The first week is in the books and we already have a smaller player pool for Week 2 as the NFL has added a second Monday Night Football game. At least the byes aren’t here yet. Glasses up to another profitable week, and here’s hoping that your tight end makes it to Sunday.
DFS: The Primetime Slate
Sunday Night
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots
We knew Week 1 would be a shootout, but we did not know that Tua Tagovailoa (QB2) was going to go nuclear. Things get considerably tougher this week against the up-and-coming Patriots defense. Fortunately for him, the QB board is mid for this set.
Week 1 was a solid showing for Mac Jones (QB5). He spread the ball around, completing passes to eight different receivers on 54 attempts. This week, he will have to continue to throw the ball a lot to keep up with the Dolphins offense.
Raheem Mostert (RB11 – knee) didn’t need to do much last week. He still scored. Unfortunately, his playing status for this week is in serious doubt. De’Von Achane (RB8 – shoulder) is likely to return, so even if Mostert suits up, we may see even less of him. You can run on the Patriots, so there might be some meat on these bones. Pass on it though.
Rhamondre Stevenson (RB2) made it onto the field in Week 1 despite missing practices with the flu. His passing game usage suggests that he could have a colossal game here. Especially after seeing what Austin Ekeler did against them. Don’t love most of the second tier of RBs here, so consider spending up for him. You also can use Ezekiel Elliott (RB6) at RB2 if you wish to save some money.
Tyreek Hill (WR2) won’t repeat his Week 1 blowup. New England plots to take out the opposition’s top weapon. He still is a physical stud, so he should be in WR1 consideration. That said, save some money and use Jaylen Waddle (WR4 – oblique). Don’t be surprised if Waddle has a better outcome with lesser coverage. Braxton Berrios (WR17) and River Cracraft (WR20) each had five targets in Week 1. Consider one of them at WR3, but would prefer to leave them to Showdown contests.
Kendrick Bourne (WR7) had a monster game in Week 1. He seems to do that once or twice every year and then disappears for weeks on end. You can throw a dart at him at WR2. Instead, use JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR8) despite his presence in the team’s doghouse. DeVante Parker (WR15 – knee) missed Week 1. This led to a serviceable output from Demario Douglas (WR21). If Parker plays, consider him a WR3. We can skip Douglas, unless Parker misses another game. Even then, don’t be rushing to get him into a lineup.
Durham Smythe (TE7) had seven targets in Week 1. This week, he faces a defense that held Dallas Goedert without a catch and that (aside from last season) has always been masterful at stopping TEs. Just avoid him.
Apparently, Bill Belichick wants to establish a multi-TE offense again in New England. Hunter Henry (TE3) had the better line in Week 1 but Mike Gesicki (TE6) gets the revenge-game narrative. Miami was rotten against the position in 2022 and started off this season poorly as well.
Monday Night
New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers
Derek Carr (QB1) has so many weapons to work with in New Orleans. He also has the best matchup on this slate. Lock him in and stack him with your receiver(s) of choice.
It would be great if Bryce Young (QB6) could get his full complement of weapons healthy. Until that time, we can avoid him in DFS. On a weak slate, his outlook is the weakest.
Jamaal Williams (RB5) struggled against an elite Tennessee rushing defense last week. The matchup is much easier here. Cnsider him as an RB2/FLEX, especially if Kendre Miller (RB12 – hamstring) remains out. If Miller plays, he is still best left for Showdown.
There was more of a split in Week 1 between Miles Sanders (RB4) and Chuba Hubbard (RB7) than preferred. That said, Sanders still held a 2-to-1 advantage in touches. This isn’t a great matchup, so consider Sanders as only an RB2. Fade Hubbard.
That New Orleans’ air attack looked solid in Week 1. This week they face a Carolina secondary that allowed the third-most WR receptions and the fourth-most WR receiving yards last season. On paper, this secondary looks better than last season. Unfortunately, Jaycee Horn (hamstring) is out for the foreseeable future. Chris Olave (WR1) remains the play of the week. Michael Thomas (WR5) is back (at least for now). He is a great WR2 option if you fade Olave. Rashid Shaheed (WR9) is also in play at WR3/FLEX.
