Week 16 was the beginning of the late-season playoff push in the NFL. Cleveland was eliminated from the playoffs with an ugly 17-10 loss to Taysom Hill (QB/TE – Saints) and the New Orleans Saints in frigid conditions, while Denver was blown out 51-14 at the hands of Baker Mayfield (QB – Rams), Tyler Higbee (TE – Rams), and Cam Akers (RB – Rams) during the Nickelodeon Slime game. Dallas forced four turnovers against Gardner Minshew (QB – Eagles) and wound up keeping Philadelphia from clinching the one seed in the NFC, while Aaron Rodgers (QB – Packers) and the Green Bay Packers preserved their playoff hopes with a third consecutive win on the road over a sputtering Miami Dolphins offense. Even the Houston Texans came out on top with a 19-14 win over Tennessee on the road.
Teams that are on the playoff bubble will undoubtedly try to get all of their players tagged as questionable on the injury report onto the field once Sunday rolls around. Las Vegas and New Orleans are the teams who still have a pulse but need a lot of things to break their way, while New England, the New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers will challenge the Dolphins for the seventh and final seed in the AFC. In the NFC, numerous teams still possess a strong opportunity to sneak into the playoffs, including the Packers, Lions, Panthers, and Seahawks. Washington needs to beat the Browns, who have already been eliminated, but they are opting to return to Carson Wentz (QB – Commanders) under center, several weeks after their big free-agent prospect suffered a broken finger. Green Bay will need the Browns to win to keep its path onward toward a “win and in” scenario, but they’ll first need to beat the 12-3 Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Identifying these playoff scenarios is helpful when constructing lineups in DFS, as other teams in the driver’s seat may opt to sit key players or not play as hard due to minimal improvement in their playoff seeding.
Briefly, let’s recap how Week 16 fared with some of my recommended players. Daniel Jones (QB – Giants) did his thing against Minnesota, producing a QB6 finish with 24.7 DK points, while Joe Burrow (QB – Bengals) logged a QB4 finish with 375 yards and three touchdowns in a nail-biting win over New England on the road. Pivoting to running backs, Derrick Henry (RB – Titans) (RB8) and Alvin Kamara (RB – Saints) (RB9) each finished inside of the top ten at the position, while Isaiah Hodgins (WR – Giants) (WR7) returned huge value as an honorable mention at $5.8K on FanDuel, as Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR – Lions) (WR27) and Brandon Aiyuk (WR – 49ers) (WR29) fell short of generating big production in comparison, despite being bigger names in good matchups. Tight ends were tough, as Travis Kelce (TE – Chiefs) (TE6) was the only prospect recommended that logged a TE1 finish in DFS. D/ST was just as rough, with the Cincinnati D/ST only managing a D/ST9 finish due to an epic second-half collapse.
Now that we’re past the wintry conditions that impacted virtually every outdoor game in Week 16, warmer temperatures will allow teams to execute their full playbook, while the playoff stakes have never been higher. It’s going to be a fantastic Sunday slate with a ton of value to obtain, so let’s not waste any more time and jump right into my favorite prospects to insert into DraftKings and FanDuel lineups in Week 17!
Quarterbacks
DraftKings
DraftKings maximum salary is set at $50,000
Justin Fields (QB – Bears): $7,900
Chicago’s second-year franchise quarterback didn’t pop nearly as much as anticipated despite playing against a good Buffalo defense in Week 16. Justin Fields has a massive ceiling in most games, so in a divisional rematch against Detroit, where he previously logged 43.4 DK points, he should be prioritized in DraftKings lineups at under $8,000. The rushing upside will be on full display against a Lions defense that just allowed Carolina to rack up over 300 rushing yards last week.
Jared Goff (QB – Lions): $5,600
I’m staying in this NFC North matchup and encouraging you to roster Jared Goff. It’s well-documented that Goff plays much better at Ford Field, where he’ll return after a two-game road stint. Goff and the Lions suffered a bad loss to Carolina last week but he still produced 29.7 DK points, so against a vulnerable Bears pass defense that just lost two of its young defensive backs, he’s a smash start and a great value to obtain. Detroit has everything to play for right now, so expect a high-ceiling game from Detroit’s QB1.
