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NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 17 – WR, TE, DEF/ST

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

After discussing some quarterbacks and running backs who could be in line for big performances, it’s time to highlight some wide receivers, tight ends and defenses/special teams to target in Week 17. 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.

WIDE RECEIVERS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 17 - WR, TE, DEF/ST

Antonio Brown vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Stadium – Heinz Field
FanDuel = $8,800
DraftKings = $8,700

The Steelers late-season collapse has left them needing to win in Week 17 and get some help to make the playoffs. That’s great news for DFS purposes because that means it will be business as usual for Brown and the rest of their starters. Brown destroyed the Saints last week, catching 14 of 19 targets for 185 yards and two touchdowns. He’s been a touchdown machine, in general, totaling a career-high 15 scores for the season. The Bengals have allowed the second-most touchdown passes (31) and the third-most passing yards per game (276) in the league, so look for Brown to thrive again Sunday.

Julian Edelman vs. New York Jets
Stadium – Gillette Stadium
FanDuel = $7,100
DraftKings = $7,600

Edelman was certainly busy last week with Josh Gordon no longer with the Patriots, catching six of 10 targets for 70 yards and a touchdown. He’s received at least 10 targets in six of his last eight games and should be locked in for a huge role again Sunday. The Patriots haven’t had much to play for in the last week of the regular season in recent years, but they do this week as they are still trying to secure a first-round bye. They even have an outside chance of clinching home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Jets have allowed the seventh-most passing yards per game (255), making Edelman an excellent target.

Kenny Golladay vs. Green Bay Packers
Stadium – Lambeau Field
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $6,600

The Lions have struggled to put points on the board, scoring 17 points or fewer in each of their last five games. Golladay hasn’t found his way into the end zone in any of those contests, but that doesn’t mean that you should ignore him in DFS. He’s their top receiving option right now and he still gets plenty of targets. He only had six catches for 58 yards last week against the Vikings, although he did receive 15 targets. The Packers have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers, so this could be a great opportunity for Golladay to end his season on a high note.

Jordy Nelson vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,900

Nelson was a valuable contributor in the Raiders defeat of the Broncos last week, catching seven of 10 targets for 75 yards. With the Raiders lacking talent at wide receiver due to injuries and the trade that sent Amari Cooper to the Cowboys, Nelson has been one of their main pass-catching weapons. He had plenty of success against the Chiefs in Week 13, posting 10 receptions for 97 yards. Considering how poorly the Chiefs continue to play defensively, this is a prime spot to deploy Nelson in tournament play.

TIGHT ENDS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 17 - WR, TE, DEF/ST

Travis Kelce vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $7,700
DraftKings = $7,200

Back-to-back losses have put the Chiefs in a position where they still need to win Sunday to clinch their division and gain home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. If they don’t win, then they are going to need a lot of help to achieve both feats. That sets them up to play this game like normal, which is great news for Kelce. He’s only posted 115 receiving yards and no touchdowns across their two losses, but he gets an excellent matchup against the Raiders, who have allowed 998 yards and nine touchdowns to tight ends this year. The last time these two teams met, Kelce torched the Raiders for 12 receptions, 168 yards, and two touchdowns.

Evan Engram vs. Dallas Cowboys
Stadium – MetLife Stadium
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,300

Injuries have put a damper on Engram’s second season in the league, but he’s come on strong with Odell Beckham Jr. (quadriceps) out. Across the three games that Beckham has missed, Engram has 17 receptions for 239 yards. The Cowboys have nothing left to play for in Week 17, so they might rest some of their top defensive players in preparation for the playoffs. The Giants are only playing for a high draft pick, so they might not rush Beckham back for this contest, either. If Beckham sits, Engram has plenty of upside.

C.J. Uzomah vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Stadium – Heinz Field
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $3,500

This disaster of a season is finally getting ready to come to an end for the Bengals. They’ve limped their way to the finish line, losing most of their best skill players on offense. With few options left to throw to, Uzomah caught four of his five targets for 49 yards and a touchdown last week against the Browns. It seems unlikely that the Bengals would push wide receiver Tyler Boyd (knee) to play Sunday, so his absence would once again likely create an expanded role for Uzomah. That would be significant for his production potential since the Steelers have allowed 881 yards and seven touchdowns to tight ends this season.

DEFENSES/SPECIAL TEAMS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 17 - WR, TE, DEF/ST

Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals
Stadium – CenturyLink Field
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $3,700

The Seahawks have nothing left to play for having already secured a Wild Card spot. That might lead them to rest several players on both sides of the ball, but this is still a spot to consider deploying them in DFS. The Cardinals have been one of the worst offenses in the league, scoring 14 points or fewer in four of their last five games. They’ve also allowed quarterback Josh Rosen to be sacked at least two times in each of those five contests.

New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys
Stadium – MetLife Stadium
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $2,100

The Cowboys have already clinched the NFC East and don’t have the ability to secure a first-round bye, so this is a meaningless contest for them. This is a prime opportunity for them to rest some of their starters, especially Ezekiel Elliott, who already has 304 rushing attempts. If he and quarterback Dak Prescott sit for some or all of this contest, the Giants defense has a chance to excel at home against the Cowboys’ backups.

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 17 – QB & RB

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

The last week of the NFL regular season is here. Every team plays Sunday, so there are a ton of options to choose from in DFS. Here are some quarterbacks and running back who stand out as potential difference makers. 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 for Week 17 - QB & RB

Patrick Mahomes vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $9,500
DraftKings = $7,100

The Chiefs have lost back-to-back games, so they still need to win Sunday to clinch the AFC West and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. That’s great news for DFS purposes since it keeps one of the most potent offenses in the league in play. Despite their recent struggles as a team, Mahomes still has at least two touchdown passes in 10 straight games, boosting his total to 48 for the season. This is a stellar matchup for him against the Raiders, who have allowed the most touchdown passes (34) in the league. The first time these two teams met, Mahomes threw for 295 yards and four touchdowns.

Ben Roethlisberger vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Stadium – Heinz Field
FanDuel = $8,700
DraftKings = $7,000

With four losses across their last five games, the Steelers find themselves needing to win this game against the Bengals and get a little help to make it into the playoffs. Luckily their part at least sets up well for them to succeed, getting to play at home against the injury-riddled Bengals. Roethlisberger’s home and road splits haven’t been as drastic this season, but he has 18 touchdown passes over seven home games compared to 15 scores across eight games on the road. Not only is the Bengals’ offensive limping heading into their contest, but their defense is tied for the second-most touchdown passes allowed (31) and has allowed the third-most passing yards per game (276).

