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NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations – Conference Championships

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

And then there were four. The NFL brings us the Conference Championships this weekend with the top four teams set to face off for a chance to play in the Super Bowl. It also means this will be our last opportunity to play anything other than single-game contests in DFS. Let’s discuss some players who stand out at each position based on their matchups. Of note, there will be no breakdown for defense/special teams. The reason is all four of these teams have great offenses, so don’t overthink the position. Just play whichever team fits into the slot after you’ve selected your offensive players. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NFL Lineup Optimizer to help you build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

QUARTERBACKS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations - Conference Championships

Patrick Mahomes vs. New England Patriots
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $9,000
DraftKings = $6,600

The Chiefs scored 31 points last week, so Mahomes must have shined, right? Well, not exactly. He did complete 65.9 percent of his passes for 278 yards and did not throw an interception. However, he also didn’t throw a touchdown pass for just the second time this season. Luckily, he chipped in a rushing touchdown, but it was still a disappointing state line, overall. He’ll look to rebound against the Patriots, who allowed 29 passing touchdowns during the regular season. The Chiefs also might be forced to throw the ball more to keep up with the Patriots’ offense, setting up Mahomes to potentially have a nice bounce-back performance.

Tom Brady vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $8,400
DraftKings = $5,800

This game between the Patriots and Chiefs should be the more fantasy-friendly contest despite the potential for playing in cold conditions. The Chiefs allowed the second-most passing yards per game (273) during the regular season and Brady torched them for 340 yards in Week 6. Even though Brady doesn’t have the benefit of playing this game at home, the potential for a shootout makes him an appealing option if you don’t want to pay up for Mahomes.

RUNNING BACKS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations - Conference Championships

James White vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $7,700
DraftKings = $5,400

Technically, White is a running back. However, he didn’t receive a single carry last week against the Chargers. That didn’t stop him from having a monster game, though, as he caught 15 of 17 targets for 97 yards. While the 17 targets seem like a crazy number, White actually had four games during the regular season in which he received at least 10 targets, so it’s not as outlandish as you might think. The Chiefs allowed the fifth-most receiving yards (895) to opposing running backs during the regular season, leaving White with tremendous upside once again.

Sony Michel vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $5,600

One of the reasons why White didn’t carry the ball against the Chargers is because Michel was eating them up on the ground. He finished the game with 24 carries for 129 yards and three touchdowns. The lopsided score certainly helped with his workload, but don’t expect him to slow down in his second meeting with the Chiefs this season. The last time they played each other, Michel piled up 106 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries. The Chiefs allowed the sixth-most rushing yards per game (132.1) during the regular season, setting up Michel with the potential for another monster performance.

Damien Williams vs. New England Patriots
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $7,200
DraftKings = $6,400

Everything went right for Williams last week against the Colts. He received a season-high 25 carries with Spencer Ware (hamstring) once again inactive and made the most of his opportunities by piling up 129 yards. He also recorded a rushing touchdown and caught five of six targets for an additional 25 yards. With teams having to focus so much on the Chiefs’ passing game, it’s hard to slow down Williams, as well. They also move the ball up and down the field so well that Williams is left with plenty of scoring opportunities. Even if Ware returns this week, expect Williams to receive the bulk of the carries once again.

WIDE RECEIVERS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations - Conference Championships

Michael Thomas vs. Los Angeles Rams
Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Superdome
FanDuel = $8,800
DraftKings = $8,200

Thomas entered last week with an extremely favorable matchup against an injury-riddled Eagles’ secondary. He certainly didn’t disappoint, catching 12 of 16 targets for 171 yards and a touchdown. The 16 targets were very encouraging to see because the Saints have been known to spread the ball around at times this season. Even though this isn’t as favorable of a matchup, Thomas had no problems against the Rams in Week 9 when he recorded 12 receptions on 15 targets for 211 yards and a touchdown. He’s by far the best receiving option on the Saints and stands out as the wide receiver with maybe the highest upside of anyone in action Sunday.

Julian Edelman vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $7,900
DraftKings = $6,600

The Patriots suffered a significant loss when Josh Gordon had to leave the team. Rob Gronkowski has appeared to be a shell of his former self, which has required them to lean even more heavily on Edelman. He was plenty involved last week against the Chargers, catching nine of 13 targets for 151 yards. He now has a total of 52 targets across their last five games. Edelman stands out as a stellar play against the porous Chiefs’ defense.

Phillip Dorsett vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $3,900

With only two games, viable cheap options are few and far between. However, your budget won’t allow you to load up on stars, so you need to take chances somewhere. Dorsett might be a risk worth taking after he caught four of five targets for 51 yards and a touchdown last week. He now has a touchdown in back-to-back contests and doesn’t receive a ton of attention from opposing defenses since they have to try and slow down Edelman, Gronkowski, Michel, and White. If he finds his way into the end zone again here, he could be a difference maker in DFS.

TIGHT ENDS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations - Conference Championships

Travis Kelce vs. New England Patriots
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $7,400
DraftKings = $7,100

If there was ever a week to pay up for Kelce, this is it. The other options outside of him are not very exciting. He came through with seven catches for 108 yards last week after totaling at least 100 yards in a game five times during the regular season. Expect the Patriots to try and key in on shutting him down, but he receives so many targets that his floor is still exceptionally high. The Patriots also allowed eight touchdowns to tight ends during the regular season.

Rob Gronkowski vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $4,100

It looks like Gronkowski’s days in the NFL are numbered. He’s having a hard time getting open and isn’t nearly involved offensively as a result. He only had one target last week, marking his third straight game with three or fewer targets. The clear choice at tight end is Kelce, but if you decide you want to load up elsewhere, Gronkowski is a dart throw with some upside since the Chiefs were destroyed for 1,067 yards and 10 touchdowns by tight ends in the regular season.

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/16/19

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

It’s been a fairly quiet week in the NBA, but things pick up a little bit with eight games on the schedule Wednesday. There are still several teams dealing with injury issues, helping to create some cheaper value plays with upside. Here are a couple at each position to consider when crafting your lineup. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/16/19

Shelvin Mack, MEM vs. MIL
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $3,800

Mack had fallen out of the Grizzlies’ rotation recently, but with Kyle Anderson (ankle) out, some added minutes may have opened up for him. He logged 23 minutes against the Rockets on Monday and finished with 10 points, three rebounds, seven assists, and one steal. Anderson was actually injured in Saturday’s game against the Heat, which propelled Mack to score 13 points to go along with one rebound and two assists over 28 minutes. The Bucks play at the fifth-fastest pace (103.2 possessions per game) in the league, so the added playing time makes Mack a viable target in tournament play.

