It’s a 13-game main slate in Week 17. However, it’s slightly different between the DFS providers. The NFL flexed the Rams at the Chargers out of Sunday Night Football, and it’s included on DraftKings’ main slate. However, FanDuel released their main slate before the game was flexed, and they included the Steelers at the Ravens, the game flexed into Sunday Night Football, on their main slate.
Week 17 Matchups
Game: Arizona Cardinals at Atlanta Falcons
Spread: ATL -3.0 Points
Over/Under: 42.0 Points
Cardinals Analysis: Greg Dortch re-emerged last week for the Cardinals. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he ran the third-most routes (38) for the Cardinals, aligning in the slot for 29 snaps. Dortch parlayed his playing time into 11 targets, 10 receptions and 98 receiving yards. Kliff Kingsbury could inexplicably reduce his playing time. Still, Dortch has had a few fantasy-friendly games this year and is a viable punt, namely at DK, where the optimizer projects him for the 15th-highest value score (WR15V) among wideouts.
Falcons Analysis: The Falcons are a run-first team with an offensive line that creates rushing lanes. According to Football Outsiders, Atlanta is fourth in Adjusted Line Yards (4.78) this year. How the touches are divided up has shifted in favor of rookie running back Tyler Allgeier.
Since Atlanta's bye in Week 14, Allgeier has handled 35 of Atlanta's 61 carries by a running back. The bruising runner has had impressive advanced metrics, too. Per PFF, among 45 running backs who've had at least 40 rush attempts since Week 10, Allgeier is tied for the second-most missed tackles forced (27) and has the second-most Yards After Contact per Attempt (4.00 YCO/A).
He can continue his success this week in a Charmin-soft matchup. According to Football Outsiders, the Cardinals are 30th in rush defense DVOA since Week 10. Moreover, running backs have destroyed the Cardinals on the ground and through the air lately, rushing for 97.2 yards per game at 4.9 yards per carry and averaging the most receptions per game (7.8) and receiving yards per game (58.8) while adding seven touchdowns for good measure since Week 10. Thus, Allgeier is an attractive value pick, and he's tied for the RB6V at DK.
Game: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions
Spread: DET -6.0 Points
Over/Under: 52.0 Points
Bears Analysis: Justin Fields has a rematch against an NFC North foe he victimized in Week 10 when he passed for 167 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 147 yards and two more scores. Fields' legs are legit, and the Lions have a lousy defense. They're 30th in pass defense DVOA and 23rd in rush defense DVOA since Week 10. During that stretch, per The 33rd Team and data provided by Sports Info Solutions (SIS), the Lions permitted the most rushing yards per game (47.6) to quarterbacks. Additionally, according to Pro-Football-Reference, the Lions have allowed the third-most passing yards per game (264.1). As a result, Fields is projected as the QB2 in DFS on this week's main slate and has the QB2V at FD.
Cole Kmet is a rock-solid stacking option with Fields or a bring-back from a Detroit stack. The third-year pro had at least five targets in his last four games and hauled in at least three receptions in his previous seven contests. Kmet also had an impressive three-game touchdown stretch from Week 8 through Week 10, scoring one, two and two, with two touchdowns coming against the Lions. He's had a dry spell since, but the Lions are tied for the most touchdown receptions allowed (five) to tight ends since Week 10, giving Kmet a chance to return to paydirt this week.
Lions Analysis: Jared Goff is outstanding indoors. According to Pro-Football-Reference, Goff has completed 65.8% of his passes, averaged 272.2 passing yards per game, thrown 21 touchdowns and had six interceptions in 10 games played indoors this year. The veteran signal-caller should build on his indoor excellence this week against Chicago's pitiful pass defense. The Bears are 31st in pass defense DVOA since Week 10. Goff is an outstanding DFS pick, projecting as the QB4, owning the QB1V at DK and tying for the QB4V at FD.
Amon-Ra St. Brown is the most exciting selection from the Lions. The second-year pro has avoided a sophomore slump. Instead, he's asserting himself as a dominant wide receiver. According to numberFire, in 12 games that weren't impacted by injuries, the Sun God had a 29.5% Target Share, 91 receptions, 1,028 receiving yards, 766 Air Yards, six receiving touchdowns, nine rushes and 95 rushing yards. He's also been in good form lately. Since Week 10, he's fourth in Yards per Route Run (2.72 Y/RR) among 83 wideouts targeted at least 20 times.
The matchup is favorable as well. The Bears have coughed up the 11th-most DK and the 10th-most FD points per game to slot receivers since Week 10. ARSB is an optimizer darling, projecting as the WR3 and sporting the WR2V at FD.
DJ Chark is an attractive pivot from ARSB or a double-stack option with Goff and St. Brown. The 26-year-old field-stretching wideout had at least 94 receiving yards in three of his last four games and scored a touchdown in two of his last five contests.
