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NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/5/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

Wednesday is shaping up to be an awesome night in the NBA with 10 games on the schedule. Not only is their a ton of top-tier talent to choose from, but there are also a lot of excellent cheap value plays. Here are a couple to consider at each position to help round out 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 12/5/18

Jeremy Lin, ATL vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,900

The Hawks will be without Taurean Prince (ankle) for the at least the next three weeks, which is a huge loss since he has the fourth-highest usage rate (22.6 percent) on the team. There are several players who could see an increase in scoring with Prince out, including Lin. Lin actually already has a higher usage rate (23.2 percent) than Prince does, which has enabled him to maintain value despite coming off of the bench. His price is climbing, but Lin is still a viable option based on his role with the team.

Tim Frazier, NO vs. DAL
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,500

Frazier didn’t exactly shine with seven points, four rebounds, four assists, and one steal Monday against the Clippers, but he did log 29 minutes. That marked the third time in the last four games that he has spent at least 29 minutes on the floor. The Pelicans won’t count on him to score much, but he should continue to have the ability to rack up assists with so many talented players around him. It also helps that the Pelicans play at the third-fastest pace (104.5 possessions per game) in the league.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/5/18

Kevin Huerter, ATL vs. WAS
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $3,700

Huerter had a hard time finding consistent playing time earlier in this season, but he’s started five straight games and logged at least 25 minutes in each of his last three contests. His role should be even more secure now with Prince out. His scoring numbers haven’t been stellar, but he has averaged nine points, 5.3 rebounds, four assists, and one steal across those three games. Both the Hawks and the Wizards are in the top-six in the league in pace of play, further strengthening a case to take a chance on Huerter in tournament play.

Alec Burks, CLE vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $4,000

The Cavaliers don’t have a ton of talent, which has enabled Burks to immediately take on a significant role off the bench after being acquired from the Jazz. He’s made the most of his opportunity, averaging 13.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and one steal across three games. His usage rate is also 24.4 percent, so he could jack up plenty of shots Wednesday as the Cavaliers attempt to keep pace with the high-scoring Warriors.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/5/18

Juancho Hernangomez, DEN at ORL
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,400

Not only is Will Barton (groin) still on the sidelines, but the Nuggets will also be without Gary Harris (hip) for this contest. Hernangomez likely won’t see significantly more scoring opportunities even with Harris out, but he’s still a great option in DFS. Across 11 games as a starter, he’s averaging 12.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.2 three-pointers per contest.

Kelly Oubre Jr., WAS at ATL
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,600

The Wizards are thin up front with Dwight Howard (lower body) out, but it might be better if they just leave Oubre as a member of their second unit. He’s averaging 12.9 points and 4.5 rebounds a game coming off the bench compared to 9.9 points and 4.4 rebounds when he starts. Consistency is a concern with him, but considering how poorly the Hawks play, this might be the time to take a chance on Oubre in tournament play.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/5/18

Serge Ibaka, TOR vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,800

This matchup between the Raptors and Sixers should be one of the best games of the night. They enter as the top two teams in the Eastern Conference and are separated by just three games. The acquisition of Jimmy Butler was huge for the Sixers, but it also left them with Wilson Chandler as their starting power forward. They don’t have great options behind him, either, potentially setting up Ibaka for a big performance.

Frank Kaminsky, CHA at MIN
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,700

Marvin Williams (shoulder) hasn’t been overly productive for the Hornets, but he has been starting and averaging 25 minutes a game. With him out for at least a week, a few players could be in line for added playing time. Miles Bridges might see the most significant jump, but don’t forget about Kaminsky, either. He’s only played at least 20 minutes in a game twice all season, but he averaged 15 points, four rebounds, and 1.5 assists in those contests. At near the minimum price, Kaminsky could be a gamble worth taking Wednesday.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/5/18

Dewayne Dedmon, ATL vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $3,900

The Hawks don’t have a ton of talent, but they do have both Dedmon and Alex Len at center. They’ve eaten into each other’s fantasy value, but Len is starting to see his playing time dwindle lately. Dedmon tied his season high by playing 31 minutes Monday against the Warriors and finished with six points to go along with 10 rebounds, four steals, and one block. With Howard out of the picture for the Wizards, Dedmon could provide plenty of value if he’s given extended playing time again.

Jonas Valanciunas, TOR vs. PHI
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,300

The Raptors have been playing small lately, leaving Valanciunas to come off of the bench in each of their last four games. However, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him return to the starting five for this matchup against Embiid. Valanciunas has been much more productive as a starter, averaging 14.3 points and 8.4 rebounds across nine games. When these two teams met earlier this season, he scored 23 points and grabbed four rebounds over just 17 minutes.

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 14 – Quarterbacks

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

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

If you didn’t make the playoffs in your season-long fantasy football league, the fun isn’t over yet. Every week is a new opportunity to bring home some cash in DFS. Let’s examine some quarterbacks to target and avoid as you craft your lineup for Week 14. 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 14 - Quarterbacks

Ben Roethlisberger vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $8,600
DraftKings = $6,800

The Steelers were involved in a shootout against the Chargers last week, ultimately losing 33-30 at home. Roethlisberger did throw for two touchdowns, but he had just 281 yards. That marked the first time since Week 9 that he had thrown for fewer than 300 yards in a game. He was also picked off again, leaving him with six interceptions across his last three games. The good news is that he attempted 45 passes and has at least 40 pass attempts in nine of 12 games.

Roethlisberger’s interceptions are up this year, but so are his touchdowns and passing yards per game. His touchdowns numbers are still much better at home (16) than on the road (10), but he is averaging 350.5 passing yards per game on the road. The Raiders struggle to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks and have allowed the most passing touchdowns (29) in the league, leaving Roethlisberger with a very high floor in this contest.

Drew Brees vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Stadium – Raymond James Stadium
FanDuel = $8,500
DraftKings = $6,600

It’s tough for the road team to win on Thursday Night Football, but the Saints laid an egg offensively against the Cowboys by scoring 10 points last week. Brees was as much to blame as anyone, throwing for just 127 yards to go along with one touchdown and one interception. The fact that he attempted just 28 passes didn’t help his cause, but he had four touchdowns across only 22 pass attempts the previous week against the Falcons.

Believe it or not, Brees has now thrown for fewer than 200 yards in a game three times this season. The Saints have a great running back duo of Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram, which doesn’t always leave Brees with a ton of passing attempts. He has largely made up for that lack of volume, though, with 30 touchdowns. When the Saints and Bucs squared off in Week 1, Brees had 439 yards and three touchdowns. Considering the Bucs have allowed the second-most touchdowns through the air (28), expect Brees to have a big bounce-back performance.