Jalen Brunson, DAL vs. SA
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,400

The Mavericks suffered a really tough blow when J.J. Barea (Achilles) was lost for the season. Dennis Smith Jr. has missed their last three games with a back injury and is now dealing with illness, as well, making him questionable for Wednesday. Brunson logged 30 minutes with both players out Sunday against the Warriors and finished with 12 points, four rebounds, an assist and a block. If Smith can’t play, Brunson is at least someone to consider, especially at near the minimum price on FanDuel.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/16/19

Austin Rivers, HOU vs. BKN
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $5,400

The Rockets continue to lean heavily on Rivers, who has averaged 37 minutes a game since joining the team. They might get Eric Gordon (knee) back Wednesday, but since he’s missed their last eight games, he likely won’t log a ton of minutes even if he does play. Even though Rivers doesn’t provide many rebounds or defensive stats, his role within the offense has still left him with value more often than not.

Kyle Korver, UTA at LAC
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,200

The Jazz will once again be taking the floor Wednesday without any of their top three point guards. With so many key players unavailable, it’s opened up added playing time for Korver. Over the last three games, he’s averaged 14.6 points, three rebounds and 3.7 three-pointers over 26.3 minutes per game. The Clippers allow the seventh-most points per game (114.3) in the league, leaving Korver with some upside if he gets hot from behind the arc.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/16/19

Cedi Osman, CLE at POR
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,800

Osman is coming off of one of his best games of the season after he recorded 20 points, eight rebounds, and two steals Sunday against the Lakers. He was on the floor for a whopping 42 minutes and tied his season-high with 17 shot attempts. The Cavaliers don’t have a lot of depth up front with Kevin Love (toe) and Larry Nance Jr. (knee) out, which should leave Osman with plenty of playing time once again Wednesday.

Royce O’Neale, UTA at LAC
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,500

Speaking of players seeing added playing time due to injuries, O’Neale has stepped up lately for the Jazz. He’s only averaging 17 minutes per game for the season, but he’s logged at least 27 minutes in each of his last three games. People may be down on him after a scoreless outing Monday against the Pistons. However, he had played well in his previous two games and has a much more favorable matchup against the Clippers, who also play at the ninth-fastest pace (102.5 possessions per game) in the league.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/16/19

P.J. Tucker, HOU vs. BKN
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,700

The Rockets are really hurting up front with Clint Capela (thumb) out for at least the next four weeks. They already play a lot of small lineups, so expect that to be the case even more so moving forward. Tucker is a key part of those small lineups based on his ability to guard multiple positions. That’s left him to average 35 minutes a game this season. His numbers don’t exactly stand out, but his respectable averages of eight points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game make him a viable tournament play option.

Maxi Kleber, DAL vs. SA
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,600

Brunson isn’t the only player who could receive a boost in playing time if Smith doesn’t take the floor for the Mavericks. Kleber has logged at least 26 minutes in three straight games, averaging 10.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. Across seven games in which Kleber has logged at least 25 minutes this season, he’s averaged 8.2 points, six rebounds, and two blocks.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/16/19

Jarrett Allen, BKN at HOU
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $5,600

With Capela out, Allen will be left to battle with Nene Hilario, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Marquese Chriss. That’s not exactly an intimidating group. There is the chance that the Nets try to match the Rockets’ small lineups, which could lead to fewer minutes for Allen. However, there is also the chance that he receives his normal allotment of playing time and thrives against weaker talent. Based on his reasonable price tag, deploying him in DFS might be a risk worth taking.

Kevon Looney, GS vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,100

Looney came through with another productive stat line Tuesday, scoring nine points to go along with 12 rebounds, four assists and one block against the Nuggets. His time as a starter will be coming to an end with DeMarcus Cousins (Achilles) expected to return Friday, so take advantage of Looney at this cheap price while you can. This is another favorable matchup for him with both the Warriors and the Pelicans inside the top-10 in the league in pace of play.

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/15/19

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Tuesday brings another limited slate with just six games in the NBA. There aren’t as many viable cheap value play options as there were Monday, but let’s highlight some that still stand out at each position. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/15/19

De’Anthony Melton, PHO at IND
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,600

Devin Booker (back) is expected to return for this contest, so Melton isn’t nearly as appealing as he has been lately with Booker on the sidelines. His price has also increased as a result of his recent run of success. However, that doesn’t mean you should just ignore him in Booker’s return. Melton has been starting even when Booker has played and he has a fairly secure role given the Suns lack of depth at point guard. He won’t score much, but his defensive contributions still make him someone to consider. If this game becomes a blowout against a far superior Pacers team, he could also see added minutes in garbage time.

T.J. McConnell, PHI vs. MIN
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $3,700

I have a hard time keeping McConnell off this list most nights, let alone a night like Tuesday with so few options on the board. He’s a big part of the Sixers’ second unit and has provided valuable all-around contributions with averages of 8.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.6 steals across his last 20 games. His playing time is secure and he is especially appealing considering his price on DraftKings.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/15/19

Dennis Schroder, OKC at ATL
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,400

This has the potential to be one of the higher scoring games of the night with both the Thunder and the Hawks inside the top-four in the league in pace of play. The first time Schroder faced his former squad this season, he scored 18 points to go along with three rebounds, eight assists and two blocks in Oklahoma City. This will be his first time playing in Atlanta with the Thunder. His production has been a bit up and down of late, but this is a prime spot for him to be productive.

Dwyane Wade, MIA at MIL
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,900

Wade’s return to Miami last year didn’t provide much of a boost to his fantasy value considering he was averaging just 22 minutes per game. However, with Goran Dragic (knee) out, the Heat have needed Wade to help facilitate the offense for their second unit. He’s averaging 25 minutes per game for the season, overall, and is playing well right now by averaging 12.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 0.9 steals over his last 10 contests.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/15/19

Bojan Bogdanovic, IND vs. PHO
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $5,500

Outside of Victor Oladipo, the Pacers don’t have many sexy names on their roster. However, they do have a lot of very good players that leave them with excellent depth. One of those players is Bogdanovic, who is averaging a career-high 16.2 points per game. His usage rate isn’t exceptionally high at 20.2 percent, but he’s been very efficient by shooting 50 percent from the field and 44.6 percent from behind the arc. The Suns are tied for the fifth-most points allowed per game (114.3) in the league, setting up Bogdanovic with significant scoring upside in this contest.

