NFL DFS Building Blocks Week 11
Welcome to Week 11’s DFS preview! Last week was very low-scoring on the main slate, which allowed a couple of key good plays (mostly Calvin Ridley) to bail out otherwise bad picks from me. We’ve got another four byes this week, and it feels to me as though DFS pricing is a bit tougher than it has been so far this season. Of course, there are still plenty of good spots to attack. Let’s get started!
Game Overviews
Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears
Projected Totals: Packers 23.5, Bears 17.5
These two divisional rivals are headed in opposite directions. The Packers are 6-3 and fairly healthy coming off their bye week, while the Bears are in the midst of a tailspin. Chicago fired OC Shane Waldron after an offensive disaster in Week 10, but I don’t think that fixes their problems.
Quarterbacks
Jordan Love is priced way up on DK, where he is only an option if you want to be contrarian. He’s cheaper on FD and Yahoo but still not super appealing, as he’s facing a tough defense in what doesn’t project to be an ideal game script. Caleb Williams has been atrocious of late, but his price is just low enough that I don’t hate throwing a tournament dart or two at him in case the OC switch makes a difference.
Running Backs
This is a decent spot for Josh Jacobs, who has been the definition of an RB2 so far this season. His best price is on FanDuel. D’Andre Swift has cooled down from his red-hot stretch in the middle of the season, struggling to escape the collapse of the Bears’ offense as a whole. He’s priced low enough to not be a terrible option, but if I’m going to bet on an offensive renaissance for Chicago, I’d rather shoot for the moon with Williams and/or a pass-catcher.
Wide Receivers
I’m out on Jayden Reed for this week. He’s priced up compared to his recent production, and the Bears’ defense is a particularly tough matchup for slot receivers. I unfortunately am also out Christian Watson and Dontayvion Wicks outside of tournament darts, as they are back to cannibalizing each other’s route participation. That leaves Romeo Doubs, who stands out as a decent mid-range option that we at least know will always lead this team in routes. For the Bears, D.J. Moore is priced just low enough on Yahoo to be worth considering, but his production has been truly non-existent of late. Outside of optimistic stacks with Caleb, I’m ignoring him. Keenan Allen also hasn’t looked great. Rome Odunze is the most tempting member of this room as he has the lowest price and is explosive, but he does consistently trail the other two in routes.
Tight Ends
Tucker Kraft is an okay option, as he brings big-play ability at a relatively low price. Cole Kmet is not particularly interesting.
Defenses
The Packers’ defense is absolutely in play this week. One of my best plays of last week was playing New England’s defense against this Bears offense, as they came through with nine sacks. Green Bay’s defense is more talented than the Patriots’, although they do come with a much higher price. The Bears’ defense is talented and cheap enough (except on Yahoo) to consider despite a bad matchup.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Detroit Lions
Projected Totals: Jaguars 16.5, Lions 30.5
I may be forgetting something, but I think this is the most lopsided spread we’ve seen all season. The Lions are a threshing machine, and the Jaguars were already flailing before they traded out Trevor Lawrence for Mac Jones.
Quarterbacks
Am I crazy for being kind of tempted by Mac Jones at $4,900 on DK? He could score some garbage-time points and won’t need much to pay off his price tag. He’s more expensive, and therefore unappealing, on the other two sites. Jared Goff is very cheap on Yahoo (too expensive on FD, though) and has an excellent matchup. The only question is whether he gets asked to do much at all in what should be an easy win for the Lions.
Running Backs
I’ve been playing David Montgomery at cheaper prices than Jahmyr Gibbs all season, and this feels like a Montgomery matchup if ever there was one. With that said, there should be enough to go around for both to eat, and we know Gibbs can break a slate with just a few plays. Both are very valid plays this week. With Tank Bigbsy ruled out, Travis Etienne is a bit appealing as a pure volume play. However, this situation is brutal, so play him at your own risk.
