NFL DFS Building Blocks Week 15

Welcome to Week 15’s DFS preview! With zero teams on bye and no extra primetime games, we have a massive 12-game slate. This is going to be a long one, so let’s get right into it!

Game Overviews

Dallas Cowboys @ Carolina Panthers

Projected Totals: Cowboys 20.5, Panthers 22.5

You read that right: The Carolina Panthers are officially favorites to win this football game. Bryce Young has been playing at a whole new level while the Cowboys are flailing under Cooper Rush.  

Quarterbacks

Even as a home favorite with a decent total and cheap salaries, it’s hard to get excited about Bryce Young. It’s even harder to get excited about Cooper Rush. With that said, they’re both cheap enough to be at least worth considering in a matchup of two bad teams — sometimes these games are ugly, but sometimes they turn into surprise shootouts. 

Running Backs

Chuba Hubbard is one of my favorite plays of the slate. With Jonathon Brooks and Miles Sanders both on IR, not to mention Raheem Blackshear banged up, his workload is going to be absurd. In a matchup where the Panthers are favored, his price is simply far too cheap. This is also a great spot for Rico Dowdle, who has finally seized near-total control of the Dallas backfield and therefore is cheap for his projected usage. 

Wide Receivers

For the Panthers, Adam Thielen is the main name to consider. He has scored 20+ DraftKings points in each of the last two weeks and is clearly Young’s favorite target. I also am a little interested in Xavier Legette. Sure, he dropped a game-winning TD and finished with just 39 yards last week, but he did see eight targets. He’s cheap enough to make that an intriguing number. We should note that Jalen Coker returns this week, adding extra risk to rostering any Panthers receiver as we are unsure who (if anyone) his routes will come from … hopefully David Moore. For the Cowboys, it’s all about CeeDee Lamb. He isn’t the same player with Rush under center, but he is still racking up targets. He’s an option, especially at a discount on Yahoo. Brandin Cooks hasn’t ramped up enough yet to be an intriguing play as Dallas’ WR2.  

Tight Ends

Ja’Tavion Sanders is back, but he and Tommy Tremble appear to have completely cannibalized each other’s value — neither is playable. For the Cowboys, Jake Ferguson is worth considering. His salaries aren’t bad (except on Yahoo), and the Panthers are the worst defense in the league at stopping tight ends.

Defenses

With how badly the Cowboys’ offense has performed in recent weeks, the Panthers’ defense is in play. They are cheap across the board, including at the minimum $10 on Yahoo. The Cowboys’ defense is also just cheap enough to consider, but I’m a little scared of Bryce Young 2.0. 

Kansas City Chiefs @ Cleveland Browns

Projected Totals: Chiefs 23.5, Browns 19.5

Last week, I said I was surprised to see the Browns with a total below 20 points, given how aggressive they have been with Jameis Winston under center. They proceeded to score just 14 — shockingly, Vegas knows what it’s doing. With that in mind, I’m taking this 19.5-point total at face value, although I still don’t think a Jameis explosion week is completely off the table (he still attempted 41 passes last week, after all). The Chiefs should score some points against a bad Cleveland defense, but they may need to be pushed to bring much upside.

Quarterbacks

I’m not too interested in Patrick Mahomes. His prices aren’t super cheap, and he simply hasn’t been a consistent fantasy producer this season. Jameis Winston is more intriguing, as we know he can throw for multiple touchdowns in any given game and he is relatively cheap. Just keep in mind that his floor is very low. 

Running Backs

Against an elite Chiefs run defense, I’m not interested in Nick Chubb or Jerome Ford. However, Isiah Pacheco has reasserted himself as Kansas City’s RB1, and his salaries are not bad at all — he’s in play. Kareem Hunt is now an afterthought in this offense and not worth considering.

Wide Receivers

With Cedric Tillman out another week, I think Jerry Jeudy is still in play. However, his prices have risen (especially on Yahoo, where he’s far too expensive) and his performance last week would have been just okay without a TD. I prefer Elijah Moore, who has also benefitted from Winston’s high-volume approach and is cheaper (especially on FD, where his price is absurdly low). With that said, they are both in play with Tillman and David Njoku (probably) out — even Michael Woods might be worth a dart throw at basement prices. For the Chiefs, DeAndre Hopkins is priced high enough that he probably needs at least one TD to pay off, given his low route participation rates (his salary is a bit more palatable on DK). He has seen tons of work in the red zone, so that’s certainly a possibility, but he’s risky. Xavier Worthy is also a risky boom-or-bust option, but he is at least cheaper than Hopkins.