Things aren’t so bright for the Carolina passing game. Adam Thielen (WR10) played last week, but his line was thin. He is no better than a WR3. DJ Chark Jr. (WR12 – hamstring) missed last week, but he should return here. Unfortunately, he will probably lock horns with Marshon Lattimore. Want no part of that. Laviska Shenault Jr. (WR19) and Terrace Marshall Jr. (WR18) are both promising players, but we can ignore them outside of Showdown. Even if Chark remains out. Jonathan Mingo (WR22) has no business being in your lineup.
Carolina’s safeties are actually both very good. Don’t be overly excited about either Juwan Johnson (TE5) or Taysom Hill (TE8). Still, on a bad TE slate, they deserve minor consideration.
Hayden Hurst (TE4) had a great first game with the Panthers. A returning Chark may eat into some of his targets, but still like him on a weak slate.
Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Deshaun Watson (QB3) looked bad at throwing the ball last week. Attribute some of that to the weather, but it bears watching in the future. His ownership should be down here, making him a sneaky play.
Kenny Pickett (QB5) also looked off last week. Losing one of his top WRs didn’t help. Still, Cleveland isn’t the 49ers. Pickett should have a slightly better performance here.
Christian McCaffrey just gouged the Steelers’ run defense. Nick Chubb (RB1) is so far over and above the rest of the RBs on this slate. Even if Pittsburgh gets their act together, Chubb is still going off. Jerome Ford (RB9) looked serviceable with the scraps they fed him. Throw him into a Showdown lineup.
Najee Harris (RB3) didn’t look great with his limited touches. He actually had a 50-50 split with Jaylen Warren (RB10) in terms of touches. Chalk that up to the game script going pear-shaped early. This game should be more competitive, so Harris gets RB2 consideration. We could use Warren as a FLEX play.
I expected a decent number of touches for Elijah Moore (WR11) in Week 1. I didn’t expect him to out-touch Amari Cooper (WR3). Neither is a brilliant play here. Cooper has the better chance at a TD, but his price isn’t overly appealing. Moore at WR3 makes more sense. Consider taking a flier on Donovan Peoples-Jones (WR16) at WR3 to save some money, despite his poor Week 1 line.
Cleveland has a decent, but not spectacular, secondary. The weather made their numbers look better than they were. As such, don’t be afraid to consider the Pittsburgh WRs here. Diontae Johnson (hamstring) is almost assuredly out, so George Pickens (WR6) is the clear alpha this week. Use him at WR2. Consider me among the thousands who wrote off Allen Robinson (WR13) coming into the season. He led Pittsburgh in targets and receiving yards in Week 1. You can use both Robinson and Sterling Shepard (WR14) as WR3 if Johnson is out.
Rashee Rice (TE1) has scored in three straight games against Pittsburgh. He is the best play on an awfully weak board. Harrison Bryant (TE9) scored last week, but you can leave him to Showdown.
Pat Freiermuth (TE2 – chest) missed the end of last week after suffering an injury. He should be ready this week, but watch the injury reports. The player pool sucks at the position, so if he plays, consider him. If he can’t go, Darnell Washington (TE10) or Connor Heyward (TE11) would get the start. They can both be avoided.
The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups
DK Lineup: QB Jared Goff ($6.2k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($8.9k), RB Dameon Pierce ($5.6k), WR Damien Harris ($7.8k), WR Nico Collins ($4.8k), WR Zay Flowers ($5k), TE Sam LaPorta ($3.9k), FLEX Zack Moss ($4.7k), DST New York Jets ($2.7k).
FD Lineup: QB Jared Goff ($7.3k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($9.5k), RB Derrick Henry ($8.3k), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown ($8.1k), WR Nico Collins ($6.2k), WR Puka Nacua ($5.8k), TE Sam LaPorta ($5.1k), FLEX Dameon Pierce ($6k), DST New York Jets ($3.7k).
