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NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/21/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

There are no games in the NBA on Thursday because of Thanksgiving, but Wednesday brings a packed slate of 13 games. Let’s try to go into the off day on a high note with a winning DFS entry. Here are some cheap value plays that could help lead you to a successful evening. 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 11/21/18

Quinn Cook, GS vs. OKC
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,300

The Warriors will continue to have their depth tested Wednesday with Stephen Curry (groin) and Draymond Green (toe) out. Cook has played an increased role since Curry went down, but his upside really increases when Green is out, as well. Across four games that both Curry and Green have missed, Cook averaged 19 points, 3.8 rebounds, and four assists. His price has climbed since taking on a more significant role, but Cook is still cheap enough to consider for your entry.

Fred VanVleet, TOR at ATL
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,900

The Raptors could have depth issues of their own Wednesday. Playing in the second game of a back-to-back set, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Kawhi Leonard sit since he hasn’t played two straight days yet this season. Kyle Lowry also entered Tuesday’s game with an ankle injury and even though he played, there could be a chance he is rested against a far inferior Hawks team, as well. VanVleet started with Leonard out Saturday against the Bulls and scored 18 points to go along with four rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block. This could be a great opportunity for him to shine.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/21/18

Jordan Clarkson, CLE vs. LAL
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,200

The Cavaliers are not only running out of healthy players but now J.R. Smith is away from the team as they work on trading him. They don’t have many offensive weapons left, resulting in them averaging the fourth-fewest points per game (103.3) in the league. Clarkson does a lot of the heavy lifting on offense with a 28.5 percent usage rate, which is by far the highest mark of his career. The Lakers play at the fourth-fastest pace (104.9 possessions per game), so Clarkson could receive even more opportunities to fill up the scoring column Wednesday.

Bogdan Bogdanovic, SAC at UTA
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,100

After missing the start of the season due to injury, Bogdanovic has come off of the bench in all six games since his return. After a quiet couple of first performances, Bogdanovic is averaging 16 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists across his last four games. He hasn’t played more than 25 minutes in any of those contests, but the Kings play at the second-fastest pace (106.5), which provides a boost to his upside.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/21/18

Bojan Bogdanovic, IND at CHA
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,800

Victor Oladipo (knee) was unable to play Monday against the Jazz, which helped Bogdanovic tie his season high with 14 shot attempts. Oldaipo is listed as questionable for this contest, so if he is ruled out, Bogdanovic could be a steal at this price. Even if Oladipo does play, Bogdanovic is worth considering since he is averaging 15.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.9 steals for the season, overall.

Dorian Finney-Smith, DAL vs. BKN
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,800

Injuries are the theme of the day Wednesday with the Mavericks being no exception. Wesley Matthews (hamstring) has already been ruled out, marking the third straight game that he will miss. Finney-Smith started the first two games with Matthews sidelined, logging at least 34 minutes in both contests. His numbers didn’t jump off the page, but he averaged 13 points, four rebounds, and two steals in those starts, making him an option in tournament play.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/21/18

Al-Farouq Aminu, POR at MIL
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,500

If there’s one thing you can count on with Aminu, it’s that he’s going to gobble up rebounds. He has at least seven rebounds in six of his last seven games and is averaging 8.4 boards for the season, overall. His 12 percent usage rate illustrates how few opportunities he receives to score, but he’ been able to average 8.7 points per game because of his ability to shoot from behind the arc. The Bucks play at the fifth-fastest pace (104.1), which should work in his favor Wednesday.

Jonas Jerebko, OKC at GS
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,100

Not only will the Warriors be without Green, but Alfonzo McKinnie (foot) will miss his third straight game Wednesday. Jerebko started both of the first two contests, averaging 6.5 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists. Don’t expect Jerebko to score much, but that doesn’t mean he can’t provide value at this price, especially when the other options the Warriors have up front are Kevon Looney, Jordan Bell and, Damian Jones.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/21/18

Brook Lopez, MIL vs. POR
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,300

The Bucks needed a boost in perimeter shooting and a center heading into this season and brought in Lopez to fill both of those voids. He’s been stellar from behind the arc, averaging a career-high 2.9 three-pointers per contest. Although he might not provide the traditional rebounding numbers that we expect from centers, Lopez is averaging 1.8 blocks per contest. After scoring 22 points to go along with four rebounds and one block when these two teams met earlier this season, Lopez is someone to also consider for their rematch.

Cody Zeller, CHA vs. IND
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,100

The Hornets like to deploy a lot of small lineups, but there are two factors working against that Wednesday. First, the Pacers have a lot of size and depth at center. Second, Michael Kidd-Gilchrest (ankle), who they like to play up front when they go small, will be missing his fourth straight contest. Across the previous three games that he missed, Zeller averaged 8.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals. That’s not overly impressive, but it at least brings him into the discussion if you want to go really cheap at center.

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 12 – Running Backs

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Reader-only discount! Use code EBIRD15 at checkout to save 15%.

The running back position isn’t nearly as deep for the main Sunday slate in Week 12 with the Rams and Chiefs on byes and all of the Thanksgiving games added to the usual Sunday and Monday primetime contests. There are still some great options to target, though, so let’s highlight a few that stand out. 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.

CASH CONTEST OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 12 - Running Backs

Melvin Gordon III vs. Arizona Cardinals
Stadium – StubHub Center
FanDuel = $8,900
DraftKings = $8,600

Entering Week 11 as winners of five straight, the Chargers suffered a disappointing loss at the hands of the Broncos. Gordon wasn’t exactly efficient, but his 18 carries helped him finish with 69 rushing yards. However, he was heavily involved in the passing attack, catching all six of his targets for an additional 87 yards. Even though he failed to reach the end zone for the first time since Week 1, Gordon finished with at least 120 total yards for the fifth straight game.

Gordon’s struggles on the ground were a bit surprising, especially with how poorly the Broncos have defended against the run. He’ll get a chance to redeem himself Sunday against a Cardinals defense that has allowed the fourth-most rushing yards per game (141.5) to go along with 13 touchdowns on the ground. Gordon is certainly expensive, but don’t hesitate to pay up for him in cash contests based on his floor.

James Conner vs. Denver Broncos
Stadium – Broncos Stadium at Mile High
FanDuel = $7,900
DraftKings = $7,800

Conner struggled to get things going on the ground early against the Jaguars on Sunday and then the Steelers were forced to throw a lot late down 16-0. They stormed back for the win, but Conner only had nine carries for 25 yards. He also hauled in six of nine targets, but only for 24 yards. This game also marked the first time since Week 4 that Conner failed to record a touchdown.

The Jaguars haven’t been as tough on opposing running backs as they have quarterbacks, but they still have a good defense, overall. Conner has an excellent opportunity to get things back on track against the Broncos, who are allowing the sixth-most rushing yards per game (127.9). The Steelers might also be able to jump out to a big lead against this far inferior opponent, which could lead to a game flow that favors Conner in the second half.