Game: Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans
Spread: JAC -4.0 Points
Over/Under: 43.5 Points
Jaguars Analysis: Travis Etienne has left something to be desired lately. His playing time and role atop Jacksonville's depth chart are secure, though. Etienne had at least a 71% snap share in his previous four games and in his last eight contests that weren't impacted by a foot injury.
In his first season of action after missing his entire rookie campaign, Etienne has averaged 84.5 scrimmage yards and 2.0 receptions per game and scored four touchdowns. Fortunately, he has a matchup that might allow him to show off his ceiling. Houston has allowed the most rushing yards per game (168.6) this season. They've also allowed 154.4 scrimmage yards per game, 4.1 receptions per game and eight touchdowns to running backs since Week 10. As a result, Etienne is the RB5 at DK and RB6 at FD, with the RB2V at DK and the RB6V at FD.
Evan Engram is another enticing pick from the Jaguars and a slam-dunk pick in cash games at DK. In his last four games, he's had 31 receptions, 367 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Engram is the TE4 at DK and the TE5 at FD, and he has TE1V at DK and is tied for the TE3V at FD.
Texans Analysis: The Texans deserve credit for playing hard instead of playing out the string to finish a forgettable campaign. Still, they're not a source of DFS options.
Game: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs
Spread: KC -12.5 Points
Over/Under: 45.0 Points
Broncos Analysis: The Broncos embarrassed themselves so badly on Christmas that they finally fired Nathaniel Hackett. They're playing out the string and a non-source for DFS picks.
Chiefs Analysis: Patrick Mahomes leads the NFL in passing yards per game (314.7) and passing touchdowns (37). He's also averaged 21.4 rushing yards per game and scored four touchdowns on the ground. Mahomes is the betting favorite for the NFL MVP award and always has a case for DFS usage, this week included. He's projected as the QB1 this week and has the QB1V at FD.
Travis Kelce is the other elite option for the Chiefs. He's 11th in receptions per game (6.5), ninth in receiving yards per game (83.8) and tied for first in receiving touchdowns (12) this season. The matchup is tantalizing for him this week. Tight ends have barbecued the Broncos for the second-most receiving yards per game (79.1) and 6.1 receptions per game since Week 10. Kelce is the TE1 this week, with the TE1V at FD.
Game: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots
Spread: NE -2.5 Points
Over/Under: 41.0 Points
Dolphins Analysis: Tyreek Hill is QB-proof. Nevertheless, he's a pinch less exciting with Tua Tagovailoa in the NFL's concussion protocol and Teddy Bridgewater starting. Therefore, Hill's on the outside looking in for suggested DFS selections in Week 17.
Patriots Analysis: The Patriots are tied for the highest pressure rate (24.7%). They've turned their pressure into the second-most sacks (50) and have forced the third-most turnovers (25). So, they have the DST1V at DK and the DST4V at FD.
Game: Indianapolis Colts at New York Giants
Spread: NYG -5.5 Points
Over/Under: 38.0 Points
Colts Analysis: Jelani Woods is a sweet matchup-driven punt. The Giants have yielded four receiving touchdowns, 4.9 receptions per game and 53.6 receiving yards per game to tight ends in their last seven games. Woods got off on the right foot in Nick Foles' first start of the year in Week 16. The big-bodied tight end led the Colts in receiving yards with 43 and had three receptions on five targets last week.
Giants Analysis: Saquon Barkley has rebounded from a few injury-derailed seasons and has been sharp in back-to-back contests after a lull. In his previous two contests, Barkley's had 171 rushing yards, 13 receptions, 82 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Meanwhile, the Colts have crumbled on defense. They're 25th in rush defense DVOA since Week 10, and running backs have averaged the 10th-most rushing yards per game (109.5), the seventh-most receptions per game (5.5) and the 12th-most receiving yards per game (39.5) against them. Thus, Barkley is the RB3 at DK and the RB2 at FD.
Game: New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles
Spread: PHI -5.5 Points
Over/Under: 42.0 Points
Saints Analysis: The Cowboys picked the Eagles apart last week. Still, Philadelphia's defense is excellent, and the Saints aren't equipped to enjoy the same success.
Eagles Analysis: Jalen Hurts might be back this week. Further, Gardner Minshew played quite well last week and can lead a high-octane offense if Hurts needs another week to recover from his shoulder injury. Still, Philadelphia's top-shelf players' salaries aren't inviting, making them an offense I'm choosing to fade this week.
Game: Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Spread: TB -3.0 Points
Over/Under: 40.5 Points
Panthers Analysis: The Panthers ran all over the Lions last week and convincingly defeated the Buccaneers 21-3 in Week 7. Nevertheless, their backfield committee caps the value of D'Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard, and their implied total provides a reason for pause.