FB Lineup: QB Patrick Mahomes ($7.4k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($7.7k) RB Bijan Robinson ($7k), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown ($6.9k), WR Zay Flowers ($5.2k), WR Keenan Allen ($6.1k), TE Darren Waller ($5k), FLEX Zack Moss ($3.8k), SUPERFLEX Jared Goff ($5.8k).
| Quarterbacks | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Patrick Mahomes | $8,300 | $9,000 |
| Josh Allen | $7,900 | $9,200 |
| Lamar Jackson | $7,700 | $7,600 |
| Justin Fields | $7,600 | $8,000 |
| Justin Herbert | $7,000 | $8,200 |
| Joe Burrow | $6,900 | $7,400 |
| Trevor Lawrence | $6,700 | $7,800 |
| Dak Prescott | $6,600 | $7,400 |
| Anthony Richardson | $6,300 | $7,500 |
| Jared Goff | $6,200 | $7,300 |
| Daniel Jones | $6,000 | $7,500 |
| Geno Smith | $5,900 | $7,000 |
| Russell Wilson | $5,800 | $7,100 |
| Brock Purdy | $5,700 | $7,100 |
| Matthew Stafford | $5,600 | $6,600 |
| Jordan Love | $5,500 | $7,200 |
| Sam Howell | $5,400 | $6,900 |
| Jimmy Garoppolo | $5,300 | $6,700 |
| Zach Charbonnet | $5,200 | $6,400 |
| Baker Mayfield | $5,100 | $6,800 |
| Desmond Ridder | $5,000 | $6,500 |
| Joshua Dobbs | $5,000 | $6,300 |
| Ryan Tannehill | $5,000 | $6,400 |
| Zach Wilson | $4,900 | $6,200 |
Quarterback
Weekly strategy – For a second consecutive week, the bargains are few at QB. Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, and Trevor Lawrence are the obvious upper-tier choices. Beyond that, like Jared Goff and Geno Smith. If you want to go really cheap, consider Baker Mayfield, Ryan Tannehill, or C.J. Stroud.
Fantasy Four-pack
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs @ JAX ($8,300 DK, $9,000 FD) Mahomes did what he could in Week 1 considering that he didn’t have Travis Kelce. Kelce may return this week, but regardless, Mahomes will have more than two days to game-script with the rest of his weapons. Jacksonville was bottom-10 against the pass in every category last year and they just allowed Anthony Richardson to look serviceable. Expect a massive turnaround.
Justin Herbert, Chargers @ TEN ($7,000 DK, $8,200 FD) Last season, Tennessee allowed the most completions, the most passing yards, and the second-most passing TDs. Herbert threw for only one TD last week, but he didn’t have to do much more as his team ran for over 230 yards. Tennessee is stingy against the run, and Austin Ekeler (hamstring) is likely to miss the game. Herbert is going off.
Lamar Jackson, Ravens @ CIN
($7,700 DK, $7,600 FD) The injury to J.K. Dobbins (IR – Achilles) opens the door for the scrubs behind him to post a powerful day at RB for the Ravens. That said, Jackson is the real RB1 for Baltimore. Cincinnati allowed over 200 yards of rushing in Week 1, including 45 yards and a TD for Deshaun Watson. A healthy dose of that will go to Jackson, and the passing yardage is just cake.
Josh Allen, Bills vs. LVR ($7,900 DK, $9,200 FD) Allen was sloppy on MNF. Chalk that up to facing a beastly Jets defense. The Raiders defense will appear like a concierge in comparison. Don’t love the FD price, but much like Mahomes, both will have recency bias minimizing their ownership numbers.
DFS Sleepers
Jared Goff, Lions vs. SEA ($6,200 DK, $7,300 FD) Former Lion, Matthew Stafford, destroyed this defense in Week 1 despite throwing to a who’s who of nobodies. Goff at least has Amon-Ra St. Brown to go along with a cavalcade of background performers fresh from Central Casting. This hookup will be best stack of the week.