David Johnson vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Stadium – StubHub Center
FanDuel = $7,900
DraftKings = $7,300

It took a change at offensive coordinator, but Johnson is back to being an extremely productive running back again. He only caught one of three targets for 17 yards in Week 11 against the Raiders, but he also set season highs in rushing attempts (25) and rushing yards (137). After receiving at least 20 carries just one time across the first eight weeks, he’s topped that mark in both of his last two contests.

The Cardinals still aren’t scoring a ton of points, which does limit Johnson’s upside, to an extent. It’s clear, though, that they plan for him to be heavily involved moving forward. The Chargers have only given up six rushing touchdowns this season, but they have allowed 4.6 yards-per-carry. Gordon and Conner have the potential for better overall lines since they play for better offenses that put them in more positions to score touchdowns, but Johnson’s role still makes him a safe option in DFS.

GPP TOURNAMENT OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 12 - Running Backs

Nick Chubb vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Stadium – Paul Brown Stadium
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $6,300

Early indications are that the Browns made the right choice trading Carlos Hyde to the Jaguars to open up more playing time for Chubb. Since that trade, Chubb has received at least 18 carries and recorded at least 65 rushing yards in four straight games. He exploded for 176 rushing yards and a touchdown in Week 10 against the Falcons and already has four total touchdowns since taking on an expanded role.

Chubb comes into this game out of a bye week, so he should be fresh for what is an excellent matchup against the Bengals. The Bengals have arguably the worst rushing defense in the league, allowing 153.6 yards per contest and 13 scores on the ground. Chubb’s price is climbing, but he still presents an excellent opportunity for production in this contest. If you play season-long fantasy, as well, note that this is one of two remaining games against the Bengals for Chubb.

Marlon Mack vs. Miami Dolphins
Stadium – Lucas Oil Stadium
FanDuel = $7,000
DraftKings = $5,500

Mack rebounded from a quiet performance in Week 10 against the Jaguars to rush for 61 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries versus the Titans in Week 11. The Colts struggled to run the ball with Mack out earlier this season, but he’s come on to solidify their rushing attack by averaging 78.5 yards per game. Not only is he chewing up yards on the ground, but he also has five total touchdowns across his last four games.

Mack hasn’t received a ton of carries the last two weeks, but he was on the field for at least 60 percent of the Colts offensive snaps in both contests. He’s clearly their lead back, which sets him up nicely for Sunday in a matchup against a Dolphins team that has allowed the third-most rushing yards per game (142). They’ve also struggled to put points on the board, so Mack might get a few extra carries in the second half if the Colts can jump out to an early lead.

Matt Breida vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Stadium – Raymond James Stadium
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $5,700

Breida was excellent against the Giants in Week 10, rushing 17 times for 101 yards and a touchdown. He also hauled in three of four targets for 31 yards and an additional score. It was just his second game of the season with at least 100 rushing yards and his four targets tied his previous season-high that he set back in Week 2. With Raheem Mostert (forearm) out for the rest of the season, Breida was also on the field for 60 percent of the 49ers offensive snaps, which was his second-highest percentage so far.

If anyone could have used a bye week, it’s Breida. He’s dealt with various injuries all season, but he should be well rested for what is a stellar matchup to target. The Bucs defense has been bad in just about every facet of the game, including being tied for the most rushing touchdowns allowed (14). They’ve also allowed 511 yards and four touchdowns through the air to opposing running backs. At this cheap price, it’s hard to pass up on Breida in tournament play.

Gus Edwards vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – M&T Bank Stadium
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,400

The Ravens were forced to make a quarterback change last week with Joe Flacco (hip) unable to take the field. Lamar Jackson received his first career start against the Bengals, and while he didn’t do much through the air, he had 27 carries for 117 yards. The Ravens also changed things up a running back, giving Edwards carries as the game went on due to the struggles of Alex Collins. After rushing the ball just 15 times all season, Edwards exploded for 115 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries.

The threat of Jackson running the ball certainly makes things tough on opposing defenses. He and Edwards seemed to play off of each other well, so if Jackson does start again Sunday, Edwards could once again receive more carries Collins. There is certainly plenty of risk here since Edwards is largely an unproven commodity, but he’s priced so cheap on both sites that he won’t need to match his total from last week in order to still provide value.

PLAYERS TO AVOID

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 12 - Running Backs

Alex Collins vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – M&T Bank Stadium
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $4,500

Collins was able to score an early touchdown against the Bengals but struggled again with only 18 yards on seven carries. That marked the fourth time in the last five games that he had 3.9 yards-per-carry or fewer, which was one of the reasons while the Ravens gave Edwards a chance to prove himself. With the uncertainty surrounding who will be their lead back moving forward, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to take a chance on Collins this week, especially at his price on FanDuel.

LeSean McCoy vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Stadium – New Era Field
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $4,200

It’s been a rough season for the Bills, but at least they were able to enjoy their bye week after drubbing the Jets 41-10. McCoy had his best performance of the year in that contest, turning 26 carries into 113 yards and two touchdowns. Don’t get too excited, though, because he had a total of 24 rushing yards across his previous three games. Even though he clearly still has something left in the tank, the Bills terrible overall offense leaves him with very little upside.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/20/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

There’s not a ton of action with just four games in the NBA on Tuesday. That doesn’t leave us with many value play options, but that doesn’t mean there still aren’t some great ones to consider. Here are some players at each position that stand out for the slate. 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 11/20/18

Tyler Johnson, MIA vs. BKN
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,400

The Heat will be without Goran Dragic (knee) on Tuesday, marking the fifth game in which he has missed this season. Across the previous four contests, Johnson averaged 14.5 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.3 steals. The key is that he logged at least 32 minutes in three of those contests. Don’t expect him to start against the Nets, but he’s still likely going to receive enough playing time to be a great option at this price.

D.J. Augustin, ORL vs. TOR
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,300

Augustin has racked up at least seven assists in each of his last three games as he continues to run the point for the Magic. He hasn’t just been stockpiling assists, either, scoring at least 12 points in back-to-back contests. His overall upside is limited based on his 15.5 percent usage rate, but the Magic have little choice but to give him the bulk of the minutes at point guard, making him a viable option for such a small slate.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/20/18

Allonzo Trier, NY vs. POR
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,000

The Knicks are trying anything and everything right now in terms of rotations. In their last game against the Magic, they started Trier, Kevin Knox, Emmanuel Mudiay and Mitchell Robinson alongside Tim Hardaway Jr. It was a disaster, which led to Enes Kanter, Noah Vonleh and Trey Burke logging significant minutes off the bench. Trier only had seven points and two rebounds across his 13 minutes after logging at least 32 minutes in back-to-back contests. He’s shown the ability to score when given the opportunity, making him a risk worth considering at this price.