Chandler Hutchison, CHI at LAL
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $3,600

When the Bulls traded Justin Holiday to the Grizzlies, it created a significant void at small forward since Holiday was averaging 35 minutes per game. Hutchinson has stepped into Holiday’s starting spot and averaged 26.4 minutes across his last five games. The added playing time is important for Hutchison since his usage rate is a measly 12.5 percent. If you’re looking for a high-upside play, Hutchison is not your guy. However, if you want to load up on stars and roll with someone at near the minimum price who has secure playing time, Hutchison is someone to consider.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/15/19

Richaun Holmes, PHO at IND
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,000

Holmes had cooled off for a brief time period, but he’s heating up again with averages of 12.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks over his last six games. Even if Myles Turner (shoulder) doesn’t play in this game, the Pacers still have plenty of size up front with Domantas Sabonis and Kyle O’Quinn, so Holmes is going to be busy off of the bench. Take advantage of his hot streak while you can.

Omari Spellman, ATL vs. OKC
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,800

Spellman hasn’t played much this season even with the Hawks trying to develop their young players. However, Dewayne Dedmon (ankle) was unable to play Sunday against the Bucks, which allowed Spellman to move into the starting lineup. He made a case to receive more playing time moving forward, scoring 13 points to go along with six rebounds and four blocks in 30 minutes. With Dedmon listed as doubtful for this game, Spellen could be worth considering in tournament play if he starts again.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/15/19

JaVale McGee, LAL vs. CHI
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,300

McGee has hit a rough patch with averages of 5.2 points and 6.6 rebounds across his last five games. However, during that stretch, he had to battle with Karl-Anthony Towns, DeAndre Jordan, Andre Drummond, Rudy Gobert, and Tristan Thompson. All five of those players are excellent rebounders, which is going to take some opportunities away from McGee. This is a much more favorable matchup for him against Wendell Carter Jr. and the Bulls, who have allowed the second-most FanDuel points per game and the third-most DraftKings points per game to opposing centers.

Alex Len, ATL vs. OKC
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,100

Len is another player who could see more action for the Hawks if Dedmon is indeed sidelined. He played 17 minutes with Dedmon out Sunday and scored 12 points to go along with eight rebounds. He might also be a better fit to battle with Steven Adams than either Spellman or John Collins. Len has averaged 13 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks over 20 games in which he has logged at least 20 minutes this season.

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/14/19

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

The two top options for Monday’s six-game slate in the NBA are James Harden and Anthony Davis. Both are costly, so if you want to add them to your DFS lineup, you’ll need to find the right mix with cheaper value plays. Here are a couple of options at each position to consider. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/14/19

Derrick White, SA vs. CHA
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,400

This is a great matchup for the Spurs. They are a much better team at home and the Hornets are an ugly 5-15 on the road. The Hornets’ defense has also been awful since Cody Zeller (hand) went down, allowing an average of 119.5 points across their last six games. That could lead to a productive offensive showing from White, who enters this contest having averaged 17.1 points across his last seven games.

Terry Rozier, BOS at BKN
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,700

The key here is the status of Kyrie Irving. Irving is dealing with a right quadriceps bruise and is considered a game-time decision. If he can’t play, Rozier would likely assume his spot in the starting five. Over four starts this season, Rozier has averaged 14 points, 5.3 rebounds. 5.3 assists and two steals. He would be a lock for me at this dirt cheap price on both sites.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/14/19

Austin Rivers, HOU vs. MEM
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,700

Rivers had another strong offensive showing for the Rockets on Sunday by scoring 25 points against the Magic. He logged 37 minutes in that game and hit four three-pointers. With all of the injuries that the Rockets have in their backcourt, Rivers has averaged 37 minutes per game since joining the team. Couple his increased playing time with added three-point attempts and Rivers is still someone to consider in tournament play despite having to face a tough Grizzlies’ defense Monday.

Kyle Korver, UTA vs. DET
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $3,800

The Jazz are basically playing without a point guard right now due to injuries. With three point guards currently on the sidelines, it’s opened up added playing time for a couple of players on the roster. Korver is one of them and is coming off of a productive game Saturday against the Bulls when he scored 16 points to go along with five rebounds and a block in 26 minutes. He’s not going to be someone who helps facilitate the offense, but the added playing time makes him someone to target at this cheap price.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/14/19

Royce O’Neale, UTA vs. DET
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,700

The other player who has seen a significant increase in playing time lately is O’Neale, who has logged at least 37 minutes in both of the last two games. To say he’s come through for the Jazz is an understatement. Friday, he scored 17 points to go along with seven rebounds, one assist and two steals in a blowout win over the Lakers. He followed that up Saturday with eight points, 11 rebounds, four assists, a steal, and two blocks against the Bulls. Don’t hesitate to add him to your entry.

Evan Turner, POR at SAC
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,400

The Blazers don’t have nearly the injury issues that the Jazz have, but they could be missing a key part of their rotation in Maurice Harkless (knee). He’s missed each of their last three games and might not be able to take the floor again Monday. If he can’t, that could leave Turner with added playing time. That’s key considering he doesn’t excel in any one particular category. It also helps Turner’s cause that the Kings play at the second-fastest pace (104.7 possessions per game) in the league.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/14/19

Marcus Morris, BOS at BKN
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,800

Another player who could potentially benefit from the absence of Irving is Morris. Despite the Celtics’ stellar depth across the roster, Morris is averaging a career-high 15.6 points per game. Even though Morris doesn’t provide hardly any defensive stats, he has chipped in another career-high with an average of six rebounds a night. The Nets are dealing with some injuries to their frontcourt, so look for Morris to have an opportunity to thrive. He’s is still worth considering if Irving plays, but his upside is likely higher if Irving can’t take the floor.

JaMychal Green, MEM at HOU
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,800

The Grizzlies lost Kyle Anderson (ankle) over the weekend and could be without his services for up to four weeks. The Grizzlies do have Justin Holiday to step into a larger role, but Jaren Jackson Jr. could also see some playing time at small forward. The trio of Jackson, Green and Marc Gasol actually shared some time on the floor Saturday against Heat. Green is averaging 10.7 points and 6.8 rebounds in only 23 minutes a game this year, so any added playing time could provide him with a boost in value.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/14/19

Al Horford, BOS at BKN
FanDuel = $6,700
DraftKings = $6,200

Horford’s value comes from his ability to contribute in multiple areas. His production has been capped lately, though, due to a minute’s restriction after missing time with a knee injury. That restriction was increased to 30 minutes Saturday against the Magic and he responded with 10 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, four steals, and one block. The Nets allow the most DraftKings points per game and the second-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers, so the added playing time makes Horford a great target for your entry.

Bismack Biyombo, CHA at SA
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,200

The Hornets turned to Willy Hernangomez when Zeller initially went down, but his time as a starter lasted just one game. Biyombo has started each of their last five contests and averaged 7.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. If you want to load up at other positions, rolling with Biyombo at center in tournament play could help significantly with your budget while providing modest upside.