Geno Smith, Seahawks @ DET ($5,900 DK, $7,000 FD) To keep up with Goff’s expected performance, Smith needs to be at his best. Smith has a stronger group of weapons than Goff. Don’t be shocked when they both post 300-2, allowing you to heavily correlate both teams in your stacks.
| Running Backs | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Christian McCaffrey | $8,900 | $9,500 |
| Austin Ekeler | $8,700 | $9,200 |
| Saquon Barkley | $8,000 | $8,800 |
| Bijan Robinson | $7,900 | $8,100 |
| Tony Pollard | $7,500 | $8,000 |
| Derrick Henry | $7,400 | $8,300 |
| Josh Jacobs | $7,100 | $7,500 |
| Travis Etienne |
$6,900 | $8,200 |
| Aaron Jones | $6,600 | $7,600 |
| Joe Mixon | $6,500 | $7,200 |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | $6,300 | $5,800 |
| James Conner | $6,200 | $6,400 |
| James Cook | $6,100 | $6,600 |
| Dalvin Cook | $6,000 | $6,800 |
| AJ Dillon | $5,900 | $7,000 |
| Breece Hall | $5,900 | $6,900 |
| David Montgomery | $5,800 | $6,300 |
| Kenneth Walker III | $5,800 | $6,700 |
| Cam Akers | $5,700 | $5,900 |
| Isiah Pacheco | $5,700 | $5,200 |
| Dameon Pierce | $5,600 | $6,000 |
| Javonte Williams | $5,600 | $6,400 |
| Rachaad White | $5,500 | $6,200 |
| Tyler Allgeier | $5,500 | $7,100 |
| Damien Harris | $5,400 | $6,300 |
| Khalil Herbert | $5,400 | $5,800 |
| Gus Edwards | $5,300 | $5,900 |
| Brian Robinson Jr. | $5,200 | $6,500 |
| Samaje Perine | $5,100 | $6,200 |
| Joshua Kelley | $5,000 | $6,300 |
| Kyren Williams | $5,000 | $5,900 |
| Deon Jackson | $4,900 | $5,700 |
| Justice Hill | $4,900 | $6,100 |
| Roschon Johnson | $4,900 | $4,600 |
| Antonio Gibson | $4,800 | $5,600 |
| Devin Singletary | $4,700 | $5,100 |
| Tank Bigsby | $4,700 | $5,300 |
| Zack Moss | $4,700 | $6,100 |
| D’Onta Foreman | $4,600 | $5,600 |
| Elijah Mitchell | $4,600 | $5,200 |
| Tyjae Spears | $4,600 | $4,700 |
| Cordarrelle Patterson | $4,500 | $5,200 |
| Zach Charbonnet | $4,500 | $4,700 |
| Melvin Gordon III | $4,400 | $5,500 |
| Clyde Edwards-Helaire | $4,300 | $5,300 |
Running Back
Weekly strategy – None of the top-priced RBs are clear 3x performers this week. Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley, Bijan Robinson, and Derrick Henry are the safest options and you should choose one of them. Pair him with Dameon Pierce, Isiah Pacheco, or Rachaad White. You can also consider injury-replacement bargain options like Zack Moss, Gus Edwards, or Joshua Kelley.
Fantasy Four-pack
Christian McCaffrey, 49ers @ LAR ($8,900 DK, $9,500 FD) McCaffrey wasted no time posting 169 scrimmage yards against a supposedly decent Pittsburgh defense. The Rams defense still has Aaron Donald but not much else from their previous dominance. McCaffrey faced Los Angeles twice last year, scoring thrice and racking up 17 total receptions. At sub-$9k on DK, you should just play him.
Irv Smith, Giants @ ARI ($8,000 DK, $8,800 FD) New York’s O-line cannot be as bad as they looked in Week 1. Plus, Arizona is a lot worse than they showed in Week 1. Barkley scored and/or topped 100 total yards in 12 games last year. He will achieve both this week.