Buccaneers Analysis: The Buccaneers haven't gotten on track on offense this year. Yet, Leonard Fournette is a dump-off machine. He's had at least six receptions in three of his last four games and bested 70 scrimmage yards three times in that stretch. Lombardi Lenny also had a decided advantage over Rachaad White in the passing attack, running 76 routes versus 49 for the rookie since Week 14. Fournette is a decent option on FD, but he's a better format fit on DK's full-point PPR format, where he's tied for the RB6V.
Game: Cleveland Browns at Washington Commanders
Spread: WSH -2.0 Points
Over/Under: 40.0 Points
Browns Analysis: Deshaun Watson's passed for fewer than 170 yards in three of four starts, and Cleveland's offense has scored fewer than 20 points in each of his starts. They're a dumpster fire.
Commanders Analysis: Carson Wentz has recaptured the starting quarterback gig for the Commanders. Sadly, that's bad news for Terry McLaurin. But, on the flip side, that's great news for Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel.
On Wentz's 188 passes in four starts and one relief appearance when Dotson played, Samuel had a 21.3% Target Share, 29 receptions, 254 receiving yards, 167 Air Yards and three touchdowns. Dotson had only a 12.8% Target Share but had 13 receptions, 161 receiving yards, 217 Air Yards and four touchdowns. The rookie was also superb in scoring territory. Wentz has thrown seven passes inside the 10-yard line, directing three to Samuel for one touchdown and three to Dotson for three touchdowns. Both are intriguing picks, and Dotson has the WR2V at DK.
Washington's running attack should thrive this week, spearheaded by their bruising rookie running back. Brian Robinson is tied for 12th in missed tackles forced (19) and tied for third in 10-plus-yard rushes (14) among running backs since Week 10.
He has a mouthwatering matchup this week. Cleveland is 28th in rush defense DVOA since Week 10, and running backs have steamrolled them for the second-most rushing yards per game (131.3) and the most yards per carry (5.5). Robinson is a value at both sites and has the RB3V at DK.
Game: San Francisco 49ers at Las Vegas Raiders
Spread: SF -9.5 Points
Over/Under: 41.5 Points
49ers Analysis: Christian McCaffrey is projected as the RB1 in DFS this week. The do-it-all back had an underwhelming showing last week but has otherwise been great for the 49ers. San Francisco's offensive line enhances CMC's ceiling, ranking fifth in Adjusted Line Yards (4.65). And, of course, the matchup is good against a Raiders team waving the white flag on the season. Running backs have averaged 144.3 scrimmage yards and 5.3 receptions per game against the Raiders in their last seven games, splashing paydirt seven times.
George Kittle isn't a target hog, but he's highly efficient and can make the most of a few opportunities. Specifically, he erupted for four receptions for 93 yards and two touchdowns in Week 15 before popping off for six receptions, 120 yards and two touchdowns in Week 16. Unfortunately, his floor is lower than Kelce's, but his ceiling rivals Kansas City's star's at a more palatable salary. Kittle is projected as the TE2 on this week's main slate, with the TE6V at DK and the TE5V at FD.
San Francisco's defense is elite and has a dreamy matchup. The 49ers are tied for the fourth-most turnovers forced (24), tied for the seventh-most sacks (41) and have allowed the fewest points per game (15.3). So, San Francisco is the DST1 in DFS, with the DST2V at DK, where they're a no-brainer choice in cash games.
Raiders Analysis: Jarrett Stidham is making his first NFL start and has no business starting an NFL game. The third-year pro has thrown four interceptions on only 61 pass attempts in his career. Stidham also has an eye-popping 9.0% sack rate. The only thing exciting about Stidham getting the nod is using San Francisco's defense against him.
Game: New York Jets at Seattle Seahawks
Spread: NYJ -1.5 Points
Over/Under: 42.5 Points
Jets Analysis: Mike White is cleared to return from his broken ribs and can provide a jumpstart to Gang Green's offense in a cushy matchup. The Seahawks are 26th in pass defense DVOA since Week 10. Before White was injured, he flashed potential en route to two 300-plus-yard passing efforts in three starts. White is a GPP pivot from Goff.
Garrett Wilson is the main attraction for the Jets. The rookie wideout balled out when White played. In White's three starts, Wilson had 19 receptions, 335 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Wilson is a high-upside option who's underpriced at both DFS providers. As a result, he has the WR1V at DK and the WR4V at FD. Wilson is the WR10 at DK and the WR9 at FD.
Elijah Moore isn't as safe of a selection as Wilson, but he's a fun punt. The second-year wideout had at least 60 receiving yards twice in White's starts and tallied 10 receptions for 131 yards and one touchdown. He has the WR10V at DK.