Wayne Ellington, MIA vs. BKN
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,400

Johnson isn’t the only player on the Heat who has benefited from Dragic missing time this year. In those four games that Dragic was previously unable to play, Johnson scored at least 19 points twice. It’s hard to count on Ellington for much outside of points and steals, but he can get hot in a hurry from behind the arc. The return of Dwyane Wade (personal) does hurt Ellington’s upside some, but he should still receive added playing time.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/20/18

Joe Harris, BKN at MIA
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,600

Harris has started all 17 games for the Nets this season, averaging 13.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists across 29 minutes a game. He’s one of their most lethal three-point shooters, averaging 2.5 a game while shooting 50.6 percent from behind the arc. This could be an opportunity for him to shine against a Heat team that has allowed the third-highest three-point shooting percentage (37.9 percent) in the league.

Jeff Green, WAS vs. LAC
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,200

The Wizards have certainly dug themselves an early hole at 5-11. The locker room appears to be a mess and there are already rumors of them looking to make trades. One player who has quietly performed well is Green, who is averaging 10.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. The Wizards could be without Dwight Howard (back) for this game, which would likely force them to play a lot of small lineups. Green would likely see added minutes in that scenario, so keep an eye on Howard’s status leading up to tip-off.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/20/18

Markieff Morris, WAS vs. LAC
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,900

Another player who would benefit greatly if Howard can’t play is Morris. With Howard sidelined for the first six games of the season, Morris averaged 12.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks. Over nine games since Howard made his debut, Morris has averaged just 7.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 0.3 blocks. Both of these teams are in the top-eight in the league in pace of play, so any added role could provide significant returns for Morris.

Ed Davis, BKN at MIA
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $3,900

If there is one thing you can count on from Davis, it’s that he’s going to attack the glass. He only averaged 19 minutes a game last year with the Blazers, but still grabbed 7.4 rebounds a night. Despite logging just 17 minutes a game since joining the Nets, he’s actually been even better with 8.3 rebounds per contest. The Nets are going to need Davis to battle with Hassan Whiteside and Bam Adebayo, making him a viable target at this price.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/20/18

Enes Kanter, NY vs. POR
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $6,300

Kanter played 38 minutes off the bench Sunday against the Magic, posting 21 points and 19 rebounds. The Knicks continue to play him with their second unit, but they’ve lost five straight, so it’s fair to question why he isn’t starting. Luckily, his 25.9 percent usage rate off the bench has still enabled him to average 15 points and 12.1 rebounds per game in that role. Look for him to at least be a double-double threat again Tuesday.

Mitchell Robinson, NY vs. POR
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,600

Robinson is certainly someone you only want to consider in tournament play. Even then, he’s awfully risky. He had five fouls in just nine minutes against the Magic, leaving him with 14 fouls across his last three games. His offensive game is still very raw, but he can pile up rebounds and blocks in a hurry due to his athleticism. With so few quality cheap centers on the board, Robinson should at least be in the discussion if you want to save money at the position.

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 12 – Quarterbacks

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Reader-only discount! Use code EBIRD15 at checkout to save 15%.

With two of the top offensive teams in the Chiefs and Rams on a bye, two of the top quarterback options won’t be available in Week 12.  Add in three Thanksgiving games and primetime matchups that include the Packers and Texans and the position is thinner than usual for the main Sunday slate in DFS. Let’s examine some of the options still on the board that could help you come away with a winning entry. 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.

CASH CONTEST OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 12 - Quarterbacks

Cam Newton vs. Seattle Seahawks
Stadium – Bank of America Stadium
FanDuel = $8,600
DraftKings = $6,200

Newton doesn’t always rack up a ton of passing yards, but he posted a season-high 357 yards through the air during Sunday’s loss to the Lions. He also had three passing touchdowns, which helped make up for his season-low two rushing yards. Known for his ability to pad his stats on the ground, Newton has actually only carried the ball a total of four times across his last two contests. He had 21 carries over two games before that stretch.

After laying an egg Week 1 against the Cowboys, Newton has thrown at least two touchdown passes in nine straight games. He’s only two away from his entire mark in 2017. Add in his four rushing touchdowns and he has a tremendously high floor. The Seahawks started out the year defending the pass well, but they’be shown some holes of late, allowing 878 yards and six touchdowns through the air across their last three games.

Andrew Luck vs. Miami Dolphins
Stadium – Lucas Oil Stadium
FanDuel = $8,400
DraftKings = $6,400

The Colts came away with their fourth straight victory in Week 11 to even their record at 5-5. Luck picked apart the Titans, completing 23 of 29 passes for 297 yards and three touchdowns. The Colts have been blowing out opponents during their recent winning streak, which has somewhat put a damper on Luck’s yardage totals. However, he posted a completion percentage of at least 71 percent and thrown at least three touchdowns in each of the four games.

After sitting out all of 2017, the fact that Luck has 29 touchdowns across his first 10 games is incredibly impressive. He has been a bit turnover prone with nine interceptions, but he has only thrown one pick across his last four games. The Dolphins have 15 interceptions compared to 18 touchdown passes allowed this season, but this still isn’t a situation to shy away from using Luck. If the Colts are going to continue to be successful, it will be on the strength of his throwing arm.

Russell Wilson vs. Carolina Panthers
Stadium – Bank of America Stadium
FanDuel = $7,700
DraftKings = $5,600

The Seahawks have been able to get a few extra days of rest after completing a comeback win against the Packers on Thursday Night Football. Russell threw for 225 yards in that game and has only topped 250 passing yards in a game one time this season. In fact, he’s still looking for his first 300-yard performance. However, he logged two touchdowns in that contest and has now thrown for at least two scores in every game but one this year.

The only negative with Wilson is that the Seahawks run-heavy scheme is going to limit his passing attempts. On the plus side, he’s made the most of his opportunities by posting a 66.2 percent completion percentage that is the second-highest mark of his career. The Panthers have allowed the fourth-most passing touchdowns (23) in the league, leaving Wilson with an excellent opportunity for another multi-touchdown performance.

GPP TOURNAMENT OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 12 - Quarterbacks

Jameis Winston vs. San Francisco 49ers
Stadium – Raymond James Stadium
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $6,000

The Bucs are a mess. After starting out the season 3-2, they’ve now lost four consecutive games. They haven’t been able to settle on a starting quarterback, which is one of the big reasons for their struggles. Ryan Fitzpatrick started Sunday against the Giants but was pulled after throwing three interceptions. Winston, who previously lost the starting job due to his own interception issues, came on in relief and threw for 199 yards and two touchdowns.

With how poorly Fitzpatrick has played the last two weeks, Winston will get the starting nod in Week 12. Interceptions will continue to be a concern, but he’s shown plenty of potential when on the field. This is also a favorable matchup for him considering the 49ers only have two interceptions all season. Ironically, the only team with fewer is the Bucs with just one pick. The 49ers have also allowed 21 passing touchdowns, which is tied for the sixth-most in the league.

Baker Mayfield vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Stadium – Paul Brown Stadium
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $5,500

The last time we saw Mayfield on the field was in Week 10 against the Falcons. The Browns pulled off the upset win in large part because of an excellent performance from running back Nick Chubb. Mayfield was only required to throw the ball 20 times due to their success on the ground, but he completed 17 of those passes for 216 yards and a career-high three touchdowns.