Josh Allen vs. Miami Dolphins
Stadium – New Era Field
FanDuel = $7,700
DraftKings = $6,000

The Patriots did a good job bottling up Allen on the ground in Week 16, holding him to 30 yards on five carries. Allen again provided inconsistent production through the air, completing 20 of 41 passes for 217 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Week 17 brings a much easier matchup for him at home against the Dolphins. When these two teams faced off in Week 13, Allen turned nine carries into 135 yards. He also posted his only multi-passing touchdown performance of the year in that game, so he’s at least someone to consider in tournament play.

Derek Carr vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $5,100

It’s been a lost season for the Raiders, but they’ve actually won two of their last three games down the stretch. Even though they won last week against the Broncos, Carr was held in check, finishing with just 167 passing yards. It should be noted, though, that he only needed to attempt 26 passes with the Raiders jumping out to a big lead early. Prior to that quiet performance, Carr had totaled six touchdown passes and no interceptions across his previous three games. In fact, Carr hasn’t thrown a pick since Week 5. The Chiefs continue to have a swiss-cheese-like secondary, which leaves Carr with significant upside. He certainly had plenty of success against them in Week 13, throwing for 285 yards and three touchdowns.

RUNNING BACKS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 17 - QB & RB

Damien Williams vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $6,900
DraftKings = $6,100

Spencer Ware (hamstring) was unable to take the field again last week, setting up Williams to lead the Chief’s backfield. He logged 73 percent of their offensive snaps, finishing with 103 rushing yards on 13 carries. He also caught all seven of his targets for 37 yards and a touchdown. The Chiefs do need to win this game as previously discussed, but it shouldn’t exactly be an overwhelming task against the far inferior Raiders. They might not rush Ware back into action, so if he sits, Williams again has significant upside. It’s definitely a favorable matchup with the Raiders allowing the third-most rushing yards per game (143.3).

Chris Carson vs. Arizona Cardinals
Stadium – CenturyLink Field
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $6,500

The Seahawks have already clinched a wildcard spot, so they don’t really have anything left to play for. That makes rolling with their offensive players a bit of a risky proposition, especially considering the potential blowout factor against a horrid Cardinals squad. Carson does come into this game extremely hot, rushing for 325 yards and four touchdowns across his last three games. Despite not being on the field for more than 59 percent of the Seahawks’ offensive snaps during any of those games, Carson still received at least 22 carries in each contest. The Cardinals allow by far the most rushing yards per game (153.1), so adding Carson to your entry might be a risk worth taking.

Elijah McGuire vs. New England Patriots
Stadium – Gillette Stadium
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,300

With Isaiah Crowell (toe) out for the season, McGuire is the main man in the Jets’ backfield. He hasn’t been efficient in his two starts, turning 32 carries into just 77 yards. However, he has scored a rushing touchdown in both contests and even chipped in a receiving score last week against the Packers. The Jets also like to use him in the passing game, giving him nine targets over that two-game stretch. Don’t expect his efficiency to improve drastically against the Patriots, but he should get enough volume to once again be a viable option.

C.J. Anderson vs. San Francisco 49ers
Stadium – Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $5,400

The Rams decided to hold out Todd Gurley (knee) in Week 16, which opened up a starting role for Anderson. He just joined the team a couple of weeks ago, but that didn’t stop him from turning 20 carries into 167 yards and a touchdown. The Rams are still looking to clinch a first-round bye, but this shouldn’t be an overly challenging game playing at home against the 49ers. If Gurley isn’t completely healthy, it makes little sense to play him. If he does play, it also makes little sense to give him a ton of work. Anderson isn’t all that cheap anymore, but he could still provide value Sunday.

Doug Martin vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $4,400

The Raiders have pretty evenly split snaps in their backfield between Martin and Jalen Richard since Marshawn Lynch (groin) was lost for the season. Martin had his best performance last week against the Broncos, carrying the ball 21 times for 107 yards and a touchdown. While his yardage totals haven’t always been great, he has found his way into the end zone in four of his last five games. The Chiefs allow the fifth-most rushing yards per game (132.5), leaving Martin with some appeal in tournament play based on his cheap price.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/25/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

There are few days in the NBA season as exciting as the Christmas Day slate of games. The league uses this day to showcase some of their best teams, which also means a lot of the top players will be in action. That means plenty of elite options in DFS will be taking the floor. In order to fit some of those players into your entry, here are some cheaper value plays to consider. 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 12/25/18

Emmanuel Mudiay, NY vs. MIL
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $6,900

The Knicks have changed up their rotations throughout the season, which left Mudiay with little playing time at the start the year. However, he was inserted into the starting lineup in the middle of November and has yet to relinquish the role. He’s been especially hot of late, averaging 20.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists across 11 games in December. His price has increased significantly, but it’s still reasonable enough to warrant considering him for your entry.

T.J. McConnell, PHI at BOS
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,600

With the return of Markelle Fultz (shoulder) nowhere in site, McConnell will continue to be one of the main guards off of the bench for the Sixers. Don’t count on him to score much, but he’s provided respectable all-around contributions by averaging 8.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.4 steals across 10 games in December. At near the minimum price on both sites, his secure role off the bench gives him some appeal in tournament play.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/25/18

Eric Gordon, HOU vs. OKC
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,800

Gordon is only averaging 15.3 points per game this season, which is his lowest mark since joining the Rockets. His usage rate of 22.5 percent is down over two percentage points from last season, but he has a great opportunity to be productive for at least the next couple of weeks with Chris Paul (hamstring) out. Across six games in which Paul has missed this season, Gordon has averaged 21.8 points and 4.3 three-pointers.

Marcus Smart, BOS vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,400

Smart has been an important part of the Celtics success in recent years, but he’s averaging a career-low 26 minutes per game this season. With the talent that they have across the board, his playing time is likely to remain limited. His scoring numbers have really suffered, but he’s remained DFS relevant with 4.2 assists and 1.9 steals per game. With the Sixers playing at the eighth-fastest pace (102.6 possessions per game) in the league, Smart might even receive a few more opportunities to provide value Tuesday.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/25/18

Joe Ingles, UTA vs. POR
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,700

Ingles entered this season having made at least 44 percent of his three-point attempts in both of the last two seasons, but he’s only shooting 38.1 percent this year. Luckily, his usage rate has jumped to a career-high 17.9 percent, which has helped him to still average 12.1 points per game. He’s also chipped in 3.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.6 steals a game, leaving him with valuable all-around contributions.

