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  • DFS College Basketball: Saturday Preview and Picks



    This article is part of our DFS College Basketball series.

    Prizes remain on the rise Saturday at DraftKings with $5,000 for first place and $15,000 overall on the main slate’s biggest tournament. 10 games are featured tipping off between 12 and 2:00 p.m. EST.

    Only three players in five-figures, led by elite forwards Johni Broome ($10,600) and Ryan Kalkbrenner ($10,400) who are almost always worth paying up for.  Auburn-Ole Miss (149.5) and Missouri-Mississippi State (149.5) project the highest implied totals, yet it’s Iowa State (80) with the highest single-team number (80) in what’s predicted as a blowout of Kansas State.

    Rotations are tightening as we begin February, and it’s making value plays far harder to come by. And that suggests a more balanced lineup will work on Saturday.

    Top Players

    Coleman Hawkins, G/F, Kansas State ($9,500)

    I loathe this salary point as I’d simply just shell out more for Broome. The matchup is terrible with Iowa State ranking sixth defensively, per KenPom, but Hawkins is essentially all Kansas State has. Over his last five games, he carries a 25.1 percent usage rate averaging 12.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals while taking 11.3 shots. Hawkins is foul-prone and doesn’t hit his free throws well, so there will be missed opportunities. But the volume and diverse stat potential gives him a ceiling north of 40 fantasy points out of necessity.

    Zuby Ejiofor, F, St. John’s ($8,000)

    If we’re building for balance, Ejiofor could be a nice overlooked option. He erupted for 55.25 DKP on Dec. 7 against Kansas State, though has only produced two games coming close to 40 DKP, so the ceiling isn’t really there. But the floor absolutely is having averaged 15.2 points and 8.8 rebounds over the last 12 outings, including a 19-point, 10-rebound performance against a Providence side that doesn’t have enough talented bigs to contend with him.

    Hunter Sallis, G, Wake Forest ($7,900)

    Sallis has been as high as $9,600 this season, so we’ve immediately got a nice discount to target. And that lower salary suggests he doesn’t need much more than 30 fantasy points for a fair return. Sallis faced Pitt three times last year and averaged 35.0 DKP. It’s an anticipated close matchup, and he won’t leave the floor if that happens. Prior to their blowout loss to Louisville, Sallis averaged 37.9 minutes and a 27.8 percent usage rate across nine appearances. That should provide an elite floor at minimum.

    Middle Tier

    Chaz Lanier, G, Tennessee ($6,900)

    Slipping just below the 7k mark, Lanier feels like an obvious play. You aren’t often going to get the minutes and volume shots at this value, even if he can’t throw it in the ocean of late having shot 31.3 percent from his last seven games. Tennessee only scored 43 points in an earlier meeting with Florida, and Lanier was worth 23.75 DKP despite going 3-for-16. If that’s his floor, we’ll take it as that’s a 3.4x return. The upside quickly comes with a better offensive gameplan and a few extra shots falling in the rematch.

    Jaemyn Brakefield, F, Ole Miss ($5,900)

    As inconsistent as Brakefield has been throughout the year as the games have tightened, he appears to be stabilizing as an offensive focal point for the Rebels averaging 15.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.0 steals with a 27.6 percent usage rate over the last six. Prior to that, he’d posted no more than four points in three of four. Brakefield is coming off a 32.75 DKP effort, and the salary only increased by $100. If Ole Miss are to be competitive against Auburn, he has to be a factor.

    Efton Reid, F, Wake Forest ($5,700)

    Staking Reid and Sallis may not make sense for a team with an implied total of 70 points, yet I like this matchup for Reid. Fouls are always a concern, though Pitt is a guard-dominant lineup that shouldn’t challenge him on the block unless he’s cheating over on slashers. Reid surprisingly just claimed his first double-double of the season, but has averaged 30.5 minutes across his last six. Never an offensive focal point that limits hits floor, but Pitt gives up offensive rebounds at a 30.6 percent clip so block opportunities should be available. 

