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NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/26/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

Monday brings seven games on the NBA schedule. The Celtics, Warriors, Rockets, and Pelicans will be among the teams in action, leaving a lot of the top-tier options on the board for your DFS entry. In order to get them into your lineup, let’s examine some cheap value plays to also 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 11/26/18

Collin Sexton, CLE vs. MIN
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,800

Sexton may have run away with the starting point guard job to the point where he might not relinquish it even when George Hill (shoulder) eventually returns. He’s logging 33 minutes per game as a starter with little depth behind him, helping him to average 19.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. The Timberwolves play at the 10th-fastest pace (102.3 possessions per game) in the league, which could lead Sexton with even more scoring chances Monday.

Cory Joseph, IND at UTA
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,500

Joseph hasn’t started a game for the Pacers this season, but he’s still averaging 26 minutes a game, just one fewer than starting point guard Darren Collison. Victor Oladipo (knee) has missed their last three games, which left Joseph to average nine points, 3.7 rebounds, six assists and two steals in his absence. If Oladipo is unable to play again Monday, Joseph is a viable option in tournament play.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/26/18

Justin Holiday, CHI vs. SA
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $4,800

The Bulls have been decimated by injuries in the early going, leaving Holiday to average 35 minutes a game. He doesn’t really excel in any one area, but his high minute’s floor has helped him to average 13.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per contest in November. This might not be a high-scoring affair between two teams in the bottom half of the league in pace of play, but don’t let that shy you away from using Holiday.

Marcus Smart, BOS at NO
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,100

If there is any team built to deal with injuries, it’s the Celtics with their insane depth. They are off to a disappointing 10-10 start, but some of that might be due to players getting adjusted to new roles. Smart’s playing time is down significantly, but he could be in line for an expanded role Monday with Jaylen Brown (back) listed as doubtful. The last three games in which Smart has logged at least 25 minutes, he’s averaging 15.3 points, 4.7 assists, and 1.7 steals.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/26/18

Bojan Bogdanovic, IND at UTA
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,700

Bogdanovic is another player who has seen a boost in production with Oladipo out, averaging 20.7 points, two rebounds, and 2.3 assists across the last three games. He’s shooting a stellar 54.9 percent from the field, overall, this season, which has been boosted by his insane 52.5 percent shooting from behind the arc. That number obviously won’t hold up throughout the entire year, but ride the hot hand while you can, especially if Olidaipo can’t play again.

Jeff Green, WAS vs. HOU
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,000

Injuries to key players are a common theme Monday with the status of Dwight Howard (lower body) still in doubt. Even if he does play, this could be a prime opportunity for Green to take advantage of all the small lineups that the Rockets like to deploy. You might be surprised to learn that the Rockets play at the second-slowest pace (96.8) in the league, but with the Wizards playing at the sixth-fastest pace (104), Green could still thrive with the potential for added playing time.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/26/18

Derrick Favors, UTA vs. IND
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $4,800

Favors came off the bench for the first time this year Sunday against the Kings, but he still logged 24 minutes, which is right in line with his season average. His production wasn’t impacted by the change, either, with him scoring 11 points to go along with seven rebounds, three steals, and three blocks. Regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench Monday, he is still a viable cost-effective option.

Marcus Morris, BOS at NO
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,200

One player who hasn’t really seen his role change this year is Morris. His usage rate is down slightly, but he’s helped make up for that by shooting 48.2 percent from the field. He’s also been one of the Celtics best rebounders with a career-high 6.4 boards per contest. The Pelicans play at the third-fastest pace (105.1), so don’t be surprised if this ends up as one of the Celtics highest-scoring games of the season in the early going.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/26/18

Tristan Thompson, CLE vs. MIN
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $6,100

Thompson has always been a great rebounder, especially on the offensive glass. He’s not much of a scorer, but his 5.2 offensive rebounds a game has helped him to average 11.1 points per contest. It is a bit disappointing that he’s only averaging 0.3 blocks per contest, but he wouldn’t be priced this low based on his points and rebounds if he wasn’t struggling in that category. Even though his price is climbing, it’s still reasonable enough to warrant considering him for your entry.