Philip Rivers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Stadium – StubHub Center
FanDuel = $8,300
DraftKings = $6,500

The Chargers big win on the road against the Steelers last week has them riding high as they approach a spot in the playoffs. Rivers was right at the forefront of their victory, throwing for 299 yards and two touchdowns. He’s only thrown for at least 300 yards one time across his last five games, but he’s thrown at least two touchdown passes in every game this season.

The loss of star running back Melvin Gordon (knee) was significant for the Chargers, but there is hope that he might not be out for too long. Even if he does return for Week 14, this is a prime spot to use Rivers in DFS. The Bengals injuries on offense might grab all the headlines, but their defense has been atrocious, allowing the second-most passing yards per game (280) to go along with 26 passing touchdowns.

GPP TOURNAMENT OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 14 - Quarterbacks

Jameis Winston vs. New Orleans Saints
Stadium – Raymond James Stadium
FanDuel = $7,700
DraftKings = $6,200

Winston’s second stint as the Bucs quarterback this season has been significantly better than his first. He came through with another strong performance in Week 13 against the Panthers, throwing for 249 yards and two touchdowns. His 66.7 percent completion percentage wasn’t anything to write home about, but it was key that he didn’t throw an interception. After being plagued by turnovers throughout his career, Winston has yet to be intercepted across two games since regaining a starting role.

It should be noted that his last two games have come against the 49ers and Panthers, both of which have their holes in pass coverage. The Saints aren’t exactly defensive juggernauts, though, since they have allowed the third-most passing yards per game (279). This game being played at home is also a big plus for Winston considering how well the Saints play in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. His turnover history always leaves him with some risk, but there is also upside here in tournament play.

Baker Mayfield vs. Carolina Panthers
Stadium – FirstEnergy Stadium
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $5,800

Week 13 against the Texans was not one of Mayfield’s finer performances. He did throw for 397 yards, but he had only one touchdown and three interceptions. That broke a streak of five-straight games with at least two touchdowns and two straight games without an interception. With only 13 points, it also marked the first time in the last three games that the Browns failed to score at least 21 points.

A lot of Mayfield’s struggles last week might have just been because the Browns were on the road against the red-hot Texans, who have won nine straight. Mayfield gets a much easier task this week at home against the Panthers, who have allowed 27 touchdowns through the air. Mayfield’s pass attempts are sometimes limited due to how well Nick Chubb is running the ball, but he’s still someone to consider based on this matchup.

Josh Allen vs. New York Jets
Stadium – New Era Field
FanDuel = $7,400
DraftKings = $5,500

Allen only completed 54.6 percent of his passes against the Dolphins last week, finishing with 231 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. However, he did a ton of damage with his legs, running for 135 yards on nine carries. This comes on the heels of rushing for 99 yards in Week 12 against the Jaguars. He actually has almost as many rushing touchdowns (four) as he does passing touchdowns (five) this season.

Lamar Jackson of the Ravens might grab all the headlines, but Allen’s ability to rack up rushing yards should not go unnoticed. He still has a lot of improving to do in the passing game and he might not be a consistent contributor in that area until next season. This is an opportunity to target him in DFS, though, considering how poorly the Jets have played. They’ve lost six straight games, one of them was 41-10 against the Bills when Matt Barkley was at quarterback.

PLAYERS TO AVOID

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 14 - Quarterbacks

Tom Brady vs. Miami Dolphins
Stadium – Hard Rock Stadium
FanDuel = $7,600
DraftKings = $5,800

The Patriots are loaded at running back with Sony Michel, James White, and Rex Burkhead all finally healthy. They haven’t needed to rely as much on the arm of Brady, leaving him to throw a total of four touchdowns across his last five games. The Dolphins are one of the worst teams in the league against the run, so the Patriots might not need Brady to throw much in Week 14, either. He’s not overly expensive on either site, but it still might be best to avoid him for your entry.

Matthew Stafford vs. Arizona Cardinals
Stadium – State Farm Stadium
FanDuel = $6,700
DraftKings = $5,200

The wheels have come off for the Lions. They are 1-5 over their last six games, which included brutal matchups against the Seahawks, Vikings, Bears, and Rams. The Cardinals might not have a good record, but they have allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards per game (220). Stafford has a total of four touchdown passes and five interceptions in his last five games, leaving him with very little upside despite his cheap price.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/3/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

The NBA starts off the week with seven games Monday, including a great matchup between the Nuggets and Raptors. Let’s dive right in and highlight some cheap value plays that could be difference makers for 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 12/3/18

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC at NO
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,500

This is a game to target tonight with both the Clippers and the Pelicans in the top-eight in the league in pace of play. Gilgeous-Alexander might not have the highest offensive upside, but his usage rate has increased from 15.6 percent when he was coming off of the bench to 18.9 percent since entering the starting five. He’s also been an asset defensively by averaging 1.1 steals and one block across his 13 starts.

Tim Frazier, NO vs. LAC
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,700

The Pelicans don’t have much of a choice but to play Frazier. The injury to Elfrid Payton (finger) has opened up an opportunity for him to take the floor and an injury to E’Twaun Moore (calf) has only made things worse for the Pelicans. Frazier isn’t much of a scoring threat, but he has averaged 8.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 10 assists over his last three games. His price is climbing, but he’s still a great cheap tournament play.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/3/18

Damyean Dotson, NY vs. WAS
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,500

It’s hard to get a grasp on what the Knicks will do on a nightly basis. They have constantly changed up their rotations, making them a nightmare in DFS. Things could be a little less murky Monday with Trey Burke (knee) already ruled out. Dotson was already starting to find his way back into the rotation and even scored 21 points to go along with five rebounds and a steal across 33 minutes on Saturday against the Bucks. He’s certainly risky, but the absence of Burke leaves Dotson with some appeal.

Alec Burks, CLE at BKN
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $3,800

Burks was only averaging 16 minutes a game with the Jazz earlier this season, but he’s been able to average 25 minutes in his first two games with the Cavaliers. They are short on offensive options, so it’s not out of the question that he could continue to see this type of run. Not only did he score at least 13 points in both of his games with the Cavaliers, but he also grabbed 12 total rebounds. Dotson probably has the higher upside, but Burks is also someone to at least consider.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/3/18

Juancho Hernangomez, DEN at TOR
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,400

Will Barton (groin) is making positive steps towards a return, but he won’t be back for this contest. Hernangomez has helped stabilize the small forward position with Barton out, averaging 11.9 points and 7.1 rebounds a game as a starter. This might not be a high-scoring contest between two of the better defenses in the league, but that doesn’t mean you should pass on Hernangomez if you want to save money at small forward.