Wide Receivers
On the one hand, the Jaguars are the best possible matchup for receivers, and Amon-Ra St. Brown is an elite receiver. But with high prices and high projected rostership, I’m tempted to fade the Sun God and hope this is another game where the Lions simply don’t need him. Jameson Williams has been much less involved since the first two weeks of the season (even ignoring his two-week suspension), but he’s cheap enough to be an option. I like this matchup for Brian Thomas Jr., although he’s not as cheap as I would have hoped given the Mac Jones factor. Gabe Davis is much cheaper and gets that same matchup, but relying on a Mac Jones/Gabe Davis connection feels like a recipe for disaster.
Tight Ends
Sam LaPorta was actually looking more involved in the Lions’ offense last week before he exited early with a shoulder injury, but it looks as though he will be out for this one. That opens up Brock Wright/Shane Zylstra as punt-and-hope-for-a-TD options, but the fact that there are two of them makes both a riskier proposition. Evan Engram has seen target shares over 32% in each of the last two weeks, and any TE seeing that volume is worth considering. Again, he could disappoint if this offense completely implodes, but that risk may be worth taking.
Defenses
The Lions’ defense is expensive on all three sites, but if you happen to have the funds left over, you can’t go wrong playing them against Jones and Co. The Jaguars’ defense is cheap on all three sites, but I don’t think you can go right playing them against this Lions offense.
Las Vegas Raiders @ Miami Dolphins
Projected Totals: Raiders 17.5, Dolphins 26.5
We’ve got another pretty big spread here, as the Dolphins are projected to easily take care of the Raiders at home. Miami’s offense hasn’t quite been its explosive self, but the Raiders are already looking to 2025.
Quarterbacks
Tua Tagovailoa isn’t a terrible option (except on FD, where he is too expensive) in a good matchup, but he just hasn’t put up many points so far this season. Playing him is a bet that Miami uses this soft matchup to get their explosive mojo back. There’s very little to like about Gardner Minshew, even at low prices.
Running Backs
De’Von Achane continues to see absolutely elite usage, especially through the air, but he has yet to provide many of the explosive plays that were his calling card as a rookie. With a great matchup, this may be the week that changes — he’s a smash play, especially on DK. The last time we saw the Raiders, Alexander Mattison lost a bit of the dominant workload he had been seeing, including ceding goal-line carries to Zamir White. This backfield hardly has enough opportunity to support one relevant back, so I’m not playing either of them.
Wide Receivers
Jakobi Meyers has seen an absolutely elite 29% target share in games without Davante Adams on the Raiders. He is a very solid play, except on Yahoo, where he is priced up. Tyreek Hill has yet to have a truly boom game, and I’m starting to get sick of playing him and hoping it happens. He still definitely can provide an elite ceiling, but I’m leaning toward fading him at top-five prices on DK and FD. Jaylen Waddle has the same issue on a smaller scale — reduced usage, bad production, and prices (except on Yahoo) that still reflect his name value.
Tight Ends
Part of the reason Hill and Waddle have been so mediocre is that Jonnu Smith has maintained a 15% target share in this offense. He’s an option as a pay-down TE (except on Yahoo). Brock Bowers is always in play as an elite pay-up option, although his usage has slowed down slightly with Meyers’ return.
Defenses
The Raiders’ defense projects to be fairly popular as a pay-down option. I do see the logic, but I’m not sure I want to take that risk, even at very low prices. I would rather play the Dolphins’ defense, which isn’t great but should be able to handle Minshew and Co.
Los Angeles Rams @ New England Patriots
Projected Totals: Rams 24.5, Patriots 19.5
The Rams are back in business with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua both healthy, while the Patriots have found some offensive life with Drake Maye under center. Could this game be a sneaky shootout with two below-average defenses?
Quarterbacks
I’m tempted by Matthew Stafford this week. His prices aren’t terrible, his projected rostership is minuscule, and he is averaging a solid 17.8 points per game with Nacua and Kupp both active (that includes games in which one or both was limited or left early). The Patriots also allow the fifth-highest EPA per dropback in the league, so all we need is this one to stay a little close for a potential big game from Stafford. If it’s going to stay close, it will be on the back of Drake Maye, whom I also like as a pay-down option. He isn’t expensive and brings plenty of rushing upside.