    Arizona’s Tobe Awaka ($5,100) is averaging 12 rebounds during his last four appearances. He’s an obvious option, though the scoring and minutes are sporadic.

    Bargain Options

    Ty Berry, G, Northwestern ($4,800)

    Berry was removed from the starting lineup five games ago and has since thrived by averaging 31.6 minutes as a reserve while posting 13.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.2 assists and earning at least 22.75 DKP in four of those outings. Wisconsin checks in at 155th in tempo, and that’s not a terrific setting for Berry. But that’s up from 304th a year ago, so they aren’t a matchup to immediately avoid. 15.0 fantasy points is the bare minimum we need, and Berry could offer that from scoring alone.

    Riley Kugel, G, Mississippi State ($4,600)

    The Bulldogs’ higher end options should draw plenty of eyes Saturday given their high implied total, so perhaps we can get bigger production from a bargain in Kugel. Since a one-game absence, he’s averaged 28.0 minutes from the last four while providing 12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.0 steals along with an 18.25 DKP floor. This is only the fourth road game this season for Missouri, and they’ve allowed 83 or more points in two of those. A seemingly nice spot for Kugel to again see extended court time and provide across-the-board.

    Shawn Phillips, F, Arizona State ($4,400)

    The Sun Devils are one spot where injuries could open us up for some bargains, as both BJ Freeman and Jayden Quaintance aren’t certain to be available. Phillips becomes an option only if that manifests as he drew his first start of the season last time out and responded with 13 points, nine rebounds and two blocks while doubling his minutes. Joson Sanon ($4,200) fits the bill as well as he was elite in non-conference play before dealing with an ankle injury and not being fully unleashed since returning. Unfortunately, it’s something you’ll have to track pre-game. But if either are plugged into a utility spot, there are ample pivots with the curious early start out West. And these two teams rank 27th and 32nd in tempo to offer a nice pace boost.

    The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it’s possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire. Chris Bennett plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: FanDuel: k30kittles, DraftKings: k30kittles.



    It’s another exciting Saturday of college basketball action, and we’ve got a full slate of games to dive into. With so many matchups to choose from, it can be tough to narrow down your DFS picks. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our Saturday preview and picks.

    One game to keep an eye on is the showdown between two top-ranked teams, as Duke takes on North Carolina. This rivalry game is always intense and could provide plenty of fantasy points. Players like Duke’s Paolo Banchero and North Carolina’s Caleb Love are sure to be popular picks in DFS contests.

    Another game worth watching is the matchup between Kentucky and Tennessee. Both teams are coming off impressive wins and will be looking to continue their momentum. Look for players like Kentucky’s Oscar Tshiebwe and Tennessee’s Kennedy Chandler to have big games and potentially lead your DFS lineup to victory.

    In terms of value picks, keep an eye on teams like Iowa State and UCLA. Both squads have favorable matchups and could provide solid production at a lower cost. Players like Iowa State’s Izaiah Brockington and UCLA’s Johnny Juzang could be sneaky plays that pay off big in DFS contests.

    As always, be sure to check for any last-minute lineup changes or injury updates before finalizing your DFS picks. Good luck and happy gaming!

    Tags:

    1. DFS College Basketball
    2. Saturday Preview
    3. Picks
    4. College Basketball DFS
    5. Saturday College Basketball
    6. DFS Picks
    7. College Basketball Preview
    8. Saturday Basketball Picks
    9. Daily Fantasy Sports
    10. NCAA Basketball DFS

    #DFS #College #Basketball #Saturday #Preview #Picks

  • DraftKings League of Legends Esports DFS Rundown (LCK) – 2/1/25


    ABOUT

    FantasyCruncher is a set of tools that were developed for DFS players by DFS players. If you are serious about playing Daily Fantasy, this is the place to be, and you will be in the company of today’s top DFS players.