Tight Ends

As mentioned, I expect David Njoku to miss this game with a hamstring injury. Even if he is ruled active, I fear he is too risky to consider. In his absence, Jordan Akins is potentially appealing as a punt play against a Chiefs defense that has struggled to stop opposing tight ends. Travis Kelce is in play as a pay-up TE option — I’m not touching Noah Gray.

Defenses

The Browns’ defense projects to be a popular pay-down option, especially on DK. Personally, I’d avoid them if possible, as they have struggled of late and, despite all their own struggles, the Chiefs are still not an offense to target. If you think Jameis throws another pick six or to, the Chiefs’ defense can be played, but I lean toward fading them — they’re expensive and do risk a Winston explosion. 

Miami Dolphins @ Houston Texans

Projected Totals: Dolphins 22.5, Texans 24.5

The Dolphins are fighting to stay in the playoff picture, while the Texans are looking to lock up the AFC South coming off their bye week. Miami’s offense finally looked a bit like its explosive old self in Week 14 — was that a fluke or the beginning of a trend? 

Quarterbacks

Tua Tagovailoa and C.J. Stroud are honestly very similar. They’re both pocket passers with theoretically high ceilings who haven’t hit them much this year. You can play them, especially stacked with their pass-catchers, but I will probably be looking elsewhere. For the record, Tua is cheapest on DK, while Stroud is best on Yahoo.

Running Backs

Salaries have finally caught up to the fact that De’Von Achane is going to see a 15%+ target share every week. Meanwhile, Houston is a tough matchup for RBs, and the sophomore hasn’t been particularly efficient with his elite volume. He’s playable but by no means a smash option. The other top-tier RB in this game, Joe Mixon, projects better (and therefore is set up to be more of a chalk play). I honestly feel similarly about Mixon as I do about Achane — playable, but not my favorite RB on the slate.  

Wide Receivers

Nico Collins is one of those “good enough to be in play every week despite high prices” receivers. So far this year, those guys haven’t always come through, but I still think putting Collins in if you can afford him is never a mistake. Tank Dell is cheap enough to be worth considering, but he simply hasn’t done much this season. Tyreek Hill is coming off a big game, but this matchup with a good Texans D-line feels more like one where the Dolphins’ offense returns to dink-and-dunk mode. That’s also bad news for Jaylen Waddle. This duo can be played, but I probably won’t be doing it.

Tight Ends

While it’s bad for the receivers, that dink-and-dunk plan is good news for Jonnu Smith. However, his salaries have caught up to his production, so he’s just an okay pay-up TE. Dalton Schultz is very cheap on DK and has seen a 21% target share in two of his last three games … but I still find it very hard to click his name.  

Defenses

I’m not particularly interested in either the Dolphins’ defense or the Texans’ defense. 

New York Jets @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Projected Totals: Jets 21.5, Jaguars 18.5

This is an ugly matchup. The Jets refuse to play up to their potential, while the Jaguars are just bad. 

Quarterbacks

The Jaguars’ secondary is so bad that I’m actually considering Aaron Rodgers for the first time all season. But his production has been so thoroughly lackluster that he’s still only an optimistic play. Mac Jones is not an option, even at bargain prices.

Running Backs

Surprisingly, it sounds like Breece Hall will be active this week. That makes him worth considering in a great matchup, especially at a cheap price on DK. However, there’s a real risk that he sees a limited workload while splitting time with Braelon Allen and/or Isaiah Davis. If Hall is out, both members of that rookie duo are viable value plays — they operated in a near-perfect 50/50 split last week. For the Jaguars, Tank Bigsby seems to have overtaken Travis Etienne as the lead rusher. Bigsby is cheap enough (except on Yahoo) to be interesting, but he’ll need a big play or two given his lack of receiving involvement. I’m not playing Etienne.

Wide Receivers

I’ve been saying every week that Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson see better volume than their prices would indicate, and they finally came through last week with 20+ DK points each. Both can be played again this week against the Jaguars’ miserable secondary. For the Jaguars, the player to consider is Brian Thomas Jr. He saw a 36% target share last week and could be even higher this week with Evan Engram out. Despite a bad matchup, he’s worth considering at totally reasonable prices. He didn’t do much of anything last week after a breakout Week 13, but I also don’t hate a punt on Parker Washington, who is cheap and running a ton of routes. 