Evan Turner, POR at UTA
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,000

Turner’s career hasn’t gone the way some had expected after he was selected with the second overall pick in the 2010 Draft. However, he’s become a critical member of the bench for a Blazers team that has had plenty of success during his tenure with the team. He doesn’t receive a ton of scoring opportunities, which has left him to average just eight points per game. However, he’s also averaging five rebounds and 4.1 assists per contest, his highest marks in both categories since joining the Blazers. Even with his limited offensive upside, the savings he could provide your budget combined with his production in other categories leaves him with some appeal in tournament play.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/25/18

Kevin Knox, NY vs. MIL
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,600

Mudiay isn’t the only Knick who has come alive of late. Knox, their promising first-round pick, has been on a scoring binge of late, averaging 20.3 points and three three-pointers across his last seven games. He’s also chipped in 6.6 rebounds per contest during that stretch, leaving him with plenty of upside despite his lack of assists or defensive stats. There is some concern that the Knicks could get down big against a far superior Bucks team, but with them looking to develop Knox, his playing time is fairly secure. Case in point, he’s logged at least 35 minutes in each of the last four games in which they have lost by at least 11 points.

Marcus Morris, BOS vs. PHI
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,900

After sitting out two games due to a knee injury, Morris returned to log 20 minutes Sunday against the Hornets. The Celtics didn’t need to play him much in a lopsided win, but he still scored 12 points to go along with eight rebounds. Despite the Celtics’ loaded depth chart, Morris is having one of the best seasons of his career by averaging 14.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.2 three-pointers. The Sixers are extremely thin at power forward after trading Dario Saric to the Timberwolves, leaving Morris with the potential to thrive in this contest.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/25/18

Steven Adams, OKC at HOU
FanDuel = $7,200
DraftKings = $6,700

Russell Westbrook and Paul George are clearly the offensive leaders for the Thunder, but Adams is no slouch himself, averaging a career-high 16.1 points per game. He’s been a terror on the glass, as well, averaging 10 boards a night. The Thunder added Nerlens Noel to provide some depth behind him, but Adams is still logging 34 minutes a game. While he’s not an overly cheap option, Adams has a high floor considering his price tag.

Brook Lopez, MIL at NY
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,300

The Bucks are currently the second seed in the Eastern Conference, just one-and-a-half games behind the Raptors. It might not have been a flashy pickup, but the addition of Lopez over the summer is one of the key reasons for their hot start. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a monster, but he thrives in the paint. Having Lopez on the floor alongside him provides valuable spacing since opposing big men have to guard him on the perimeter. There aren’t a lot of great cheap center options Tuesday, but Lopez’s ability to hit three’s and block shots at least makes him someone to consider.

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 16 – WR, TE, DEF/ST

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

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We only have two weeks left with a full slate of games in the NFL. After examining some quarterbacks and running backs to target for Week 16, let’s now highlight some wide receivers, tight ends and defenses/special teams that have 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.

WIDE RECEIVERS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 16 - WR, TE, DEF/ST

DeAndre Hopkins vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Stadium – Lincoln Financial Field
FanDuel = $8,900
DraftKings = $8,600

Hopkins couldn’t have played any better last week against the Jets. He caught 10 of his 11 targets, marking his third game this season with 10 receptions. Not only did he finish with a season-high 170 yards, but he also scored two touchdowns. With 11 touchdowns for the season to go along with 94 receptions, Hopkins has one of the highest floors among wide receivers in DFS. Week 16 brings another opportunity for him to shine against a banged up Eagles secondary that has allowed the second-most passing yards per game (281) in the league.

Amari Cooper vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Stadium – AT&T Stadium
FanDuel = $7,000
DraftKings = $7,500

There has been a lot made about how the addition of Cooper has improved the Cowboys’ offense, but he’s still struggled to be consistent. In his six games with the Raiders, he had four games with 17 receiving yards or fewer, but he had at least 116 yards in both of the other two contests. Across seven games with the Cowboys, he’s posted 58 yards or fewer three times. However, he finished with at least 180 yards and two touchdowns twice. He’s coming off of a dud last week against the Colts, but it should be noted that contest was on the road. Cowboys’ quarterback Dak Prescott has much better numbers playing at home, so don’t be surprised if Cooper excels in this matchup against a Bucs defense that has allowed 30 passing touchdowns.

Robby Anderson vs. Green Bay Packers
Stadium – MetLife Stadium
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $4,500

Anderson had a breakout campaign last year, but the change to Sam Darnold at quarterback has dealt a significant blow to his numbers. Over his first nine games this season, Anderson finished with 44 receiving yards or fewer eight times. The duo appears to finally be on the same page now, leaving Anderson to record 172 yards and two touchdowns over his last two games. Anderson received a season-high 11 targets with Quincy Enunwa (ankle) out last week and could again be extremely busy with Enunwa’s status very much in doubt for Week 16.

John Ross vs. Cleveland Browns
Stadium – FirstEnergy Stadium
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $3,800

The Bengals probably can’t wait for this season to be over. Injuries have completely derailed their offense, the latest of which was suffered by wide receiver Tyler Boyd (knee) last week. He has an MCL sprain and hasn’t practiced yet this week, so it seems highly unlikely that he’s going to play. If he doesn’t suit up, Ross is in line to be their top receiving threat. He’s battling his own ankle issue, but he has been a limited participant in practice so far, which is encouraging. The Browns allow the third-most passing yards per game (275), making Ross a viable cheap option in tournament play.

TIGHT ENDS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 16 - WR, TE, DEF/ST

Zach Ertz vs. Houston Texans
Stadium – Lincoln Financial Field
FanDuel = $7,400
DraftKings = $5,900

Nick Foles might be one of the better backup quarterbacks in the league, but Ertz hasn’t topped 48 receiving yards in any of the three games that Foles has started this year. He had only three receptions last week against the Rams, but he did at least receive seven targets. His upside might not be as high as it was when Carson Wentz (back) was at the helm, but the Texans have allowed 889 yards and seven touchdowns to opposing tight ends. His price is still high on FanDuel, but it’s decreased significantly on DraftKings, making him a potential bargain at his position.

David Njoku vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Stadium – FirstEnergy Stadium
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $3,800

Njoku has been on the field for at least 81 percent of the Browns’ offensive snaps in each of the last three games and has 15 targets to show for it. He didn’t do much with those targets, though, recording nine receptions for 73 yards. It’s hard to get too excited about him based on those stats, but the Bengals have allowed 839 yards and eight touchdowns to tight ends. The last time these two teams met, Njoku finished with five receptions, 63 yards, and a touchdown. If you want to take the cheap route at tight end in tournament play, Njoku is a viable option,

C.J. Uzomah vs. Cleveland Browns
Stadium – FirstEnergy Stadium
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $3,300

Uzomah had a favorable matchup last week against a Raiders team that has been mauled by tight ends, but he only caught one of his five targets for 27 yards. If you’re looking for a silver lining, at least Uzomah has received at least five targets in four of his last five contests. With the Bengals running out of healthy wide receivers, they may be forced to throw the ball more his way. The Browns have also struggled against tight ends, allowing 862 yards and six touchdowns to the position. In their last meeting, Uzomah caught six of 12 targets for 39 yards.