Mohamed Bamba, ORL at GS
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $3,300

There aren’t a lot of great really cheap center options, so if you want to go that route, it will come with some risk. Bamba doesn’t play much behind Nikola Vucevic, but this could be a chance for him to get a few added minutes if the Magic get down big early. The Warriors might be missing some key players, but they are still a much better team than the Magic, especially at home. Across five games in which Bamba has played at least 20 minutes, he is averaging 8.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/23/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

Now that we’ve had the time to sleep off all that turkey and stuffing, it’s time to get back at it with 14 games in the NBA on Friday, 12 of which will make up the main slate in DFS. There will be a ton of stars taking the floor, so here are some cheap value plays that could be worth pairing with them. 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 11/23/18

Collin Sexton, CLE at PHI
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,200

Sexton has been battling a hip injury, but it hasn’t forced him to miss any time. In fact, he played 36 minutes against the Lakers on Wednesday as the Cavaliers continue to wait for George Hill (shoulder) to return. Across the first six games that Hill has missed, Sexton is averaging 17.5 points, three rebounds, and 2.7 assists per contest. His lack of defensive contributions limit his upside, but his minute’s floor still makes him a viable option.

Trey Burke, NY vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,400

It’s hard to figure out what the Knicks are doing on a nightly basis. They continue to change up their rotations, moving players in and out of the starting five to try and find what combinations work best. Burke is back to seeing increased minutes, which has resulted in him averaging 25.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals across his last four games. The Pelicans play at the third-fastest pace (105.1 possessions per game) in the league, which could leave Burke with even more scoring opportunities in this contest.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/23/18

Jordan Clarkson, CLE at PHI
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $5,300

Clarkson only played 27 minutes in a matchup against the Lakers on Wednesday, but he scored 20 points to go along with two rebounds and five assists. He attempted 18 shots in that game, which is no surprise considering his 28.9 percent usage rate. The Sixers play at the seventh-fastest pace (103.6), potentially setting up Clarkson for another valuable performance. If the Cavaliers are going to have any chance of keeping this close, they’ll need Clarkson to take all the shots he can handle.

Rodney McGruder, MIA at CHI
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,800

The Heat will continue to play shorthanded Friday with Goran Dragic (knee) and Tyler Johnson (hamstring) out. That leaves them without two of their top ball handlers. McGruder played 36 minutes in their absences Wednesday, scoring 15 points to go along with five rebounds and four assists. Even though he’s cooled off some after a torrid start, McGruder still has upside in this game against the struggling Bulls.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/23/18

Bojan Bogdanovic, IND vs. SA
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,800

Another important injury to monitor Friday is the status of Victor Oladipo (knee). He’s missed the Pacers last two games and is questionable against the Spurs. During the previous two games that he missed, Bogdanovic averaged 20.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and one steal. He’s actually scored at least 16 points in each of his last six contests, so he could provide value even if Oladipo does take the floor.

Cedi Osman, CLE at PHI
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,300

Osman has shown promise in an expanded role, but he’s been mostly inconsistent. He recently missed a couple of game due to injury but has logged at least 30 minutes in both of his last two contests, so he should be fine moving forward. After scoring 21 points and grabbing seven rebounds against the Lakers on Wednesday, this is another matchup against a team that plays at a fast pace that could result in a positive state line for Osman.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/23/18

John Collins, ATL vs. BOS
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,900

After missing most of the season due to injury, Collins has played in each of the Hawks last three games. They’ve taken a cautious approach with his return, but he started and logged 27 minutes against the Raptors on Wednesday. He won’t be this cheap for much longer and could be in line for even more playing time Friday, making him a great option to consider. Of note, Collins is only eligible at power forward on FanDuel as he is listed at center on DraftKings.

Noah Vonleh, NY vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,300

After a two-game stint on the bench, Vonleh has returned to the starting five for the Knicks. He certainly made a case to hold onto a starting job, averaging 15 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks across his last two contests. The key is that he logged at least 30 minutes in both of those games. If he can receive similar playing time Friday, he is definitely a candidate to outproduce his price point.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/23/18

Tristan Thompson, CLE at PHI
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,700

With the Cavaliers lack of depth up front, Thompson has been thrust into a significant role. It might not always be pretty, but Thompson is still averaging 10.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per contest. The Cavaliers don’t really have anyone else capable of defending Joel Embiid, so Thompson could get all the minutes he can handle Friday.

Cody Zeller, CHA at OKC
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,100

After being limited to 33 games last year due to injury, Zeller has already played in 17 games this season. His upside isn’t great, but he’s put up respectable numbers with 9.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 0.6 blocks per contest. The Hornets do like to use a lot of small lineups, but they might not be able to as much with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (ankle) out again for this matchup. They will also need Zeller to battle with Steven Adams, who logs a lot of playing time for the Thunder.