Derrick Henry, Titans vs. LAC ($7,400 DK, $8,300 FD) The Chargers defense should’ve improved dramatically this season with everyone healthy. They sure didn’t look improved last week. Against a premium run defense, Henry still topped 100 yards. That feels like a floor for him every week.
Bijan Robinson, Falcons vs. GB ($7,900 DK, $8,100 FD) Green Bay allowed a whopping 11 receptions and 80 receiving yards to the Bears rushers. Regardless of the machinations of Arthur Smith, Robinson is the go-to guy out of the backfield, through the air for Atlanta. Eventually, the TDs will all go through him, too.
DFS Sleepers
Dameon Pierce, Texans vs. IND ($5,600 DK, $6,000 FD) Indy allowed the seventh-most RB rushing scores last year. This year they started out by allowing a pair of scores to the position. Pierce is due for reverse TD regression this season. It starts this week.
Zack Moss, Colts @ HOU ($4,700 DK, $6,100 FD) Jonathan Taylor (IR – ankle), and Evan Hull (IR – hamstring) are both on the IR. Meanwhile, Deon Jackson was active, but he scored roughly the same number of fantasy points as you and I. Moss (forearm) is the only option this week. Houston remains abysmal against the run, allowing three RB scores in Week 1. If Moss is out there, he will score at least once.
| Wide receivers | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Stefon Diggs | $8,000 | $8,000 |
| Ja’Marr Chase | $7,900 | $8,400 |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | $7,800 | $8,100 |
| CeeDee Lamb | $7,700 | $7,600 |
| Davante Adams | $7,600 | $7,500 |
| Garrett Wilson | $7,500 | $7,400 |
| Calvin Ridley | $7,200 | $8,300 |
| Keenan Allen | $7,100 | $7,800 |
| DK Metcalf | $7,000 | $7,700 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | $6,700 | $7,100 |
| Jerry Jeudy | $6,600 | $6,700 |
| Tee Higgins | $6,400 | $7,000 |
| Michael Pittman Jr. | $6,300 | $7,200 |
| Mike Evans | $6,200 | $7,100 |
| Tyler Lockett | $6,100 | $6,500 |
| Chris Godwin | $6,000 | $6,300 |
| Christian Watson | $5,900 | $6,400 |
| Brandon Aiyuk | $5,800 | $7,500 |
| Gabe Davis | $5,800 | $6,500 |
| Mike Williams | $5,700 | $6,700 |
| Terry McLaurin | $5,700 | $6,400 |
| Deebo Samuel | $5,600 | $6,900 |
| DJ Moore | $5,500 | $6,100 |
| Allen Lazard | $5,400 | $5,700 |
| Courtland Sutton | $5,400 | $6,800 |
| Jakobi Meyers | $5,300 | $6,600 |
| Brandin Cooks | $5,200 | $6,000 |
| Christian Kirk | $5,100 | $6,000 |
| Rashod Bateman | $5,100 | $5,700 |
| Drake London | $5,000 | $5,800 |
| Isaiah Hodgins | $5,000 | $6,200 |
| Zay Flowers | $5,000 | $6,600 |
| Jahan Dotson | $4,900 | $6,100 |
| Marquise Brown | $4,900 | $6,200 |
| Puka Nacua | $4,900 | $5,800 |
| Nico Collins | $4,800 | $6,200 |
| Romeo Doubs | $4,800 | $6,300 |
| Odell Beckham Jr. | $4,700 | $5,300 |
| Tutu Atwell | $4,700 | $5,500 |
| Zay Jones | $4,700 | $6,300 |
| Kadarius Toney | $4,600 | $5,300 |
| Robert Woods | $4,600 | $5,800 |
| Jaxon Smith-Njigba | $4,500 | $5,200 |
| Marquez Valdes-Scantling | $4,500 | $5,700 |
| Treylon Burks | $4,500 | $5,400 |
| Darius Slayton | $4,400 | $5,600 |
| Darnell Mooney | $4,400 | $5,700 |