Kelly Oubre Jr., WAS at NY
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,300

Oubre has been extremely frustrating. He’s scored at least 18 points in a game six times, but also has 12 contests with nine points or fewer. He was starting recently with Dwight Howard (lower body) out, but the Wizards moved him back to the bench Saturday against the Nets. Rolling with Oubre is risky since the Wizards are still trying to figure out what works best without Howard, but his upside makes him an intriguing option.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/3/18

Noah Vonleh, NY vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,300

Vonleh had never averaged more than 17 minutes a game during his career, but he’s averaging 25 minutes per contest in his first year with the Knicks. His usage rate is a minuscule 13.4 percent, but he’s a nightly threat for a double-double with averages of 8.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. With the Wizards dealing with depth issues up front, this could be a situation for Vonleh to thrive.

Jonas Jerebko, GS at ATL
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,200

The Warriors are running out of bodies up front. Draymond Green (toe) and Alfonzo McKinnie (foot) will remain out Monday and will now be joined on the sidelines by Damian Jones, who recently suffered a torn pectoral muscle.  Jerebko isn’t going to get many shot attempts sharing the floor with Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Klay Thompson, but he is averaging 7.6 rebounds across his last eight games. The Hawks play at the fastest pace (106.9 possessions per game) in the league, which could afford Jerebko with even more opportunities to provide value.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/3/18

Mason Plumlee, DEN at TOR
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $3,900

Plumlee is one of the better backup centers in the league, but that doesn’t really help him garner much playing time considering the Nuggets also have Nikola Jokic. Despite averaging just 17 minutes a game, Plumlee has still managed to salvage some value by averaging 6.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, two assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game. He’s really stepped up his defensive contributions of late, averaging 1.6 steals and 1.7 blocks across his last seven games.

Kevon Looney, GS at ATL
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $3,700

Another player who should benefit from all of the injuries to the Warriors is Looney. He, Jerebko and Jordan Bell are pretty much all they have left up front, although they can also play Kevin Durant there when they want to go small. The Hawks are an awful team, but they do have some size with Dewayne Dedmon, Alex Len, and John Collins. This game could also turn into a route early that leaves the Durant and the rest of the Warriors stars on the bench in the fourth quarter, which could lead to even more minutes for Looney.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/30/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

We’ve got a massive slate with 11 games Friday, leaving plenty of viable value play options. Here are a couple who stand out at each position that could provide significant returns. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/30/18

Tim Frazier, NO at MIA
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,200

The loss of Elfrid Payton (finger) has created a significant void for the Pelicans. To make matters worse, Frank Jackson (ankle) was unable to play Wednesday. Frazier moved into the starting lineup and thrived, scoring 12 points to go along with six rebounds, 12 assists an two steals across 37 minutes against the Wizards. Jackson is listed as doubtful for Friday, which could leave Frazier with another start. If that were to be the case, Fraizer could be a steal at this price.

Elie Okobo, PHO vs. ORL
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $3,000

With the Suns going nowhere fast, they finally decided to jettison veteran Isaiah Canaan from their roster. Even though they are extremely thin at point guard, the move made sense considering the Suns needed to give more playing time to their younger players. One of those players is Okobo, who logged 32 minutes Wednesday in the first game since Canaan’s release. He certainly stated his case for more playing time, scoring 19 points to go along with four assists and three steals. His price on FanDuel is great, but he’s an especially appealing tournament play option on DraftKings at the minimum price.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/30/18

Jordan Clarkson, CLE at BOS
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,300

After attempting just five shots against the Timberwolves on Monday, Clarkson scored 25 points on 22 shot attempts Wednesday versus the Thunder. Considering his 28.9 percent usage rate, it’s not that surprising that he quickly returned to jacking up a ton of shots. Facing the Celtics defense is no easy task, but with so few offensive weapons around him, Clarkson has a relatively high floor at this price.

Marcus Smart, BOS vs. CLE
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,300

Jaylen Brown (foot) was unable to play Monday against the Pelicans, opening up a chance for Smart to make his first start of the season. He logged a whopping 40 minutes in that game, recording eight points, two rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block. Brown has been ruled out for Friday, likely leaving Smart with plenty of playing time once again. His offensive upside isn’t great, but he’s still someone to consider based on his minute’s floor.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/30/18

Kelly Oubre Jr., WAS at PHI
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,600

The Wizards are going to have to get used to playing small now with Dwight Howard (lower body) likely to miss a significant amount of time. Oubre has shifted into the starting lineup due to his absence, averaging 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and one steal across his last five games. With the Sixers playing small themselves with Wilson Chandler at power forward, expect Oubre to start once again. The added playing time could provide him with a significant boost in production since both of these teams are in the top-seven in the league in pace of play.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, CHA vs. UTA
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,800

Speaking of teams with limited depth up front, the Hornets are in a similar position as the Wizards. It’s not due to injuries, just a lack of talent at the position. They like to use Kidd-Gilchrist a lot when they deploy small lineups, which has helped him average 8.5 points, six rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. This won’t be easy facing Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors, but Kidd-Gilchrist still warrants consideration in tournament play.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/30/18

Richaun Holmes, PHO vs. ORL
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $3,600

When Holmes was a member of the Sixers, he showed flashes of promise filling in whenever Joel Embiid was out. Now that Tyson Chandler is no longer on the Suns, Holmes has the backup center job all to himself. He’s proven to be productive once again, averaging 10.6 points, five rebounds, and two blocks across his last six games. His price is starting to climb, but he could still provide excellent value, especially on DraftKings.

JaMychal Green, MEM at BKN
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,300

Green has played well off the bench since returning from injury, averaging 9.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks across his last six games. Marc Gasol (foot) is said to be a game-time decision for Friday, which could have a significant impact for Green. If Gasol is out, Green could see extended run in his absence. Even if Gasol does play, Green has a large enough role off the bench to make him a viable option in tournament play.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/30/18

Cody Zeller, CHA vs. UTA
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,300

Zeller is coming off of arguably his best game of the season Wednesday against the Hawks, scoring 19 points to go along with five rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. Facing Rudy Gobert is a completely different animal, but the Hornets might have to throw a few extra minutes Zeller’s way due to the depth the Jazz have in their frontcourt.

Aron Baynes, BOS vs. CLE
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,200

The Celtics will be resting Al Horford for this game, which makes a lot of sense with them playing an inferior opponent in the Cavaliers and having a quick turnaround Saturday on the road against the Timberwolves. When Horford sat out last week against the Hawks, Baynes started in his place and finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and one block. At this dirt cheap price on both sites, it’s hard to pass up on Baynes if he starts again.

