DFS Alerts
Roger That! This WR is a Great Value Option This Week.
While the obvious value may not be there, there are some fantastic GPP plays that I love paying down for at WR this week. No one tops that list more than Roger Lewis, as he has 21 targets over the last two weeks. That alone should be enough to justify the play at this price, but there is plenty more to like about this spot. The Giants have no running game to speak of, which forces Eli to throw a million times a game, and there is no reason to see that slowing down in this game. We love secondary receivers against Arizona, and with Patrick Peterson locking up Sterling Shepard and Tavarres King likely out with a concussion, Lewis becomes the easiest play of the week. I love this play in all formats and will be using 50 to 75 percent of him this week.
Another Pay-Down Option at QB
While this is not a good week to pay down at QB, I don’t mind taking a shot with Stanton if you need savings. I know this is not a fun play to make, but for such a low price in a great matchup, Stanton could easily reach value, though I’m not sure the upside is more than 20 points or so. That’s still excellent value, but of course he still has to get there. How does he do that? The Giants D is the place to start, as they have been lit up through the air all year, even more so of late. They have allowed the third-most fantasy points to receivers, so the opportunity for Larry Fitzgerald and company should be there. I also expect the Giants to be throwing a ton, making this an interesting off-the-board game stack. I’m not crazy high on Stanton, but I love the contrarian play in big field GPPs. I will be using 5 to 10% Stanton this week.
Jets backfield banged up heading into Week 16
Both Elijah McGuire ( illness) and Matt Forte (knee) miss practice today but both are tentatively expected to suit up Sunday against the Chargers. The only real interest in playing a back in this backfield would occur if both McGuire and Forte were to both unable to suit up on Sunday. If both players were to miss then Bilal Powell would become a very good source of value on Christmas Eve.
Other tagged players: Elijah McGuire, Bilal Powell
Kerwynn Williams did not practice on Thursday
Williams has been the workhorse in the Cardinals backfield over the last few weeks. Averaging almost 18 carries per game Williams has been a decent surprise on a team riddled with injuries. If Williams is not able to go this weekend look Elijhaa Penny and D.J. Foster will share backfield work on what could potentially be a bad offense under new quarterback Drew Stanton.
Almost Famous, This QB is a Solid Gold Option
I have little interest in paying down at QB this week due to some great matchups and prices for top QBs, but I do have some interest in Famous Jameis. He is coming off what was probably his best game of the year after throwing for 299 yards and 3 TDs Monday night against the Falcons. He is seemingly healthy and in another good spot against the Panthers, as their run game won’t do much and Carolina should put up plenty of points, forcing the Bucs to pass the ball – that makes this an interesting game stack. Carolina has a very good run defense and are good overall, except on the outside where they rank 29th against WRs. I think Jackson (if he plays) and Evans will take advantage of their matchups and could be in line for monster games. I love pairing one of those with Winston as part of a game stack while everyone else will be on the QB on the other side of the field. I will be rolling with Jameis Winston in about 20 percent of my GPP lineups.
This TEs Price Has Dropped Drastically, But He Still Has Upside
I am planning on paying down at WR this week and paying up at RB and TE. However, if you want to save a little on a TE with upside, Davis is a good option. He has been quiet of late but flashed 20+ point upside earlier this year. While it’s not my favorite play in the world, I don’t care for the low-tier tight ends, and the upside Davis has makes him worth consideration. If you are entering multiple lineups, Davis is someone you should play, and I plan on having him in about 10 percent of my lineups this week.
DeSean Jackson Misses Another Practice This Week
Jackson missed the majority of Monday night’s game with what looked like to be a pretty bad ankle injury, and it looks like he did not practice again Thursday. Jackson was spotted using crutches after the game, so his chances of playing this weekend remain highly questionable. If Jackson is unable to go then Chris Godwin would look to get a few more snaps and could possibly open up some value as a cheap wide receiver-punt option. In week 10 where he filled in for Mike Evans, Godwin was able to convert 10 targets into 5 catches and 68 yards. With O.J. Howard on the IR, the Buccaneers will need Cameron Brate to fill in and take a bigger role in the offense. Brate is banged up a little and was only able to practice in a limited fashion on Wednesday.