Honorable Mention: Brock Purdy (QB – 49ers) ($5,500) has yet to slip up as San Francisco’s signal-caller and will be gifted another soft matchup against a reeling Las Vegas defense in Week 17. You’re not getting quite the ceiling some other prospects offer, but Purdy is good enough to deliver 16 to 20 DK points, making him a stable, high-floor prospect with good value attached.
FanDuel
FanDuel maximum salary is set at $60,000
Kirk Cousins (QB – Vikings): $7,600
Minnesota is an undervalued team seemingly every week due to its ability to win one-possession games. The Vikings are led by veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who remains in the MVP conversation based on his 65.7 percent completion rate, over 4,100 yards, and 27 touchdowns, funneling many of these targets to star wideout Justin Jefferson (WR – Vikings). Green Bay is a difficult secondary to throw on, but Cousins hung 277 yards and two touchdowns on them back in Week 1. The Packers are desperate for a win to get into the playoffs, but Minnesota also has the NFC one seed within reach, so they won’t back down either. Cousins has generated at least 24 FD points in three consecutive games, so fire him up at a good salary on FanDuel.
Patrick Mahomes (QB – Chiefs): $9,000
I’m getting chalky with Patrick Mahomes at $9K on FanDuel, but we saw how successful he was in the first half against Denver a few weeks ago. Yes, he threw three interceptions, but he also threw for over 350 yards and three touchdowns, so expect another 20-plus points from the MVP betting favorite against a Broncos defense that just surrendered 51 points to the Rams in Week 16.
Honorable Mention: Aaron Rodgers (QB – Packers) ($7,100) could log his best outing of the season in DFS against a bad Minnesota pass defense on Sunday. The back-to-back MVP has been heating up with a healthy wide receiving corps, so despite failing to throw a touchdown against the Vikings in Week 1, Rodgers is worth the elevated salary based on facing the Vikings’ 32nd-ranked pass defense.
Running Backs
DraftKings
Saquon Barkley (RB – Giants): $8,000
The New York Giants nearly pulled off the road upset in Week 16 and Saquon Barkley was a massive reason for this outcome. The Giants’ star running back now has 23 points or more in consecutive games against Washington and Minnesota, hitting over 80 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground while hauling in five to eight receptions for an additional 30 to 40 receiving yards. Barkley will face the Colts’ run defense, which is the seventh-best matchup for running backs on DraftKings this season, so fire Barkley up with confidence in a must-win game for the Giants.
Cam Akers (RB – Rams): $6,100
The Cam Akers breakout happened against Denver in Week 16, as the formerly disgruntled third-year running back handled 23 carries and turned it into 118 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Los Angeles will face their in-city rival, the Chargers, in Week 17, and since it’s a soft running back matchup, Akers should be treated as a high-end RB2 with RB1 upside. He’s delivered double-digit points on DraftKings for four consecutive games, so you’re getting good value at $6,100.
Honorable Mention: Jerick McKinnon (RB – Chiefs) ($6,000) finally cooled off against Seattle in Week 16 but he still managed 12.8 DK points, catching three passes for 31 yards and a touchdown. McKinnon now has five receiving touchdowns in his last four games, so against the Denver Broncos, where he previously went off for 35.4 DK points, the veteran running back should be plugged in with confidence.
FanDuel
Dalvin Cook (RB – Vikings): $8,300
If Minnesota wants to win their rivalry game at Lambeau, they’ll need to lean on Dalvin Cook. The Vikings’ star running back has been volatile this season but he possesses a big ceiling, especially against Green Bay’s run defense, which is the 11th-best matchup for running backs on FanDuel this season. Cook logged over 100 scrimmage yards in Week 1, delivering 12.3 FD points, but if he can find the end zone, you’re landing a solid RB1. Cook is worth the risk due to a good matchup in a game with high stakes for both teams.