Running Backs
Kyren Williams is a touchdown machine and should get a shot or two in this good matchup. He’s a valid play in both tournaments and cash. Rhamondre Stevenson is cheap given his volume and relatively light matchup, but he’s certainly risky.
Wide Receivers
Cooper Kupp is more expensive than Puka Nacua on all three sites, and that seems like a flat-out mistake to me. With that said, they’re both in play given how concentrated this Rams passing attack is. For the Patriots, I’ve been on the Kayshon Boutte train for a few weeks, but it’s suddenly very crowded — he projects to be solidly rostered on all three sites. He’s still the only New England WR to consider, as no one else broke even a 60% route participation rate in Week 10.
Tight Ends
Davis Allen has quietly taken over as the Rams’ lead tight end. I am into him as a punt option given his prices haven’t caught up to his usage. Hunter Henry absolutely killed me last week, but he’s still just cheap enough to be tempting given his usually solid usage.
Defenses
The Rams’ defense is not a bad option; they could take advantage of the Patriots’ O-line woes and Maye’s tendency for turnover-worthy plays. The Patriots’ defense came through for me as a punt play last week, but I’m fading them this week in what is a much worse matchup.
Cleveland Browns @ New Orleans Saints
Projected Totals: Browns 22.5, Saints 22.5
The Browns got the bad side of Jameis Winston in Week 9 before their bye, but he still brings infinitely more volume and upside to their offense than it had previously. Meanwhile, the Saints managed a win last week despite being absolutely brutalized by receiver injuries. Despite all their other injuries, their O-line is much healthier, which gave Derek Carr time to find Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a couple of deep shots.
Quarterbacks
Jameis Winston has attempted at least 40 passes in both of his two starts. That much volume means that a huge game is certainly within his range of outcomes with a bit of luck, making him an interesting option. Derek Carr is less interesting, although he’s cheap enough on DK to at least think twice about.
Running Backs
Alvin Kamara is essentially the Saints’ entire offense by himself at this point. He’s a great play in all formats. Meanwhile, if there was ever a game to play Nick Chubb, this is it. He hasn’t been himself efficiency-wise and isn’t involved in the passing game, but the Saints’ run D is very beatable.
Wide Receivers
Honestly, I don’t hate chasing last week’s big game from Marquez Valdes-Scantling. His floor is nonexistent, but his deep-threat game fits well with Carr, and we know for sure he has a week-wining ceiling given his still-bargain prices. Mason Tipton is the other Saints WR to consider, but he absolutely burned me last week and I’m very hesitant to go back (his route participation was also hugely disappointing). For the Browns, Cedric Tillman is still way too cheap on DK, and he’s viable on the other sites as well. Elijah Moore and Jerry Jeudy also both have a shot to ride the Jameis volume wave, but we also know that it can come crashing down at any moment.
Tight Ends
Taysom Hill didn’t finish with a great score last week, but he was solidly involved and had an 80-yard TD called back on the very first play of the game. He’s not a terrible option if you want to chase some variance. David Njoku came back to Earth with the rest of the Browns’ offense in Week 9 and has actually seen target shares of just 17% and 15% in Winston’s two starts. That has translated to back-to-back seven-target games, so he’s still in play, but he comes with more risk than you might think.
Defenses
The Browns’ defense projects to be very popular against the banged-up Saints, but New Orleans isn’t mistake-prone enough for me to love the matchup — Carr takes less than one sack per game and ranks fifth-lowest in turnover-worthy play rate. Meanwhile, Winston is nothing if not mistake-prone, so the Saints’ defense can be considered.
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Projected Totals: Ravens 26.5, Steelers 22.5
The Steelers are riding high with three straight wins (with at least 26 points scored in each) under Russell Wilson. The Ravens continue to provide absolute fantasy goodness on both sides of the ball, as their offense is unstoppable and their defense can’t stop anyone.