Donte Moncrief Ruled out for Week 16
Even when healthy Moncrief has been a nonfactor this season. This once promising wide receiver has missed the last two games and will now miss a week 16 matchup against a very tough Ravens pass defense.
Big Play Upside With a Big Play Matchup For This WR
The price for Parker is absurd and he’s another example of why WR is where you want to pay down this week. After several poor weeks, he had 12 targets last week and while he only hauled in six of those targets for 36 yards, the workload is encouraging. We know Parker has big play upside and in a matchup with a Chiefs team that allows the most fantasy points allowed to WRs the potential for a huge game is definitely here. The Chiefs offense should put up plenty of points and consequently the Dolphins will likely be forced to throw a lot. Look for Parker to get double digit targets again and he should top the paltry production he put up last week. He’s a good real life receiver and his price is the lowest it will ever be. I’m going to take advantage and play him in 50 to 75 percent lineups.
This TE is the Top Target on His Team
While I am mostly paying up at tight end this week, Charles Clay is someone you should consider on sheer volume alone if your lineup construction forces you to pay down. With Tyrod Taylor back at the helm last Sunday, Clay had nine targets, and I think you can expect a similar workload this week at New England. The Patriots should jump out to a big lead and force the Bills to throw – something Clay should benefit from. The Patriots are middle of the road against TEs, but with Tyrod’s inability to utilize his WRs and his love to check down, Clay and LeSean McCoy should thrive in the passing game. This is a GPP play only and one that I will be using between 10 and 15 percent.
Julio Jones Won't Practice Again Thursday
Jones injured his ankle on the second play of the Falcons’ Monday night win over the Buccaneers, and not surprisingly the team will let the often injured superstar rest ahead of a big matchup vs the Saints in week 16. Jones should be ready to go this week in what figures to be one of the highest targeted fantasy games on the slate.
Tevin Coleman Has Cleared the Concussion Protocol
Coleman has cleared the concussion protocol and should play in week 16. In his absence, Devonta Freeman had 194 total yards on 27 touches Monday night in a win vs the Buccaneers. If Coleman is to play vs the Saints this weekend Freeman would resume his role in an running back committee. In games without Coleman, Freeman is averaging almost 8 more DraftKings points per game.
Rex Burkhead Did Not Practice Again Thursday, Chris Hogan on track to play
The very deep Patriots backfield will likely be without one of it’s more versatile players for the next few weeks. Burkhead hurt his knee during the Patriots win on Sunday, and the team expects him to miss a few weeks, but they are hopeful that he can return in time for the playoffs. Moving forward we can expect Mike Gillislee to work his way back into the rotation of running backs. Gillislee has been a healthy scratch since week 8 but should resume his role as a goalline and short yardage back for the next few weeks. It’s never easy to try and figure out what the Patriots will do with running backs, but we should see both James White and Dion Lewis continue their roles prior to the Burkhead injury. Lewis should start and White will see most of his work as a passing down back. If used Gillislee should find himself in play around the goal line. Chris Hogan return to practice on Thursday and is on track to play in week 16.
Other tagged players: Chris Hogan DeVante Parker "should be alright" for Sunday's Game
Dolphin’s Coach Adam Gase confirmed that Parker “should be alright” to play against the Chiefs on Sunday. Parker admittedly played to about 85% of his physical capabilities last week and should be able to at least the same this weekend.
Jeremy Maclin Did Not Practice
Maclin once again finds himself fighting an injury. Early season shoulder problems and a limited Ravens offense have made this free agent acquisition a fantasy non factor this season. Maclin is now battling a bum knee and could miss a great matchup vs the Colt’s 30th DVOA ranked pass defense. Maclin is officially doubtful for Sunday.