Tight Ends

With Engram out, Brenton Strange is in play as a punt TE. The existence of guys like Strange is what makes Tyler Conklin completely unappealing. 

Defenses

Both of these defenses are in play. The Jaguars’ defense is cheap (and chalky) on FanDuel and Yahoo, while the Jets’ defense is relatively cheap (and chalky) on DK. 

Washington Commanders @ New Orleans Saints

Projected Totals: Commanders 26.5, Saints 16.5

The Commanders got their mojo back with a 42-point explosion in Week 13 and are now fully rested coming off their bye. Meanwhile, the Saints lost Derek Carr and will now be starting Jake Haener. It’s not surprising that this game has a massive 10-point spread. 

Quarterbacks

Can you get two more different quarterback than Jake Haener and Jayden Daniels? Haener isn’t appealing at all even at bargain prices, while Daniels is in consideration despite being one of the most expensive QBs on the slate. With that said, I don’t see the Commanders asking their rookie QB to do much in what should be an easy win, so I lean toward playing neither of these guys. 

Running Backs

If Daniels isn’t doing much, it’s because Brian Robinson is running all over the Saints’ defense. With Austin Ekeler on IR, Robinson should see elite usage against one of the worst run defenses in the league. He is a smash play on all three sites. Alvin Kamara always projects incredibly well, but I don’t love him this week. The return of Kendre Miller last week cut into his volume, and this offense could collapse completely without Carr under center. 

Wide Receivers

Terry McLaurin is definitely an option, especially if you want to play him with Daniels. Just like with his QB, the main concern is that he won’t see enough volume to pay off a high price tag in a comfortable Commanders win. With Noah Brown sidelined, Dyami Brown should serve as Washington’s second outside WR and is a bit interesting as a punt play. But his floor is obviously zero, so proceed with caution. I’m not playing any of the Saints’ receivers, Marquez Valdes-Scantling included, with Haener under center.

Tight Ends

Zach Ertz is cheap and could see extra volume without Brown. He is a value option. If you want an even cheaper value TE (at least on DK), Juwan Johnson is worth considering. His usage without Taysom Hill has been solid. 

Defenses

The Commanders’ defense is definitely in play, especially on Yahoo. The Saints’ defense is not an option.

Baltimore Ravens @ New York Giants

Projected Totals: Ravens 29.5, Giants 13.5

Holy cannoli. It feels like I say this week, but this has to be the most lopsided spread we’ve seen in the NFL all season. On the one hand, it’s very tempting to chase that 29.5-point total. On the other hand, half of those points might be scored by Josh Johnson and Justice Hill after this game gets out of hand early.  

Quarterbacks

On the one hand, Lamar Jackson could probably score 60 against this Giants team (without Dexter Lawrence) if he wanted to … but he probably doesn’t want to. He’s absolutely playable, but it’s very easy to see a scenario where he starts hot then coasts to a mediocre final stat line. Tommy DeVito is just cheap enough on DraftKings to make me think twice, especially against the Ravens’ struggling secondary. But he’s probably still best avoided.

Running Backs

This is the smash spot of all smash spots for Derrick Henry. Then again, I said that about Saquon Barkley last week, and he was relatively disappointing. But we know how King Henry loves to take the soul from a defense in a positive game script, and this sure does project as a positive game script. He’s absolutely in play in all formats. Tyrone Tracy brings talent, usage, and a decently cheap price. The only problem is this brutal matchup. DeVito is also less checkdown-prone than Drew Lock was. Tracy is playable, but there are other more appealing RBs at similar price tags.  

Wide Receivers

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before, but the biggest issue with Zay Flowers is that he might not see much volume if the Ravens get up early. He’s still playable, we just will have to hope he gets there early. Rashod Bateman is also cheap enough to be playable — if anything, his lower price makes me more tempted to risk the low floor on him. Malik Nabers is coming off a down game but is also very cheap for his talent. He’s absolutely in play, although his ceiling is limited by the fact that he is unlikely to hit pay dirt with this low total. I’m almost tempted by Wan’Dale Robinson or Darius Slayton given the Ravens’ issues depending the pass … but only almost.