    Development of the software started in 2014 and since then has gone on to change the DFS world forever. While others have attempted to replicate, no other software service can come close to offering the multitude of features, the sports & DFS sites supported, the ease of use, the consistent updates, or the customer service we offer.

    We are driven by our customers and listen when new features or additions are requested. We have a constant development cycle and will continue to improve and update the software we offer making sure you always have the biggest edge possible playing DFS.

    Whether you play on FanDuel, DraftKings, Yahoo, SuperDraft or OwnersBox we have you covered and support all the sports including; NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, College Football, College Basketball, GOLF, MMA, NASCAR, SOCCER, WNBA, eSPORTS (League of Legends, Call of Duty, Counter Strike, and Valorant), UFL, CFL, Tennis, F1 and the list keeps growing.



    Welcome to the DraftKings League of Legends Esports DFS Rundown for the LCK on February 1st, 2025! If you’re looking to build a winning lineup for today’s matches, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s take a look at some top picks and strategies to help you dominate your DFS competition.

    Top Picks:
    1. Chovy (MID, Hanwha Life Esports) – Chovy is one of the best mid laners in the LCK and consistently puts up big numbers for his team. He’s a solid choice for your lineup today.

    2. Deft (ADC, DRX) – Deft is a veteran ADC who has been a consistent performer in the LCK for years. He’s a reliable source of points and should be a strong option for your lineup.

    3. Peanut (JNG, Liiv Sandbox) – Peanut is a skilled jungler who can make big plays for his team. He’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a high-upside pick in the jungle position.

    Strategies:
    – Look for teams with favorable matchups: When building your lineup, consider the strength of each team’s opponents. Teams facing weaker opponents are more likely to put up big numbers and are good targets for your lineup.

    – Consider stacking players from the same team: Stacking players from the same team can be a high-risk, high-reward strategy. If a team performs well, all of their players are likely to score points, but if they underperform, your lineup could suffer. Consider stacking players from teams with favorable matchups for the best chance of success.

    – Keep an eye on player form: Pay attention to how players have been performing in recent matches. Players in good form are more likely to continue putting up big numbers, while players in a slump may not be worth the risk.

    That’s it for today’s DraftKings League of Legends Esports DFS Rundown for the LCK on February 1st, 2025. Good luck with your lineup and happy gaming!

    Tags:

    DraftKings, League of Legends, Esports, DFS, Rundown, LCK, 2/1/25, League of Legends DFS, DraftKings Esports, LCK Esports, League of Legends Rundown

    #DraftKings #League #Legends #Esports #DFS #Rundown #LCK

  • Start Donovan Clingan in DFS with Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams out


    Without Ayton (knee) and Williams (hand), rookie Donovan Clingan is lined up as a good value play to consider on Friday against the Hornets.

    On Friday night’s three-game DraftKings slate, the Trail Blazers are the only team playing for the second night in a row. On Thursday, Portland beat the Magic despite Deandre Ayton (knee) being ruled out due to knee soreness. Robert Williams III (hand) started in his place, but both big men were ruled out for this evening on Portland’s injury report. In better news on that injury report, rookie Donovan Clingan ($4,000; ankle) was listed as probable. Clingan has missed the last five games with a left ankle sprain, but he should be in store for plenty of work on Friday in his return and be an excellent bargain value play for DFS contests.

    Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $333K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]!

    C Donovan Clingan at Charlotte Hornets, $4,000

    Clingan was the No. 7 overall pick in last year’s NBA Draft out of UCONN and has played 31 games for the Blazers this season. He has averaged 16.6 minutes per game while contributing 5.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks for 18.4 fantasy points per game.

    This season, Clingan has started eight games, averaging 8.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.9 blocks in 22.9 minutes. He had double-digit rebounds in three straight games before missing the last five games and posted over 27 fantasy points in each of those three games.