After getting their bye in Week 11, the Browns enter this game well rested and ready to take on a Bengals team that has allowed the second-most passing yards per game (296). Mayfield has thrown at least two touchdown passes in four straight games and completed at least 67.7 percent of his passes in three of those contests, so don’t be surprised if he takes advantage of the Bengals’ porous secondary Sunday.

Nick Mullens vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Stadium – Raymond James Stadium
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,400

The 49ers were on a bye in Week 11 after suffering a loss to the Giants in Week 10. Mullens had a largely disappointing performance, throwing for 250 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. However, the Giants aren’t as bad defensively as their 3-7 record might lead you to believe. They’ve only allowed 14 passing touchdowns all season, which is tied for the fourth-fewest in the league. They’ve also recorded 10 interceptions.

Mullens retained the starting quarterback job despite his struggles in that game and is now set for an excellent matchup against the Bucs. The Giants have been terrible offensively for most of the season but hung 38 points on the Bucs in Week 11. The Bucs are tied for the most touchdown passes allowed (25) and have just the one interception that I mentioned earlier, making Mullens an intriguing option to consider in tournament play.

PLAYERS TO AVOID

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 12 - Quarterbacks

Andy Dalton vs. Cleveland Browns
Stadium – Paul Brown Stadium
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $5,300

Dalton didn’t play well during a Week 11 loss to the Bengals, completing only 52.8 percent of his passes for 211 yards. He sorely missed A.J. Green (toe), but he might get him back on the field Sunday. Green’s return would certainly help Dalton, but Dalton has thrown for more than 248 yards only once in his last six contests. With nine touchdowns across that six-game stretch, he hasn’t provided a ton of value. The Browns have 13 interceptions compared to just 16 touchdown passes allowed, making Dalton a very risky play.

Case Keenum vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Stadium – Broncos Stadium at Mile High
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $4.700

The Broncos sure miss Peyton Manning. They’ve struggled to find a productive quarterback since his retirement, but they had hoped to finally solidify the position with the addition of Keenum. However, Keenum has not been able to build on his strong 2017 campaign with the Vikings, throwing 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions with his new squad. The Steelers have allowed the seventh-fewest passing yards per game (227), so stay far, far away from Keenum.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/19/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

The NBA tips off the week with nine games Monday. With so many options to sift through, let’s get right down to business and highlight some cheaper value plays to consider when creating your lineup. 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 11/19/18

Collin Sexton, CLE at DET
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,100

With George Hill (shoulder) out, Sexton is starting and averaging a whopping 36 minutes a game in that role. He won’t provide traditional point guard stat lines but that doesn’t mean Sexton doesn’t have value. Across four games as a starter, he is averaging 18.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. His price is climbing, but Sexton is still worth starting with Hill remaining on the sidelines.

Jeremy Lin, ATL vs. LAC
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,200

People might not be noticing it because the Hawks are terrible, but Lin’s 24 percent usage rate is the third-highest on the team. The player with the second-highest is Tauren Prince (Achilles) at 24.3 percent, but he’s doubtful to play Monday. This could be a high-scoring contest with both the Hawks and Clippers in the top-nine in the league in pace of play, making Lin an intriguing option to consider in tournament play.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/19/18

Jordan Clarkson, CLE at DET
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,200

The Cavaliers didn’t enter the season with a lot of scoring punch, but the loss of Kevin Love (toe) has been a killer for their offense. Clarkson has stepped up to try and fill the void, averaging 15.4 points and 1.2 three-pointers per contest. Although he’s only averaging 24 minutes per contest, his 28.6 percent usage rate if by far the highest on the team with Love currently unable to play.  Clarkson scored 18 points when these teams met earlier this season and should get plenty of opportunities to be productive again in their rematch.

Garrett Temple, MEM vs. DAL
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,300

Temple’s 15.6 percent usage rate is certainly nothing to write home about, but by playing 32 minutes a night, he has been able to average a career-high 12 points per game. Don’t count on him for many assists, but he’s also chipped in 3.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per contest. There’s no reason to believe his playing time will decrease anytime soon, especially with the Grizzlies off to a 10-5 start. It’s not easy to find a player with such a high minutes floor at this cheap price.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/19/18

E’Twaun Moore, NO vs. SA
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,000

Moore continues to struggle from the free-throw line, but his 55.7 percent shooting from the field has helped him average a career-high 15.6 points per game. With so many great scoring options around him, it’s hard for opposing defenses to key in on stopping Moore, as well. The Pelicans recently lost starting point guard Elfrid Payton (finger), which will push Jrue Holiday into his position. Moore will likely shift over to shooting guard and is locked in for plenty of minutes based on the Pelicans lack of overall depth.

Bojan Bogdanovic, IND vs. UTA
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,600

Bogdanovic is on a roll right now, averaging 15.3 points, four rebounds, and 1.5 steals across his last eight games. He’s been lethal from behind the arc this entire season, shooting 52.3 percent on three-pointers. That percentage likely won’t hold up over the course of the year, but he’s playing 31 minutes a game and is an important part of the Pacers success. His scoring upside is similar to that of Moore’s, making him a potentially intriguing option at an even cheaper price.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/19/18

Derrick Favors, UTA at IND
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $4,600

Favors is averaging just 23 minutes per game, which is his lowest mark since the 2012-13 season. He’s made the most of his time on the floor, though, by averaging 11.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. The Pacers do have some size up front with Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis, but the pairing of Favors and Rudy Gobert is a handful. Favors’ ceiling isn’t great due to his limited role, but he also has a fairly high floor for someone at this price.

Jerami Grant, OKC at SAC
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,900

The Thunder don’t have a very deep roster, which has opened up a starting role for Grant. He didn’t have a lot of value coming off of the bench at the beginning of the season, but Grant has averaged 13 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals across 12 starts. Both the Kings and the Thunder are in the top-10 in the league in pace of play, so this could be a high-scoring affair that leads to a few extra counting stats for Grant.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/19/18

Cody Zeller, CHA vs. BOS
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,000

Injuries have plagued Zeller throughout his career, but he’s managed to play all 15 games so far this year. He doesn’t receive traditional starters minutes, but he could be in line for added playing time again Monday with Michael Kidd-Gilchrest (ankle) out. Across 12 games in which Zeller has logged at least 20 minutes this season, he is averaging 10.2 points, six rebounds, and 1.5 assists.

Mike Muscala, PHI vs. PHO
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,900

The Sixers bringing in Jimmy Butler is a net positive for the team, but it’s left them thin at power forward. Wilson Chandler has taken over the starting job, but he’s still on a minutes limit as he recovers from a hamstring injury. Over the four games since the trade, Muscala is averaging 8.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and two three-pointers per contest. At near the minimum price on both sites, Muscala might be worth the risk in tournament play so you can load up elsewhere.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/16/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

Friday brings eight games in the NBA, which is highlighted by a matchup between the Celtics and Raptors. With a lot of value play options to consider, let’s get right down to business and highlight some players with favorable matchups. 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 11/16/18

Shelvin Mack, MEM vs. SAC
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,200

Mack has bounced around a lot during his career, but he seems to have found a home with the Grizzlies. He’s done an outstanding job as part of their second unit, averaging 11.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per contest. Not known for his scoring abilities, Mack has been pretty consistent with at least 12 points in six of his last eight contests. The Kings play at the second-fastest pace (106.8 possessions per game), which could leave Mack with a few more opportunities to provide value Friday.