Tight Ends

Mark Andrews is particularly cheap on DK, where he is an okay, if TD-dependent, play. Isaiah Likely hasn’t been running enough routes recently to be considered. Someone who has been running routes is Daniel Bellinger — he’s a complete punt option on DK and Yahoo, but his floor is zero. 

Defenses

The Ravens’ defense is the most expensive option on all three sites, which is hard to argue with given this absurdly low 13.5-point total. Paying up for the top defense is rarely the right move, but I don’t hate it this week if you’ve got the cash for it. The Giants’ defense is not in play.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Tennessee Titans

Projected Totals: Bengals 26.5, Titans 20.5

This is a case of strength on weakness. The Bengals’ offense is high-flying, while their defense can’t stop anyone. Meanwihle, Titans are solid defensively but have struggled to move the ball consistently. The Bengals’ offense is definitely the best unit in this game, but their defense might be the worst, so this one could be interesting. 

Quarterbacks

Joe Burrow has been absolutely tearing it up all season. Priced outside the top-three quarterbacks and with low projected rostership, he’s definitely a viable play (althogh he almost has to be stacked with one or more of his weapons). This is a great matchup for Will Levis, but it’s hard to trust him here when he couldn’t get it done against another soft defense in Jacksonville last week.

Running Backs

Chase Brown is probably my single favorite play on the slate. His offense is excellent, his usage is unimpeachable, he brings big-play ability, and he’s still priced outside the top five RBs on both DK and FD. He’s a great option despite being very chalky. Tony Pollard is also playable. It’s a little concerning that he missed multiple practices this week, but he is reportedly expected to play, and the Bengals’ run defense is very bad. 

Wide Receivers

Ja’Marr Chase has been far and away the best fantasy receiver in the league this year. His ceiling is unparalleled and he hasn’t dropped below 20 DK points once in the last four weeks. He’s worth paying up for if you can do it. Of course, Tee Higgins is also a very viable play. He dropped a dud last week and this is a bad matchup, but his usage has been comparable to Chase’s all season. For the Titans, Calvin Ridley is the only receiver I’m considering (sorry, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine). I’ve been chasing his elite usage for weeks now, and I’m willing to go back to the well in a great matchup. He’s a bit expensive on DK, but otherwise a very solid option. 

Tight Ends

Mike Gesicki dropped to just a 37% route participation rate last week, making him completely unplayable. I’m also not playing Chigoziem Okonkwo.

Defenses

Except on Yahoo, where they are cheap, I’m avoiding the Bengals’ defense, which I don’t trust to take advantage of this good matchup. The Titans’ defense is also best avoided in a terrible matchup. 

New England Patriots @ Arizona Cardinals

Projected Totals: Patriots 19.5, Cardinals 26.5

The Cardinals are coming off an absolute smackdown at the hands of their division-rival Seahawks. Luckily, they come into a decent bounce-back spot against the 3-10 Patriots. Earlier in the season, I might have liked this game as a sneaky shootout spot, but the Cardinals’ defense has quietly been very solid in recent weeks … with the exception of last week.

Quarterbacks

Kyler Murray jumps out as being straight-up underpriced on DraftKings, but he is playable on all sites. Yes, he has been up and down, but he is still a dual-threat quarterback with a high team total and a good matchup. Especially if the Patriots keep this close, he could have a huge day. I have chased Drake Maye’s dual-threat upside in past weeks, but I lean toward fading him this week. Solid overall, Arizona’s defense has been a legitimately tough matchup for QBs.

Running Backs

Compared to the running backs priced around him, I don’t see much to like about Rhamondre Stevenson. His usage is good, but this environment is bad. He’s not unplayable at these salaries, but I certainly won’t be doing it. On the other hand, this matchup is excellent for James Conner. He is cheapest and chalkiest on DK but can be played on all three sites.

Wide Receivers

Marvin Harrison Jr.’s price has fallen to the point where we have to consider him. Yes, he hasn’t lived up to expectations and is a boom-or-bust option. But he has still shown that boom potential. He’s worth considering as a mid-range WR. I also still don’t hate Michael Wilson as a pay-down option. For the Patriots, Demario Douglas projects to be the popular cheap play, but I prefer Kayshon Boutte. He is cheaper than Douglas and runs far more routes — all he needs is one big play to pay off. 