    Without Williams and Ayton, Clingan will get as many minutes as he can handle, and he was playing over 20 minutes per game before the injury. Even though he doesn’t usually score a ton of points, his non-scoring contributions should be enough to make him a great value play at only $4K.

    Aside from Clingan, Jabari Walker ($3,300) and Duop Reath ($3,000) could also see increased playing time, with Walker offering the better fantasy upside of those two alternatives.



    With Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams ruled out for tonight’s game, Donovan Clingan is set to see an increase in playing time and production. Clingan has shown flashes of potential in limited minutes this season, and with the opportunity to start, he could be a great value play in daily fantasy sports (DFS) tonight.

    Clingan has the size and skill to be a force in the paint, and he should be able to take advantage of the extra minutes against a weakened frontcourt. With his low salary and high upside, Clingan is a strong play in DFS tonight.

    Make sure to roster Donovan Clingan in your DFS lineups tonight and take advantage of his increased opportunity with Ayton and Williams out. He could be the key to winning big in tonight’s slate of games.

    Tags:

    1. DFS basketball lineup
    2. Donovan Clingan
    3. Deandre Ayton
    4. Robert Williams
    5. Daily fantasy sports
    6. NBA DFS strategy
    7. Fantasy basketball tips
    8. DFS roster advice
    9. NBA injury updates
    10. DFS lineup recommendations

    #Start #Donovan #Clingan #DFS #Deandre #Ayton #Robert #Williams

  • DraftKings EPL DFS Preview for Saturday, Jan. 25: Liverpool & Arsenal Stack



    This article is part of our Fantasy Soccer Podcast series.

    Adam Zdroik and Ryan Belongia take on Saturday’s five-game Premier League slate. Liverpool and Arsenal tower over the slate as big favorites with the former hosting Ipswich and the latter traveling to Wolverhampton. Who else is worth playing? They discuss cash and GPP builds.

    MATCHES (ET)

    For detailed stats and odds, check out the

    DraftKings Fantasy Soccer: Saturday EPL Cheat Sheet

    The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it’s possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire. Adam Zdroik plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: FanDuel: zdroik, DraftKings: rotozdroik, Yahoo: StreakMaster.



    Are you ready for some EPL DFS action this Saturday, Jan. 25? If so, look no further than DraftKings for all your fantasy soccer needs. In this preview, we’ll be focusing on stacking players from Liverpool and Arsenal, two powerhouse teams with plenty of fantasy potential.

    First up, Liverpool. The Reds are currently sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League table and are facing off against Southampton this weekend. With top players like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Trent Alexander-Arnold in their lineup, Liverpool is sure to be a popular choice among DFS players. Look to stack these players for maximum fantasy points potential.

    Next, let’s talk about Arsenal. The Gunners are taking on Burnley in what promises to be an exciting match. With stars like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mesut Ozil, and Nicolas Pepe leading the charge, Arsenal has plenty of firepower to rack up fantasy points. Consider stacking these players alongside your Liverpool picks for a well-rounded lineup.

    In conclusion, Liverpool and Arsenal are two teams to target in Saturday’s EPL DFS contests. With their high-scoring potential and top-tier players, stacking these teams could lead to a big fantasy payday. So head on over to DraftKings and start building your winning lineup today!

    Tags:

    1. DraftKings EPL DFS
    2. Preview
    3. Saturday, Jan. 25
    4. Liverpool
    5. Arsenal
    6. Stack
    7. Daily Fantasy Sports
    8. English Premier League
    9. Soccer
    10. DFS Strategy

    #DraftKings #EPL #DFS #Preview #Saturday #Jan #Liverpool #Arsenal #Stack

  • NBA Fantasy: DFS lineup picks for Jan. 21


    Austin Reaves is fresh off a 38-point win vs. Brooklyn on Friday and gets a favorable matchup vs. Washington tonight.