Ryan Arcidiacono, CHI at MIL
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,100

The Bulls really miss Kris Dunn (knee). They tried Cameron Payne as their starting point guard when Dunn originally went down, but that was largely a disaster. Arcidiacono showed a lot of hustle and the ability to play defense off the bench, which has now allowed him to overtake Payne at point guard. Across three games since taking over the starting role, Arcidiacono is averaging 10.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. His upside isn’t great, but the Bucks do play at the fifth-fastest pace (104.3), leaving Arcidiacono as an intriguing cheap option.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/16/18

Rodney McGruder, MIA at IND
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,800

The Heat were decimated by injuries to start the season, which opened up a starting job for McGruder that he has yet to relinquish. Things aren’t as bleak on the health front right now for the Heat, but McGruder is still averaging 12.3 points, three rebounds, three assists, and one steal over his last four contests. One of those was a matchup against these same Pacers when he finished with 11 points, four rebounds, five assists, and one steal. His ceiling might not be as high as it was earlier in the season, but that doesn’t mean he should be ignored at this price.

Allonzo Trier, NY at NO
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,200

The Knicks continue to change up their rotations, but Trier has remained a member of their second unit for all but one game. His overall numbers don’t jump off the page, but he is averaging 13.7 points per game with a 21.4 percent usage rate across seven games in November. The Pelicans play at the fourth-fastest pace (105.1) and allow the fourth-most points per game (115.8), so don’t be surprised if Trier gets hot in this contest.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/16/18

E’Twaun Moore, NO vs. NY
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,200

Playing with Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday, Nikola Mirotic, and Julius Randle doesn’t leave a lot of headlines left for Moore. However, his contributions shouldn’t go unnoticed, especially of late. With the Pelicans battling injuries, Moore has averaged 26 points and 2.7 three-pointers across his last three games. Elfrid Payton (ankle) is targeting a return for Friday, but the status of Nikola Mirotic (ankle) has yet to be decided. If either one of those players doesn’t take the floor, expect Moore to continue to receive added scoring opportunities.

DeMarre Carroll, BKN at WAS
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,000

Speaking of teams dealing with injuries, the Nets aren’t in great shape right now, either. Caris LeVert (foot) is out for the foreseeable future and Jarrett Allen (illness) and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (ankle) are both listed as questionable. The Nets don’t have a ton of depth up front, to begin with, so if either Allen or Hollis-Jefferson can’t play, Carroll will likely receive increased playing time. That brings him onto the radar in DFS against a Wizards team that plays at the sixth-fastest pace (103.4).

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/16/18

Derrick Favors, UTA at PHI
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,500

Favors continues to do damage in limited playing time, averaging 11.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across just 23 minutes a game. This sets up to be a potential situation where he could dominate based on the Sixers lack of talent up front. The trade of Dario Saric to the Timberwolves has left them with a hole at power forward that they are filling with Wilson Chandler, who doesn’t really have the size to match up well with Favors. Favors likely won’t get extended playing time again Friday, but he could do plenty of damage when he’s on the floor.

Kevin Knox, NY at NO
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,300

Knox has missed seven games due to injury, but he’s scored at least 10 points in five of the eight games in which he’s been able to take the floor. The Knicks gave him the first start of his career Wednesday against the Thunder, resulting in Knox scoring 15 points to go along with five rebounds and one steal. The key is that he played 29 minutes in that contest. If he starts again in this contest, he could be in for another productive night based on the pace at which the Pelicans play.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/16/18

Enes Kanter, NY at NO
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $6,500

Kanter averaged 29 minutes a game as a starter to begin the year but is playing just 25 minutes a night since moving to the bench. The good news is that his usage rate has jumped up to 26.5 percent as a member of the second unit. He’s also continued to gobble up rebounds, enabling him to average 15.1 points and 12.1 rebounds in his new role. Although he doesn’t come at a significant discount, Kanter is still one of the better cheaper options on the board at center.

Mike Muscala, PHI vs. UTA
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $3,500

Without question, Muscala is someone to only consider in tournament play. His scoring upside is very limited, but the Sixers don’t have much of a choice but to play him after dealing away Saric and Robert Covington. Across the first two games since the trade, Muscala is averaging nine points and 6.5 rebounds while playing at least 26 minutes in both contests. Putting him into your entry would allow you to load up elsewhere with the savings, so if you don’t mind the risk, Muscala is worth considering.

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 11 – TE/DEF/ST

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Reader-only discount! Use code EBIRD15 at checkout to save 15%.

There are six teams on a bye for Week 11, but there are still a lot of quality options available at tight end in DFS. Let’s dig into the position to see which players to target across the price scale. 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.

CASH CONTEST OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 11 - TE/DEF/ST

Zach Ertz vs. New Orleans Saints
Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Superdome
FanDuel = $7,600
DraftKings = $6,600

The Eagles suffered a disappointing loss to the Cowboys last week, but that didn’t stop Ertz from having a monster performance. He hauled in 14 of 16 targets for 145 yards and two touchdowns. That marked his fourth game this season with at least 100 yards and the fourth time in the last five contests that he has found his way into the end zone at least one time.

With at least 10 targets in all but two of his games this season, Ertz will continue to have a tremendously high floor. The Eagles did add wide receiver Golden Tate at the trade deadline, but Ertz is clearly Carson Wentz’s preferred option in the passing game, so don’t expect his workload to drop off anytime soon. The Saints have been terrible against the pass this year, but they’ve actually done a good job slowing down opposing tight ends. Don’t let that scare you away from Ertz, though. If the Eagles are going to have any chance of keeping up with the Saints offense, it will likely be on the shoulders of Ertz.

Greg Olsen vs. Detroit Lions
Stadium – Ford Field
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $5,000

Olsen didn’t have his best game in Week 10, catching four passes for just 40 yards. He was only on the field for 79 percent of the Panthers offensive snaps, which was his lowest mark since returning from a foot injury. On a positive note, he did get six more targets and has received at least five targets in four of the five games since his extended stint on the sidelines ended.

His foot injury is something that Olsen is going to continue to have deal with for the remainder of the season. The Panthers have taken a cautious approach with him in practice leading up to games, which has helped him stay on the field, so far. He’s been logging a ton of snaps, overall, and had scored a touchdown in three straight games entering last week, which gives him a nice floor to work off of in cash contests. The Lions haven’t played poorly in pass coverage, overall, but they have allowed 477 yards and four touchdowns to tight ends.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos
Stadium – StubHub Center
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $3,400

The Chargers had a creampuff matchup against the Raiders last week and certainly didn’t disappoint by holding them to six points. They only forced one turnover, but they did record four sacks. That marked the fourth time in the last five games that the Chargers recorded at least three sacks, bringing their total to 26 for the season. That mark places them inside the top-10 in the league in that category.