Tight Ends

Trey McBride is the most expensive TE on the slate (except on Yahoo), for good reason. With excellent volume each week at a position that lacks it, he is absolutely worth paying up for if your lineup allows it. Hunter Henry has also quietly racked up targets this season — he’s in play as a value option, especially on FD.

Defenses

The Cardinals’ defense is definitely in play with their recent form and how terrible the Patriots’ O-line is. The Patriots’ defense is just cheap enough to be tempting, but I still won’t be playing them if I can avoid it.

Indianapolis Colts @ Denver Broncos

Projected Totals: Colts 20.5, Broncos 24.5

This battle of horse teams is a quasi-playoff matchup, as both the Colts and Broncos have over a 40% swing in playoff probability riding on the outcome of this game. From a fantasy perspective, however, it’s tough to know who to trust, with a few key exceptions.

Quarterbacks

This is an okay matchup for Bo Nix, and we have seen him break the slate a few times this season. He’s playable. With that said, I prefer the other QB in this one: Anthony Richardson. He still isn’t a consistent passer, but what has been consistent is his rushing usage. He is averaging 9.7 attempts for 47 yards and a touchdown on the ground since returning from the bench. If anything, the Colts will likely lean harder into that usage in a must-win game for their playoff hopes. I want to chase that rushing upside at his relatively cheap prices.

Running Backs

It’s essentially impossible to play any Denver running back, even in a great matchup. We simply can’t confidently predict whether any of Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, or Audric Estime will see useable volume. The Colts don’t have that problem, as Jonathan Taylor is dominating touches. Playing with Richardson has reduced his TD equity and receiving work, but his salaries have fallen accordingly. He is definitely playable, especially given his low projected rostership compared to similarly priced RBs. 

Wide Receivers

Courtland Sutton is the only Broncos receiver we can really consider. He has been running hot enough to still be playable even as his salary keeps rising, but I don’t love him. The Colts expect to get Josh Downs back this week. I’m tempted to slam him in at relatively low prices (especially on DK), but it’s so hard to trust him in his first week back and with Richardson under center. However, his return makes it impossible to play Adonai Mitchell and, combined with Richardson’s accuracy issues, also makes Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce less appealing. 

Tight Ends

Neither of these teams has a tight end that I even feel obligated to mention.

Defenses

The Colts’ defense is cheap, but they are also bad, and this isn’t a great matchup. I also don’t love the Broncos’ defense — for all his issues, Richardson is elite at avoiding sacks, which makes it much harder to rack up defensive fantasy points.

Buffalo Bills @ Detroit Lions

Projected Totals: Bills 26.5, Lions 28.5

A week after absolutely breaking the slate against the Rams, the Bills might just do it again against the Lions. This game has by far the highest total on the slate, eight points clear of any other matchup. To be fair, both of these defenses are also good, so there’s a chance this game disappoints from a fantasy perspective. But great offense beats great defense, and these are two of the best.

Quarterbacks

On the one hand, this seems like a good spot for Jared Goff. His biggest issue has been low volume as the Lions dominate teams, but they may be pushed to throw on a Buffalo defense that was just torn apart by Matthew Stafford. The issue is that if the Bills are pushing the Lions, it’s probably because Josh Allen is doing his thing, at which point even a big game from Goff could become irrelevant. With that said, both of these quarterbacks are absolutely playable. We just saw how quickly Allen can become the only player that matters, and Goff has a near-40-point game of his own this season.

Running Backs

I lean toward fading James Cook this week. He has relied on efficiency to get the job done, and that may be hard to find against a good Lions run defense. The Bills also showed last week that they are willing to abandon the run completely if it is needed to keep up, which might be the case this week. On paper, this feels more like a spot for Jahmyr Gibbs than David Montgomery — the Bills’ defense is the third-softest in terms of giving up receiving production to opposing RBs. However, Montgomery himself has also been decently involved in the passing game this season. Like most weeks, both Detroit backs are firmly in play.

Wide Receivers

If ever there was a week where the Lions need to lean on Amon-Ra St. Brown, this might be it. I like him as a pay-up option at receiver this week. Jameson Williams is also an option, although Buffalo’s defense is particularly good against outside receivers. Tim Patrick may have scored two TDs last week, but his usage isn’t good enough to make him more than a dart throw. Things are trickier for the Bills. Amari Cooper saw a massive amount of targets last week, but he is still just a part-time player and may see his role reduced further with Keon Coleman back. Khalil Shakir seems like the “safe” option, but his own role might be reduced if Dalton Kincaid returns and steals some routes for the slot. Are Coleman or Mack Hollins worth throwing darts at? Shakir and Cooper can be played if you stack this game to explode (especially with Allen up top). Otherwise, I will probably avoid this crowded receiving room.