| Van Jefferson | $4,300 | $5,400 |
| Michael Gallup | $4,200 | $5,700 |
| Skyy Moore | $4,100 | $5,200 |
| Curtis Samuel | $4,000 | $5,900 |
| Mecole Hardman |
$4,000 | $5,500 |
| Rondale Moore | $4,000 | $5,600 |
| Hunter Renfrow | $3,900 | $5,100 |
| Quentin Johnston | $3,900 | $5,100 |
| Rashee Rice | $3,800 | $5,300 |
| Tyler Boyd | $3,800 | $5,300 |
| Noah Fant | $3,700 | $5,900 |
| Khalil Shakir | $3,700 | $5,300 |
| Mack Hollins | $3,700 | $5,500 |
| Marvin Jones |
$3,600 | $5,400 |
| Alec Pierce | $3,500 | $5,100 |
| Marvin Mims |
$3,500 | $4,600 |
| Parris Campbell | $3,500 | $5,700 |
| Jayden Reed | $3,400 | $5,100 |
| Josh Downs | $3,400 | $5,200 |
| Joshua Palmer | $3,400 | $4,800 |
| Richie James |
$3,400 | $4,900 |
| Justin Watson | $3,300 | $5,100 |
| Nick Westbrook-Ikhine | $3,300 | $5,400 |
| Chase Claypool | $3,200 | $5,200 |
| Kalif Raymond | $3,200 | $4,700 |
| Tank Dell | $3,200 | $4,800 |
| Marquez Callaway | $3,000 | $4,700 |
| Sterling Shepard | $3,000 | $5,300 |
Wide Receiver
Weekly strategy – Last week, I suggested starting either Tyreek Hill or Justin Jefferson. Turns out, I should’ve suggested starting both of them. Stefon Diggs and Amon-Ra St. Brown are the top two options this week. I would not blame you if you played them both. If you fade them both, consider Calvin Ridley, Keenan Allen, or DK Metcalf up top. At WR2, consider one of the Niners, Mike Williams, DJ Moore, or Courtland Sutton. Zay Flowers and Puka Nacua will be watched tightly to see if they can repeat their Week 1 heroics. Both should be in play at WR3, although both will have high ownership. Instead, pivot with Nico Collins, Romeo Doubs, Zay Jones, or Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Fantasy Four-pack
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions vs. SEA ($7,800 DK, $8,100 FD) If Puka Nacua can make fools of this defense, imagine what St. Brown will do. Triple-digit yards are a guarantee, double-digit receptions are a guarantee, and a TD is a guarantee.
Stefon Diggs, Bills vs. LV ($8,000 DK, $8,000 FD) The local Buffalo reporters will eat their words as Diggs buffets on the Vegas defense. The 10-102-1 Week 1 line is his floor here as he will play with an attitude.
Calvin Ridley, Jaguars vs. KC
($7,200 DK, $8,300 FD) The Chiefs have an improving young secondary. Unfortunately, the Jaguars have a deeper young passing offense. Ridley returned from his yearlong absence and proved that he hasn’t missed a beat. This game is the only one with a combined line of over 50 points (smash the over here). Ridley will account for at least seven of those.
Keenan Allen, Chargers @ TEN ($7,100 DK, $7,800 FD) Tennessee continues to struggle with covering WRs. Three different Saints reached double-digit PPR points. We could see double-digit receptions for Allen, and love Mike Williams here, too. Consider a three-way stack.
DFS Sleepers
Puka Nacua, Rams vs. SF ($4,900 DK, $5,800 FD) Sure the matchup sounds tough, but teams rather attempt to throw against SF than run on them. Heck, only two teams allowed more WR receptions in Week 1. Just expect huge ownership numbers.