DEFENSES/SPECIAL TEAMS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 16 - WR, TE, DEF/ST

Los Angeles Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals
Stadium – State Farm Stadium
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $3,200

Yes, the Rams gave up 30 points last week to the Eagles with Foles at quarterback. However, they are still a great option against the Cardinals. Josh Rosen has been awful of late, totaling 521 passing yards, three interceptions and no touchdowns across his last three games. He’s also been sacked 11 times during that stretch, so expect the Rams defense to wreak havoc Sunday.

Miami Dolphins vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Stadium – Hard Rock Stadium
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $2,700

This season turned into a disaster for the Jaguars. They neglected to address the quarterback position over the summer, leaving Blake Bortles to retain his starting role. He played so poorly that they have actually turned to Cody Kessler as their starter. While it’s hard to imagine, they’ve been even worse with him leading the way, scoring just one offensive touchdown across his three starts. The Dolphins defense is nothing special, but this matchup is almost too good to pass up.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/19/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

We’ve got a bevy of value play options to choose from Wednesday with 12 games on the schedule. Let’s dive right in and highlight a couple at each position that could hopefully help you win some cash. 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 12/19/18

Terry Rozier, BOS vs. PHO
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,300

Rozier shined filling in last season when the Celtics were dealing with several key injuries, but he’s been limited to just 23 minutes a game this year with Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward back in the fold. However, there are a couple of factors that could work in his favor Wednesday. First, Jaylen Brown (hand) is listed as questionable, so if he doesn’t take the floor, that could open up some added minutes for Rozier. Second, this game could get out of hand early with how poorly the Suns have played and this game being played in Boston. Rozier would also gain some added garbage time minutes in that scenario, so he might be worth the risk in tournament play.

Tyus Jones, MIN vs. DET
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,600

The Timberwolves will be without Jeff Teague (ankle), which will move Derrick Rose into the starting five. Rose is a great DFS option, as a result, but his price doesn’t exactly make him a cheap value play. Jones, on the other hand, isn’t too far off from the minimum price on both sites. He ended up playing 24 minutes in a blowout win over the Kings on Monday, scoring 10 points to go along with three rebounds, 10 assists, and two steals. This game figures to be closer, but that doesn’t mean Jones won’t play enough to be worth considering for your entry.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/19/18

Marcus Smart, BOS vs. PHO
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,900

Like Rozier, Smart has seen a significant reduction in his playing time this season. However, if Brown doesn’t play, Smart will likely move into the starting five. Across nine previous starts, Smart has averaged 8.8 points. 3.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.8 steals. His scoring upside won’t be high whether he starts or comes off the bench, but his contributions in other areas would still make him a viable target with the added playing time.

Jamal Crawford, PHO at BOS
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,600

In a bit of an odd move, the Suns have waived Austin Rivers after acquiring him from the Wizards. They don’t have much depth at point guard, so Rivers could have been a valuable addition. Maybe they really like the production that they have received from Crawford, who is averaging nine points, 2.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists across his last three games. Crawford will continue to be relied on to help play point guard Wednesday, so he could provide value despite this matchup against a tough Celtics defense.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/19/18

Nemanja Bjelica, SAC vs. OKC
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $4,800

Monday’s game was pretty much worst-case scenario for the starters on the Kings. They were pulled early after digging a deep deficit and never returned to the game. Bjelica only played five minutes, but don’t get scared away from him because of one oddball game. Marvin Bagley III (knee) will be out again Wednesday, setting Bjleica up for the opportunity for heavy playing time if the Kings can keep this game close.

E’Twaun Moore, NO at MIL
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,600

Speaking of teams dealing with injuries, things are looking ugly for the Pelicans for this game. Elfrid Payton (finger), Julius Randle (ankle) and Nikola Mirotic (ankle) will all be out, leaving a ton of available minutes. Randle and Mirotic are also two of their best offensive options, so expect Moore to be one of the players that they look to for adding offense. That could leave him as a great option in DFS since both the Pelicans and Bucks are in the top-five in the league in pace of play.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/19/18

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, BKN at CHI
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,600

Hollis-Jefferson was sidelined with an injury to start the season and then he was stuck behind Jared Dudley when he was able to return. He’s finally reclaimed his starting spot, which is key because he’s averaged eight minutes more per game as a starter than when he comes off of the bench. The added playing time has helped him average 12.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 steals across his 13 starts and he’ll get a great opportunity to build on those numbers against the struggling Bulls.

Cheick Diallo, NO at MIL
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,500

With Randle and Mirotic out, Anthony Davis is going to have to carry even more of the load up front for the Pelicans. However, someone is going to have to help fill Randle’s and Mirotic’s minutes. Diallo is likely one of the prime candidates to spend more time on the floor. While opportunities have been few and far between for him this year, he had 10 points and 10 rebounds in the lone game in which he has logged at least 20 minutes. That’s obviously not a great sample size to be working with, but he might still be worth taking a chance on in tournament play.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/19/18

Jarrett Allen, BKN at CHI
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $5,500

Allen is averaging seven more minutes a game this year compared to his rookie season with the Nets viewing him as a key part of their future. His production has increased along with his playing time, boosting him to averages of 11.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. The Bulls allow the second-most FanDuel and DraftKings points per game to opposing centers, leaving Allen with a prime opportunity to shine.

Cody Zeller, CHA vs. CLE
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,300

Zeller has battled injuries throughout his career, but he’s been able to play 28 games already this season. He’s not logging heavy minutes despite his starting role, but he’s still put up respectable numbers with 9.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, two assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks per contest. The Cavaliers are thin at center with Kevin Love (toe) and Tristan Thompson (foot) out, so don’t sleep on Zeller.

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 16 – QB & RB

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

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

With a bizarre Week 15 now in our rearview mirror, we only have two weeks left of full slates in the NFL. There is no Thursday game during Week 16, but there are two matchups on Saturday. Let’s dive into the main Sunday slate in DFS and highlight some quarterbacks and runnings backs to consider for your 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.

QUARTERBACKS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 16 - QB & RB

Deshaun Watson vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Stadium – Lincoln Financial Field
FanDuel = $8,000
DraftKings = $6,600

The Texans got back in the win column last week against the Jets, boosting their record to 10-4. Watson had another strong performance, throwing for 294 yards and two touchdowns. He also chipped in 26 rushing yards on four carries. Watson is currently on an impressive streak in which he has completed at least 71 percent of his passes and has not thrown an interception in four straight contests. The Eagles secondary has been decimated by injuries to the point where they have now allowed the second-most passing yards per game (281) in the league for the season, overall. With running back Lamar Miller battling an ankle injury, the Texans could rely even more on Watson, giving him tremendous upside for this matchup.