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations – Divisional Round

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

With Wild Card Weekend in the books, the NFL moves on to the Divisional Round of the playoffs this week. There will be some excellent offenses in action, which could set up for a high scoring weekend in DFS. Let’s discuss some players who stand out at each position based on their matchups. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NFL Lineup Optimizer to help you build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

QUARTERBACKS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations - Divisional Round

Patrick Mahomes vs. Indianapolis Colts
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $9,000
DraftKings = $7,000

The Chiefs couldn’t have asked for anything more from Mahomes this season. He not only brought them back to the playoffs in his first season as a starter, but he threw for 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns. There were some concerns heading into the season that Mahomes could be prone to throwing interceptions, but that never really came to fruition as he finished with only 12 picks. He had the highest floor of any quarterback in DFS, throwing for at least two touchdown passes in all but two games. With the Chiefs running game still dealing with the loss of Kareem Hunt, their chances of advancing to the next round rest squarely on Mahomes’ shoulders. Look for him to come through with another productive outing.

Nick Foles vs. New Orleans Saints
Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Superdome
FanDuel = $7,400
DraftKings = $5,400

Foles and the Eagles are at it again. They went on the road last week and knocked off a tough Bears team, 16-15. Foles carried over his playoff success from last year, throwing for 266 yards and two touchdowns. Yes, he threw two interceptions, as well, but his overall stat line is still impressive considering his opponent. Now he’ll get to face a Saints team that tied for the third-most passing yards allowed per game (269) during the regular season. At this cheap price, rolling with Foles in tournament play is a viable option.

RUNNING BACKS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations - Divisional Round

Ezekiel Elliott vs. Los Angeles Rams
Stadium – Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
FanDuel = $8,700
DraftKings = $8,200

The Cowboys don’t have a great offense, but Elliott can cover up a lot of holes. He was the key to their win over the Seahawks last week, carrying the ball 26 times for 137 yards and a touchdown. He was also plenty busy in the passing game, catching four of five targets for an additional 32 yards. With at least 100 total yards in nine straight games, Elliott is a safe bet to be productive. The Rams’ defense has had their problems stopping the run and ended the regular season allowing the most yards-per-carry (5.1) in the league.

Marlon Mack vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $7,300
DraftKings = $5,800

Andrew Luck grabs a lot of the headlines for the Colts, and rightfully so. His return to form is the main reason that they have been successful. However, Mack was just as important last week against the Texans, rushing for 148 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. He’s now logged at least 24 carries in three of their last four games, averaging 135.3 yards. He’s also had a nose for the end zone, scoring at least one touchdown in five straight contests. The Chiefs allowed the sixth-most rushing yards per game (132.1) and tied for the third-most rushing touchdowns allowed (19) this year, setting up Mack with another opportunity to shine.

Darren Sproles vs. New Orleans Saints
Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Superdome
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,400

Oddly enough, Sproles received more carries than any other Eagles’ running back last week against the Bears. He turned his 13 carries into just 21 yards, but that workload says something about how the team views him within their offense. He was on the field for 56 percent of their offensive snaps, compared to 41 percent for Wendell Smallwood and one percent for Josh Adams. With how well the Saints have stopped the run this year, it’s hard to see any of their running backs rushing for a lot of yards. However, the Eagles might have to throw a lot to keep up with the Saints offense, so that game script would seem to favor Sproles. Even at this late stage of his career, he is still a dangerous pass catcher out of the backfield. If you’re looking for a cheap option in tournament play, Sproles has some upside.

WIDE RECEIVERS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations - Divisional Round

Michael Thomas vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Superdome
FanDuel = $8,400
DraftKings = $7,900

Overall, Thomas had a spectacular season with 125 receptions on 147 targets for 1,405 yards and nine touchdowns. However, a lot of his damage came early in the year. He was fairly quiet down the stretch, posting 49 yards or fewer in four of his last six contests. The Saints spread the ball around quite a bit, which sometimes didn’t leave Thomas with a ton of opportunities. With that being said, don’t let that shy you away from deploying him this week. The Eagles secondary is a mess and was torched by Allen Robinson for 10 receptions, 143 yards, and a touchdown last week. Nothing against Robinson, but he’s not in the same league as Thomas. The Eagles have their work cut out for them.

Alshon Jeffery vs. New Orleans Saints
Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Superdome
FanDuel = $7,300
DraftKings = $5,800

The return of Foles at quarterback has done wonders for Jeffery. Before Foles took over in Week 15, Jeffery only had two games all season with at least 80 receiving yards. However, with Foles at the helm, he reached that mark three times across four contests. Considering how banged up the Eagles’ defense is and how well the Saints play at home, there is a good chance that the Eagles are going to have to score a lot to keep this game close. That should lead to plenty of targets for Jeffery.

Dontrelle Inman vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $4,800

T.Y. Hilton stands out as by far the best receiving threat on the Colts. Behind him, they haven’t really had a consistent producer. Inman hasn’t received a ton of opportunities, but he enters this contest with a touchdown in each of his last three games. He received a total of 15 targets during that stretch and was on the field for 70 percent of the Colts’ offensive snaps last week, highest among all other wide receivers behind Hilton. With how poorly the Chiefs’ defense has played, don’t overlook Inman if you need a cheap option in tournament play.

TIGHT ENDS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations - Divisional Round

Eric Ebron vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $6,600
DraftKings = $5,500

Ebron was only on the field for 49 percent of the Colts’ offensive snaps last week, but that didn’t stop him from catching another touchdown. Even though his yardage production has been hit-or-miss, he’s still a great option in DFS based on his touchdown production. This is about as juicy of a matchup as it gets against a Chiefs team that allowed 1,067 yards and 10 touchdowns to tight ends this year.

Rob Gronkowski vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Stadium – Gillette Stadium
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $4,600

Are we seeing the demise of Gronk? He scored just three touchdowns during the regular season, marking the first time in his career where he scored fewer than eight touchdowns during a season in which he played at least 10 games. His 52.5 receiving yards per game was also the second-lowest mark of his career. His upside isn’t what it once was, but he’s still an important part of the Patriots’ offense. Ebron is the safe pick, but if you’re looking to save some even more money at tight end, Gronkowski is a viable option during such a limited slate.

DEFENSES/SPECIAL TEAMS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations - Divisional Round

Los Angeles Rams vs. Dallas Cowboys
Stadium – Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $3,000

The Rams defense can give up some points, but that doesn’t mean they are a bad option. They finished with 18 interceptions during the regular season, which tied for the third-most in the league. They also posted 41 sacks, led by star tackle Aaron Donald. The Cowboys are by no means an offensive juggernaut, even with one of the best running backs in the league on their team, setting up the Rams with the potential to be one of the better defensive plays of the weekend.