You can only play who is on your schedule, which has certainly been kind to the Chargers. They recently faced the Raiders (twice), Seahawks, Titans, and Browns, keeping their opponents under 20 points in each of those contests. This is another great matchup against a Broncos team that has only scored more than 27 points in a game one time all season. They’ve also allowed quarterback Case Keenum to be sacked 24 times already.

GPP TOURNAMENT OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 11 - TE/DEF/ST

Austin Hooper vs. Dallas Cowboys
Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $4,500

It was an ugly loss for the Falcons last week against the Browns, but Hooper finished with one of his best games of the season. He was targeted 11 times in the game, catching 10 passes for 56 yards and a touchdown. The yardage total certainly left a lot to be desired, but the volume was the key. Hooper has received at least 10 targets in three of his last five games and is already up to 55 for the season. He finished with 65 targets total in 2017.

Hooper has been a bit hit or miss, which is why he should be on your radar in tournament contests as opposed to cash games. The good news is that he’s been on the field for 82 percent of the Falcons offensive snaps, which is tops among all of their skill position players. The Cowboys have allowed 53 receptions, 511 yards, and four touchdowns to tight ends, potentially setting up Hooper for another one of his more valuable performances.

Evan Engram vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Stadium – MetLife Stadium
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $4,100

The Giants may stink offensively, but it’s certainly not due to a lack of weapons. That excess of talent, combined with the poor play of their offensive line and Eli Manning, has left Engram with a lot of games in which he hasn’t done all that much. Even in one of their better offensive games of the year in Week 10 against the 49ers, Engram received just five targets. He caught four of them for 46 yards, which was sadly his second-highest yardage total in a game so far.

If there was ever a game for Engram to have a breakout performance, this is it. The Bucs have been destroyed by opposing tight ends, allowing 51 receptions, 669 yards, and five touchdowns to the position. The Giants made even more changes to their offensive line in Week 10, which proved to at least give Manning a little more time in the pocket. If they can hold up again this week, Engram could be able to expose this soft spot in the Bucs’ coverage.

Arizona Cardinals vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – State Farm Stadium
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $3,100

All things considered, the Cardinals held up pretty well against the Chiefs last week. They still lost, but they limited the explosive Chiefs offense to 26 points, which was the first time the Chiefs scored fewer than 30 points since Week 4. They weren’t able to create any turnovers, but the Cardinals did record five sacks. Although they haven’t forced a turnover in either of their last two contests, the Cardinals do have at least four sacks in four of their last five games.

As tough as their matchup was last week, things swing back in their favor dramatically against the inept Raiders who have scored 10 points or fewer in four of their last five contests. The Cardinals have one of the better pass defenses in the league and the Raiders don’t have many weapons left on offense after Marshawn Lynch was placed on IR and Amari Cooper was traded to the Cowboys. At an even cheaper price than the Chargers, the Cardinals also provide significant upside.

PLAYERS TO AVOID

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 11 - TE/DEF/ST

Eric Ebron vs. Tennessee Titans
Stadium – Lucas Oil Stadium
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $4,300

What a strange performance from Ebron last week against the Jaguars. He was only on the field for 38 percent of the Colts offensive snaps, leaving him with just three targets. However, he cashed two of them in for touchdown receptions and even had another touchdown on a rare rushing attempt. Even though Ebron has been a touchdown machine this year, Jack Doyle is back now and eating into his opportunities. In both games since returning from injury, Doyle has been on the field for at least 73 percent of their snaps. The Titans haven’t allowed a single touchdown to tight ends this year, so if Ebron can’t find his way into the end zone again, he is left with very little production potential.

Indianapolis Colts vs. Tennessee Titans
Stadium – Lucas Oil Stadium
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $2,500

I’m not sure I understand why the Colts are priced this high on FanDuel. They’ve allowed at least 26 points in five of their last six games and haven’t recorded a sack in three of their last five contests. They did hold the Bills to three points in Week 7 but come on, it was the Bills. The Titans have looked much better offensively of late with at least 28 points in back-to-back games, so this isn’t exactly a favorable matchup. Even at their more reasonable price on DraftKings, it still might be best to avoid the Colts.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/15/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

We’ve only got three games in the NBA on Thursday, but there will be plenty of high-end talent available with the Warriors, Rockets, Nuggets, and Spurs all in action. There is also a surprisingly decent amount of cheap value plays with upside. Let’s dive into the slate to see where you might be able to gain an edge. 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 11/15/18

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC vs. SA
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,300

Avery Bradley (ankle) is listed as questionable for this contest, but even if he does return, it would be a surprise to see him back in the starting five. Gilgeous-Alexander has done a great job across four games in that role, averaging 14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, one steal, and 1.5 blocks. The Clippers play at the eighth-fastest pace (103.3 possessions per game) in the league, which should continue to leave Gilgeous-Alexander as a great option for your entry.

Jeremy Lin, ATL at DEN
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,900

The Hawks have been a disaster this year, but Lin has actually been a bright spot off their bench. He got off to a slow start, which is understandable considering he missed virtually all of last season with a knee injury. However, he’s turned things on of late, averaging 13.1 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 steals across his last seven games. His 23.5 percent usage rate is also the third-highest on the team. This game could get ugly early against a far superior Nuggets team, which could afford Lin with a few added minutes in garbage time.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/15/18

Lou Williams, LAC vs. SA
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $6,000

Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t the only player who has benefited from the absence of Bradley. Across the four games that he has missed, Williams is averaging 19.3 points and 7.3 assists per contest. Williams has logged at least 32 minutes in each of his last three games, which is significantly higher than his average of 26 minutes a contest for the season. If Bradley does indeed miss this game, Williams could provide significant upside, even though he’s not overly cheap.

Monte Morris, DEN vs. ATL
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,100

Isaiah Thomas (hip) is still out until at least December, which will continue to leave Morris as a significant part of their second unit. Although he’s not a consistent source for production, Morris has shown his potential by scoring at least 15 points in two of his last three games. Not only that, but he’s dished out at least six assists in back-to-back contests. If the Nuggets do get up big in this game early, Morris could see added minutes in garbage time. That makes him someone to potentially target, especially with the Hawks playing at the fastest pace (107).

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/15/18

Taurean Prince, ATL at DEN
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,900

The Hawks are still in the very early stages of a rebuilding process, but Prince looks to be an important part of their future. He has the tendency to go through shooting slumps from time to time, but he gets plenty of shots with the second-highest usage rate (24.4 percent) on the team. Luckily, he’s also averaging 4.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per contest, which somewhat helps make up for the nights when his shots aren’t falling. After shooting 17-for-27 (63 percent) across his last two games, he might be in the midst of a hot streak.

