DFS week 17 will be the smallest main slate maybe ever with just eight games on Draft Kings and nine on FanDuel. With that being said let’s get to work on our core plays for cash game lineup recommendations. We will spotlight core plays to help you build your DFS lineup on Fanduel and DraftKings.
In creating a successful lineup, we research and find positional values to see where you can save money and players with projected low ownership who can pay 2x-2.5x of their listed DFS salary. You bank on getting a minimum of 20 points from the quarterback position, this position is crucial within your builds. The next big decision you have to make is whether or not you want to pay up a tight end, many players want some consistency, if that exists, at this position.
These recommendations are designed to give you players we feel will be low-owned and good value and help you create a unique DFS build. We want a DFS lineup that is different from the masses and most likely made with an optimizer. Look for single or smaller slates to build your DFS bankroll. Expecting to hit the Sunday million jackpot regularly is not statistically sound. The fantasy point-per-game averages referenced are those across FanDuel scoring rules.
DFS Quarterback
Anthony Richardson ($5.9k DraftKings and $8k Fanduel)
This one might come back and bite us, Anthony Richardson, if active, is a viable play this week in DFS, albeit a violate one. Richardson will face the Giant’s defense ranked 25th in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks and tied for the fourth most QB1 finishes to opposing quarterbacks.
Richardson is the upside play as evidenced by his three 20-plus scoring games in the last five weeks. During that five-game stretch, Richardson has averaged 20.33 fantasy points, which would be the overall QB2 right now. ARich also gives us a nice pivot from the likely chalk plays in Josh Allen and Jayden Daniels while still providing us the upside.
Additional Options: Bryce Young, Baker Mayfield, Mason Rudolph
DFS Running Back
Bucky Irving ($6.7k DraftKings and $8k Fanduel)
Paying up a bit here for running back, but Bucky Irving is in a smash spot this week versus the Panther’s run defense ranked last in fantasy points allowed to running backs and overall run defense. Irving is the overall RB17 but keep in mind he didn’t start the season as the Tampa feature back until around week 4.
Irving has averaged 17.28 fantasy points across his last six games, which includes a 2.3-point outing versus Las Vegas, where he got injured. That 17.28 average would be the current RB9 in fantasy. Carolina has yielded a league-high eighteen top-24 running back finishes this season, making Bucky Irving our DFS choice at running back.
Additional Options: Jonathan Taylor, Tyrone Tracy Jr., Aaron Jones
DFS Wide Receiver
Jayden Reed ($5.9k DraftKings and $6.7k Fanduel)
We are taking some risk here by recommending a player who has no doubt been disappointing this season. However, Jayden Reed will most likely be low-owned, Christian Watson is dealing with an injury and Reed has a very good matchup. Rostering Reed will also give us exposure to a game with one of the slate’s highest implied game totals. Minnesota’s secondary is ranked 32nd in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers and 30th in pass defense.
Reed flashed some last week with 76 tards on just 3 catches and should see an uptick with Watson trending toward not playing with a DNP on Thursday’s practice report. We will take the high upside play in Jayden Reed at a suppressed salary versus a Minnesota defense that has surrendered a league nineteen WR1/2 finishes.
Additional Options: Calvin Ridley, Jalen McMillan
DFS Tight End
Jonuu Smith ($5.7k DraftKings and $6.8k Fanduel)
At the tight end position this week, we will roll with Jonuu Smith, the overall fantasy TE5. Smith is an excellent pivot off the chalk in Brock Bowers and his salary gives us a great shot at hitting 2x salary target. Smith across his last six games is averaging, 8 targets and 17.16 fantasy points, which would be the current TE1. The Browns are ranked 26th in fantasy points allowed to tight ends and given up the fifth most TE1 finishes.
Additional Options: T.J. Hockenson
Defense/Special Teams
Las Vegas Raiders ($2.6k DraftKings and $3.2k Fanduel)
We are paying down to the Raiders defense, which allows us to pay up elsewhere in our builds. The Saint’s offense is a mess, last week the Packer’s defense racked up 17 points, 3 sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery. We do not like to pay up for a defense and the Raiders allow us to continue that. In addition, The Saints give up the 4th most points fantasy points to opposing defenses, giving us a solid DFS salary-saving option.
Additional Options: Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers
DFS Tournament Stacks
Baker Mayfield-Bucky Irving-Mike Evans/ Anthony Richardson-Jonathan Taylor-Josh Downs/
Conclusion
The obvious chalk plays of Josh Allen, Saquan Barkley, and Justin Jefferson do not need our recommendation this week. Your weekly DFS 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 Sunday’s kickoff.