Baker Mayfield vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Stadium – FirstEnergy Stadium
FanDuel = $7,700
DraftKings = $6,100

Mayfield didn’t play all that well against the Broncos in Week 15, completing just 58.1 percent of his passes for 188 yards. He did somewhat salvage his line with two touchdowns, although he did also throw an interception. Despite his underwhelming performance, he’s one of the top DFS options at quarterback this week. The Bengals defense is a mess and has allowed the fourth-most passing yards per game (271) to go along with 28 touchdown passes. The last time these two teams met in Week 12, Mayfield threw for 258 yards and four touchdowns.

Josh Allen vs. New England Patriots
Stadium – Gillette Stadium
FanDuel = $7,700
DraftKings = $5,800

The Bills don’t have a lot of offensive weapons, but things were really bad last week against the Lions with running backs LeSean McCoy (hamstring) and Chris Ivory (shoulder) inactive. To make matters worse, third-string back Marcus Murphy had to leave the game with an elbow injury. That left the Lions defense to key in on Allen, who completed just 50 percent of his passes for 204 yards. More importantly, they held him to 16 yards on nine carries. Luckily, Allen still finished with a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown, helping him to have another productive performance. Playing on the road against the Patriots isn’t a great matchup, but Allen has been able to provide enough value with his legs to still be worth considering in tournament play.

Dak Prescott vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Stadium – AT&T Stadium
FanDuel = $7,300
DraftKings = $5,700

The Cowboys entered Week 15 with five straight wins and had the look of a team who was going to pull away from the rest of their division. However, not only did they lose to the Colts, but they were shut out, 23-0. Prescott couldn’t get much going, completing 24 of 39 passes for 206 yards and an interception. He’s been a bit inconsistent of late, but he showed his upside against the Eagles two weeks ago when he threw for 455 yards and three touchdowns. The addition of wide receiver Amari Cooper has been huge for Prescott’s production, so look for him to bounce back quickly from his debacle against the Colts. This is certainly a prime opportunity for him to do so against the Bucs, who are tied for the second-most touchdown passes allowed (30) in the league.

RUNNING BACKS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 16 - QB & RB

Christian McCaffrey vs. Atlanta Falcons
Stadium – Bank of America Stadium
FanDuel = $9,300
DraftKings = $8,800

Panther’s quarterback Cam Newton is struggling with a shoulder issue right now and looked terrible on Monday night against the Saints. He clearly couldn’t throw the ball well down the field, averaging just 4.5 yards per passing attempt. His inability to throw deep was a positive for McCaffrey, though, who was targeted 11 times. He finished with eight catches for 67 yards to go along with 15 carries for an additional 53 yards. That marked his seventh straight game with at least 100 total yards and with his touchdown pass Monday, McCaffrey now has at least one score in four straight contests. Newton’s shoulder likely won’t be any better this week, so expect McCaffrey to get all the work that he can handle.

Ezekiel Elliott vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Stadium – AT&T Stadium
FanDuel = $8,800
DraftKings = $9,000

Even though the Cowboys couldn’t find their way into the end zone against the Colts, Elliott still finished with 128 total yards. He caught seven of his eight targets and has now received at least six targets in six straight games, giving him a significant boost in his overall production. The Bucs are not only allowing the sixth-most rushing yards per game (128.1), but they’ve also allowed a league-high 106 receptions to running backs, leaving Elliott with a tremendously high upside.

Nick Chubb vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Stadium – FirstEnergy Stadium
FanDuel = $7,900
DraftKings = $7,300

Chubb failed to catch a pass Sunday for the first time since Week 7, but he was successful on the ground with 20 carries for 100 yards. Yes, 40 of those yards came on one play, but the 20 carries is the key to his value. He now has at least 20 rushing attempts in four of his last six games and could be in for another heavy workload in Week 16. The Bengals are decimated by injuries on offense, so they might have a hard time putting points on the board, which could lead to a lot of carries late for Chubb. The Bengals’ defense is allowing the fourth-most rushing yards per game (142.4), so don’t hesitate to add Chubb to your entry.

Marlon Mack vs. New York Giants
Stadium – Lucas Oil Stadium
FanDuel = $7,000
DraftKings = $5,500

Mack had 60 rushing yards across two games, combined, heading into Week 15, but he broke out of that drought with 139 yards and two touchdowns against the Cowboys. With their defense dominating, Mack received 27 rushing attempts as the Colts nursed their lead to the finish line. Week 16 brings a great opportunity for Mack to thrive considering the Giants just gave up 170 rushing yards and two touchdowns to Derrick Henry on Sunday. The trade of Damon Harrison to the Lions has left a significant hole in their rushing defense, so look for Mack to take advantage.

Elijah McGuire vs. Green Bay Packers
Stadium – MetLife Stadium
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $4,700

The Jets had to place Isaiah Crowell (toe) on IR last week, which opened up the lead back role for McGuire. He wasn’t very effective in his first start, turning 18 carries into just 42 yards. He did find his way into the end zone, though, and he was on the field for 75 percent of the Jets’ offensive snaps. The Jets don’t have any other choice but to give McGuire a lot of snaps, leaving him as a very appealing tournament option based on his cheap price on both sites.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/17/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

The NBA will be plenty busy Monday night with eight games on the schedule. The Warriors, Rockets, Thunder, and Sixers are among the teams in action, leaving a ton of elite talent to choose from in DFS. Let’s highlight some cheap value plays at all of the positions to try and help you squeeze a star or two into 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 12/17/18

Derrick Rose, MIN vs. SAC
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $6,300

The Timberwolves didn’t have much of a choice but to trade Jimmy Butler since he no longer wanted to play for the team, but his departure left a huge hole in their offense. Karl-Anthony Towns has seen a significant increase in his usage rate since the trade, but the Timberwolves have also relied on Rose to provide a scoring punch off the bench. He hasn’t let them down and is now averaging 18.7 points and 4.4 assists per game for the season, overall. The Kings play at the second-fastest pace (105.3 possessions per game) in the league, which should help Rose to continue to be productive in this contest.