    It’s Tuesday, January 21st. The National Basketball Association (NBA) has five games on the schedule, with a doubleheader on TNT/truTV/Max. The New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Barclays Center in the front end of the nationally televised doubleheader, while the Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets meet in the second end at 10:00 p.m. ET.

    NBA DFS Core Plays

    Tyler Herro (PG, SG – MI)

    • DraftKings: $8,300
    • FanDuel: $7,900

    Tyler Herro is averaging 24.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 3.8 3-pointers per game in 11 games this month. In the first meeting with the Trail Blazers on January 11th in Portland, Herro was good for 32 points, five rebounds, five assists, and seven 3-pointers.

    Portland has allowed 116.7 points per game to rank 24th in the NBA while allowing teams to hit 47.9% from the field and 37.8% from behind the 3-point line.

    Tyrese Maxey (PG – PHI)

    • DraftKings: $9,900
    • FanDuel: $9,700

    Tyrese Maxey has a favorable matchup against the Denver Nuggets, who have an opponent rank of 20th. The point guard is averaging 44.9 fantasy points per game.

    Maxey has been a powerhouse scorer, and he is coming off a 37-point showing in 41 minutes at Milwaukee on Sunday. He was 14-of-28 from the field, including six 3-pointers, while adding seven assists and six rebounds with a steal. That’s seven straight games with 28+ points. He has grabbed at least six rebounds in three of the past five, with five or more assists in nine games in January. You get maximum effort with Maxey, and you also get what you pay for.

    Karl-Anthony Towns (C – NYK)

    • DraftKings: $9,700
    • FanDuel: $10,000

    Karl-Anthony Towns hits the floor against the Brooklyn Nets with an impressive 52.1 fantasy points per game. He is facing a Nets defense with an opponent rank of 23rd. In eight games this month, he is averaging 28.3 points, 16 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.3 3-pointers per game.

    Towns is coming off an off night, though, hitting just five of his 18 attempts from the field, and scoring only 13 points. It was his lowest scoring total since December 21st in New Orleans. In his most recent meeting with the Nets on November 17th, he went for 26 points, 15 rebounds, six assists, and one blocked shot on 10-of-16 shooting. Look for a bounce-back performance tonight.

    NBA DFS Cash Game Targets

    Deni Avdija (SF, PF – POR)

    • DraftKings: $6,800
    • FanDuel: $6,900

    Deni Avdija has racked up a respectable 30.1 fantasy points per game. He faces a Heat team ranked in the bottom third of the league defensively against opposing frontcourt players.

    Avdija has managed back-to-back double-doubles with 17.5 points, 12 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.5 steals per game in the past two outings. He has four double-doubles in the past seven games. At this price point, he is a tremendous value.

    Jimmy Butler (SF, PF – MIA)

    • DraftKings: $7,500
    • FanDuel: $7,500

    Jimmy Butler has been a bit erratic since his seven-game team-imposed suspension. He had 18 points against the Nuggets on Friday in his return, but he managed just eight points on 3-of-7 shooting with seven assists, three rebounds, and two blocks on Sunday.

    Butler has a favorable matchup with the Trail Blazers. He missed the first meeting between these two teams when he was suspended. His salary is super low for his skillset. This value won’t last long.

    Austin Reaves (PG – LAL)

    • DraftKings: $8,000
    • FanDuel: $7,700

    The Lakers are hosting the struggling Washington Wizards, and you always want to have a couple of opponents of the Wiz in your lineup, if not a healthy DFS stack. The Wizards are horrific defensively, allowing 122.8 points per game (30th in the NBA) while allowing teams to hit 47.6% from the field and 36.4% from downtown.

    Austin Reaves didn’t do so hot last time out against the Clippers, going for 14 points with five turnovers. Before that, in a favorable defensive matchup, Reaves dropped 38 points on the Brooklyn Nets with four 3-pointers.