Quarterbacks
Lamar Jackson is always an option, even as the most expensive QB on the slate and in a tough matchup. I’m also intrigued by Russell Wilson — he’s running very hot on efficiency, especially with deep balls, but that might continue against the Ravens’ terrible secondary.
Running Backs
Derrick Henry is never a bad option, but there’s reason to think twice about the King this week. The Steelers’ defense is good, this game is projected to be close-ish, and we’ve seen him completely phased out in the rare instances where the Ravens are playing from behind. I’m tempted to fade Henry, which likely means he will punish me with 150 yards and two TDs. This is also a bad matchup for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Warren was questionable with a back injury but has now been ruled in, and I’m avoiding both of the Steelers’ RBs.
Wide Receivers
Zay Flowers has been a tad boom-or-bust this season, making his high prices feel a bit scary. But he showed just two weeks ago that he is capable of exploding even in a bad matchup. Rashod Bateman is the other Baltimore receiver to consider, but his volume isn’t consistent enough to be more than a tournament play. George Pickens has established a stellar connection with Wilson, and I love his chances to keep cooking in this juicy matchup. He’s a great play.
Tight Ends
Isaiah Likely practiced fully on Thursday, meaning he will “likely” be back this week. With that in mind, I’m not interested in playing him or Mark Andrews. Pat Freiermuth doesn’t provide much to like in terms of either ceiling or floor production.
Defenses
Neither the Ravens’ defense nor the Steelers’ defense is worth considering for this week.
Minnesota Vikings @ Tennessee Titans
Projected Totals: Vikings 23.5, Titans 16.5
The Vikings, especially Sam Darnold, are falling apart slightly after a hot start. They managed to escape with a win in Week 10, but I was hoping for a lot more against an abysmal Jaguars defense. Meanwhile, the Titans’ condensed route distribution has paid big dividends for me (and hopefully all of you reading these articles!) in the form of Calvin Ridley … now we just need Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to turn that cardio into points.
Quarterbacks
After how he played last week, there’s no way I’m going back to Sam Darnold at top-10 prices against a solid Titans defense. Will Levis is always just a tiny bit tempting thanks to his low prices, rushing ability, and aggressive playstyle, but playing him against this Vikings defense is courting disaster.
Running Backs
Aaron Jones had an injury scare last week but seems to be good to go. He’s a decent option, but the Titans’ defense is no pushover. With Tyjae Spears back, I’m completely out on Tony Pollard. However, I’m actually ever-so-slightly tempted by Spears himself. He is the clear receiving back of the two, so this game script could favor him, and he is very cheap on DK … playing the 1B on a terrible offense against an elite defense is probably a bad idea, though.
Wide Receivers
Justin Jefferson was a bust last week, and I’m not sure I want to run it back in a worse matchup. With that said, we know he brings a high floor and a nearly unrivaled ceiling, so it’s never a bad idea to play him. I’m not playing Jordan Addison, who hasn’t done much most weeks. It might be pushing my luck, but I’m going back to Calvin Ridley even in a tough matchup. His usage over the last few weeks has been simply elite. I’m also still tempted by Nick Westbrook-Ikhine’s high route participation rate at a bargain price on DK, but I lose a bit of faith with every week where he runs a million routes and does nothing.
Tight Ends
T.J. Hockenson had a very productive outing last week, and that was even on a still-limited number of routes. He’s an option, especially on DK, where his price is still slightly lower. I’m not touching Chigoziem Okonkwo.
Defenses
An elite Vikings defense against turnover and sack machine Will Levis? Yes, please. The Titans’ defense is also intriguing — they’re cheap and talented, and Darnold was truly awful last week.
Indianapolis Colts @ New York Jets
Projected Totals: Colts 19.5, Jets 23.5
The Jets are falling apart, but at least they aren’t “bench your highly drafted 22-year-old quarterback after just seven full NFL games just to change your mind two weeks later after emphatically saying you won’t change your mind” down bad.