T.J. McConnell, PHI at SA
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,800

McConnell has seen his playing time decrease to 19 minutes a game this season, but he’s logged at least 21 minutes in nine straight games with Markelle Fultz (neck/shoulder) on the sidelines. His numbers don’t stand out, but McConnell is averaging 9.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.4 steals across 13 games in which he has played at least 20 minutes. Jimmy Butler has dealt with a groin injury of late, but he returned to play 25 minutes on Sunday. With such a quick turnaround Monday, Butler might again receive limited playing time, which could open up even more opportunities for McConnell.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/17/18

Bogdan Bogdanovic, SAC at MIN
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $5,800

Bogdanovic started in place of Iman Shumpert (hip) on Sunday, which allowed him to log a season-high 37 minutes. He didn’t let the rare starting opportunity go to waste, scoring 15 points to go along with seven rebounds and five assists. If Shumpert can’t play again Monday, expect Bogdanovic to receive another start. Even if Shumpert does play, Bogdanovic is still a viable target since he has logged at least 30 minutes in five straight games.

Langston Galloway, DET vs. MIL
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $3,400

The Pistons recently received a boost with Stanley Johnson and Reggie Bullock returning from injury, but they are still shorthanded with Ish Smith (groin) and Glenn Robinson III (ankle) on the shelf. Galloway is able to play multiple positions, which has resulted in him averaging 30 minutes across his last five games. With 13.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game during that stretch, Galloway should at least be on your radar in tournament play, especially with the Bucks playing at the fifth-fastest pace (103.4).

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/17/18

Nemanja Bjelica, SAC at MIN
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,400

The Kings drafted who they hope will be the power forward of their future in Marvin Bagley III, but he’s currently sidelined with a knee injury. Bjelica has a clear path to significant playing time during his absence, evident by the fact that he played 35 minutes Sunday. He’s averaged 17.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.5 steals and two blocks across six games in which he has logged at least 30 minutes, making him very hard to pass up at this price.

Jae Crowder, UTA at HOU
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,400

Crowder has mostly come off of the bench this season, but he has started more of late when the Jazz play smaller teams. He actually started when these two teams met less than two weeks ago, finishing with 12 points, five rebounds, two steals, and a block. His upside isn’t all that high, but he is still an intriguing option based on his potential playing time and cheap price on both sites.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/17/18

Noah Vonleh, NY vs. PHO
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,500

Mitchell Robinson (ankle) did not play Sunday against the Pacers and might not take the floor Monday, either, which could leave Vonleh with a more reliable role. The Knicks constantly changing up their rotations can make things challenging, but Vonleh has averaged 11.5 points, 10 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks across 13 games in which he has logged at least 30 minutes. It should also help his cause that the Suns have allowed the seventh-most points per game (112.7) in the league.

Richaun Holmes, PHO at NY
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,000

Being the backup to the top overall pick might not always be ideal, but Holmes has made it work for his fantasy value. Across his last 15 games, he’s averaged 10.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. His role is solidified with Tyson Chandler now on the Lakers, so he’s worth a look Monday even though his ceiling isn’t that high.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/17/18

Enes Kanter, NY vs. PHO
FanDuel = $7,000
DraftKings = $6,700

Kanter steamrolled a strong defensive team in the Pacers on Sunday for 20 points and 15 rebounds. That marked his fifth double-double over his last seven games, which is especially impressive when you factor in that he logged 26 minutes or fewer in three of those five contests. The Suns allow the third-most FanDuel points per game and the fourth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing centers, so expect them to have a hard time slowing down Kanter.

Brook Lopez, MIL at DET
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,100

It might not have been the sexiest of moves, but the Bucks bringing in Lopez during the offseason has been one of the key reasons for their success. His 2.6 three-pointers per game have provided them with a much-needed ability to stretch the floor, but he’s also helped defensively with 1.8 blocks per contest. They’ll need his size to battle with Andre Drummond in this contest, leaving him with a secure enough minutes floor to warrant considering in tournament play.

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 15 – WR, TE, DEF/ST

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

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

We’ve already discussed some of the top plays at quarterback and running back for Week 15 in DFS, so now let’s dive into the rest of the positions and target some of the best options to consider. 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.

WIDE RECEIVERS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 15 - WR, TE, DEF/ST

JuJu Smith-Schuster vs. New England Patriots
Stadium – Heinz Field
FanDuel = $7,800
DraftKings = $8,000

Smith-Schuster came away with another monster performance last week against the Raiders, catching eight of 12 targets for 130 yards and two touchdowns. With opposing defenses focusing their efforts on Antonio Brown, Smith-Schuster has been able to record seven games with at least 100 receiving yards this season. In fact, he has 91 receptions and 1,234 yards compared to 86 receptions and 1,063 yards for Brown. However, Brown has the edge in touchdowns with 12 compared to six for Smith-Schuster. This could be a high-scoring game against a Patriots offense that finally has a healthy complement of skill players, leaving Smith-Schuster with a high floor once again.

Tyler Boyd vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – Paul Brown Stadium
FanDuel = $6,700
DraftKings = $5,700

It’s hard to get too excited about the Bengals’ passing attack with both Andy Dalton (thumb) and A.J. Green (foot) on the shelf. Jeff Driskel hasn’t exactly played well since taking over for Dalton, throwing for 406 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception over two games. Boyd hasn’t been able to find his way into the end zone, but he has been active with nine catches for 149 on 14 targets during that stretch. This is a favorable matchup against a Raiders defense that has allowed the most passing touchdowns (31) in the league, making Boyd a viable option despite Driskel’s lackluster play.

Robert Foster vs. Detroit Lions
Stadium – New Era Field
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,300

The Bills were already extremely thin at wide receiver when they decided to release both Kelvin Benjamin and Andre Holmes. Zay Jones is now their top receiver, but Foster also has a much larger role. He logged 96 percent of the Bills’ offensive snaps in Week 14, catching seven of eight targets for 104 yards. Actually, that marked the third time in the last four games where he racked up at least 94 yards. Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen isn’t a very accurate passer, but the amount of targets that Foster should receive makes him a viable cheap option in tournament play.

Jordy Nelson vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Stadium – Paul Brown Stadium
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,200

Nelson seems to be over his battle with a knee injury, logging at least 90 percent of the Raiders’ offensive snaps in each of their last three games. He couldn’t get much going against a tough Ravens defense in Week 12, but he’s amassed 16 receptions for 145 yards across his last two games. With the Raiders short on talent after trading away Amari Cooper, Nelson received 18 targets during their last two contests. The Bengals allow the fourth-most passing yards per game (274) in the league, leaving Nelson as an intriguing cost-effective option for your entry.

TIGHT ENDS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 15 - WR, TE, DEF/ST

Rob Gronkowski vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Stadium – Heinz Field
FanDuel = $6,900
DraftKings = $5,800

When Gronkowski is healthy, his upside is off the charts. The problem is, that’s been a rare occurrence this season. The good news for the Patriots is that he’s healthy right now and might be peaking at the time of the year when it matters the most. He made quick work of the Dolphins last week, catching all eight of his targets for 107 yards and one touchdown. That was his first 100-yard game since Week 1. Although he only has three touchdowns this season, two of them have come in the last three weeks. The Steelers have allowed 853 yards and seven touchdowns to tight ends, potentially setting up Gronkowski for another dominant performance.