Tyler Conklin is another intriguing punt on the Jets. White elevates the floor and ceiling for Gang Green's offense, and the Seahawks have struggled to defend tight ends. They've allowed 57.2 receiving yards per game and three touchdowns to tight ends in their previous six contests. So, Conklin has the TE2V at DK.
Seahawks Analysis: The Seahawks managed Ken Walker's workload in practice last week and unleashed him for 28 touches that resulted in 107 rushing yards and negative-two receiving yards in Week 16. They seem to be following the same formula this week. The rookie hasn't been consistently good. Nevertheless, Walker had more than 70 scrimmage yards in seven of his last 11 games, bested 100 rushing yards three times, scored at least one touchdown in six games and reached paydirt twice in three games. Walker has enough upside to warrant rolling the dice on him. He's projected as the RB12 at DK but is a better option at FD, where he's projected as the RB10 and has the RB2V.
Game: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
Spread: GB -3.5 Points
Over/Under: 48.0 Points
Vikings Analysis: Justin Jefferson is tied for fifth in receiving touchdowns (eight), second in receptions per game (8.2) and first in receiving yards per game (117.1) this season. The underlying stats have been fantastic, too. According to SIS, Jefferson is third in Target Share (29.9%) and Intended Air Yards (1,801). The third-year wideout is also second in Yards per Route Run (2.84 Y/RR) among wide receivers since Week 10. Jefferson is the crown jewel among wide receivers, projecting as the WR1, with the WR5V at DK and the WR1V at FD.
Gamers should also consider using Dalvin Cook. First, the matchup is excellent. The Packers are 27th in rush defense DVOA since Week 10, and Green Bay has allowed the eighth-most rushing yards per game (114.3) at 5.0 yards per carry since then. Additionally, running backs have scored eight touchdowns against Green Bay in their previous six games.
Second, Cook is Minnesota's bell-cow back, averaging 92.5 scrimmage yards and 2.4 receptions per game. Cook has also scored 10 touchdowns. The workhorse back is the RB4 at DK and RB3 at FD and has the RB1 at the former and the RB4V at the latter.
Packers Analysis: Christian Watson looks like a long shot to play this week since he's yet to log any practice participation. Regardless, the Vikings are a plus matchup for Green Bay's passing attack. Minnesota has allowed the most passing yards per game (281.5). According to Football Outsiders, the Vikings have allowed the second-most receiving yards per game (86.7) to No. 1 wide receivers, the second-most receiving yards per game (62.3) to No. 2 wideouts and are tied for the fourth-most receiving yards allowed per game (53.2) to other wide receivers. Further, they've been cooked by perimeter and slot wideouts, allowing the third-most DK and FD points per game to the former and the most DK and second-most FD points per game to the latter since Week 10.
Allen Lazard led the Packers in routes (72) the last two weeks and mixed into the slot for 19 snaps. He had only six receptions and 68 scoreless yards, but his 19.1% Target Share and 180 Air Yards were encouraging. Aaron Rodgers' trusted veteran is tied for the WR10V at FD.
Romeo Doubs was eased into action in Week 15 after a four-game absence with an injury and saw an uptick in playing time in Week 16, likely partly because Watson's day was cut short because of an injury. Still, Doubs was targeted on a blistering 31.4% of his routes since Week 15. Doubs has a clearer path to playing if Watson is ruled out, but the former is a tournament option, regardless of Watson's status.
Game: Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Chargers
Spread: LAC -6.5 Points
Over/Under: 43.0 Points
Rams Analysis: Oddsmakers and sports bettors weren't fooled by the Rams boat-racing the Broncos last week. Their implied total is gross. Gamers shouldn't invest in the Rams.
Chargers Analysis: Keenan Allen is cruising. He's caught at least five passes in six games since returning from his hamstring injury. He's also bested 85 receiving yards in five of his six games and had a touchdown in the outlier contest. Justin Herbert has been pumping Allen targets, targeting him precisely 14 times in three of his last four games. The savvy veteran wideout is tailor-made for DK's full-point PPR format and projects as the WR5 with the WR11V.
Herbert has also enabled Mike Williams to help fantasy squads. Big Mike had 14 receptions for 259 yards and one touchdown on 18 targets in his past three games. He has a good matchup this week, too. The Rams have allowed the 10th-most receiving yards per game (54.8) to No. 2 wideouts, and perimeter wide receivers have had more success against the Rams than their slot counterparts lately. Since Week 10, the Rams have allowed the fourth-most DK and FD points per game to perimeter wideouts.
Game: Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
Spread: BAL -2.5 Points
Over/Under: 35.0 Points
Steelers Analysis: The Steelers have scored fewer than 20 points in three of their last four games. Gamers can comfortably fade Pittsburgh's players on FD.
Ravens Analysis: The Ravens are home favorites, but their implied total is under 20 points. Further, they've had 17 points or fewer in four straight and five of six games since their bye in Week 10.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