Quarterbacks
I am not playing Aaron Rodgers, even at his cheap Yahoo price. He has exactly one top-10 finish all season. The same applies to Anthony Richardson, but he’s played fewer bad games and has two things going for him that Rodgers doesn’t: lower prices and higher upside. I’ll probably burn a few more dollars playing Richardson and hoping for a boom week before I learn my lesson.
Running Backs
I’m conflicted on Breece Hall for this week. On the one hand, he seems cheap for a game where the Jets should be able to maintain a lead. On the other hand, his usage over the last few weeks hasn’t been truly elite, and the Colts’ defense is solid. He’s a fine play but by no means a smash. The same applies to Jonathan Taylor, who at least doesn’t have the workload concerns but is more likely to find himself on a completely collapsing offense.
Wide Receivers
Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson are both seeing absolutely elite usage. Last week was a disaster, but they’re still worth considering against a beatable Colts secondary. With Michael Pittman back (killing the Adonai Mitchell punt play) and Richardson back under center (killing Josh Downs), there’s not really much to like about the Colts’ passing attack. Maybe Alec Pierce hits on a deep shot, but that seems unlikely against the Jets’ defense.
Tight Ends
Neither of these teams has a tight end worth playing.
Defenses
I’m honestly shocked the Jets’ defense isn’t projected to be more rostered. Yes, they’ve been bad, and Richardson is elite at avoiding sacks. But he’s also elite at turning the ball over, and their price is very fair. I like them as an option this week. I also don’t hate the Colts’ defense as a potential option in case New York continues to flounder offensively.
Atlanta Falcons @ Denver Broncos
Projected Totals: Falcons 21.5, Broncos 22.5
I’m a little surprised to see the Broncos as favorites in this one, but they are at home and the much better defensive team. Denver also almost took the Chiefs down last week, while the Falcons lost to the 3-7 Saints. This game does have one of the lowest, most balanced totals on the slate, so we will have to pick our spots.
Quarterbacks
Bo Nix has come through for us in the past, but his price is now up enough that even some dual-threat upside doesn’t make him particularly appealing. It’s also hard to get excited about Kirk Cousins against an elite Denver defense.
Running Backs
Bijan Robinson was one of the plays of the week last week, and he projects to be heavily rostered in Week 11. I don’t love this matchup for him, but we know he can get it done regardless. Audric Estime officially took over as the Broncos’ lead rusher last week; the question is whether an early-down-only role is enough for him to pay off even low prices.
Wide Receivers
I’m a little worried about Drake London, who will see his fair share of Patrick Surtain this week. But London sees elite usage every week, and his price is still not too high (except on Yahoo), so he’s definitely worth considering. Darnell Mooney also sees great weekly usage and is good to go after popping up on the injury report with an Achilles injury during the week. His price is a bit too close to London’s for my liking, but he’s still a decent option. Cortland Sutton has been a top-24 WR in four of the past five weeks and could take advantage of a beatable Falcons secondary. He is a solid mid-range option, especially on DK where he is cheapest.
Tight Ends
Kyle Pitts is the only TE to consider in this one, but his usage hasn’t been great in recent weeks. With that said, his prices are low enough to make him viable.
Defenses
Of these two teams, I would rather play the Broncos’ defense, which is simply better than the Falcons’ defense. With that said, neither projects as a truly great option for this week, nor do they have particularly enticing prices.
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers
Projected Totals: Seahawks 20.5, 49ers 27.5
Christian McCaffrey returned for the 49ers last week and immediately saw a full workload. Meanwhile, the Seahawks will get D.K. Metcalf back on Sunday, although the surprise retirement of their starting center certainly won’t help their already struggling offensive line.
Quarterbacks
Brock Purdy is too cheap on DraftKings this week, which has resulted in him having the second-highest projected rostership on the slate (behind another player who we will get to very shortly). He’s still a valid option on all three sites, with all of his weapons back in a plus matchup. Geno Smith is a bit expensive for my taste, but he also gets all of his weapons back and still plays on one of the pass-happiest teams in the league. A Seattle stack for a tournament is not the worst idea.