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 12 – TE/DEF/ST

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

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

The tight end position could receive a significant boost in Week 12 with Rob Gronkowski (back/ankle) expected to play for the first time since Week 8. Let’s dive into the schedule and examine some players, and defenses/special teams, to target or avoid as you create 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.

CASH CONTEST OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 12 - TE/DEF/ST

Zach Ertz vs. New York Giants
Stadium – Lincoln Financial Field
FanDuel = $7,600
DraftKings = $6,400

Last week was about as ugly as it could get for the Eagles. Their defense was destroyed by the Saints and their offense looked completely inept, resulting in a 48-7 loss. Even Ertz, who is normally immune to any shortcomings the rest of the offense might have, finished with just two catches for 15 yards. He only had three targets, which is crazy considering he had 16 the previous week and hasn’t had fewer than six in any game this year.

Chalk Week 11 up to basically a worst case scenario for Ertz. He’s already had seven games with at least 10 targets, so he’ll continue to have one of the highest floors of any tight end. When the Eagles faced the Giants in Week 6, Ertz caught seven of nine targets for 43 yards and a touchdown. The Giants defense has traded away a couple of key players since then, setting up Ertz with the potential for an even better performance in their rematch.

George Kittle vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Stadium – Raymond James Stadium
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $6,200

It hasn’t mattered who is throwing passes to Kittle so far this season. He’s emerged as one of the best tight ends in fantasy despite playing for an offense that is riddled with injuries and very short on talent. He lit up the Giants for nine receptions and 83 yards in Week 10, setting a season-high with 10 targets. That marked the third time in the last four games that he has received at least eight targets.

Kittle is a strong play against most teams, but this really stands out as a game for him to exploit a terrible Bucs defense. They’ve struggled in just about every facet of the game, including allowing 747 yards and five touchdowns to opposing tight ends. Even though his price has climbed significantly, Kittle is still a great option for cash contests.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Buffalo Bills
Stadium – New Era Field
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,000

The Jaguars were locking down the Steelers for the majority of their game last week, but couldn’t hold on at the end. The Steelers stormed back from a 16-0 deficit to beat them, 20-16. Facing the Steelers is no easy task, but the Jaguars defense looked primed for a big game with three interceptions and two sacks before ultimately letting the team down.

It was going to be difficult for the Jaguars to replicate the stellar defensive numbers that they compiled last year, so it’s not all that surprising that they have regressed to an extent. They have allowed at least 20 points in six straight games, including two contests where they allowed at least 30 points. Their sack numbers are down, but they have still held opponents to the third-fewest passing yards per game (210). If there was ever a week for them to get back to their dominant form, this is it against a Bills offense that has been anemic for the majority of the season.

GPP TOURNAMENT OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 12 - TE/DEF/ST

Nick Vannett vs. Carolina Panthers
Stadium – Bank of America Stadium
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $2,700

The Seahawks are riding the high of taking down the Packers in Week 11. Their run-heavy offense came through for them again with Chris Carson, Rashaad Penny, and Mike Davis combining for 155 yards and a touchdown. Vannett wasn’t very involved, catching just one of two targets for 17 yards. If there was a silver lining from his performance it was that he was on the field for 60 percent of the Seahawks offensive snaps.

There is certainly plenty of risk involved with Vannett. The Seahawks don’t throw the ball much, which has resulted in Vannett receiving three targets or fewer in three of his last four games. However, during that four-game stretch, he also showed his upside with six catches, 52 yards, and a touchdown in Week 9 against the Chargers. This matchup couldn’t be any better against a Panthers defense that allowed a whopping nine touchdowns to tight ends, so don’t overlook Vannett in tournament play.

Cameron Brate vs. San Francisco 49ers
Stadium – Raymond James Stadium
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $3,600

Brate has largely been an afterthought in the Bucs offense behind O.J. Howard. He’s only received 17 targets all season compared to 48 for Howard. However, Brate will have the position all to himself now after Howard injured his ankle last week and was placed on injured reserve.

The Bucs are lucky to have such a talented backup in Brate. He’s shown an ability to be a major contributor in the past, hauling in 14 touchdowns across the previous two seasons. Even with his limited workload this year, he’s found his way into the end zone three times. Not only is Brate a hot pickup if you play in season-long fantasy, but he’s a great option in DFS for Week 12 at such a cheap price.