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 13 – TE/DEF/ST

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

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

Another tight end option is off the board with Jack Doyle (kidney) on IR, but the position is still fairly deep with no teams on a bye during Week 13. Let’s dive into the schedule and examine some players, and defenses/special teams, to target or avoid as you create your DFS 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 13 - TE/DEF/ST

Travis Kelce vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $7,800
DraftKings = $7,000

The high-scoring affair between the Chiefs and Rams certainly resulted in a productive performance from Kelce. He received a season-high 14 targets, catching 10 of them for 127 yards and a touchdown. That marked Kelce’s fifth game of the year with at least 10 targets and the fourth time he compiled at least 100 yards. He’s also reached the end zone four times across his last four contests.

Kelce was already one of the best tight ends in the league, but his production has risen to the next level with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback. He already has 67 receptions for 914 yards across 11 games after finishing with 83 catches and 1,038 yards all of last season. Even with all the weapons that the Chiefs have on offense, he still leads the team with 101 targets. Kelce is expensive, but he also has the highest floor of anyone at his position.

Jared Cook vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $4,700

This season can’t end soon enough for the Raiders. They lost again in Week 12 to the Ravens, marking their sixth loss in their last seven games. They allowed 34 points, which didn’t exactly do their injury-depleted offense any favors. Cook is one of the best pass catchers that they have left, but he caught only two of his five targets for 32. He did somewhat salvage his performance, though, with one of those catches resulting in a touchdown.

Even with their lack of talent at wide receiver, Cook hasn’t been on the field for more than 62 percent of the Raiders offensive snaps in any of their last five games. On the bright side, he does have three touchdowns during that stretch, two of which have come across his last two games. The Raiders might be forced to throw the ball a lot to keep up with the Chiefs, whose defense has actually allowed the most receiving yards to opposing tight ends (812) in the league. This could be a matchup to exploit with Cook.

Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers
Stadium – CenturyLink Field
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $3,400

The Seahawks won last week against the Panthers, but their defense did not play well. Christian McCaffrey ate them alive, leading the Panthers to score 27 points. The Seahawks did grab an interception, but they failed to record a sack for the first time this year. With that performance, the Seahawks have now allowed at least 24 points in three consecutive games.

Even though Week 12 wasn’t great, this is about as good of a matchup as you can get for the Seahawks defense. The 49ers only scored nine points against a horrible Bucs defense in Week 11 and will again roll with Nick Mullens at quarterback. After his impressive debut against the Raiders, Mullens has four interceptions and two touchdowns across his last two games. Add in the fact that the Seahawks are at home and they have the potential to be the chalk defense play in DFS.

GPP TOURNAMENT OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 13 - TE/DEF/ST

David Njoku vs. Houston Texans
Stadium = NRG Stadium
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,300

Njoku has been battling a knee injury but had the benefit of a bye in Week 11. That allowed him to log 67 percent of the Browns offensive snaps in Week 12, resulting in him catching all five of his targets for 63 yards and a touchdown. He’s already surpassed his totals in targets, receptions and receiving tards from his rookie season and could be in line for a productive finish with the changes the Browns have made to their coaching staff.

The key for Njoku for this game against the Texans will be his health. The Browns have continued to take a cautious approach with him in practice, but all indications are that he will be fine for Sunday. The Texans generally have good numbers defending against the pass, but they’ve had trouble with tight ends, allowing 725 yards and six touchdowns to the position. At his reasonable price on both sites, Njoku makes for a great option in tournament play.

Cameron Brate vs. Carolina Panthers
Stadium – Raymond James Stadium
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $3,700

Brate has had a limited role in the Bucs offense, but all that changed when O.J. Howard (ankle/foot) was lost for the season. In his first game as the team’s top tight end, Brate was on the field for 70 percent of their offensive plays in Week 12. The only skill player with a higher percentage was wide receiver Mike Evans (79 percent). He wasn’t overly involved with just four targets, but he did catch three of them for 26 yards and a touchdown.

The yardage total last week wasn’t what you were hoping for from Brate, but the key is how often he was on the field. The Bucs also won 27-9, so it’s not like they had to throw the ball a lot late in the game. They’ll face a much tougher task this week against a Panthers team that scored 42 points on them in Week 9. One way to attack the Panthers is through the use of the tight end as they have allowed 713 yards and nine touchdowns to the position.

Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Stadium – TIAA Bank Field
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $2,600

The strength of the Colts is quarterback Andrew Luck and their offense, but their defense hasn’t been as bad as initially predicted at the start of the season. While their performance in Week 11 against the Dolphins wasn’t a total flop, it wasn’t great, either, with them allowing 24 points and recording just one sack.

These two teams just faced off in Week 10 but under very different circumstances. Leonard Fournette will have to miss their rematch due to a suspension and the Jaguars have benched Blake Bortles at quarterback. Having Carlos Hyde and T.J. Yeldon does somewhat help offset the loss of Fournette, but Cody Kessler doesn’t exactly instill a lot of confidence at quarterback. If you want to save a few bucks at defense, the Colts are at least worth considering.

PLAYERS TO AVOID

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 13 - TE/DEF/ST

Jimmy Graham vs. Arizona Cardinals
Stadium – Lambeau Field
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $4,000

Graham is dealing with a fractured thumb, but he still managed to play last week against the Vikings. However, he was only on the field for a season-low 42 percent of the Packers offensive plays. He finished with just two catches for 34 yards on four targets and will have to deal with the injury again Sunday. The Cardinals defense has done a good job slowing down tight ends already, so this is a situation to stay far away from with Graham.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Atlanta Falcons
Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $2,800

The Ravens took advantage of the Raiders poor offense last week, recording three sacks and returning a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Add in their punt return touchdown and the Ravens came through in a big way. However, they did still allow 17 points and those were their first defensive and special teams scores of the season. This will be a much tougher task on the road against a Falcons team that averages 30 points a game at home.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/29/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

We’ve only got three games in the NBA on Thursday, leaving us with very few value options to choose from. That being said, there are still some players to highlight who have favorable matchups that are still 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.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/29/18

Darren Collison, IND at LAL
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $4,700

It looks like the Pacers will be without Victor Olaipo (knee) once again. Collison hasn’t seen a significant increase in playing time, but he is averaging 7.6 assists across five games with Oladipo out compared to 4.8 assists for the season, overall. His 16.6 percent usage rate isn’t all that appealing, but Collison might be able to contribute enough across the board Thursday in this matchup against a Lakers team that plays at the fifth-fastest pace (103.9 possessions per game).