New England Patriots vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Stadium – Gillette Stadium
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $2,600

The Chargers running back situation is concerning. Melvin Gordon has been banged up down the stretch and suffered another knee injury last week against the Ravens. He returned to that contest and is expected to play this week, but he might not be 100 percent healthy. Austin Ekeler was ineffective as he battled a groin injury last week, rushing 11 times for just 29 yards. Playing in Gillette Stadium in the playoffs is no easy task, so it’s hard to imagine this being one of the better offensive performances of the year from the Chargers.

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/9/19

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Wednesday brings 10 games in the NBA, leaving a significant number of options to wade through in DFS. Let’s get right down to business and highlight a couple of cheaper players at each position that could prove to be profitable. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/9/19

T.J. McConnell, PHI at WAS
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $3,900

The Sixers destroyed the Wizards on Tuesday, a contest in which McConnell scored nine points to go along with four rebounds, five assists, and two steals across 23 minutes. Those numbers are pretty typical of his production since taking on a more expanded role with Markelle Fultz (shoulder) out. With both of these teams in the top-nine in the league in pace of play, there’s no reason to believe that McConnell can’t provide similar production in their rematch Wednesday. While that might not be an overly-exciting line, it’s still valuable at his cheap price on both sites.

De’Anthony Melton, PHO at DAL
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,300

Melton shined without Devin Booker (back) on Tuesday, scoring 10 points to go along with four rebounds, eight assists, four steals, and two blocks. The key is that he logged 31 minutes. Across four games this season in which Melton has played at least 30 minutes, he’s averaged 11.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 2.8 steals. If Booker can’t play again, don’t hesitate to play Melton in tournament contests.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/9/19

Josh Hart, LAL vs. DET
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $6,100

There are no reinforcements coming for the Lakers on Wednesday since LeBron James (groin) and Rajon Rondo (hand) are still on the shelf. Hart has stepped up in their absences, averaging 12.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.3 steals across the last seven games. Since the Lakers play at the third-fastest pace (104.3 possessions per game) in the league, the added playing time should continue to make Hart valuable.

Malcolm Brogdon, MIL at HOU
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,400

Brogdon is one of the most efficient guards in the league, shooting 51.4 percent from the field, 43.2 percent from behind the arc and 98.6 percent from the charity. Add in his career-high 20.1 percent usage rate and he’s averaging 15.5 points per game. He’s more than just about scoring, too, with averages of 4.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per contest. He has a high minute’s floor for someone in this price range, so look for Brogdon to have another productive stat line.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/9/19

DeMarre Carroll, BKN vs. ATL
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,500

Carroll (knee) was unable to play Monday, but he is listed as probable to return for this contest. The Nets could certainly use him with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (hip) and Allen Crabbe (knee) still out. Across his last five games, Carroll has taken advantage of added playing time by averaging 18.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. This is also a great matchup against a Hawks team that plays at the fastest pace (105.5) in the league.

Kelly Oubre Jr., PHO at DAL
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $3,800

Oubre had been scuffling along heading into Tuesday’s game against the Kings, scoring nine points or fewer in five of his previous six contests. However, with Booker on the sidelines, Oubre exploded for 26 points on 15 shot attempts. That marked his most shot attempts in a game since joining the Suns. He wasn’t all about filling in the scoring column, either, chipping in five rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block. If Booker doesn’t play again Wednesday, Oubre could be a risk worth taking based on his dirt cheap price on both sites.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/9/19

Josh Jackson, PHO at DAL
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $5,200

Another player who benefited from the absence of Booker was Jackson, who replaced him in the starting five. His final line wasn’t as spectacular as Oubre’s, but he still finished with 13 points, four rebounds, five assists, and three steals. It’s important to note that Jackson played 31 minutes. Across seven games in which Jackson has logged at least 30 minutes this season, he’s averaged 13.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals. Again, keep an eye on Booker’s status leading up to this game.

Ed Davis, BKN vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $3,800

The Nets are a very appealing team to target against the Hawks. The combination of a limited depth chart and the Hawks playing at a fast pace could prove to be very profitable. Davis is playing well heading into this contest, averaging 6.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and one steal across his last five games. It’s no coincidence that Hollis-Jefferson was sidelined for four of those five contests. With him out, there are a few more minutes available up front. Of note, Davis is only eligible at power forward on FanDuel since he is listed at center on DraftKings.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/9/19

Tristan Thompson, CLE at NO
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $6,000

Thompson played 35 minutes against the Pacers on Tuesday, marking the most minutes he has played in a game since returning from a lengthy stretch on the sidelines with a foot injury. It’s no surprise that he played well, scoring 15 points to go along with 13 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks. The Pelicans play at the sixth-fastest pace (103), leaving Thompson with an excellent opportunity to provide another double-double.

Ian Mahinmi, WAS vs. PHI
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $3,500

The Wizards were no match for the Sixers on Tuesday during a game that seemed like it was over from the start. Mahinmi ended up playing 17 minutes in the defeat, scoring 10 points to go along with seven rebounds, five assists, one steal, and two blocks. This came on the heels of a game against the Thunder where he scored nine points to go along with 10 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks over 25 minutes. If this is another blowout or if Thomas Bryant finds himself in foul trouble against Joel Embiid, Mahinmi could once again find himself with added playing time.

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/8/19

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

The NBA doesn’t let up Tuesday with eight more games on the schedule. With the combination of a busy slate and plenty of injuries throughout the league, we have some great value play options to consider. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/8/19

T.J. McConnell, PHI vs. WAS
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,300

McConnell continues to provide excellent defensive contributions by averaging 1.5 steals across his last 20 games. His scoring numbers aren’t always there, but his steals and assists still make him someone to consider. This also stands out as an excellent matchup for him with both the Sixers and the Wizards in the top-nine in the league in pace of play.

De’Anthony Melton, PHO vs. SAC
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,100

Devin Booker (back) didn’t practice Monday after having to leave Sunday’s game against the Hornets. Melton was forced to play 26 minutes in that contest and finished with five points, seven rebounds, four assists, and a steal. If Booker is unable to play, Melton has some upside against a Kings team that plays at the second-fastest pace (104.9 possessions per game). Even if Booker is able to give it a go, Melton might be worth a look in tournament play based on the Suns’ overall lack of depth at point guard.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/8/19

Dwyane Wade, MIA vs. DEN
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,000

Wade might be in the twilight of his career, but don’t sleep on him Tuesday. He comes into this game playing well, averaging 13.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and four assists across his last nine games. With Goran Dragic (knee) out, Wade should continue to see added opportunities to help facilitate the Heat’s offense. This isn’t necessarily a great matchup against a tough Nuggets’ defense, but Wade is still priced low enough on both sites to warrant consideration.