Jared Cook vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Stadium – Paul Brown Stadium
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,600

With the Raiders short on options at wide receiver, Cook has become one of the main weapons in their passing game. He’s already set career-highs in receptions (61), receiving yards (825) and touchdowns (six) with three games still to go. His last two games have been especially productive, catching 14 of 18 targets for 216 yards and a touchdown. Opposing tight ends have racked up 771 yards and seven touchdowns against the Bengals this year, so expect them to have a hard time slowing down Cook.

C.J. Uzomah vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – Paul Brown Stadium
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $3,600

Uzomah hasn’t been overly productive with Driskel at the helm the last two weeks, catching eight of 10 targets for 70 yards. However, of all the healthy skill players that the Bengals have left, Uzomah being on the field for 85 percent of their offensive snaps is the second-highest mark on the team behind Boyd. The Raiders have been the worst team in football at defending tight ends, allowing 961 yards and nine touchdowns to the position. At this cheap price, Uzomah’s high snap rate makes him an intriguing tournament option.

DEFENSES/SPECIAL TEAMS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 15 - WR, TE, DEF/ST

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Washington Redskins
Stadium – TIAA Bank Field
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $3,400

If you play in season-long fantasy, the demise of the Jaguars’ defense should serve as a reminder to never pay up for defenses early in drafts. They’ve regressed significantly after being one of the most stout units in the league last year, including allowing 30 points to the Titans in Week 14 and 24 points to the Bills in Week 12. Their sacks are down significantly and they haven’t been forcing a lot of turnovers, either. Despite all of that, they are still a great option in Week 15 against a Redskins team that has been decimated by injuries to the quarterback position. It’s to the point where Josh Johnson will start this game. To put that into perspective, prior to his relief effort of Mark Sanchez in Week 14, Johnson hadn’t thrown a pass in the NFL since 2011.

New York Giants vs. Tennessee Titans
Stadium – MetLife Stadium
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $2,600

The Giants are coming on strong down the stretch, but it might be a case of too little, too late for their playoff chances. Not only are they scoring more points, but their defense has 10 sacks, five interceptions, a fumble recovery and two touchdowns across their last two games. That came against a Bears team starting Chase Daniels at quarterback and the aforementioned dumpster fire that is the Redskins’ quarterback situation, but at least they took care of business. The Titans offense isn’t exactly an offensive juggernaut, either, averaging just 19.3 points per game, leaving the Giants a viable option in tournament play.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/12/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

We’ve got another packed night of NBA action Wednesday with 11 games on the schedule. With the Warriors, Raptors, Pelicans, and Sixers among the teams in action, there is a ton of top-tier talent to choose from. However, in order to fit them into your entry, you also need to find the right mix of cheap value plays. Let’s highlight a couple of players at each position who could help lead you to 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.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/12/18

Derrick Rose, MIN at SAC
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,800

The chance that the Timberwolves took by reuniting Rose with his former coach Tom Thibodeau has provided significant returns this season. Despite spending the majority of his time as a member of the second unit, Rose is averaging 18.4 points, three rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. The trade that sent Jimmy Butler to the Sixers has helped open up even more scoring opportunities for Rose, which has helped boost his usage rate to 25.2 percent. Considering the Kings play at the second-fastest pace (105 possessions per game) in the league, Rose could have plenty of chances to fill up the scoring column again Wednesday.

Jalen Brunson, DAL vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $3,800

Dennis Smith Jr. (wrist) is set to miss his fourth straight game for the Mavericks. Brunson has done a nice job filling in during his absence, averaging 14 points, 4.7 assists, and two steals across three games. The key is that he logged at least 25 minutes in each contest. With the Hawks playing at the fastest pace (107), this could be a great opportunity to deploy Brunson in your lineup at a very cheap price.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/12/18

Jaylen Brown, BOS at WAS
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,400

The Celtics are expected to get Kyrie Irving (shoulder) back Wednesday, but Gordon Hayward (illness) is listed as doubtful. That should open up some added playing time for Brown, who is averaging 21 points, five rebounds, and 2.7 assists across his last three games. Add in the fact that the Wizards play at the sixth-fastest pace (103.2) and Brown has an excellent opportunity to extend his recent run of success.

Luke Kennard, DET at CHA
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $3,500

Injuries continue to be a common theme Wednesday with the Pistons being no exception. Ish Smith (groin), Glenn Robinson III (ankle) and Reggie Bullock (ankle) will all likely be out while Stanley Johnson (knee) might also not be able to play. That doesn’t leave them with a ton of healthy options. Kennard logged a season-high 37 minutes with the Pistons battling injuries Monday, scoring 28 points to go along with eight rebounds and three assists. At this dirt cheap price, he could be worth the risk in tournament play.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/12/18

Cedi Osman, CLE vs. NY
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,300

Already down Kevin Love (toe), the Cavaliers lost another key member of their frontcourt with Tristan Thompson (foot) out for at least the next two weeks. Larry Nance Jr. will likely have to spend more time at center, which could open up increased playing time for Osman. He has shown an ability to produce when given extended run, averaging 13.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, three assists, and 0.8 steals across 18 games in which he has logged at least 30 minutes.

Dorian Finney-Smith, DAL vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $3,900

Finney-Smith might not play the same position that Smith does, but he’s also benefited from his time on the sidelines by averaging 11.7 points and 5.7 rebounds across his last three games. With all of the injuries that the Hawks are also dealing with, there is a chance that the Mavericks race out to a big lead at home. If that’s the case, Finney-Smith could see some added minutes during garbage time. At this cheap price, he’s someone to at least consider in tournament play.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/12/18

Kelly Olynyk, MIA at UTA
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,000

The Heat will be missing one of their key players up front again Wednesday with Hassan Whiteside (personal) already ruled out. Bam Adebayo has stepped into the starting lineup with Whiteside out the last three games and has played extremely well. However, he’s not the only Heat player who has received a boost in production. During that same stretch, Olynyk has averaged 14.3 points, six rebounds, 3.3 assists, and one steal.

Dwight Powell, DAL vs. ATL
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,600

Planning for a blowout can be tricky, but if you agree with me that the Mavericks could win this one going away, Powell is another cheap option with upside in tournament play. Despite averaging just 17 minutes a game this season, he’s recorded 9.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 0.6 steals, and 0.6 blocks per night. The Hawks do at least have a lot of size up front, which could also help lead to added playing time for Powell.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/12/18

Dewayne Dedmon, ATL at DAL
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $4,400

Alex Len appears to have fallen out of favor right now, resulting in him logging a total of 31 minutes across the last three games. That’s provided a significant boost in playing time for Dedmon, who averaged 7.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.7 steals, and one block during that stretch. With the fast pace at which the Hawks play, Dedmon should have another favorable opportunity to be productive in this contest.