D’Andre Swift (RB – Lions): $7,100
Week 16 was a tough showing for the Lions’ run offense and run defense. D’Andre Swift was a victim, handling five touches for a meager 25 scrimmage yards and zero touchdowns. He’ll go from a tough matchup and bad game script to a juicy top-five matchup against a porous Chicago run defense in Week 17. Swift has yet to hit 20 FD points since Week 1, but he is worth investing in ahead of a must-win game in a plus-matchup against a division rival.
Honorable Mention: Tyler Allgeier (RB – Falcons) ($6,700) is earning more and more volume in Atlanta’s run-centric offense lately. The rookie has fared well against two talented run defenses in his last two games, logging 22.1 and 13.7 FD points, so he’ll be due for another big outing against a spiraling Arizona defense in Week 17. The Cardinals are a top-five running back matchup on FanDuel, so insert Allgeier with confidence as the Falcons’ unquestioned RB1.
Wide Receivers
DraftKings
Keenan Allen (WR – Chargers): $7,000
The Los Angeles Chargers clinched its first playoff berth in Brandon Staley and Justin Herbert’s (QB – Chargers) three-year tenure in Week 16, so they may not go as hard as necessary against the Rams this weekend. Despite this possibility, Keenan Allen has been Herbert’s favorite target since returning in Week 11, drawing 14 targets in three of his past four games played. As a result, Allen has scored over 20 DK points during this span, while not having to rely on touchdowns. If Allen finds the end zone against a lackluster Rams secondary in Week 17, he’ll flood DFS lineups with points, but even if he doesn’t, you’re still getting a huge ceiling, making Allen a solid value to acquire.
Chris Godwin (WR – Buccaneers): $6,800
It’s been an ugly year in Tampa Bay but the Buccaneers still lead the NFC South at 7-8. Wide receiver Chris Godwin has been Tom Brady’s (QB – Buccaneers) favorite target this season, averaging 14.8 PPG on DraftKings, while hitting at least 14 DK points in three of his past four games. You’re essentially guaranteed double-digit points in any matchup with Godwin, so without Jaycee Horn (CB – Panthers) active in Carolina, Godwin gains even more appeal. At under $7,000, Godwin is a good value and a high-floor player who can deliver a ceiling game if he finds the end zone, but he’s only done that once in the past four games.
Honorable Mention: Jerry Jeudy (WR – Broncos) ($6,400) reminded us of his talent against Kansas City in Week 14, logging 33.3 DK points thanks to three touchdowns against a porous Chiefs secondary. He’ll get another opportunity to replicate this stat line in Week 17, but temper expectations a bit. Still, the third-year wideout has at least 14.6 DK points in three straight games, so treat Jeudy as a high-end WR2 with WR1 upside.
FanDuel
Justin Jefferson (WR – Vikings): $9,200
I’ve avoided the chalk plays for a bit but Justin Jefferson has to be a priority despite the tough matchup on Sunday. The Vikings’ star third-year wideout is closing in on setting the new single-season receiving yards record set by Calvin Johnson a decade ago, while also logging three straight games with at least 24 FD points. Jefferson dazzled against Green Bay in Week 1 with a 9-184-2 stat line, so they’ll be doubling him frequently, but head coach Kevin O’Connell (HC – Vikings) will scheme up some play designs to get him open to create production for Minnesota’s offense. Ignore the salary and plug Jefferson in as a bonafide WR1.
Drake London (WR – Falcons): $6,700
Desmond Ridder’s (QB – Falcons) time as QB1 in Atlanta has helped spike rookie wideout Drake London’s usage. London has three straight games with at least 12 FD points, drawing 20 targets and reaching at least 70 receiving yards against the Saints and Ravens. Arizona is a fairly good pass defense all things considered, but London is on a heater and Ridder’s favorite target, so get him into lineups at a slightly discounted rate.