Tight Ends

That same logic carries over to Buffalo’s tight ends. Dalton Kincaid may be back, but Dawson Knox will still be involved; I’m not playing either. Sam LaPorta has seen marginally better usage of late, with a 16.7%+ target share in each of his last four games. That makes him worth at least considering, although I still lean toward avoiding him at salaries that still aren’t exactly cheap. 

Defenses

Lol.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Los Angeles Chargers

Projected Totals: Buccaneers 21.5, Chargers 23.5

We’ve got another game with playoff implications, as both of these teams are currently in but have a decent chunk of probability riding on this week’s outcome. Both teams also have a key rookie whose availability could change the tenor of this matchup, as Bucky Irving and Ladd McConkey are both questionable.  

Quarterbacks

This isn’t a great matchup, but I’m still a bit tempted by Baker Mayfield this week. He’s cheaply priced given his excellent production this season, and we know he can make things happen with his arm and his legs. Especially with low projected rostership, he is an intriguing option. Justin Herbert is also definitely in play, as the Tampa Bay defense has been giving up passing points in bunches all season and his salary isn’t bad at all.

Running Backs

As mentioned, Bucky Irving is questionable for this matchup with a back injury. If he’s in, this is a tempting spot for the explosive rookie, but can we trust him after last week’s early exit? If Irving is out, Rachaad White is suddenly very appealing as a pure volume option. Sean Tucker is also just cheap enough to think twice about, but he was hardly used last week even after Irving exited, so his floor is super low. For the Chargers, Kimani Vidal has turned this into a split backfield with veteran Gus Edwards. I’m avoiding both, except on Yahoo, where Vidal is very tempting at the $10 minimum.

Wide Receivers

Mike Evans’ big-play ability and red-zone usage mean he is always worth considering. After scoring two touchdowns last week, Jalen McMillan is on the radar as a punt receiver play. However, he has actually seen far fewer targets than Sterling Shepard over the past few weeks, and I might prefer the veteran as a sneakier value option. If McConkey is in for the Chargers, this is an excellent spot for him. We know how bad the Buccaneers’ pass defense is, and he saw a 50% (!) target share in his last healthy game. If he is out, Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston are value options thanks to this excellent matchup. 

Tight Ends

Cade Otton hasn’t provided a big week since Evans returned, making it very hard to put him in your lineups at mid-range prices. With Will Dissly sidelined, Stone Smartt should be the Chargers’ primary receiving tight end. He is big, athletic, and, more importantly, super cheap. He’s a punt option.

Defenses

I’m not particularly interested in the Chargers’ defense (in a bad matchup) or the Buccaneers’ defense (just bad). 

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Philadelphia Eagles

Projected Totals: Steelers 18.5, Eagles 23.5

This battle for Philadelphia could get ugly. The Eagles were supposed to blow the Panthers away last week, but they finished with just 22 points and were a Xavier Legette drop away from taking an L. Meanwhile, the Steelers have lost essentially their only explosive playmaker in George Pickens, so they will probably lean even harder into their identity of defense and fundamental wins.  

Quarterbacks

In theory, Jalen Hurts has the ceiling to compete with anyone in the league. In practice, he’s hardly throwing the ball, and this is a bad matchup. There is a chance that he will come out firing in order to quiet all the drama that has surrounded the Eagles this week, but I doubt it. Philadelphia has been by far the run-heaviest team in the league since their bye, and it’s working. I’m not interested in Russell Wilson against the Eagles’ defense without Pickens.

Running Backs

I’m surprised to see Saquon Barkley again projected to be massively rostered after his relatively disappointing outing last week. However, the Steelers’ defensive line is banged up, and we know the Eagles can run on anyone. He’s still worth considering. I’m not interested in Najee Harris. The Eagles’ defense has been shutting people down, and Jaylen Warren has been cutting more and more into his workload (although not enough to be a particularly intriguing play himself). 