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC at SAC
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,900

An injury to Avery Bradley opened up a starting spot for Gilgeous-Alexander that he has yet to relinquish. Don’t expect him to lose the job anytime soon, either, since he is averaging 12.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, three assists and one steal across 11 games. His usage rate is also 19.7 percent as a starter, up from 15.6 percent when he was coming off of the bench. Both the Clippers and the Kings are in the top-eight in the league in pace of play, which could leave Gilgeous-Alexander with a few more opportunities to provide value.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/29/18

Buddy Hield, SAC vs. LAC
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,700

Hield was limited to 25 minutes a game last year, but the Kings are giving him a chance to shine this season with 31 minutes a night. He hasn’t let them down, averaging 18.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per contest. His usage rate of 24.4 percent has remained largely unchanged from last year, but it’s the second-highest on the team behind Harry Giles (26.7 percent). This game could be a shootout with Hield right in the center of it all.

Aaron Holiday, IND at LAL
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $3,700

Holiday was awful against the Suns on Tuesday, going 1-for-6 from the field for two points and two assists across 15 minutes. Prior to that, he had averaged 13.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and two assists across four games with Oladipo out. There is certainly risk involved with putting Holiday into your entry, but it might be one worth taking based on his price. Of note, he is only eligible at shooting guard on FanDuel as he is listed at point guard on DraftKings.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/29/18

Bojan Bogdanovic, IND at LAL
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,300

If you’re looking for an efficient scorer, look no further than Bogdanovic. His 19.2 percent usage rate is nothing to write home about, but he’s shooting 54.2 percent from the field and 53.5 percent from behind the arc. Strangely enough, he is shooting a career-low 79 percent from the charity stripe, but he’s still averaging 15.6 points per game. He’s taken on more offensive responsibilities with Oladipo out, making him another Pacer to target Thursday.

Doug McDermott, IND at LAL
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,500

McDermott has not been able to live up to the hype of being the 11th-overall pick in the 2014 Draft and is now on his fifth team. He’s mostly a three-point specialist, shooting 40.5 percent from behind the arc for his career. Normally he doesn’t get many shot attempts, but he’s been more involved due to the absence of Oladipo. Across his last five games, McDermott is actually averaging 13.8 points. At near the minimum price on both sites, McDermott could provide some value in tournament play.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/29/18

Serge Ibaka, TOR vs. GS
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,500

With the Warriors lack of size up front, this would appear to be a game in which Ibaka will receive significantly more playing time than Jonas Valanciunas. Across five games in which Ibaka has logged at least 30 minutes, he is averaging 17.6 points, six rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. He’s not overly cheap, but this could still be a matchup to exploit.

Thaddeus Young, IND at LAL
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,500

Young had a minuscule 15.7 percent usage rate through his first eight games but has been more involved with an 18.1 percent usage rate across his last 13 contests. He’s another one of the players on the Pacers to see a bump in productivity with Oladipo out, averaging 11.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals across the last five games. His upside isn’t nearly as high as Ibaka’s, but he also provides a little more savings for your budget, leaving him in the discussion at power forward.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/29/18

Willie Cauley-Stein, SAC vs. LAC
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $5,900

Cauley-Stein has hit a rough patch, averaging 9.4 points and 6.8 rebounds over his last five games. However, it should be noted that two of those contests were blowouts in which he logged 18 and 23 minutes, respectively. The Clippers have allowed the fifth-most DraftKings points per game and the eighth-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers, so this might be just what the doctor ordered to get Cauley-Stein back on track.

Boban Marjanovic, LAC at SAC
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $3,500

Marcin Gortat (back) was a late scratch for Wednesday’s game against the Suns, opening up a spot start for Marjanovic. He recorded 12 points and 12 rebounds and is now averaging nine points and nine rebounds across four starts this season. He’s clearly not going to log as many minutes as Montrezl Harrell even if he starts Thursday, but Gortat being out again would make Marjanvic a great option in tournament play.

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 13 – Wide Receivers

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

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There are no more bye weeks left this season, leaving a packed schedule for Week 13 in the NFL. The Saints, Steelers, and Chargers all playing in primetime does take a few of the top-tier wide receivers out of the equation for the main Sunday slate in DFS, but there are still plenty of great options. Let’s dive into the position and highlight some players to consider, and avoid, as you craft 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.

CASH CONTEST OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 13 - Wide Receivers

DeAndre Hopkins vs. Cleveland Browns
Stadium – NRG Stadium
FanDuel = $8,800
DraftKings = $8,200

With their win over the Titans in Week 12, the Texans have now won each of their last eight games. Even though they pulled out the victory, Hopkins had a quiet performance by his standards. He only received six targets, which tied the mark for his fewest in a game this season. He did haul in five of them for 74 yards but failed to score a touchdown for the first time since Week 5.

The Texans scored 34 points against the Titans, but it wasn’t exactly a great matchup for Hopkins considering the Titans allow the eighth-fewest passing yards per game (230) in the league. Things swing much more in his favor against the Browns, who allow the fourth-most passing yards per game (284). With his stellar touchdown upside, Hopkins makes for a great option in cash contests despite his lofty price tag.

Tyreek Hill vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $8,400
DraftKings = $9,100

There have been few regular season games as exciting as the matchup between the Chiefs and Rams was in Week 11. The two teams combined for an insane 105 points and Hill was certainly heavily involved in the action, catching 10 of 14 targets for 215 yards and two touchdowns. His 21.5 yards per reception actually marked the fifth time this season that he finished a game with at least 20 yards per reception.

The Chiefs have a lot of talented players, but Hill is one of the main reasons why their offense is so explosive. Not only does he have blazing speed, but he’s an excellent route runner. He already has 11 receiving touchdowns this year, which is only two away from tieing his mark from his first two seasons in the league, combined. The Raiders are tied for the second-most passing touchdowns allowed (25), leaving Hill with tremendous upside once again.

Adam Thielen vs. New England Patriots
Stadium – Gillette Stadium
FanDuel = $8,100
DraftKings = $8,000

After recording at least 100 receiving yards in each of his first eight games, Thielen had cooled off with 88 total receiving yards across two games heading into Week 12 against the Packers. That proved to be just the matchup that he needed to get back on track, catching eight of nine targets for 125 yards and a touchdown. In two games against the Packers this season, he had 20 receptions, 256 yards, and two touchdowns.

It was only a matter of time before Thielen got hot again, especially since his 124 targets are second in the league only to Julio Jones (125). Thielen has also taken a significant step forward in the touchdown department with eight of them this year after posting nine across the last two years, combined. The Patriots have allowed the eighth-most passing yards per game (270) to go along with 22 passing touchdowns, so don’t be surprised if Thielen comes away with another highly productive afternoon.

GPP TOURNAMENT OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 13 - Wide Receivers

Julian Edelman vs. Minnesota Vikings
Stadium – Gillette Stadium
FanDuel = $7,200
DraftKings = $7,100

The Patriots had no problem putting away the Jets in Week 12, which may have been part of the reason why Edelman received a season-low five targets. It should also be noted that this was tight end Rob Gronkowski’s first game since Week 8. Even with his lack of involvement, Edelman still came away with four receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown.

