Garoppolo $5,700 $6,500
Cam Newton $5,600 $8,000
Daniel Jones $5,600 $7,000
Matt Ryan $5,500 $7,100
Tua Tagovailoa $5,500 $6,900
Mac Jones $5,400 $6,800
Trevor Lawrence $5,400 $6,700
Teddy Bridgewater $5,300 $7,100
Tyrod Taylor $5,300 $7,400
Ben Roethlisberger $5,200 $6,600
Zach Wilson $5,100 $6,200

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Tom Brady is ready to blow up this week. I love him. My favorite pivots are Matthew Stafford and Kirk Cousins. Both Carson Wentz and Cam Newton can be used on DK but are a little too pricy on FD. Mac Jones and Tyrod Taylor are both serviceable punt options. That said, Ben Roethlisberger is such a bargain on both sites. I don’t see any way to truly avoid him. The only obvious knock is that he will have ridiculous ownership numbers.

Fantasy Four-pack

Tom Brady, Buccaneers @ IND
($7,600 DK, $8,200 FD)
Brady leads the league in passing touchdowns, and Indianapolis has allowed a league-high in passing touchdowns. Can it be this simple? Yes! In case you had too much worry, Brady has gotten Chris Godwin back. He got Rob Gronkowski back. He is getting Scotty Miller back. He may even get Antonio Brown back, though it’s unlikely. I expect Brady to have his sixth start of the year with four or more scores. Heck, he doesn’t even have to worry about any weather concerns this week.

Matthew Stafford, Rams @ GB
($7,100 DK, $7,700 FD)
Stafford got a week off to get back on the same page with his offense. Sean McVay definitely broke everything down and he should return both healthier and more explosive. The Packers are short-handed on every level of their defense right now and none of their missing players are guaranteed to return this week. We know Cooper Kupp will get his share, but I can see stacking Odell Beckham and Van Jefferson this week as well.

Kirk Cousins, Vikings @ SF
($6,300 DK, $7,500 FD) 
Minnesota is opening their offense up for Cousins, and he is responding by actually leading his team to victories. San Fran is actually pretty solid against the pass, but they have been bested by every single stud WR1 they have faced. This will be a hookup party between Kirk and Justin Jefferson. Even Adam Theilen is in play here as is the game stack with Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk.

Jalen Hurts, Eagles @ NYG
($7,300 DK, $8,400 FD)
I really don’t like that FD price here. Brady is actually cheaper as is Stafford and Cousins. That said, Hurts has been playing well thanks to his rushing abilities. We can never count on multiple running TDs, but Hurts does have multiple rushing scores in three of his last seven starts. He is also averaging 56 rushing yards per game. Any passing numbers that Jalen nets are cake, and the Giants serve up that cake on Giant-sized platters.

DFS Sleepers

Mac Jones, Patriots vs. TEN
($5,400 DK, $6,800 FD)
Leave it to the Patriots to have the most NFL-ready QB in the draft fall to them. His passing yardage already has him as a QB1 this season. Somehow, the only QBs to struggle against this defense were Carson Wentz (in one of two meetings), Patrick Mahomes, and Matthew Stafford. The rest of the league has eaten them alive. Jones is a lock for 275-2 here.

Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers @ CIN
($5,200 DK, $6,600 FD)
We have identified this week’s glitch in the algorithm – and this isn’t even the Fanball “Secret Agent” play this week. Somehow, Big Ben did not see an increase in salary despite getting over COVID and getting back Chase Claypool. Cincy has the offense to keep this game up-tempo. That will mean lots of passing opportunities for the Steelers.

DraftKings FanDuel
Jonathan Taylor $9,100 $9,800
Christian McCaffrey $9,000 $9,700
Austin Ekeler $8,400 $8,400
Najee Harris $8,200 $8,800
Dalvin Cook
 $8,100 $8,100
Joe Mixon $7,500 $8,000
Leonard Fournette $6,800 $7,100
Cordarrelle Patterson $6,500 $7,800
Saquan Barkley $6,300 $7,500
James Robinson $6,200 $7,600
Damien Harris $6,100 $6,000
Aaron Jones $6,000 $7,000
AJ Dillon $5,900 $6,900
Darrell Henderson $5,800 $7,300
Myles Gaskin $5,600 $6,200
Devontae Booker $5,400 $6,500
Eli Mitchell $5,400 $6,800
Jeff Wilson $5,300 $5,800
Melvin Gordon $5,300 $6,300
Javonte Williams $5,200 $5,700
Rhamondre Stevenson $5,200 $5,900
Jeremy McNichols $5,100 $5,500
Miles Sanders $5,100 $6,100
Mike Davis $4,900 $5,900
D’Onta Foreman $4,800 $5,700
Dontrell Hilliard $4,600 $5,500
David Johnson $4,500 $5,400
Sony Michel $4,400 $5,100
Ty Johnson $4,300 $5,200
Rex Burkhead $4,200 $5,700
Boston Scott $4,000 $5,200
Brandon Bolden $4,000 $4,900
Nyheim Hines $4,000 $5,200
Qadree Ollison $4,000 $5,200