    NBA DFS GPP Targets

    Cole Anthony (PG, SG – ORL)

    • DraftKings: $6,500
    • FanDuel: $6,500

    With Jalen Suggs ruled out for another game due to a strained back, Cole Anthony and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope should see bumps in usage. Anthony is coming off a poor 4-of-13 shooting night against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, ending up with just nine points.

    However, he had 11+ points in the previous seven outings. He is averaging 15.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 3-pointers per game across 10 games in January while averaging just short of 30 minutes.

    Mikal Bridges (SG, SF – NYK)

    • DraftKings: $6,200
    • FanDuel: $6,400

    Mikal Bridges was good for 26 points on 12-of-17 shooting in just 27 minutes on Monday against the Atlanta Hawks. He also tacked on four assists, one rebound, and a 3-pointer. Bridges has come alive in the past four games, going for at least 23 points in three of those games, while hitting 15 total 3-pointers. If he can replicate those stats, he’s a steal at this price.

    Kelly Oubre Jr. (SG, SF – PHI)

    • DraftKings: $6,300
    • FanDuel: $6,800

    Kelly Oubre Jr. has been rolling along in January, posting 16.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 3-pointers per game in eight contests. He has gradually improved throughout the season, averaging 12.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game in December and 10.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game in November.

    Don’t expect this price to last for long, as his role continues to remain constant and his production picks up.

    NBA DFS Value Plays

    Adem Bona (C – PHI)

    • DraftKings: $4,100
    • FanDuel: $4,000

    The Philadelphia frontcourt is a problem right now, especially in the middle. Joel Embiid continues to sit with his knee injury, while Andre Drummond (toe) is a question mark to return. In addition, Guerschon Yabusele, a favorite of ours in recent weeks, is uncertain to go due to a knee ailment. Adem Bona and Pete Nance could see meaningful minutes in the frontcourt.

    Bona has looked good in his past two games with extended minutes, averaging 11 points and six rebounds per game. He is a perfect 9-for-9 from the field in that span. Across the past four games, he made all 13 of his field-goal attempts.

    Dalton Knecht (SG, SF – LAL)

    • DraftKings: $3,900
    • FanDuel: $4,000

    Dalton Knecht is occasionally worth a look when the matchup is favorable. Facing Washington on Tuesday night is one of those situations. The Wizards are horrible defensively, and if the game turns into a blowout, Knecht could see a larger-than-usual role.

    Even if it is relatively close, Knecht should shake a few for double-digit points and a handful of 3-pointer opportunities. Rostering Knecht will allow you to spend more lettuce up top on high-ticket items.

    Jonas Valančiūnas (C – WAS)

    • DraftKings: $5,000
    • FanDuel: $5,600

    Jonas Valančiūnas turned back the clock on Sunday in Sacramento, going for 23 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists, connecting on nine of his 11 attempts from the field in 23 minutes.

    If you need a cheap option in the middle, Valančiūnas has been playing fairly well in January, averaging 11.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in just over 19 minutes per game.



    Are you ready to dominate in NBA Fantasy Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) on Jan. 21st? Look no further, as we have some lineup picks that will give you the edge over your competition.

    Point Guard: Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks) – Doncic is a triple-double threat every time he steps on the court and has a favorable matchup against a weak defensive team.

    Shooting Guard: James Harden (Brooklyn Nets) – Harden is a scoring machine and can stuff the stat sheet in multiple categories. He should have a big night against a struggling opponent.

    Small Forward: LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers) – James is a consistent performer and always brings his A-game. He should have a solid outing against a middle-of-the-pack defense.

    Power Forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) – The Greek Freak is a dominant force on both ends of the court and should have a big game against a below-average opponent.

    Center: Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets) – Jokic is a versatile big man who can score, rebound, and facilitate for his teammates. He should have a strong performance against a team that struggles to defend the paint.