Wide Receivers

As much as he has tried to walk back his comments, it’s undeniable that A.J. Brown is a squeaky wheel this week. We saw that narrative fail last night with Deebo Samuel, but the difference is that AJB is still one of the best receivers in the league. If this weren’t such a tough matchup, I’d be all over him. As is, he’s still playable despite prices higher than his recent production. With Brown likely seeing extra targets, DeVonta Smith’s already low projected volume gets even lower. He’s cheap enough to be intriguing on Yahoo; otherwise, I’m fading him. I’m not playing any Pittsburgh receivers, as they used a complete committee approach without Pickens last week.

Tight Ends

In fact, the only Pittsburgh player with a route participation rate above 60% was Pat Freiermuth. He’s cheap enough to be a little intriguing as a value option, but I should point out that his team-high participation rate was still just 62%. Grant Calcaterra came through with a TD last week, and he’s still an okay pay-down option as long as Dallas Goedert is sidelined.

Defenses

The Eagles’ defense is definitely playable, as the Steelers’ offense is not at all scary without Pickens. With that said, they are both expensive and projected to be decently rostered, which is not an ideal combo. I’m not playing the Steelers’ defense.

DraftKings

Cash Game

Let’s start right away with three running backs who should see excellent volume in Chase Brown, Rachaad White, and Chuba Hubbard. Those guys are relatively expensive, so let’s pay down at both defense and TE with the Panthers’ defense and the one and only Stone Smartt. I also like getting Kyler in as he simply projects better than his price. From there, we need three receivers, and there are tons of options. With Engram out, Brian Thomas Jr. stands out as someone who should see tons of volume, but you certainly don’t need him. There are tons of options at receiver in the mid-price ranges that we can afford (or you can pay up and down with a value option).  

Tournament

I want to play Anthony Richardson here where he is cheapest. I’m betting that he gets there mostly with rushing, but let’s also stack him with Josh Downs and hope for at least one passing touchdown. From there, I want to get in Derrick Henry, as he could easily score three touchdowns in this matchup. I’ll also go back to both Chuba and Brown, as I simply can’t turn down players who are going to see nearly all of their backfields’ touches. We’re going to need to save money somewhere, so let’s go back to Smartt and correlate him with another cheap play in Sterling Shepard. That leaves us with $10,500 and just a D/ST and a WR slot to fill — there are plenty of ways to make that happen. 

FanDuel

Cash Game

The sneaky thing about FanDuel is that it includes the Sunday Night Football game, allowing me to go straight back to the one and only Zach Charbonnet after his massive game last week. In fact, let’s just pay up across the board at running back, slamming in Derrick Henry AND Saquon Barkley. Of course, we need to find value to make this happen, but there is plenty on this slate. My guy Calvin Ridley is way too cheap, as is Elijah Moore. Adam Thielen also stands out as easily the safest player in his price range. If we also pay down at tight end with Hunter Henry, we suddenly have a lot of money left for QB and DST. I lean toward paying up at QB and down at defense, but there are lots of ways to make this work. 

Tournament

I know that the Eagles probably aren’t going to suddenly throw the ball because of some off-the-field drama … but what if? Can a Jalen Hurts/A.J. Brown stack get it done? Let’s find out. If the Eagles are throwing, it’s probably because the Steelers’ offense found a pulse, so let’s assume that that involves Pat Freiermuth falling into the end zone. I’ll also go back to the well with the way underpriced duo of Ridley and Moore, plus two of my favorite plays of the week in Hubbard and Brown. That leaves plenty of cash to fill the FLEX and D/ST spots with whoever you would like. 

Yahoo

Cash Game

Chalk on Yahoo is often a fairly simple game. Let’s slam Charbonnet, as well as my guy Chase Brown. Let’s also take advantage of the Bengals’ defense at just $1 above the minimum. A couple of super-cheap WRs stand out as obvious plays in Palmer and McMillan, which allows us to turn around and pay up for Josh Allen at QB and Kelce at TE. That leaves just an one more WR And a FLEX spot, there are plenty of ways to fill those gaps. 

Tournament

I’m 99% positive I will regret this, but let’s do an Aaron Rodgers double stack with Adams and Wilson, adding BTJ going the other way. Let’s pivot off the chalk defenses by playing the Commanders, but then get in some chalk in the form of $10 Kimani Vidal and $18 Charbonnet. With those two plays, we’ve saved enough money to be able to pay up at TE and the final FLEX spot; there are plenty of routes you can take.