Running Back

Weekly strategy – All of the expensive options have a concern to me. Christian McCaffrey and Jonathan Taylor are both super expensive. As is Najee Harris and he had one of the quickest-cleared concussions in history last week. Joe Mixon, Leonard Fournette, and Austin Ekeler all have tough matchups. At this point, Dalvin Cook and Saquan Barkley with a new OC are the safest options. I’ll probably use C-Mac or one of them as my RB1. Choosing one of the Broncos at RB2 makes sense. I also like Darrell Henderson in that spot. That said, there are many interesting punt options. Miles Sanders, David Johnson, Ty Johnson, or one of the Falcons’ reserves if Cordarrelle Patterson misses another game could be in play at RB2/FLEX. I am spending up at WR this week, so I will probably use two of the cheap options at RB2 and FLEX.

Fantasy Four-pack

Christian McCaffrey, Panthers @ MIA
($9,000 DK, $9,700 FD)
Miami appears to have improved their run defense over the last five weeks. That is until you look a little closer. In their last five contests, they have faced a who’s not who of fantasy RBs. In their first six games of the year, they were gouged like a pin cushion. They were especially susceptible to pass-catching backs like McCaffrey.

Dalvin Cook, Vikings @ SF
($8,100 DK, $8,100 FD) 
Cook at a reduced price against a middling run defense. I’m game. This is just one of those spots where Dalvin is the safest of the high(er) priced options. I may pivot off of him to Saquan Barkley to save money for my WRs, but he is a lock for 100 total yards and a score. Plus, he can always add a few receptions to his counter.

Saquan Barkley, Giants vs. PHI
($6,300 DK, $7,500 FD)
Philly has allowed the sixth-most running back rushing yards, the second-most RB receptions, and the 10th-most RB receiving yards. Barkley is capable of exploiting all three of those categories. Plus, the new OC, Freddie Kitchens, is used to using a run-heavy strategy as he utilized during his season as Browns head coach.

Jonathan Taylor, Colts vs. TB
($9,100 DK, $9,800 FD)
Let me preface this by saying I will not be using Taylor at this price. That does not preclude me from including him in this article, however, as I always give you the top-4 projected scorers regardless of their price. Taylor proved last week that he can go off against a good run defense. This run defense is even more ruthless, so expecting a repeat performance would be a fool’s game. Nevertheless, Tampa can be beaten by pass-catching backs. Taylor should be able to put together some receiving-forward combo of 22-25 points here. That is actually pretty darn good, but not quite enough to spend this much. The fade is particularly useful here as others chase the points from last week.

DFS Sleepers

Miles Sanders, Eagles @ NYG
($5,100 DK, $6,100 FD)
Can we really trust the Eagles back this week? Sanders has a great matchup on paper, especially since Jordan Howard is doubtful to play. Despite an early fumble, Nick Sirianni stuck with Sanders against a very tough New Orleans run defense, and he performed well. This matchup is much easier, let’s hope we don’t get any coaching shenanigans here.

David Johnson, Texans vs. NYJ
($5,700 DK, $6,200 FD)
Houston cut Phillip Lindsay, leaving only 12 others to battle for touches in this backfield. You’d think they would use the back they traded DeAndre Hopkins for. Of course, this is the Texans and their mental acumen has often been questioned. The Jets have given up 15 total RB scores over their last five games. Johnson did nothing with 16 touches last week, but with 16 touches this week, he could finish with 3-4 TDs.