Josh Okogie, MIN at OKC
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,300

It’s going to be important to monitor the Timberwolves’ rotations over their next few games with Tom Thibodeau out as their head coach. Thibodeau was notorious for having short rotations and riding his starters for heavy minutes, so there could be a few players that have significant swings in value. The good news for Tuesday from a minutes projection perspective is that both Derrick Rose (ankle) and Robert Covington (ankle) have already been ruled out. Okogie could receive another starting nod, as a result. Across 10 previous starts, he has averaged 7.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and one steal.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/8/19

DeAndre’ Bembry, ATL at TOR
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,600

Another team battling various injuries is the Hawks, who will be without Taurean Prince (ankle) and Kent Bazemore (ankle) for this matchup against the Raptors. Bembry has been forced into more playing time of late and has come through with averages of 10.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, two assists, and 1.1 steals across his last seven games. Even though this will be a tough task against a good defensive team, the Hawks play at the fastest pace (105.5) in the league, leaving Bembry with some upside based on his expanded role.

Otto Porter Jr., WAS at PHI
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,600

Porter stands out as a great cheap option, especially on FanDuel. He hasn’t played more than 24 minutes in any of his three games since returning from injury, but that hasn’t stopped him from averaging 17 points, six rebounds, three assists, and 1.5 steals across his last two contests. This game should be played at a fast pace and Porter is said to have no minute’s restriction, further making a case to roll with him in your entry.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/8/19

Marvin Williams, CHA at LAC
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,300

Williams’ averages for the season aren’t really anything to get overly excited about. However, he’s heated up after a slow start, averaging 13.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and one steal across his last 10 games. He’s been especially hot from behind the arc, draining at least two three-pointers in a game eight times during that stretch. The Clippers allow the seventh-most points per game (114.3) in the league, setting up Williams with a favorable opportunity to continue his recent run of success.

Josh Jackson, PHO vs. SAC
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $4,900

If Booker doesn’t play in this game, Jackson is another option who could stand to benefit from his absence. Jackson has had a hard time finding consistent playing time, but he’s averaged 11.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, three assists, and one steal across 25 games in which he has logged at least 20 minutes.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/8/19

Willy Hernangomez, CHA at LAC
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,400

After Cody Zeller (hand) went down, the Hornets immediately turned to Hernangomez as their starting center. However, his stint in that role lasted just one game. He’s come off of the bench in two games since and has still been productive with averages of 14.5 points, seven rebounds, and 2.4 assists. The Clippers allowed the fifth-most FanDuel and DraftKings points per game to opposing centers, making Hernangomez a great cheap option to target.

Kevon Looney, GS vs. NY
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,000

I’m definitely in favor of rolling with Henrnangomez in your lineup if you want to save money at center. However, if your budget needs even more assistance, Looney could also be productive. The Knicks can’t stop anyone right now and continue to change their rotations up front, so it’s hard to establish any sort of rhythm defensively. Despite playing with so many stars around him, Looney has still managed to average 8.9 points and 6.4 rebounds over his last seven games.

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/7/19

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

There are plenty of value plays to wade through Monday with eight games on the NBA schedule. Here are a couple of players at each position who stand out based on their matchups. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/7/19

Derrick White, SA at DET
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,000

The Spurs may have finally settled on White as their starting point guard. Not only has he started nine straight games, but he’s also logged at least 27 minutes in seven straight contests. During that seven-game stretch, he’s averaged 13.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks. Even though those aren’t eye-popping numbers, that still brings him into the DFS discussion for Monday based on his reasonable price on both sites.

D.J. Augustin, ORL at SAC
FanDuel – $5,000
DraftKings = $4,600

The Magic are approaching the halfway point of the season and Augustin is still their starting point guard. While that might say more about the state of their roster than it does anything else, Augustin has remained DFS relevant in the role. He’s averaged 28 minutes per game, which is his highest mark since the 2011-12 season. The Kings play at the second-fastest pace (104.9 possessions per game) in the league, which should afford Augustin with a few more opportunities to provide value, as well. The Kings have also allowed the third-most FanDuel points per game and the fourth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing point guards.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/7/19

Malcolm Brogdon, MIL vs. UTA
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,200

The Bucks continue to be one of the best teams in the league and Brogdon has been a key part of their success. He’s able to provide steady contributions across the board, averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per contest. His defensive contributions are limited, but he is shooting a career-high 42.8 percent from behind the arc. The Bucks also play at the sixth-fastest pace (103.1), leaving Brogdon as a viable option to consider.

Austin Rivers, HOU vs. DEN
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,700

The Rockets are on a roll right now despite not having Chris Paul (hamstring) or Eric Gordon (knee) on the floor. It turned out adding Rivers has been crucial for their depth. He’s averaged a whopping 38 minutes per game with the Rockets, recording 13.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists a night. With both players out once again Monday, Rivers should receive all the playing time that he can handle.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/7/19

DeMarre Carroll, BKN at BOS
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,300

Speaking of teams dealing with injuries, the Nets will likely be without the services of Allen Crabbe (knee) and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (hip) for this contest. Carroll hasn’t played a ton this season, but he’s logged at least 27 minutes in all three games since both players went down. With averages of 19.7 points, five rebounds, and 2.7 assists during that stretch, Carroll still has some upside despite facing a stingy Celtics’ defense. In fact, he scored 20 points and grabbed five rebounds against an equally tough Grizzlies’ defense on Friday.

Danuel House, HOU vs. DEN
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,200

Another beneficiary to all of the injuries on the Rockets is House, who has started each of their last seven games. He’s done nothing to make the Rockets remove him from that role, averaging 10.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.9 three-pointers. With no reinforcements coming Monday, House will once again be a cheap option in tournament play who could provide some upside.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/7/19

Marcus Morris, BOS vs. BKN
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $5,900

Morris (neck) did not play Friday against the Mavericks, but with a few days off, he’s listed as probable for this matchup with the Nets. Kyrie Irving (eye) should also return, so this could be a tough task for the red-hot Nets. Morris is in the midst of arguably the best season of his career, averaging 15.4 points, six rebounds, and 2.3 three-pointers. That’s saying something considering the depth that the Celtics have. If Morris plays, he makes a lot of sense in tournament play, especially based on his price on FanDuel.

