Welcome back Total Apex DFS followers, we have reached NFL Championship Sunday, so let’s get right to our Main Slate Preview. In creating a successful lineup, we research and find positional values and players with projected low ownership who can pay 2x-2.5x of their listed DFS salary. The quarterback position is crucial within our lineup construction, we need a player who will give us the potential for a minimum of 20 points. The next big decision you have to make is whether or not you want to pay up a tight end, many players wish for some consistency, if that exists, at this position.
These recommendations are designed to provide core players with which to construct your DFS lineups. We strive for players who have the potential to be less owned and give us a lineup different from the masses. The fantasy point-per-game averages referenced are those across FanDuel scoring rules.
DFS Quarterback
Josh Allen ($7.5k DraftKings and $8.7k Fanduel
We start at quarterback with Josh Allen, who has been a rock for us in daily fantasy all this season. He will undoubtedly be the chalk but Allen gives us such as high floor that he is worth paying up for. We have not seen him go nuclear in the playoffs, but he has been steady, averaging 22.28 points per game with 4 total touchdowns. The Bills-Chiefs game has a nice implied game total of 47.5 with two top-flight quarterbacks, giving us the potential for a back-and-forth affair. If you want to pivot off Allen roll with Jayden Daniels, who also provides us the dual-threat upside.
Additional Options: Jayden Daniels
DFS Running Back
Saquon Barkley ($8.6k DraftKings and $9.8k Fanduel)
As we discussed in last week’s DFS main slate article, the volume that Saquon Barkley gets is unrivaled. We see no reason that it will decline, especially with Jalen Hurts injuring his knee last week. Saquon went off for 40.2 fantasy points and 2 touchdowns in the divisional round versus the Rams. He saw 30 touches for 232 yards and tied a season-high with a 90% snap rate. The matchup versus Washington is stellar, the Commanders rank 21st in fantasy points allowed to the running backs and just 31st against the run.
Additional Options: James Cook, Kareem Hunt, Austin Ekeler
DFS Wide Receiver
Dyami Brown ($4.4k DraftKings and $5.4k Fanduel)
With us paying up again this week at quarterback and running back, we need a value play at wide receiver. Commander’s wide receiver Dyami Brown fits that bill for us. Brown has seen at least 5 targets in four of his last six games and had a season-high 8 targets and an 83% snap rate last week versus the Rams. In his last two games, he had 11 catches for 188 yards and a touchdown. At that pace, he will smash his DFS salary and give us the flexibility we need to roster both Allen and Barkley.
Additional Options: Xavier Worthy, DeVonta Smith
DFS Tight End
Dalton Kincaid ($3.6k DraftKings and $5.2k Fanduel)
We are paying way down at tight end this week in Dalton Kincaid. This is not only a DFS salary saver but a match-up-based decision. The Chiefs do not defend the tight end very well, ranking just 31st in fantasy points allowed to the position. Last week versus Kansas City, Houston tight end Dalton Schultz posted a 4-63 stat line, including a long of 34 yards. The only concern with Kincaid is his 51% snap rate last week, but the Bills will be amiss if they do not use their top tight end. Kincaid is worth the risk at his suppressed salary and will almost certainly be low-owned.
Additional Options: Dallas Goedert
Defense/Special Teams
Washington Commanders ($2.7k DraftKings and $3.6k Fanduel)
As you know we always pay down at defense and this week will be no different with Washington. The Commander’s defense despite allowing 31 points last week to Los Angeles, posted a stellar 17-point fantasy output. Washington had 2 sacks, 4 interceptions, and a defensive touchdown. They will no doubt have their hands full trying to contain Barkley but may be able to feast on a potentially less than 100% Jalen Hurts.
Additional Options: Buffalo Bills
DFS Tournament Stacks
Josh Allen, James Cook, Dalton Kincaid/ Jayden Daniels-Dyami Brown-Terry McLaurin/Patrick Mahomes-Kareem Hunt-Xavier Worthy/ Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert
Conclusion
The pay line for FanDuel tends to be approximately 125 points, which equates to 2x per player. For example, a player with a $4500 salary needs 9 points. DraftKings pay line is approximately 134 points, which is 2.5x per player. So, for a $4500 salary, that player would need 9.9 points. Again, we try to find player options projected for low ownership. Good luck with your DFS builds, please like and follow us on social media and check back for updated recommendations before kickoff.