DraftKings FanDuel
Cooper Kupp $9,600 $9,500
Davante Adams $8,600 $8,700
Justin Jefferson $8,300 $8,100
Deebo Samuel $7,900 $8,000
Keenan Allen $7,400 $7,000
Ja’Marr Chase $7,300 $7,700
Mike Evans $7,200 $7,500
A.J. Brown $7,100 $6,800
Chris Godwin $7,000 $7,600
Adam Theilen $6,700 $7,200
Diontae Johnson $6,600 $7,100
DeVonta Smith $6,400 $6,400
DJ Moore $6,200 $6,700
Chase Claypool $6,000 $6,500
Jaylen Waddle $5,900 $6,700
Brandin Cooks $5,800 $6,500
Mike Williams $5,700 $6,600
Elijah Moore $5,600 $6,400
Michael Pittman $5,600 $6,600
Antonio Brown $5,500 $7,000
Jerry Jeudy $5,500 $6,100
Courtland Sutton $5,400 $6,000
Tee Higgins $5,400 $6,200
Brandon Aiyuk $5,300 $6,300
Marvin Jones $5,300 $5,900
Julio Jones $5,200 $6,000
Kadarius Toney $5,200 $5,600
Kenny Golladay $5,100 $5,900
Russell Gage $5,100 $5,700
Tyler Boyd $5,100 $5,800
Jakobi Meyers $5,000 $5,700
Odell Beckham $5,000 $5,800
Sterling Shepard $5,000 $6,200
Darius Slayton $4,900 $5,500
Kendrick Bourne $4,900 $5,800
Van Jefferson $4,900 $5,400
Corey Davis $4,800 $6,100
Tim Patrick $4,800 $5,700
Jamison Crowder $4,700 $5,900
Robby Anderson $4,700 $5,400
Laviska Shenault $4,400 $5,600
Olamide Zaccheaus $4,400 $5,400
Nelson Agholor $4,300 $5,500
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,100 $5,600
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $4,000 $5,700
T.Y. Hilton $4,000 $5,500
Chris Conley $3,900 $5,200
James Washington $3,900 $5,300
Tajae Sharpe $3,900 $5,000
Tyler Johnson $3,900 $5,300
Allen Lazard $3,800 $5,200
Randall Cobb $3,700 $5,300
Chester Rogers $3,500 $5,300
Quez Watkins $3,500 $5,100
Zach Pascal $3,500 $5,300
K.J. Osborn $3,400 $5,100
Mack Hollins $3,300 $5,300
Ray-Ray McCloud $3,300 $5,500
Nico Collins $3,200 $5,300
Albert Wilson $3,100 $4,900
Chris Moore $3,000 $5,000
Danny Amendola $3,000 $4,900

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – We are going to be top-heavy at WR this week. I love Justin Jefferson and Deebo Samuel in the game stack with Kirk Cousins. Other expensive WRs that I like are both Buccaneers, Diontae Johnson, DeVonta Smith, and DJ Moore. I will likely pull both my WR1 and WR2 from that group. WR3 could be either Elijah Moore or Michael Pittman. I also like any of the Patriots or any of the other Jets here, too. That said, if I choose to go cheap at WR3, I love me some Laviska Shenault.

Fantasy Four-pack

Justin Jefferson, Vikings @ SF
($8,300 DK, $8,100 FD)
The Vikings have made a conscientious effort to get their offense more vertical. Over the last two weeks that has equated to 17-312-2 for Jefferson. San Francisco is middle-of-the-pack against WRs, but they have allowed over 100 yards and/or a TD to every elite WR1 they have faced this year.

Cooper Kupp, Rams @ GB
($9,600 DK, $9,500 FD)
The price is high, but Kupp has delivered more often than not. On the season, Kupp is averaging 8.5-114-1. That is 26 points per game in PPR format. Coming out of the bye and facing a shorthanded defense, Kupp is good as gold (and roughly the same price).

Deebo Samuel, Niners vs. MIN
($7,900 DK, $8,000 FD)
Not only is Samuel the Niners’ top WR, but he may also be their top RB. Minnesota has allowed 14 WRs to top 10 PPR points this year. This includes every elite WR1 they have faced except DJ Moore. Plus, over their last four games, no team has allowed more WR scores or receiving yards than Minnesota.

Chris Godwin, Buccaneers @ IND
($7,000 DK, $7,600 FD)
This is pretty much cut and paste from last week. “No team has allowed more WR scores than Indy. Among opponents’ top WRs to face them, only two have not scored. One was A.J. Brown earlier in the year in a game he got hurt and left early. The other was Brandin Cooks, who still finished the game with 9-89. Not to mention, that three NOW FOUR of those top WRs scored multiple TDs against this defense.” The only question this week is whether Godwin and Mike Evans (back) each get multiple TDs or if only one of them does. Godwin is cheaper than Evans, and he has seen a larger target share of the two recently, so he is my top choice of the two. That said, go ahead and stack both of them with Tom Brady. Hell, make it a true Voltron Stack and throw Rob Gronkowski in there as well. While you are at it, you might as well get really slick and run it back with Michael Pittman, too.