Ed Davis, BKN at BOS
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,600

Davis is a rebounding machine. He’s only averaging 18 minutes a game this season, but that hasn’t stopped him from averaging 8.5 boards per contest. The Nets have relied on him to log more minutes since Hollis-Jefferson went down, which has propelled Davis to averages of 6.3 points and 11.3 rebounds across his last three contests. Of note, Davis is only eligible at power forward on FanDuel since he is listed at center on DraftKings.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/7/19

JaVale McGee, LAL at DAL
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $5,500

The Lakers have turned into the walking-wounded with LeBron James (groin), Rajon Rondo (hand) and Kyle Kuzma (back) all dealing with injuries. Even if Kuzma makes his return Monday, James and Rondo will still be sidelined. McGee normally doesn’t receive a lot of scoring opportunities, but he has attempted at least 14 shots in two of his last three games. It’s hard to rely on him to be an offensive force, but even a couple of extra shot attempts per game makes a big difference when combined with his ability to rebound and block shots.

Al Horford, BOS vs. BKN
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $5,600

The one thing I don’t like about Horford is his lack of playing time since returning from a knee injury. He hasn’t logged more than 25 minutes in any of his last five games. However, three of those games were decided by at least 13 points, so it might not have made much sense to push Horford in those outings. The Nets are terrible at defending opposing centers, so even if Horford is somewhat limited Monday, he could still be productive.

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations – Wild Card Round

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

The NFL regular season has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean the fun has ended in DFS. The Wild Card round of the playoffs brings two days worth of DFS contests. Let’s highlight some players at all positions across both days to see who could help you bring home some money. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

QUARTERBACKS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations - Wild Card Round

Andrew Luck vs. Houston Texans
Stadium – NRG Stadium
FanDuel = $8,000
DraftKings = $6,400

After sitting out all of 2017, the Colts couldn’t have asked for much more from Luck this season. He helped lead them back into the playoffs with one of the best years of his career, throwing for 4,593 yards and 39 touchdowns. He destroyed the Texans is two previous meetings, throwing for a combined 863 yards and six touchdowns. The Texans allowed the fifth-most passing yards per game (260) in the league during the regular season, so it’s no surprise that Luck has had success against them. It’s no easy task playing on the road in the playoffs, but this is still a favorable opportunity for Luck to be productive.

Lamar Jackson vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Stadium – M&T Bank Stadium
FanDuel = $8,200
DraftKings = $5,800

The Ravens won six of seven games after Jackson took over as their starting quarterback, propelling them into the playoffs. Traditional passing numbers are certainly not his forte, which left him to throw for fewer than 200 yards in six of his starts. Most of his value comes from his ability to run the ball. The Ravens give him plenty of opportunities to make his mark in that department, which enabled him to turn 147 carries into 695 yards and five touchdowns. The Chargers did hold him to 39 rushing yards in Week 16, but he countered with throwing for 204 yards and a touchdown. Being a rookie quarterback in the playoffs can be a challenge, but with his ability to run and this game being play at home, his floor is high enough to warrant considering him for your entry.

RUNNING BACKS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations - Wild Card Round

Ezekiel Elliott vs. Seattle Seahawks
Stadium – AT&T Stadium
FanDuel = $8,800
DraftKings = $9,000

The Cowboys offense wasn’t very productive this season, which left Elliott to record just six rushing touchdowns. However, that didn’t stop him from piling up 304 carries for 1,434 yards. They also turned to him much more frequently in the passing game, which resulted in Elliott finishing with career-highs in targets (95), receptions (77), receiving yards (567) and receiving touchdowns (three). With his immense workload, he may have the highest floor of any running back in play this weekend.

Chris Carson vs. Dallas Cowboys
Stadium – AT&T Stadium
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $6,800

The Seahawks love to run the ball and settled on Carson to be their lead running back. He finished with six games with at least 100 rushing yards, including each of his last three contests. He also found his way into the end zone five times across his last four games. Even though this is a tough matchup against a stout Cowboys’ run defense, Carson didn’t struggle against them in Week 3 when he rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown. If you don’t want to pay up for Elliott, Carson also has a very high floor.

Gus Edwards vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Stadium – M&T Bank Stadium
FanDuel = $7,200
DraftKings = $4,200

Not only did the Ravens make a change at quarterback, but they also made Edwards their starting running back. Alex Collins had a disaster of a year and eventually ended up on IR with a foot injury. With teams trying to contain Jackson on the ground, it has made things difficult to also key on Edwards. Since being named the starter in Week 12, Edwards has amassed 539 yards and a touchdown on 105 carries. His contributions are virtually non-existent in the passing game, but that doesn’t mean you should be avoiding him this week, especially at his cheap price on DraftKings.

WIDE RECEIVERS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations - Wild Card Round

DeAndre Hopkins vs. Indianapolis Colts
Stadium – NRG Stadium
FanDuel = $8,800
DraftKings = $8,700

Hopkins is battling an ankle injury, but all signs point to him playing Saturday. He couldn’t have performed much better down the stretch, posting 31 receptions for 421 yards and two touchdowns across his last three games. He finished with 11 touchdowns, overall, marking the third time in the last four seasons that he has reached that threshold. The Colts held him to 36 yards in Week 14, but he still salvaged his line with a touchdown. In Week 4, he torched them for 169 yards and another score. Look for him to have another big performance Saturday.

Tyler Lockett vs. Dallas Cowboys
Stadium – AT&T Stadium
FanDuel = $7,000
DraftKings = $5,300

With how often the Seahawks like to run the ball, it doesn’t necessarily equate to good things for their receivers. Lockett still had by far the best season of his career in large part because he posted 16.9 yards per reception. He was also one of their main scoring threats, finishing with 10 touchdowns receptions. To put that into perspective, he had nine total touchdowns across the first three years of his career. His price on FanDuel isn’t exactly a bargain, but he really stands out as a great option on DraftKings.

Allen Robinson II vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Stadium – Soldier Field
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $5,600

The Bears had a horrible wide receiver group in 2017, so addressing the position during the offseason was critical. Robinson was their big haul, even though his numbers don’t exactly jump off the page. He was limited to 13 games, but the Bears held him out in Week 17 to make sure he’d be healthy for the playoffs. The Eagles’ secondary has been hit hard by injuries, which contributed to them allowing the third-most passing yards per game (269) during the regular season. Robinson still led the Bears with 94 targets despite missing three games, so he should have a large enough role to be worth considering this week.

TIGHT ENDS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations - Wild Card Round

Eric Ebron vs. Houston Texans
Stadium – NRG Stadium
FanDuel = $6,600
DraftKings = $5,200

Simply put, Ebron had a crazy season for the Colts. His role looked cloudy heading into the year, but injuries to Jack Doyle quickly thrust him into a prominent role. The Colts also don’t have great wide receivers outside of T.Y. Hilton, which further increased their reliance on Ebron. He came through in a huge way, registering 13 touchdown receptions. He found the end zone in both games against the Texans, as well, making him a prime target in DFS at the tight end spot.