James Ennis III, HOU vs. GS
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $3,700

It appears the Carmelo Anthony era in Houston has quickly come to an end. Whether the Rockets trade or release him, Anthony has likely played his last game with the team. That opens up added playing time Ennis, who had 16 points, four rebounds, one steal, and two blocks across 34 minutes Tuesday against the Nuggets. Gary Clark (hip) is also listed as questionable for Thursday, so if he can’t play, Ennis could be locked in for extended action.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/15/18

P.J. Tucker, HOU vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,500

With Trevor Ariza now on the Suns, Tucker is starting and averaging a career-high 36 minutes a game. Don’t expect him to get a lot of shots playing with James Harden, Chris Paul, and Clint Capela, but Tucker has been able to average 8.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per contest. The Rockets surprisingly play at the 28th-fastest pace (97.5), but they might be forced to speed things up Thursday with the Warriors playing at the 12th-fastest (102.2). His upside isn’t very high, but Tucker’s extended playing time still makes him a viable target.

Trey Lyles, DEN vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,400

Lyles has had a couple of quiet performances lately, which has created an opportunity to roster him at a reduced price. He’s had an expanded role this season with Will Barton (groin) out and even has the second-highest usage rate (24.2 percent) on the team. If you want to go with the assumption that the Nuggets will win this game handily, taking a chance on Lyles could pay off if he gets added playing time.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/15/18

Mason Plumlee, DEN vs. ATL
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $3,400

Not much was made of it, but Nikola Jokic received x-rays for an undisclosed reason after Tuesday’s game against the Rockets. Even though he said he’s fine, the fact that he needed to get one for any reason is concerning. Whatever is ailing him, it would seem silly for the Nuggets to play him significant minutes against the lowly Hawks if he’s not completely healthy. That could potentially open up the door for Plumlee to get added run. Plumlee doesn’t play a lot, but he’s still averaged 6.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals across 17 minutes a game.

Miles Plumlee, ATL at DEN
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,300

The Plumlee brothers might be facing each other a lot Thursday. Not only is the Jokic situation a concern for the Nuggets, but the Hawks will once again be without Dewayne Dedmon (personal). Alex Len is also battling an ankle injury and is listed as questionable. If he can’t play, Plumlee will be the last man standing for the Hawks at center. Still, don’t expect him to score much, but that doesn’t mean he can’t do enough across the board to justify being considered in tournament play.

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 11 – Wide Receivers

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Reader-only special! Use code EBIRD15 at checkout to save 15%.

Six teams are on a bye during Week 11, but none of them have as much of an impact on the wide receiver position for the main Sunday afternoon slate in DFS as the Packers, Chiefs, Rams, and Vikings all playing in prime time. There are still a lot of quality options, though, so let’s dig into the position to see which matchups stand out. 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.

CASH CONTEST OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 11 - Wide Receivers

Michael Thomas vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Superdome
FanDuel = $8,800
DraftKings = $8,800

The Saints exploded for 51 points against the Bengals last week, so it’s no surprise that Thomas had a big game. He caught all eight of the targets thrown his way for 70 yards and two touchdowns. After scoring five touchdowns all last season, he already has seven through his first nine games. He also has an insane 89.7 percent catch rate, leaving him just 50 yards shy of reaching 1,000 yards for the third straight year.

The Eagles have only allowed 12 passing touchdowns this season, but they have allowed the 10th-most passing yards per game (266). Their secondary also received a significant blow when cornerback Ronald Darby was lost to a torn ACL. With the Saints firing on all cylinders offensively, they could put up plenty of points in a hurry in this contest. Thomas is tied for the league lead with 78 receptions, so expect him to have another great performance.

Julio Jones vs. Dallas Cowboys
Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
FanDuel = $8,700
DraftKings = $8,500

There has never been any question about Jones’ workload with his 102 targets tied for the third-most in the league. He’s already posted 1,040 receiving yards, marking his fifth straight season with at least 1,000 yards. The only issue has been his incredible inability to score touchdowns. However, he finally found the end zone in Week 9, then followed that up with another score last week against the Browns.

If you’re just looking at the opponent, this does not stand out as a great matchup for Jones. The Cowboys have a good pass defense and have only allowed 12 touchdown receptions all season. However, Jones has such a heavy volume of passes thrown his way that it’s hard to slow him down. If he can continue to find his way into the end zone, the sky is the limit in terms of his value. Even if he doesn’t again Sunday, he still has a high enough floor to be worth considering in cash contests.

Odell Beckham Jr. vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Stadium – MetLife Stadium
FanDuel = $8,500
DraftKings = $8,400

It’s been a frustrating season for Beckham and the Giants offense. He’s still put up some big yardage totals, but he entered Week 10 with just two touchdown receptions. A matchup against the 49ers turned out to be just what the doctored ordered with the Giants scoring 27 points and Beckham hauling in two scores. Even though he finished with four receptions for 73 yards, his day actually could have been even better since he had 11 targets.

A surprising as this may be, Beckham actually has as many targets as Jones does. Having Eli Manning as his quarterback is going to continue to limit his upside, but that doesn’t mean you should shy away from him at this lofty price. The Bucs have been horrible against the pass, allowing the fourth-most passing yards per game (292) and the most passing touchdowns (23). As long as the Giants offensive line can keep Manning upright, he should look Beckham’s way enough to make him a safe option.

GPP TOURNAMENT OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 11 - Wide Receivers

Alshon Jeffery vs. New Orleans Saints
Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Superdome
FanDuel = $7,300
DraftKings = $6,300

Jeffery had a quiet performance against the Cowboys last week with only four catches for 48 yards. On the bright side, he received eight targets and was on the field for 97 percent of their offensive snaps. New wide receiver Golden Tate wasn’t involved much in his debut with the team, only appearing on the field for 29 percent of their snaps. That number seems likely to rise as he gets more familiar with their offense, but it’s clear that Jeffery is still their top option at the position moving forward.

Tight end Zach Ertz will eat into Jeffery’s production from time to time, but Jeffery has four touchdowns in just six games and has a career-high 63.5 percent catch rate. The Eagles offense has had its struggles, but they will likely have to throw a lot Sunday to keep up with the Saints. That could lead to a banner performance from Jeffery since the Saints allow the second-most passing yards per game (296).

Kenny Golladay vs. Carolina Panthers
Stadium – Ford Field
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $5,800

The trade of Tate to the Eagles opens up an even larger role for Golladay. He was great in Week 10 against the Bears, catching 6 passes for 78 yards and a touchdown. Marvin Jones (knee) also had to depart that game early, which led Golladay to receive a season-high 13 targets. Golladay has now been on the field for 90 percent of the Lions offensive snaps his season, which is tops among their skill position players.

Jones is luckily just dealing with a bone bruise in his knee, but his status is still in question for this contest against the Panthers. If he can’t play, Golladay is going to be extremely busy. Even if Jones is able to take the field, Golladay is going to be heavily involved due to Tate no longer being in town. The Panthers have struggled in the secondary, allowing the second-most touchdown passes through the air (22).

Larry Fitzgerald vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – State Farm Stadium
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,600

The first two games with Byron Leftwich as the Cardinals offensive coordinator has provided immediate dividends for Fitzgerald. After receiving 41 targets across seven games with Mike McCoy at the helm of their offense, Fitzgerald has received 22 targets over two games since. He’s made the most of his added opportunities, posting 14 receptions, 152 yards, and a touchdown.