Edelman has only played in seven games this year, but he already has 61 targets and has been on the field for 88 percent of the Patriots offensive snaps. He even has three touchdowns, matching his mark from all of last season. The Patriots have their full complement of weapons right now, which is going to make things tough on opposing defenses. Even with more mouths to feed, Edelman is going to get enough targets to warrant consideration in tournament play.

D.J. Moore vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Stadium – Raymond James Stadium
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $5,600

With Devin Funchess (back) out for Week 12, Moore was on the field for 92 percent of the Panthers offensive snaps and received a season-high nine targets. He made the most of his opportunity, hauling in eight passes for 91 yards. His rookie campaign got off to a quiet start, but Moore has now received 22 targets across his last three games.

This has the potential to be a monster game from Moore. If Funchess is unable to return, Moore will again receive all the work he can handle. The Bucs have one of the worst secondaries in the league, allowing 274 passing yards per game to go along with a league-high 26 touchdowns through the air. He’s not overly expensive on either site, making Moore a prime target to outproduce his price point if Funchess sits.

Courtland Sutton vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Stadium – Paul Brown Stadium
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,200

The Broncos scored 24 points against the Steelers last week, but Sutton was very quiet with one catch on three targets for 14 yards. The Broncos did most of their damage on the ground, which led Case Keenum to attempt just 28 passes. He wasn’t that accurate, either, with only 15 completions. If you’re looking for a silver lining from Sutton’s performance, he was at least on the field for 74 percent of their offensive snaps.

The trade of Demaryius Thomas to the Texans seemed like a prime opportunity for Sutton’s production to take off. He’s certainly spending more time on the field, but he only has seven receptions for 149 yards across his last three games. If there was ever a time for him to have a breakout performance, this is it. The Bengals are having a hard time slowing anyone down right now and have allowed the second-most passing yards per game (292) to go along with 25 passing touchdowns.

Seth Roberts vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,000

Just about nothing has gone right for the Raiders this year. They’ve traded away a couple of their best players and have also been decimated by injuries, especially at wide receiver. Roberts is one of the few healthy players they have left standing at the position. Even so, he only received three targets in Week 12 against the Ravens, catching two of them for 54 yards.

This game could get ugly in a hurry against the Chiefs. If that’s the case, the Raiders are going to be throwing the ball a lot in an effort to make a comeback. The Chiefs have allowed the most passing yards per game (297), so even though the Raiders don’t have a lot of weapons, they might be able to move the ball some. Roberts doesn’t have a ton of touchdown upside, but there is some appeal here for tournament contests at this cheap price.

PLAYERS TO AVOID

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 13 - Wide Receivers

Allen Robinson II vs. New York Giants
Stadium – MetLife Stadium
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $5,700

The Bears still won in Week 12 without Mitch Trubisky (shoulder), but Robinson wasn’t very productive with two receptions on four targets for 37 yards. He was one of their key offseason acquisitions, but Robinson doesn’t always have a ton of fantasy value with 39 yards or fewer in four of his last six games. It looks like Trubisky will be unable to play again Sunday, potentially leaving Robinson with another quiet performance.

Sammy Watkins vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,400

Watkins was able to take the field in Week 11 despite dealing with a foot injury, but he only logged five snaps. Even though the Chiefs are coming off of their bye week, Watkins is still battling the injury and didn’t practice Wednesday. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to push him to play a lot of snaps Sunday against a bad team in the Raiders, so stay far, far away from him in DFS, even if he is active.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/28/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

The NBA brings a loaded slate Wednesday with 10 games. The Pelicans, Rockets, Bucks, and Sixers are among the teams in action, leaving a ton of the top talent as options for your DFS lineup. In order to fit those in, you’ll also need the right mix of cheap value plays. Below are two players at each position that stand out as having matchups to possibility capitalize on. 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 11/28/18

J.J. Barea, DAL at HOU
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $5,000

Barea is only averaging 20 minutes a game, but that hasn’t stopped him from being extremely productive. His 27.1 percent usage rate is actually the highest on the team, helping him average 10.9 points per contest. He also does a great job of facilitating the offense for their second unit with 5.8 assists per night. Both Dennis Smith Jr. (wrist) and Luka Doncic (illness) are listed as questionable, so Barea could be in line for a significant increase in playing time if either or both of them were unable to play. Even if they do take the floor, Barea is an appealing option at this price.

D.J. Augustin, ORL at POR
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,300

Augustin’s 15.4 percent usage rate isn’t great, but he’s still been able to average 10.3 points per game in large part because he is logging 27 minutes a night. The Magic don’t have any other viable options to start at point guard, which has also resulted in Augustin averaging 5.4 assists per contest. His upside isn’t great, but Augustin has a secure enough role to be worth considering in tournament play.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/28/18

Eric Gordon, HOU vs. DAL
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,800

The key to this game is the status of Chris Paul (hamstring). If he is forced to miss his third straight game, Gordon will once again be a part of the starting five. He’s thrived in that role this season, averaging 19.9 points and 3.4 rebounds across seven games. His usage rate is 25.2 percent as a starter, which is up from 22.3 percent as a member of the second unit. Gordon’s price has jumped up after a couple of great performances, but he’s still worth adding to your lineup if Paul sits.

Jordan Clarkson, CLE at OKC
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,100

Clarkson had a strange performance against the Timberwolves on Monday where he scored just four points on five shot attempts. Clarkson has a 28.6 percent usage rate and hadn’t attempted fewer than 10 shots in any previous game this year, so chalk it up as just one off night. The Cavaliers are going to need him to score in bunches to keep this game close against Russell Westbrook and company, so don’t be surprised if Clarkson has a bounce-back scoring effort.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/28/18

E’Twaun Moore, NO vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,000

Moore was already an important part of the Pelicans success, but he became even more vital after they lost starting point guard Elfrid Payton (finger). Jrue Holiday has been assuming the point guard duties with Payton out, shifting Moore over to shooting guard. Although he might not get a lot of headlines, Moore is averaging 15.8 points per game while shooting 54.4 percent from the field. The last time these two teams met Saturday, Moore scored 19 points. Since both of these teams are in the top-six in the league in pace of play, expect Moore to have plenty of opportunities to score again during their rematch.