Running Backs
Is it crazy to say I want to fade Christian McCaffrey this week? Yes, he returned to absolutely elite usage last week. But he is projected to be the top-rostered player despite being literally the RB1 in price on both FD and DK. In cash, I may just plug my nose and jam him in. But for tournaments, I’m leaning toward pivoting off CMC. For the Seahawks, Kenneth Walker seems like a thoroughly solid, though not spectacular, play. He’s seen elite usage on the ground and through the air, but the game script might go against him in this one. Still, we know he is always a threat to break a huge play.
Wide Receivers
I will absolutely be playing Jauan Jennings, especially on DraftKings. He has performed like a top-10 receiver whenever he is on the field this season and is playing the Brandon Aiyuk role in the 49ers’ offense. I will absolutely take that at prices outside the top 24 WRs. Of course, Deebo Samuel is also a good option. He hasn’t had a big game over the last few weeks, but this is as good a week as any for it to happen. Ricky Pearsall can also be considered, but I worry he is too far down the pecking order to repeat last week’s performance. DK Metcalf should step right back in as Seattle’s WR1, and the WR1 on the league’s second-pass-happiest team is always an option. However, I’m fading Jaxon Smith-Njigba with Metcalf back — with Metcalf healthy, the sophomore has averaged just 8.3 Half-PPR points. Tyler Lockett should return to his WR3 role, making him also an unappealing choice.
Tight Ends
George Kittle is questionable with a hamstring issue. Combine that with his reduced role last week with everyone back healthy (he saw just an 11% target share), and I’m tempted to fade him. With that said, we know he is just about the only TE in the league with legit multi-touchdown upside every week. With Noah Fant out, AJ Barner is Seattle’s top receiving TE. He saw seven targets last week and is appealing as a punt play, but it’s hard to get too excited about a guy who has never recorded even 30 yards in an NFL game.
Defenses
I’m not playing either the 49ers’ defense or the Seahawks’ defense.
Kansas City Chiefs @ Buffalo Bills
Projected Totals: Chiefs 22.5, Bills 23.5
It’s sad that we have reached the point where a Chiefs/Bills matchup isn’t automatically the most exciting fantasy spot of the week. With that said, I wouldn’t be too shocked if these AFC rivals give us a classic shootout. The Bills still rank second in offensive EPA per play, and we know that Patrick Mahomes won’t go down without a fight.
Quarterbacks
Josh Allen hasn’t been his usual fantasy self so far this season, and the Chiefs’ defense is a tough matchup. That makes his QB2 prices a bit hard to swallow, although you can never go too wrong putting him in your lineup. Patrick Mahomes has exactly one top-10 fantasy finish all season. As mentioned, I can see him letting loose if the Bills take an early lead, so I might build a tournament lineup around that thesis. Otherwise, I’m fading him.
Running Backs
James Cook has been great this season, but the Chiefs’ defense is absolutely dominant against opposing running backs. I lean toward fading him this week. This is likely to be Kareem Hunt’s last hurrah as KC’s workhorse before Isiah Pacheco returns. He has been seeing elite volume and has massive TD equity, which makes him a viable play unless you expect the Bills to run away with this one.
Wide Receivers
Keon Coleman is out for the Bills, and Amari Cooper is questionable. If he plays, Amari is more interesting because of the rookie’s absence, but he’s still a bit risky as we’ve yet to see him play a full-time role in his new home. Khalil Shakir should see plenty of targets, especially if Cooper is out. He’s an option, although his super-low ADOT definitely makes that volume less appealing than it would usually be. If Cooper is out, Mack Hollins should see plenty of routes and is a punt option. For the Chiefs, DeAndre Hopkins seems to have settled at around a 60% route participation rate. Until that number grows, I’m avoiding him. Xavier Worthy just can’t seem to get anything going and is just a dart throw play. JuJu Smith-Schuster will be back this week, and he is very cheap. The idea of him racking up targets in the slot at a bargain price is tempting, but he could also easily find himself hardly involved and kill your lineup with a zero.
