Quarterbacks
Josh Allen ($7.7K) vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Allen has a 1:3 TD:INT ratio over the last two games, but he’s in a good spot for a huge bounce back this week. The Bengals have allowed the second most YPA (7.9) in the league, and Trey Hendrickson is doubtful. Allen has averaged 31.4 DK fantasy points at home this season compared to 17.4 on the road. Buffalo sports the league’s highest team total (29.5 points) this week, and this matchup projects to be a shootout (52.5 O/U) despite potential snowy conditions. Allen stands out among quarterbacks this week.
Marcus Mariota ($5.0K) @ Minnesota Vikings
Overtime helped, but Mariota was fantasy’s QB3 last week against a Denver defense allowing the second fewest schedule-adjusted fantasy points to quarterbacks. Mariota’s designed rush rate (12%) ranks fourth among QBs this season, and he remains priced down in an indoors matchup this week. The return of Terry McLaurin is huge for Washington’s offense, and the two present an affordable stacking pair.
Tyrod Taylor ($4.9K) vs. Miami Dolphins
Taylor was fantasy’s QB7 last week, but he remains less than $5.0K on DraftKings. The Dolphins have become tough against the run, so volume should be there for Taylor. Only Jayden Daniels (16%) owns a higher scramble rate than Taylor (13%) this season. Taylor ran in a score and had the second most QB rush yards (44) last week. Tyler Shough just finished as a QB1 versus Miami, and the Dolphins are now on the road. Moreover, AD Mitchell ($4.6K) provides a cheap stacking opportunity for the second week in a row.
Others: Joe Burrow ($6.5K), Bo Nix ($6.1K), Baker Mayfield ($5.8K)
Running Backs
James Cook ($7.8K) vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Cook ran for an NFL-high 144 yards last week while also leading the Bills in receiving. He was unlucky not to score, as Cook saw all four of Buffalo’s carries inside the 10. Cook has just one rushing TD over his last five games after recording five over his first four contests. He saw 35 touches last week, so touchdown regression is coming. The Bengals have famously been gashed for the most RB fantasy points by a wide margin this season, and the Bills own the highest total (29.5 points) on the slate. Cook has the upside to be the RB1 this week.
Bucky Irving ($7.0K) vs. New Orleans Saints
Irving’s snaps were limited during his return last week, but he was immediately given a 79% rush share. His fantasy day would’ve been even bigger if not for another TD being nullified by penalty. Irving is tied for second with Jonathan Taylor in touches per game (21.8) this season, so he looks like an RB1 down the stretch even if he loses some passing down work to Rachaad White. The Saints haven’t been an especially favorable matchup for RBs, but De’Von Achane just had a big rushing day versus New Orleans, and game-script should be positive; the Bucs are 8.5-point home favorites. Moreover, Saints’ opponents own the league’s second highest rush rate this season.
Quinshon Judkins ($6.4K) vs. Tennessee Titans
Judkins’ efficiency metrics have been hurt by facing the most stacked boxes in the NFL by a significant margin, but he gets a favorable matchup this week. Judkins has averaged 19.9 DK fantasy points during wins this season, and the Browns are 3.5-point favorites; Cleveland’s defense will likely swallow Cam Ward. Tennessee has allowed the sixth most RB fantasy points this year, so Judkins is a DFS option.
Others: De’Von Achane ($8.8K), Josh Jacobs ($6.8K), Chase Brown ($6.7K), Devin Neal ($5.1K)
Wide Receivers
Jaxon Smith-Njigba ($9.0K) @ Atlanta Falcons
Smith-Njigba suffered his first fantasy dud last week, so it’s a good time to buy. JSN had previously scored fewer than 20 DK fantasy points during just one other game this season, and Sam Darnold shouldn’t be pressured as much Sunday. The Seahawks are indoors with a strong team total (26.5 points) facing an Atlanta defense allowing the fourth most schedule-adjusted fantasy points to wide receivers over the last five weeks. Smith-Njigba is a DFS target with a more expensive Jonathan Taylor in a tougher matchup and CMC on bye.
Christian Watson ($5.2K) vs. Chicago Bears
Dontayvion Wicks pulled down two touchdowns on Thanksgiving, but Watson remained Green Bay’s clear WR1. Watson owns a 26% target share while registering 2.27 yards per route run over the last month, when he’s also seen the third most air yards (472) in the league. The Bears have improved against the run but have ceded the third most fantasy points to wide receivers. Jayden Reed’s eventual return will cloud things, but he’ll likely be limited if he’s able to come back this week.
Adonai Mitchell ($4.6K) vs. Miami Dolphins
Let’s run it back with Mitchell, who was somehow the only wide receiver to reach 100 receiving yards during the main slate last week. Mitchell owns a 92% route participation rate and a staggering 32% target share over two games since starting for the Jets, when he’s also easily led the league in air yards. Mitchell has earned 0.27 targets per route run in his career – only six wideouts have a higher rate this year. Mitchell’s salary has jumped $1.0K from last week, but he’s still underpriced given his usage with Garrett Wilson out.
Others: Ja’Marr Chase ($8.2K), Michael Wilson ($5.6K), Terry McLaurin ($5.2K)
Tight Ends
Dalton Kincaid ($4.3K) vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Kincaid isn’t sure to return this week, but he gets the best matchup possible if he’s back. Tight ends have combined to put up an insane 124-86-1,121-13 line over 12 games against the Bengals, who have bled the most fantasy points to the position all season. Kincaid doesn’t have a huge route share even when healthy, but he leads all tight ends in YPRR and TPRR this year. In other words, he gets the ball (and is productive) when on the field. Dawson Knox ($2.8K) would become viable should Kincaid sit another week.
Others: Brock Bowers ($6.0K), Brenton Strange ($3.9K), Dawson Knox ($2.8K)