DFS Sleepers

Elijah Moore, Jets @ HOU
($5,600 DK, $6,400 FD)
Over the last four weeks, no WR has more receiving scores than Moore. He also has the sixth-most receptions and the fifth-most receiving yards among the position. Meanwhile, Houston ranks sixth in yards allowed to the position. Plus, they have allowed multiple double-digit WR PPR performances this season in more than half of their games.

Michael Pittman, Colts vs. TB
($5,600 DK, $6,600 FD)
Pittman had a tough matchup last week and he got prematurely taken out of the game script when Indy got so far ahead so early on. In this game there will be passing … oh yes, there will be passing. I don’t see any way short of an injury where Pittman doesn’t finish with a floor of 6-75-1 in this shootout.

DraftKings FanDuel
George Kittle $6,400 $6,700
Kyle Pitts $6,100 $6,600
Mike Gesicki $5,300 $6,200
Dallas Goedert $4,800 $5,900
Noah Fant $4,600 $5,900
Hunter Henry $4,500 $5,600
Rob Gronkowski $4,400 $6,500
Pat Freiermuth $4,300 $5,300
Tyler Higbee $4,200 $5,400
Dan Arnold $4,000 $5,100
Evan Engram $3,800 $5,500
Tyler Conklin $3,700 $5,300
C.J. Uzomah $3,400 $5,200
Albert Okwuegbunam $3,300 $4,900
Cameron Brate $3,200 $4,800
Jack Doyle $3,100 $4,600
Jared Cook $3,000 $5,000
Anthony Firkser $2,700 $4,800
Donald Parham $2,700 $4,700
Geoff Swaim $2,700 $4,500
Josiah Deguara $2,600 $4,900
Mo Alie-Cox $2,600 $4,500
Ryan Griffin $2,600 $4,800
Brevin Jordan $2,500 $4,600
Hayden Hurst $2,500 $4,600
Marcedes Lewis $2,500 $4,200
Tommy Tremble $2,500 $4,600

Tight End

Weekly strategy – Kyle Pitts will be under-owned coming off two duds. His price isn’t awful, but it is still likely more than I can afford. Dallas Goedert, Rob Gronkowski, and Noah Fant are my favorite higher-priced TE options this week. Still, I will be hard-pressed to not just start Evan Engram against the hilariously bad Philly defense. Pat Freiermuth is also in play with Eric Ebron likely out for the year. Ryan Griffin is really the only sure thing punt play.

Fantasy Four-pack

Noah Fant, Broncos vs. LAC
($4,600 DK, $5,900 FD)
Only one team has allowed more TE scores than Los Angeles. This includes four over the last two weeks. Fant remains second in targets, receptions, and receiving TDs among all Denver skill position players despite missing 1 1/2 games with an injury. I like him to post a floor of 6-60-1 here.

Dallas Goedert, Eagles @ NYG
($4,800 DK, $5,900 FD)
The Giants are allowing more than 10 PPR points per week to opposing TEs. Meanwhile, since Zach Ertz was traded to Arizona, Goedert is second among all Philly personnel in receiving yards and targets, and he is tied for the team lead in receptions.

Kyle Pitts, Falcons @ JAC
($6,100 DK, $6,600 FD)
Despite the entirety of Atlanta’s offense going into witness protection the last two weeks, Pitts has actually continued to return at least a modicum of value. His 89 yards over the last two weeks are 40 more than the next closest Falcon. Jacksonville has faced only four upper-echelon TEs, all of them have finished with double-digit PPR points. Pitts will hit that as well, and his ownership will be minuscule since no one will trust this offense.

Rob Gronkowski, Buccaneers @ IND
($4,400 DK, $6,500 FD)
Much like every other passing position, Indy has been rotten against TEs. They have allowed the second-most receptions and receiving yards to the position, and the third-most TDs. Gronk returned last week and was right back on the horse catching six of eight targets for 71 yards.

DFS Sleepers

Evan Engram, Giants vs. PHI
($3,800 DK, $5,500 FD)
Philly is dead last in every meaningful statistic against opposing TEs and it isn’t particularly close. At this price, I cannot fathom not using Engram. Of course, everyone else will be thinking that, too, so expect huge ownership. We can hope his dud against TB slows some of the ownership, but he did score in both games before his bye. This week he will make it three out of four, and that isn’t half bad.

Ryan Griffin, Jets @ HOU
($2,600 DK, $4,800 FD)
Griffin is really the only true punt play on this slate. Houston has been bottom of the barrel against the position all year. Meanwhile, Griffin has seen a slight uptick in targets since Zach Wilson has been out. This week we will find out if those targets continue with Wilson back under center. Griffin hasn’t done much with those targets, but at this price, one TD = 3x value.