Buffalo Bills vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Stadium – New Era Field
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $2,700

The Bills have come crashing back down to Earth after finally ending their long playoff drought last year. Their offense is significantly devoid of talent and injuries haven’t helped their cause, either. However, they headed into their bye riding the high of a demolishing of the Jets in which the defense had three sacks and two interceptions. The Jets don’t exactly have a lot of weapons on offense and were without Sam Darnold (foot), but the Bills still held them to 10 points.

If there has been a bright spot for the Bills, it’s been their defense. They’ve allowed the fewest passing yards per game (202) and the 10th-fewest rushing yards per game (99.8). The Jaguars finally have star running back Leonard Fournette healthy, but Blake Bortles has been awful. They’ve only scored an average of 14.7 points across their last six contests, so this could be an opportunity to roll with the Bills defense if you’d like to save a little money at the position.

PLAYERS TO AVOID

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 12 - TE/DEF/ST

Evan Engram vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Stadium – Lincoln Financial Field
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $4,200

Engram didn’t exactly shine last week against the Bucs, finishing with two catches for 66 yards. He only received two targets and was on the field for just 32 percent of the Giants offensive snaps. The problem for Engram is that the Giants have a lot of talent around him. With Odell Beckham Jr. and Saquan Barkley the clear leaders of their offense, Engram doesn’t always get a ton of passes thrown his way. The Eagles have only allowed 370 yards and two touchdowns to tight ends, making Engram an unappealing option in DFS.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – M&T Bank Stadium
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $3,300

The Ravens are certainly not someone to avoid based on their matchup. The Raiders have had trouble scoring points and are running out of healthy players. Despite this looking like a prime spot to use the Ravens, it might not be as great as you think. The Ravens had a crazy 11 sacks against the Titans in Week 6, but they only have three sacks across four games since. They also have just five interceptions, which is the sixth-fewest in the league. You’ll have to pay up to get them into your lineup, so it might not be a wise choice based on their inability to provide sacks and turnovers.

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 12 – Wide Receivers

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

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

The Chiefs and Rams being on byes take away some of the top wide receivers for Week 12, but there are still some great options that stand out at the position in DFS. Let’s highlight a few across the price scale that are worth considering. 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 - Wide Receivers

Antonio Brown vs. Denver Broncos
Stadium – Broncos Stadium at Mile High
FanDuel = $8,500
DraftKings = $8,700

The Steelers were down 16-0 against the Jaguars on Sunday but stormed back for a big win on the road. Brown wasn’t exactly efficient by catching five of 13 targets, but he turned in a season-high 117 receiving yards and a touchdown. The yardage total is especially impressive when you consider how well the Jaguars have defended against the pass this season. They’ve allowed just 14 passing touchdowns, as well.

The Broncos aren’t exactly a pushover, either, but they have given up 18 touchdowns through the air. Brown not only leads the Steelers with 109 targets but that mark also ranks third in the entire league. Add in his 11 touchdown receptions and he has one of the highest floors of any receiver in DFS, especially during a week with Tyreek Hill and the Rams receivers unavailable.

Odell Beckham Jr. vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Stadium – Lincoln Financial Field
FanDuel = $8,500
DraftKings = $8,800

The Giants regrouped during their bye week and have now won two straight games for the first time since December of 2016. They scored at least 27 points in both wins with Beckham leading the charge for their receiver group. After catching four passes for 73 yards and two touchdowns in Week 10, Beckham followed that up with four receptions for 74 yards and another touchdown in Week 11.

Likely the biggest reason for the Giants offensive explosion has been their opponents. They faced the 49ers and Bucs, who have combined to allow 46 touchdown passes. The Eagles overall numbers aren’t nearly as bad, but their secondary is decimated right now by injuries. That led the Saints to score 48 points against them in Week 11. Eli Manning is no Drew Brees and this game is at home for the Eagles, but this is a matchup where Beckham could feast.

Mike Evans vs. San Francisco 49ers
Stadium – Raymond James Stadium
FanDuel = $7,900
DraftKings = $7,700

The Bucs were in catch-up mode against the Giants last week, which helped Evans put up some big numbers during the second half. He finished the game with six catches for 120 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. The Bucs will be making yet another quarterback change for this contest, but Evans certainly has a long-standing relationship with Jameis Winston, so don’t expect it to negatively impact his value.

The thing you love about Evans is that you know he’s going to have plenty of opportunities to produce. Not only is he the Bucs top wide receiver, but their defense gives up a ton of points. This requires their offense to throw a lot to try and keep pace. This is a matchup to exploit against a 49ers secondary that has allowed 21 touchdown passes and recorded just two interceptions all season.