Honorable Mention: Diontae Johnson (WR – Steelers) ($6,600) continues to produce without finding the end zone, but he’s a high-floor wideout that can reach WR2 production in most matchups. The fourth-year wideout has at least five receptions and 60 receiving yards in four straight games, so with Kenny Pickett (QB – Steelers) back under center, Johnson gains appeal as a mid-range WR2 against a porous Baltimore secondary on Sunday Night Football.
Tight Ends
DraftKings
Cole Kmet (TE – Bears): $4,500
It’s not a sexy recommendation by any means but Chicago has a shallow wide receiving corps entering Sunday’s divisional road game against Detroit, meaning Cole Kmet should see more production. He’s drawn five to seven targets in each of his past four games played, but the touchdowns have dried up and he’s only cracked 30 receiving yards once during this stretch. It’s risky but Detroit is a top-seven matchup for fantasy tight ends, so let’s invest in Kmet.
Honorable Mention: Juwan Johnson (TE – Saints) ($3,500) has been one of Andy Dalton’s (QB – Saints) favorite targets in an underwhelming Saints offense this season. He’s a volatile player but when he’s on, he delivers double-digit production with ease. Johnson scored two touchdowns against Atlanta in Week 15 but was held in check against Cleveland. New Orleans has their playoff hopes alive and doesn’t want to give the Eagles a high first-round draft pick if they lose, so expect Johnson to become more involved in a must-win game on the road against Philadelphia.
FanDuel
Evan Engram (TE – Jaguars): $5,800
Evan Engram has revived his career with Doug Pederson and Trevor Lawrence (QB – Jaguars) in Jacksonville this season. Engram has cooled off in the past two weeks, but he’s still delivering a double-digit floor on FanDuel, scoring touchdowns and finishing with over 100 receiving yards in two of his past three games played. Houston is a tough pass defense, so expect Lawrence to look Engram’s way frequently as a safety valve over the middle and in the red zone.
Honorable Mention: Pat Freiermuth (TE – Steelers) ($5,700) was blanked for a goose egg in Week 15 against Carolina, but he has a higher floor with Pickett under center. The second-year tight end has soft hands and is a reliable target in a run-centric Pittsburgh offense, hauling in seven of eight targets for 66 yards against Las Vegas in Week 16. Freiermuth has reached 10 FD points in two of his past three games, which included a late touchdown against the Ravens, who he will face once again on the road in a must-win matchup.
Defense/Special Teams
DraftKings
Eagles D/ST: $4,000
Philadelphia allowed quite a few points to Dallas in a 40-34 loss in Week 16 but they will look to improve their play against a much more one-dimensional New Orleans offense in a game with big implications for playoff seeding and draft capital. Led by Darius Slay, the Eagles’ secondary is among the best in the league and should do enough to contain Andy Dalton and Taysom Hill to secure the one seed in the NFC in front of their home crowd on Sunday.
Honorable Mention: Commanders D/ST ($3,100) is a gritty, scrappy unit that will need to bring the juice to keep its playoff hopes alive in Week 17 against a sputtering Cleveland offense. Chase Young’s (DE – Commanders) return helps boost Washington’s stout front seven, which plays right into the Browns’ run-centric offense. Washington is a huge discounted D/ST in a good matchup, so get some value and plug them into DraftKings lineups.
FanDuel
Patriots D/ST: $4,000
New England is ranked second in D/ST fantasy points on FanDuel this season, collecting 16 interceptions and recording six defensive touchdowns. Bill Belichick knows that it’s a must-win game and the Patriots have shot themselves in the foot during the last two weeks, to no fault of the defense. Miami will be rolling out Teddy Bridgewater (QB – Dolphins) in place of a concussed Tua Tagovailoa (QB – Dolphins), so get Matt Judon (EDGE – Patriots) and the Patriots D/ST into your FanDuel lineups as much as possible.
Honorable Mention: Jets D/ST ($4,100) will face a Seattle offense that has only scored 23 total points in the past two weeks in Week 17. The Jets still have their playoff hopes intact, so with a talented secondary featuring Sauce Gardner (CB – Jets) and D.J. Reed (CB – Jets), expect a good outing from New York’s defense on the road in a must-win game against the Seahawks’ struggling offense.