Jeff Green, WAS at NO
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,000

The Wizards are going to be shorthanded up front again with Dwight Howard (lower body) already ruled out. While Green doesn’t play the same position, he is still in line for added playing time. Green is also one of their better rebounders, averaging 5.2 rebounds in just 25 minutes a game. His scoring upside isn’t great, but this game should be played at a fast enough pace to make him someone to at least consider if you want to go really cheap at small forward.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/28/18

Marvin Williams, CHA vs. ATL
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,500

Williams is only averaging 25 minutes a game this season, but he’s logged at least 31 minutes in each of his last three games. That’s especially encouraging since the Michael Kidd-Gilchrist returned from injury Monday. Across five games in which Williams has logged at least 30 minutes, he is averaging 14 points. 8.2 rebounds, and one block. He’s also had plenty of success in two previous matchups against the Hawks, averaging 20 points and 10.5 rebounds.

Richaun Holmes, PHO at LAC
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,400

Holmes makes this list for the second straight night after scoring eight points to go along with seven rebounds and two blocks Tuesday against the Pacers. Over the last five games, Holmes is now averaging 10.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and two blocks. His role is secure as the primary backup to Deandre Ayton and the Clippers have some size up front with Montrezl Harrell, Marcin Gortat, and Boban Marjanovic, so expect Holmes to get enough playing time to provide value at this price.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/28/18

Tristan Thompson, CLE at OKC
FanDuel = $7,100
DraftKings = $6,300

Thompson isn’t overly cheap, but center is usually one of the tougher positions to fill in terms of value plays, especially on FanDuel.  Thompson continues to dominate the minutes in the middle for the Cavaliers and should be set there for a while with the news that Kevin Love (toe) isn’t eyeing a return until January. Facing Steven Adams isn’t exactly a walk in the park, but Thompson should at least be a threat to post a double-double Wednesday.

Cody Zeller, CHA vs. ATL
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,100

If you want a cheap play with significant upside, Zeller is not your man. However, he does have a relatively high floor with averages of 9.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per contest. The Hawks are not a good team by any stretch of the imagination, but they do have size up front with Dewayne Dedmon and Alex Len. When these two teams met Sunday, Zeller finished with seven points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block in 28 minutes.

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 13 – Running Backs

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

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

We’ve passed the last bye weeks of the season, so Week 13 will bring a full slate of games in the NFL. With plenty of options to wade through, let’s dive right in and highlight a few running backs that stand out with favorable matchups, and a couple to avoid. 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 13 - Running Backs

Kareem Hunt vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $8,900
DraftKings = $7,800

With all of the prolific passing numbers put up by the Chiefs and Rams in Week 11, Hunt didn’t get a lot of work on the ground. He did make the most of his opportunities, carrying the ball 14 times for 70 yards. His involvement in the passing game wasn’t great, either, but he did turn his four targets into three receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown. With that score, Hunt already has 14 total touchdowns.

There are few running backs with as high of a floor as Hunt. Not only does the Chiefs offense put him in a lot of great positions to score touchdowns, but he is averaging 109.3 total yards per game. The Raiders have allowed the most rushing yards per game (151.4) in the league, so expect Hunt to have another excellent performance Sunday. The only cause for concern with him is if the Chiefs jump out to a big lead and rest Hunt in the fourth quarter. However, if they do score a lot early, it could be in large part because of Hunt’s efforts.

Christian McCaffrey vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Stadium – Raymond James Stadium
FanDuel = $8,800
Draft Kings = $8,800

McCaffrey couldn’t have looked any more dominant than he did last week against the Seahawks. They had no answer for him on the ground, allowing him to rack up 125 yards and a touchdown on just 17 carries. Things were equally as impressive for McCaffrey in the passing game, catching all 11 of his targets for 112 yards and another touchdown. If you rostered him in DFS or season-long, you likely came away as a winner.

It’s highly unlikely that McCaffrey matches that performance this week, but this is a matchup for him to exploit against the Bucs. They’ve allowed 14 rushing touchdowns this year and four more scores through the air to opposing running backs. When these two teams met in Week 9, McCaffrey finished with 79 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, and 78 receiving yards on five receptions.

Aaron Jones vs. Arizona Cardinals
Stadium – Lambeau Field
FanDuel = $7,600
DraftKings = $6,700

The Packers are slumping right now, but it certainly isn’t due to the play of Jones. He was effective again in Week 12 against the Vikings, rushing 17 times for 72 yards and a touchdown. While his 21 receiving yards weren’t great, it was important that he received five targets. With his role starting to expand as we head down the stretch, Jones has received at least five targets in three straight games.

The talent level seemed pretty obvious with Jones, but it took a while for the Packers coaching staff to give him the lead role. That time is finally here with Jones being on the field for at least 74 percent of their offensive snaps in each of the last three games. There’s no reason to believe that will change this week, setting him up for possibly a career day against a Cardinals team that has allowed the most rushing touchdowns (16) and third-most rushing yards per game (144.8).

GPP TOURNAMENT OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 13 - Running Backs

Phillip Lindsay vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Stadium – Paul Brown Stadium
FanDuel = $7,000
DraftKings = $5,400

Don’t look now, but the Broncos have won back-to-back games against two tough teams in the Chargers and Steelers. Their passing attack has been awful this year, but Lindsay has established himself as a weapon on the ground. Despite receiving just 14 carries in Week 12, Lindsay ran for 110 yards and a touchdown. That’s particularly impressive considering the Steelers are allowing only 4.2 yards-per-carry for the season, overall.

Next up for Lindsay and the Broncos is a matchup against a Bengals team that just lost their starting quarterback for the year and might still be without their best wide receiver in A.J. Green (toe). Their struggles likely won’t be limited to their offense, though, since they have allowed an average of 37.8 points over their last five games. They particularly struggle in the running game, allowing 147.5 rushing yards per game to go along with 14 touchdowns.

Gus Edwards vs. Atlanta Falcons
Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $4,800

If you play in season-long fantasy, a player like Edwards coming out of nowhere to play well can help propel you into the playoffs if you were lucky enough to snap him up off waivers. He was heavily involved again Sunday versus the Raiders, carrying the ball 23 times for 118 yards. His usage in the passing game has been non-existent, but it’s hard to argue against his success with 233 rushing yards over two games since assuming the lead running back role.

The key to Edwards’ success might be Lamar Jackson remaining as the Ravens quarterback. With Jackson’s own ability to rush the ball, the duo creates a nightmare for opposing defenses. Initial reports indicate Joe Flacco (hip) isn’t ready to return, so it’s hard to see Edwards’ role fading with Jackson still running the offense. The Falcons allow the third-most yards-per-carry (5.1), making Edwards a potential steal in DFS, especially at his price on DraftKings.

Lamar Miller vs. Cleveland Browns
Stadium – NRG Stadium
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $4,600

Miller burst out for a 97-yard touchdown run in Week 12 against the Titans, helping propel him to 162 rushing yards for the game, overall. He only received 12 carries, but it marked the third time in his last five games that Miller rushed for at least 100 yards. It’s no coincidence that he ran for a touchdown in each of those contests, which accounted for all three of his rushing touchdowns this season.