Nico Collins, Texans vs. IND ($4,800 DK, $6,200 FD) Before succumbing to a season-ending injury, Collins averaged nine targets per game over his final four games of 2022. In Week 1, he picked right back up with a 6-80-0 line on 11 targets. He has a better QB this season. The breakout has begun.
| Tight ends | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Travis Kelce | $7,600 | $8,500 |
| Mark Andrews | $6,300 | $8,000 |
| Darren Waller | $5,500 | $6,600 |
| George Kittle | $5,300 | $6,200 |
| Evan Engram | $4,800 | $6,000 |
| Tyler Higbee | $4,600 | $5,100 |
| Cole Kmet | $4,400 | $5,200 |
| Kyle Pitts | $4,200 | $5,700 |
| Gerald Everett | $4,100 | $5,500 |
| Dalton Schultz | $4,000 | $4,800 |
| Sam LaPorta | $3,900 | $5,100 |
| Zach Ertz | $3,500 | $4,900 |
| Noah Gray | $3,400 | $4,700 |
| Tyler Conklin | $3,400 | $5,000 |
| Chigoziem Okonkwo | $3,300 | $4,700 |
| Dalton Kincaid | $3,300 | $5,200 |
| Jake Ferguson | $3,300 | $5,000 |
| Irv Smith |
$3,200 | $4,800 |
| Isaiah Likely | $3,200 | $4,800 |
| Luke Musgrave | $3,200 | $5,000 |
| Cade Otton | $3,100 | $4,600 |
| Dawson Knox | $3,100 | $5,400 |
| Logan Thomas | $3,100 | $4,900 |
| Adam Trautman | $3,000 | $4,600 |
| Kylen Granson | $3,000 | $4,700 |
| Donald Parham |
$2,900 | $4,600 |
| Noah Fant | $2,900 | $4,600 |
| Austin Hooper | $2,800 | $4,600 |
| C.J. Uzomah | $2,800 | $4,600 |
| Trey McBride | $2,800 | $4,600 |
| Blake Bell | $2,700 | $4,700 |
| Michael Mayer | $2,700 | $4,500 |
Tight End
Weekly strategy – Travis Kelce (knee) should return this week. I wish he received an injury discount. George Kittle and Darren Waller also are set to go after clearing their own injuries. Both are safer and cheaper plays than Kelce. The midtier TEs are rough this week. The only two that don’t scare me are the rookies Sam LaPorta and Dalton Kincaid. Three bargain-basement punts are also in play: Logan Thomas, Adam Trautman, and Jake Ferguson.
Fantasy Four-pack
Darren Waller, Giants @ ARI
($5,500 DK, $6,600 FD) With a room packed with mid WRs, Daniel Jones should absolutely pepper Waller with targets. As expected, Arizona continued to punt TE coverage. Waller will take advantage to the tune of 6-75-1.
George Kittle, 49ers @ LAR ($5,300 DK, $6,200 FD) Paired with Brock Purdy over the final six weeks of 2022, Kittle averaged only 4-53. That said, he also smashed seven TDs over that stretch. A groin injury limited his usage last week. This week, he will be 100%.
Travis Kelce, Chiefs @ JAX
($7,600 DK, $8,500 FD) Don’t be paying this price for him but know that an 80% Kelce will produce more fantasy points than 80% of the rest of the TE options. In a shootout, expect him to score here but fall just short of 2.5x value.
Evan Engram, Jaguars vs. DET ($4,800 DK, $6,000 FD) Engram joins Kelce as a scoring threat in this pinball affair. At two-thirds of the price, roster Engram. Triple-stack him with Calvin Ridley and Trevor Lawrence.
DFS Sleepers
Sam LaPorta, Lions vs. SEA ($3,900 DK, $5,100 FD) LaPorta passed the eye test last week. Meanwhile, Seattle allowed 60 yards to the Rams TEs. Love the triple-stack with LaPorta, Jared Goff, and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Jake Ferguson, Cowboys vs. ARI ($3,300 DK, $5,000 FD) CeeDee Lamb will have to deal with Sauce Gardner. Brandin Cooks (MCL) is probably missing this game, and Michael Gallup is just a guy. Ferguson should end up leading the team in targets this week.