Tight Ends
I absolutely love Dawson Knox this week with Dalton Kincaid out. He’s cheap and has done well when given opportunities in the past, and the Chiefs’ defense is one of the worst in the league against TEs. Of course, Travis Kelce is also always an option. He has seen truly elite volume ever since Rashee Rice went down.
Defenses
I don’t recommend playing either the Chiefs’ defense or the Bills’ defense.
Lineups
DraftKings
Cash Game
As I mentioned above, the pricing is tough this week. That means we will have to find value, and two good places to find value are always TE and DST. Knox is a no-brainer with Kincaid out, and I’m going to hope the Titans’ defense can pick up where the Jaguars left off by taking advantage of Sam Darnold. That allows us to pay up for Allen at QB, along with Achane at RB (I said I wouldn’t but I am fading CMC). Etienne seems like the cheapest “safe” running back with Bigsby out, so let’s go with him. Then I absolutely love Jennings this week, and I’m going to keep playing Ridley until it stops working. From there, there are plenty of viable mid-range options to fill out the last two spots.
Tournament
Let’s go with a Russ/Pickens single stack, with Derrick Henry heading back the other way. I’m also going to go straight back to two plays I love this week in Jennings and Knox, along with sticking with the punt on the Titans’ defense. From there, I like getting in David Montgomery and hoping he scores at least two touchdowns on the woeful Jaguars. Once again, we’re left with two spots left and plenty of mid-range options. In particular, wide receivers like Sutton, Meyers, Tillman, and BTJ stand out as players I would be happy to finish both of these DK lineups with.
FanDuel
Cash Game
Let’s go with a different punt tight end this time in Davis Allen. However, I will go right back to the well with Jennings and Ridley at receiver. Kamara isn’t as good in FanDuel’s Half-PPR format, but he is cheaper in order to make up for it. Lamar is also relatively cheaper here, so let’s pay up to get him in. Kenneth Walker also stands out as having his lowest price on FD, so let’s take advantage of that. If we add the Packers’ defense (chasing those sweet Caleb Williams sacks), we are once again left with more than enough money for one last good receiver and a very solid flex play.
Tournament
I’ve won money playing Maye on FanDuel already this season, so let’s try and make that happen again. Playing Maye at all will be rare enough that we can eat the chalk by pairing him with Boutte. If Maye can keep the Patriots in it, hopefully Puka Nacua will also have a big day. Let’s also throw a dart and hope AJ Barner falls into the end zone. That’s a very cheap start (outside of Puka), so we can afford to pay up with the rest of this lineup. I like JT, Achane, and Deebo as expensive options with multi-TD upside. From there, all that’s left is defense and flex, and there are plenty of good ways to fill those spots.
Yahoo
Cash Game
I’ve avoided it until now, but it’s time to play CMC. Let’s also take the free square at defense with the Miami Dolphins. Davante Adams is also particularly cheap here, and I’m not going to pass on Knox at the stone-cold minimum. I’m also going to pay down at QB with Stafford. Let’s take advantage of the discount on Chubb in a good matchup and go to Jennings one last time. That leaves tons of cash for the final two spots, which you can fill with pretty much whoever you want.
Tournament
I will probably regret this, but let’s hope Mac Jones can do enough to make the Lions keep their foot on the gas. If not, we have seen them run up the score in a few games this season anyway. With that in mind, I’m starting with Jared Goff at the top, stacked with ARSB and one of the two minimum tight ends for Detroit (Zylstra, for me). We will head back the other way with Brian Thomas Jr. — hopefully it happens early, if not, we will wait for garbage time. Pivot off the chalky Dolphins with the Jets’ defense for only $2 more, and we have almost $100 for our final four players. That may not sound like too much … until we add in another minimum tight end (pick your poison here) at flex. That leaves enough cash to pop off at the final three spots. CMC again, maybe Breece to go with the Jets’ defense? The world is your oyster.