Miller is peaking at the right time for Texans, which has helped them reel off eight straight wins after starting out 0-3. Alfred Blue does cut into his carries, but Miller has been on the field for at least 62 percent of the Texans offensive snaps in five of his last six games. During that stretch, Blue didn’t log more than 48 percent of their snaps in any contest. The Browns have allowed the fifth-most rushing yards per game (131.8) to go along with 15 rushing touchdowns, making Miller a great target in tournament play.

Jalen Richard vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,300

Looking at Richard’s line from Week 12 doesn’t exactly install a whole lot of confidence in playing him for Week 13 in DFS. He only had one carry for one yard and caught two of four targets for an additional 15 yards. The Raiders were down big early, but Richard still couldn’t get much going in the passing attack with the Raiders having to throw a lot in an attempt to catch up.

If you want to roll with Richard, make sure you do so with the understanding that he won’t provide much in terms of rushing yards. He did post 61 yards on the ground in Week 11 against the Cardinals, but that’s more than half of his total for the entire year. His main source of value is in the passing game with a career-high 53 receptions on 63 targets. The Raiders should have to throw a lot in an attempt to keep up with the Chiefs high-powered offense, meaning Richard might be more involved then their primary rusher, Dough Martin, who only has 17 targets all year.

PLAYERS TO AVOID

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 13 - Running Backs

Tevin Coleman vs. Baltimore Ravens
Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $4,500

Coleman was completely shut down on the ground by the Saints last week with only six yards on eight carries. His three catches for 17 yards weren’t great, either, but he somewhat salvaged his line with a receiving touchdown. The Saints have arguably the best rushing defense in the league, so it’s not a surprise that Coleman struggled. Things won’t get much easier for him in Week 13 against the Ravens, who allow the third-fewest rushing yards per game (92.1).

Peyton Barber vs. Carolina Panthers
Stadium – Raymond James Stadium
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $3,700

Barber has reached the end zone in both of his last two games while racking up 153 yards on the ground. The Bucs have struggled to run the ball most of the season, but that didn’t stop them from giving Barber 18 carries in both of those contests. This isn’t shaping up to be a matchup to exploit, though, against a Panthers team that is allowing just 4.1 yards-per-carry. When these two teams met earlier in the year, Barber had only 31 yards on 11 carries.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/27/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

There are only five games in the NBA on Tuesday, which doesn’t exactly leave for a ton of viable cheap value play options. We might have to dig a little deeper than normal, but here are a couple of players at each position that stand out as viable options. 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 11/27/18

Trey Burke, NY at DET
FanDuel =$6,100
DraftKings = $4,700

The Knicks sure don’t make rostering their players in DFS feel comforting. They frequently change up their rotations with Burke maybe being the poster child for this practice. He sat out three games entirely towards the beginning of November, but he’s logged at least 26 minutes in five of their last six games. It’s going to be hard for the Knicks to bench him now since he averaged 23.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and four assists over those five contests.

Cory Joseph, IND at PHO
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,600

With Victor Oladipo (knee) out the last four games, Joseph has averaged 10 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per contest. He’s an excellent defender and the primary backup to starting point guard Darren Collison, so Joseph still has secure minutes even if Oladipo does return Tuesday. This also has the potential to be a blowout against a bad Suns team, which could afford Joseph some added opportunities in garbage time.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/27/18

Rodney McGruder, MIA vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,900

The Heat are going to be thin in their backcourt again Tuesday with Goran Dragic (knee) and Tyler Johnson (hamstring) already listed as out. That should leave added playing time for a few players, including McGruder. His production has slowed down a bit since the start of the season, but he’s still averaging 11.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and three assists per contest in November. Since the Hawks play at the fastest pace (106.7 possessions per game) in the league, McGruder is a viable option to consider due to his high minute’s floor.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, LAL at DEN
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,600

Caldwell-Pope’s playing time is down significantly this year at 21 minutes per contest. However, the injury to Rajon Rondo (hand) has allowed him to take on a more prominent role. Across five games since Rondo was injured, Caldwell-Pope has averaged 10.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals over 27 minutes a game. His upside might not be as high as McGruder’s, but he’s also dirt cheap on both sites.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/27/18

Bojan Bogdanovic, IND at PHO
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,900

The Pacers destroyed the Jazz on Monday with Bogdanovic once again playing a key role in their success. He only attempted nine shots, but he still scored 15 points to go along with five rebounds, four assists, and one steal. If Oladipo can’t play again Tuesday, Bogdanovic stands out as a great value play option. However, even if he does return, Bogdanovic is still someone to consider based on this limited slate.

Juancho Hernangomez, DEN vs. LAL
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,800

Hernangomez has really stepped up with Will Barton (groin) on the sidelines. He’s moved into the starting five and has thrived in the role with 12.3 points and seven rebounds per contest. The Nuggets normally play at a slow pace, but they might have to speed things up Tuesday with the Lakers playing at the fourth-fastest pace (104.2). With Hernangomez already receiving more minutes, this could be a favorable spot for him to be productive.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/27/18

JaMychal Green, MEM vs. TOR
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,200

Power forward might be the toughest position of the night if you want to save money, especially if you play on FanDuel. Green began the season as a starter for the Grizzlies, but after missing an extended stretch due to injury, he’s lost his job to Jaren Jackson Jr. However, Green has still been productive off the bench, averaging 8.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across five games. Don’t expect eye-popping numbers from him Tuesday, but he’s still in the discussion for tournament contests.

Richaun Holmes, PHO vs. IND
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,300

After the Suns moved on from Tyson Chandler, Holmes emerged as the clear backup center to Deandre Ayton. Holmes has really come into his own of late, averaging 11.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and two blocks across his last four games. His price on FanDuel isn’t bad, but his price on DraftKings is especially appealing. The Pacers have a lot of size up front, so Holmes might even see a few added minutes, as well.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/27/18

Jonas Valanciunas, TOR at MEM
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,300

The Raptors continue to play matchups at center, which sometimes forces Valanciunas into a reserve role. That shouldn’t be the case Tuesday, though, against Marc Gasol. Valanciunas has still managed to be productive coming off the bench, but he’s been better as a starter with 14.3 points and 8.4 rebounds per game.

Bam Adebayo, MIA vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,500

Adebayo had his best game of the year Sunday against the Raptors, scoring 16 points to go along with 21 rebounds and two blocks across 36 minutes. Hassan Whiteside was limited to just 12 minutes due to foul trouble, which was the main reason for Adebayo’s bump in playing time. Guessing scores can sometimes be tricky when planning your DFS lineup, but this has the potential to be a blowout win for the Heat at home against the Hawks. If that were to be the case, Adebayo could feast in garbage time.