GPP TOURNAMENT OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 12 - Wide Receivers

Tyler Boyd vs. Cleveland Browns
Stadium – Paul Brown Stadium
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $6,000

Boyd was the Bengals primary pass catcher again in Week 11 with A.J. Green (toe) on the sidelines. He received 11 targets in that contest, marking his second-highest total of the season. However, he wasn’t able to cash in on his opportunity, catching just four passes for 71 yards. He also failed to score a touchdown for the second straight week, which is somewhat surprising since Green missed both of those contests.

Green will likely return for Week 12, which might actually be a good thing for Boyd. He’ll no longer be the focal point of the opposing team’s defense, setting him up with a better chance to shine against lesser cornerbacks. The Browns do have 13 interceptions this year, but they’ve also allowed the third-most passing yards per game (288). While not a completely safe option at this price, Boyd could be in line for a bounce-back performance.

Doug Baldwin vs. Carolina Panthers
Stadium – Bank of American Stadium
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $5,100

Baldwin is going to need to make a late push if he’s going to get at least 100 targets for the fourth straight season. Injuries left him to start off slowly, but he’s finally showing signs of turning things around with some improved health. He had his best performance of the year in Week 11, catching seven of 10 targets for 52 yards and a touchdown. That marked the first time he’s received double-digit targets in a game and his first touchdown.

If Baldwin really is past his injury issues, he could be in for a monster finish. One of the more encouraging stats from his Week 11 performance is that he received three red zone targets. The Panthers haven’t given up a ton of yards through the air, but they have allowed the fourth-most passing touchdowns (23). This might be the time to take advantage by putting Baldwin in your lineup before his price starts to climb.

Larry Fitzgerald vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Stadium – StubHub Center
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,000

Is there anyone happier than Larry Fitzgerald that the Cardinals made a change at offensive coordinator? Other than David Johnson, probably not. In three games since Byron Leftwich took over, Fitzgerald has compiled 26 targets, 16 receptions, 175 yards, and three touchdowns. Across his first seven games, he had a total of 41 targets, 26 receptions, 255 yards, and one touchdown.

It should be noted that his increased production could also be a product of an easier schedule. He has played the 49ers, Chiefs, and Raiders across his last three contests, none of which defend the pass well. Facing the Chargers won’t be as easy with them allowing 15 touchdown passes compared to 10 interceptions. With that being said, Fitzgerald should still see enough volume to at least be worth considering in tournament play.

Marquise Goodwin vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Stadium – Raymond James Stadium
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $5,600

There are few people who were as high as I was on Goodwin heading into this season. He was coming off of a great 2017 campaign and looked poised to break out with Jimmy Garopplo at quarterback. However, injuries hit the 49ers early and often, the most significant of which was losing Garoppolo to a torn ACL. Goodwin has battled plenty of his own injury concerns, leaving him with just 17 catches for 339 yards.

If you’re looking for a silver lining with Goodwin, he does have four touchdown receptions. He also caught four passes for 69 yards against the Giants in Week 10 and has now had the benefit of a bye week to rest up. If there was ever a game for him to break out, this is it. The Bucs have allowed the fifth-most passing yards per game (282) and are tied for the most touchdown passes allowed (25), making Goodwin an extremely appealing option at this price.

PLAYERS TO AVOID

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 12 - Wide Receivers

Keenan Allen vs. Arizona Cardinals
Stadium – StubHub Center
FanDuel = $7,700
DraftKings = $7,100

This is more about Allen’s matchup than anything else. He’s playing really well right now with touchdowns in back-to-back games and he has 87 targets already. However, the Cardinals boast a strong secondary that contains star cornerback Patrick Peterson. They’ve allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards per game (218), making Allen a risky option at this price. I’d much rather roll with Mike Evans if you looking for someone in a similar price range as Allen.

Golden Tate vs. New York Giants
Stadium – Lincoln Financial Field
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $4,800

After barely playing in Week 10 against the Cowboys, Tate was on the field for 71 percent of the Eagles offensive snaps in Week 11. He didn’t put up a great performance, though, with five catches for 48 yards on eight targets. The Eagles are still working him into their offense, but even in the best case scenario, he’s likely their third receiving option behind Zach Ertz and Alshon Jeffery. His price on DraftKings isn’t terrible, but he seems like a reach based on his price on FanDuel.

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.