Cody Zeller, CHA vs. DET
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,400

Zeller might not be a flashy option, but that doesn’t mean he can’t provide value. The Hornets are going to need him to battle with Andre Drummond, which could lead to some added minutes. The last time these two teams met, Zeller logged 32 minutes and scored 14 points to go along with six rebounds and three blocks. He did eventually foul out, but it’s reasonable to expect similar playing time for him during their rematch.

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 15 – QB & RB

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

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

Week 15 brings a bit of an odd schedule in the NFL with two games being played on Saturday. That leaves fewer options to choose from for the main Sunday slate in DFS, but there are still plenty of great players available. Let’s highlight some quarterbacks and running backs that could help you finish the day a winner. 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 for Week 15 - QB & RB

Ben Roethlisberger vs. New England Patriots
Stadium – Heinz Field
FanDuel = $8,600
DraftKings = $6,600

Roethlisberger injured his ribs last week against the Raiders but was able to return late in the game. Considering he was on the sidelines for a good chunk of the contest, his 282 passing yards and two touchdowns resulted in a pretty good performance. All indications right now are that he plans to take the field in this matchup against the Patriots. Roethlisberger is averaging more passing yards per game on the road this year, but he has 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions across seven road games compared to 16 touchdowns and four interceptions over six games at home. The Patriots have allowed 26 touchdowns through the air, potentially setting up Roethlisberger for another meaty stat line.

Russell Wilson vs. San Francisco 49ers
Stadium – Levi’s Stadium
FanDuel = $8,000
DraftKings = $6,700

What a disaster of a performance from Wilson against the Vikings in Week 14. He completed only 10 of 20 passes for 72 yards and one interception. The Seahawks run the ball a ton, which does somewhat limit Wilson’s upside. He’s been able to provide value in DFS mostly based on his ability to provide touchdowns, throwing for at least two scores in all but two games this season. Look for him to get back on track in Week 15 against a bad 49ers’ secondary that is tied for the third-most passing touchdowns allowed (28) in the league and has recorded just two interceptions.

Josh Allen vs. Detroit Lions
Stadium – New Era Field
FanDuel = $7,600
DraftKings = $5,800

Allen did not have a good passing game in Week 14 against the Jets, completing 18 of 36 passes for 206 yards and two interceptions. He failed to throw for a touchdown yet again and only has five across nine games. However, he continued to do damage with his legs, rushing nine times for 101 yards and a touchdown. Across his last three games, Allen has 335 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. His lack of talent at wide receiver and overall inexperience may continue to leave him with lackluster passing stats, but his ability to accumulate yards on the ground makes him someone to consider in tournament play.

Derek Carr vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Stadium – Paul Brown Stadium
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $5,400

The Raiders pulled out a shocking win against the Steelers last week and Carr was one of the main reasons for their success. He finished with 322 passing yards and two touchdowns, leaving him with eight touchdowns and no interceptions across his last four games. That’s pretty impressive considering two of those games were against the Ravens and Cardinals. He’ll face a much easier task in Week 15 against the Bengals, who have allowed the fourth-most passing yards per game (274) to go along with 27 passing touchdowns. At his cheap price on both sites, he might be worth considering despite the lack of playmakers around him.

RUNNING BACKS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 15 - QB & RB

Ezekiel Elliott vs. Indianapolis Colts
Stadium – Lucas Oil Stadium
FanDuel = $8,800
DraftKings = $9,000

The Cowboys earned a huge divisional win against the Eagles in Week 14. It’s no surprise that Elliott played well in the victory, rushing 28 times for 113 yards. Not only that, but he caught 12 of his season-high 13 targets for an additional 79 yards. He’s become a significant weapon in the Cowboys’ passing attack this season, receiving 81 targets through 13 games. That gives him immense upside considering he has gained at least 100 yards on the ground in seven games this year, as well. The Colts have been one of the better teams against the run, but facing Elliott is a completely different animal. He still makes for a safe option in cash contests.

Joe Mixon vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – Paul Brown Stadium
FanDuel = $7,800
DraftKings = $6,100

With Andy Dalton (thumb) and A.J. Green (foot) out for the year, the Bengals offense is a shell of its former self. They turned to Mixon to lead their attack in Week 14, giving him a season-high 26 carries. He certainly didn’t disappoint with 111 yards and a touchdown. With fewer weapons to catch passes for the Bengals, Mixon also hauled in five of his six targets for 27 yards. He’s rushed for at least 82 yards in each of the last three games and should get all the work he can handle again in Week 15. That’s great news since the Raiders allow the second-most rushing yards per game (144.5).

Doug Martin vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Stadium – Paul Brown Stadium
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $4,700

To say Martin was inefficient last week against the Steelers would be an understatement. He was heavily involved with 16 carries but turned them into just 32 yards. Luckily, he somewhat salvaged his performance with a touchdown. The silver lining here was the significant workload that he received and the fact that his touchdown marked his third score across the last three games. The Raiders should continue to give him the bulk of the carries Sunday, which could lead him to a valuable performance since the Bengals have allowed the most rushing yards per game (148.1) and second-most rushing touchdowns (17).

Dalvin Cook vs. Miami Dolphins
Stadium – U.S. Bank Stadium
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $6,500

The Vikings offense was awful against the Seahawks on Monday, scoring just seven points. That leaves them with 17 total points over their last two games. Cook was one of the few players who had a respectable performance in Week 15, accumulating 83 total yards and a touchdown. It was also encouraging to see him on the field for 77 percent of the Vikings’ offensive snaps compared to just 20 percent for Latavious Murray. The Dolphins are tied for the third-most rushing yards allowed per game (139.5), leaving Cook as an excellent target in tournament play, especially based on his price on FanDuel.

Jeff Wilson Jr. vs. Seattle Seahawks
Stadium – Levi’s Stadium
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $4,600

Wilson was plenty involved in Week 14 filling in for the injured Matt Breida (ankle), logging 86 percent of the 49ers’ offensive snaps. He only had two targets thrown his way, but he did carry the ball 23 times for 90 yards. Breida has battled various injuries throughout the season and his status for Week 15 is still very much in doubt. If he is unable to play, Wilson would likely again handle the bulk of the work in the 49ers’ backfield. The Seahawks don’t give up a ton of yards on the ground, overall, but they do allow five yards-per-carry, which is tied for the third-most in the league.