Another encouraging sign for the Fitzgerald is that he was on the field for at least 96 percent of the Cardinals offensive snaps in the two weeks under Leftwich. He had logged no more than 87 percent of their offensive snaps in three of his previous four contests. The Raiders get virtually no pressure on opposing quarterbacks and have allowed 21 passing touchdowns, potentially setting up Fitzgerald for a big game.

Tre’Quan Smith vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Superdome
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,000

With the Saints putting up 51 points last week, it is surprising that Smith wasn’t even targeted once in that contest. He was on the field for 68 percent of their offensive snaps, which was more than any other wide receiver, including Michael Thomas (61 percent). Don’t expect him to out snap Thomas moving forward, but last week illustrates the potential that Smith could have if the Saints decided to throw more passes his way.

The Saints just signed Brandon Marshall to provide some depth at wide receiver, but Smith should still be their second best option at the position moving forward. His lack of targets is concerning, which is why you should only consider him in tournament play. However, if this game turns into a shootout, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Smith provide value at this dirt cheap price.

PLAYERS TO AVOID

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 11 - Wide Receivers

Mike Evans vs. New York Giants
Stadium – MetLife Stadium
FanDuel = $7,400
DraftKings = $7,300

It’s been a rough couple of weeks for Evans. He received 10 targets in Week 9, but only caught one pass for 16 yards. He managed to post 51 yards in Week 10 but caught only three of six targets. This brief rough stretch is especially surprising considering how well he played with Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback to start the year. Don’t expect him to struggle like this for the remainder of the season, but this isn’t a good opportunity for him to turn things around against the Giants. They’ve dealt away a couple of their key defenders, but they still have cornerback Janoris Jenkins, who has helped them allow just 12 passing touchdowns this season. At this lofty price, Evans is awfully risky.

Tyrell Williams vs. Denver Broncos
Stadium – StubHub Center
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $4,800

After four touchdowns across his previous three games, Williams was finally shut out of the end zone by the Raiders in Week 10. He’s only received 36 targets all season, so a lot of his value depends on him scoring touchdowns. With Keenan Allen the top option at wide receiver for the Chargers and Melvin Gordon thriving in the backfield, don’t expect Williams to receive a significant jump in targets anytime soon, either.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/14/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

With 11 games in the NBA on Wednesday, many of the best players in the league will be in action. In order to fit some of them into your DFS entry, you’ll need to find the right mix with cheap value plays. Here are some of the better options to consider when crafting your lineup. 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 11/14/18

Collin Sexton, CLE at WAS
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,000

Sexton might still have a lot of developing to do, but he’s shown promise while filling in as the starting point guard with George Hill (shoulder) out. Across three games since assuming the role, Sexton is averaging 17 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. The key is that he has logged at least 34 minutes in each of those contests, something that likely won’t change Wednesday based on the limited depth behind him. The Wizards play at the seventh-fastest pace (103.4 possessions per game), so that could afford Sexton with even more opportunities to provide value.

D.J. Augustin, ORL vs. PHI
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,700

Augustin has started all 14 games for the Magic this year and isn’t going to lose that job anytime soon. Not only do they have no viable options behind him, but he’s averaged a respectable 10.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per contest. In his first game against the Sixers this year, Augustin finished with nine points, three rebounds and nine assists. Considering the Sixers play at the sixth-fastest pace (103.6), Augustin could be a viable option in tournament play for their rematch.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/14/18

Terrence Ross, ORL vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $5,000

Ross continues to lead the Magic’s second unit with a 24 percent usage rate. In fact, the only two players on the team with higher usage rates are both starters in Evan Fournier (26.1 percent) and Nikola Vucevic (25.3 percent). Ross is also averaging a whopping six three-point attempts per contest, which has helped him post 13.8 points and 2.3 three-pointers a night. With the potential for this game to be played at a faster pace than the Sixers are accustomed to, Ross could be in line for another valuable offensive outing.

J.R. Smith, CLE at WAS
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,000

The Cavaliers are running out of healthy players, so they’ve had to turn to a familiar face in Smith to cover some of the extra available minutes. Never one to shy away from taking shots, Smith has scored at least 13 points in four of his last five games. It hasn’t been just about scoring for Smith, though, who is also averaging 2.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.6 steals during that five-game stretch. The Wizards are allowing the most points per game (118.5), making Smith a potential bargain at this price.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/14/18

Jae Crowder, UTA at DAL
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $5,200

Crowder continues to thrive off the bench for the Jazz, averaging 14 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. His 69.6 percent shooting from the charity stripe leaves a lot to be desired, but that’s more a season-long fantasy concern than it is in DFS. In his first two games against the Mavericks this season, Crowder averaged 14.5 points and six rebounds, almost exactly in line with his overall marks for the year. His upside might not be off the charts, but he also has a relatively high floor for a player at this price.

Jeff Green, WAS vs. CLE
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,200

The Wizards are finally healthy, but that hasn’t stopped Green from being a valuable part of their second unit. Actually, he’s averaging 14.6 points and six rebounds over his last five games. He may not get a ton of shots, but he’s been extremely efficient by shooting 51 percent from the floor and 96.9 percent from the charity stripe. In a matchup against his former team that is currently decimated by injuries, Green is an intriguing option in tournament play.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/14/18

Al-Farouq Aminu, POR at LAL
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,900

The Blazers don’t count on Aminu to score much, leaving him with a paltry 11.9 percent usage rate. However, he’s still managed to average 8.5 points per contest. Add that to his 8.7 rebounds a game and he’s a nightly threat to at least approach a double-double. This is a good matchup for him against a Lakers team that deploys a lot of small lineups and plays at the third-fastest pace (105.6). The last time these two teams met, Aminu had four points, 13 rebounds, two steals and two blocks.

Derrick Favors, UTA at DAL
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,600

Favors was forced to play extra minutes last season with Rudy Gobert out for an extended period of time, but with Gobert healthy, Favors is back to playing just 23 minutes a game this year. That hasn’t stopped him from being productive, though, with averages of 11.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. The Mavericks have improved their overall roster, but Favors is a tough matchup for them at power forward. When these two teams played each other last week, Favors finished with 13 points, six rebounds, two steals, and three blocks.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/14/18

Tristan Thompson, CLE at WAS
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $5,800

With Kevin Love (toe), Sam Dekker (ankle) and Cedi Osman (back) all out, the Cavaliers have been forced to play Larry Nance Jr. more at power forward. That’s left Thompson to handle the bulk of the time at center, resulting in him playing at least 28 minutes in each of his last four games. He hasn’t let those minutes go to waste, averaging 15.5 points and 16 rebounds a contest.

Jonas Valanciunas, TOR vs. DET
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,000

Valanciunas has bounced in and out of the starting five based on matchups, but this looks like an instance where he’ll start against Andre Drummond. Even though Valanciunas is still only averaging 22 minutes a game as a starter, he’s posted 13.2 points, eight rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per contest in that role. Thompson has the higher upside, but Valanciunas is also someone to consider who comes at an even cheaper price.