Mark Andrews vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Stadium = M&T Bank Stadium
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $3,500

Even though the Ravens don’t throw the ball a lot with Jackson at the helm, Andrews has actually been productive down the stretch. Across his last three games, he’s caught eight of 11 targets for 168 yards and a touchdown. That score came against the Chargers. None of the Ravens’ wide receivers stand out as appealing options for this game, but Andrews is someone to at least consider in tournament play if you want to save money at tight end.

DEFENSES/SPECIAL TEAMS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations - Wild Card Round

Baltimore Ravens vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Stadium – M&T Bank Stadium
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $3,000

The switch to Jackson was one of the main reasons why the Ravens were so successful down the stretch, but don’t forget about their stellar defense, either. They were stout throughout the year, allowing the fifth-fewest passing yards per game (210) and the fourth-fewest rushing yards per contest (82.9). They also chipped in 43 sacks and 12 interceptions, making them a great option in DFS. They held the Chargers to 10 points in Week 16 and could once again be tough in their rematch at home.

Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans
Stadium – NRG Stadium
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $2,300

If you’re looking for a cheap defense to roll the dice on in tournament play, going with the Colts isn’t all that crazy. They finished with 15 interceptions this season and allowed only 21 scores through the air. They also allowed the eighth-fewest rushing yards per game (101.6). Texans’ quarterback DeShaun Watson was sacked a whopping 62 times this year, including 11 times in two games against the Colts. Even if they give up some points, the Colts defense could still provide value, overall, at their cheap price on both sites.

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/2/19

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

We’ll have our first busy slate of 2019 in the NBA on Wednesday with nine games. There is an abundance of excellent cheap value play options, so here are a couple at each position that could provide significant returns. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/2/19

T.J. McConnell, PHI at PHO
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,600

McConnell doesn’t take many shots, but that hasn’t stopped him from being a valuable contributor. He scored 11 points to go along with two rebounds, three assists, four steals, and one block in Tuesday’s battle with the Sixers. The key is he logged 28 minutes in that game, which was up significantly from his season average of 20 minutes per contest. Expect him to continue to have an expanded role with Markelle Fultz (shoulder) out, especially in this contest since the Sixers will be playing in the second game of a back-to-back set.

Terry Rozier, BOS vs. MIN
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $5,300

The key here is the status of Kyrie Irving (eye). After suffering a scratched cornea against the Spurs on Monday, he’s listed as questionable for this contest against the Timberwolves. If he can’t play, Rozier would likely move into a starting role. Rozier has only made two starts this season, but he averaged 16 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in those games. He thrived filling in for Irving last season, as well, so don’t hesitate to add him to your entry if Irving sits.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/2/19

Kevin Huerter, ATL at WAS
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,400

The Hawks are going to be extremely thin Wednesday with Taurean Prince (ankle) and Kent Bazemore (ankle) both out. They are two of the Hawks’ top offensive players, so expect them to lean on Huerter to be more productive. With both players out Monday, Huerter set season-highs in both shot attempts (15) and points scored (22), which is even more impressive when you consider it came against a great defensive team in the Pacers. Don’t count on him for much outside of scoring, but he could still provide value.

Malik Monk, CHA vs. DAL
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $3,600

Injuries continue to be the common theme Wednesday with the Hornets unlikely to have the services of Jeremy Lamb (hamstring). Losing Lamb would be significant since he is averaging a career-high 15.3 points per game. Scoring is certainly Monk’s strength, leaving him with the potential for extra playing time and shot attempts. Across 19 games in which Monk has logged at least 20 minutes this season, he’s averaged 14.1 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/2/19

DeAndre’ Bembry, ATL at WAS
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,200

Bembry has found himself with a more prominent role lately, logging at least 27 minutes in five of his last six games. His numbers might not jump off the page, but he’s been productive, overall, with averages of 7.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, three assists, 1.4 steals and one block during that five-game stretch. Both the Hawks and the Wizards are in the top-nine in the league in pace of play, leaving Bembry with some appeal in tournament play.

DeMarre Carroll, BKN vs. NO
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,000

The Nets find themselves shorthanded for this game with Allen Crabbe (knee) and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (hip) both ruled out. Carroll hasn’t received a ton of playing time this season, but that shouldn’t be a problem Wednesday. After Hollis-Jefferson left early Saturday, Carroll logged 35 minutes and finished with 18 points, five rebounds, and four assists. This could be another productive outing for him against the Pelicans, who play at the fifth-fastest pace (103.3 possessions per game) in the league.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/2/19

Marcus Morris, BOS vs. MIN
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $6,000

They don’t play the same position, but Morris could also see a bump in production if Irving sits out this contest. Irving has the highest usage rate on the team (29.5), so his absence would create a huge offensive void. Morris has the fourth-highest usage rate (21.2 percent), so he would likely be one of the players they look to in order to take some of Irving’s shot attempts. Considering Morris is already averaging career-highs in points (15.5) and rebounds (6.1), he makes a lot of sense despite not being overly cheap on either site.

Rodions Kurucs, BKN vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $5,200

Kurucs has had a couple of off games for the Nets, combining for seven points and four rebounds against the Hornets and Bucks. However, before those two duds, he had averaged 17.7 points and 8.3 rebounds across three contests. With the Nets lacking depth and the Pelicans playing at such a fast pace, it might make sense to take a chance on this being a bounce-back performance for Kurucs.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/2/19

Thomas Bryant, WAS vs. ATL
FanDuel = $6,600
DraftKings = $4,700

Markieff Morris (back) will miss his third straight game for the Wizards, leaving them even thinner at center. Bryant has logged at least 30 minutes in both of the last two games and hasn’t wasted his opportunity with averages of 16.5 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks. The Hawks allow the fourth-most Yahoo points per game (52) to opposing centers, so this could be another spot for him to thrive. He’s not that cheap on FanDuel, but his price on DraftKings is especially enticing.

Willy Hernangomez, CHA vs. DAL
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $3,800

Cody Zeller fractured his hand against the Magic on Monday, which should pave the way for Hernangomez to enter the starting five. Playing time has been hard to come by for Hernangomez, who is only averaging 13 minutes per contest. However, across the three games in which he has logged at least 20 minutes, he’s averaged 14.7 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks. He should reach that threshold with the Hornets needing his size to battle with DeAndre Jordan, making him one of the top cheap options for the evening at any position.

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.