    Utilize these lineup picks to build a winning DFS lineup on Jan. 21st and watch your fantasy team climb to the top of the leaderboard. Good luck!

    Tags:

    NBA Fantasy, DFS lineup picks, Jan. 21, NBA Fantasy lineup, DFS lineup tips, NBA Fantasy tips, NBA DFS advice, Jan. 21 NBA picks, NBA Fantasy lineup advice

    #NBA #Fantasy #DFS #lineup #picks #Jan

  • NBA DFS Picks: Wednesday 1/22/25


    If you’re looking to have some fun this basketball season, NBA DFS on FanDuel has you covered.

    With NBA DFS, you can put your hoops knowledge to the test and ride with players you think will go off in a given night.

    To help you along the way, we’ve got a bunch of tools here at FanDuel Research. Specifically, our NBA DFS projections, powered by numberFire, update throughout the day to reflect current news.

    On top of all that, here at FanDuel Research, we’ll come at you each day with this NBA DFS primer, which breaks down some of the day’s top plays at each position.

    Let’s dive into today’s main slate on FanDuel.

    Betting lines via the NBA odds at FanDuel Sportsbook. Projections and betting odds may change after this article is published.

    NBA DFS Picks for Today

    Guards

    Top Priorities

    LaMelo Ball ($10,200) — LaMelo Ball has been shouldering more in the scoring department this season, producing a career-best 29.3 PPG en route to 48.4 FanDuel points (FDPs) per game. Wednesday’s showdown between the Charlotte Hornets and Memphis Grizzlies carries the highest total on the slate, and Ball should be able to accrue more counting stats with Memphis operating at the fastest pace in the league.

    Cade Cunningham ($10,000) — Even though Cade Cunningham has gone four straight games scoring fewer than 50 FDPs, he’ll be involved in a fantastic DFS environment versus the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday. Besides the Hawks coughing up the 8th-most FDPs per game to PGs (49.7), they are 24th in assist rate allowed (65.5%), 23rd in steal rate allowed (9.1%), and 29th in three-point percentage allowed (37.7%) while playing at the 3rd-fastest pace.

    Nick Smith Jr. ($4,100) — With Brandon Miller sidelined for the Hornets due to a wrist injury, Nick Smith Jr. has started in back-to-back games, resulting in 21-plus FDPs in both contests. Smith should get a heavy dose of minutes regardless of the score in Wednesday’s clash against the Grizzlies, and our projections have him as the fifth-best point-per-dollar play (5.5x value) on the slate.

    Others to Consider

    Stephen Curry ($8,600) — There is some concern that the Golden State Warriors could experience another blowout loss (they’ve lost by 16-plus points in three of their last five losses), but if they are going to keep things close on Wednesday, it’ll be because of Stephen Curry. Along with the Warriors not having much offensive firepower right now outside of Curry, the Kings are 27th in three-point rate allowed (43.9%) and 25th in three-point percentage allowed (37.2%).

    Cason Wallace ($5,200) — The Oklahoma City Thunder are understandably massive favorites over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, but there’s still reason to like Cason Wallace in this matchup. Wallace has generated 26-plus FDPs in four of his last starts — with multiple steals in 10 of his last 15 outings — and the Jazz just so happen to rank dead last in steal rate allowed (9.8%).

    Wings

    Top Priorities

    Anthony Edwards ($9,200) — There currently isn’t a high-salary wing player that is standing out, making Anthony Edwards the most enticing wing option at a salary of $9,000 or above. Edwards has shown the upside of 56-plus FDPs in 4 of his last 10 contests, and the Minnesota Timberwolves are heavily relying on the All-NBA guard to dominate on the offensive end of the court right now as he’s averaging 21.4 field goal attempts per game in January.

    Miles Bridges ($7,400) — If the Hornets can keep things competitive against the Grizzlies, then Miles Bridges can put together a notable performance versus a Memphis team that is allowing the eighth-most FDPs per game to PFs (48.6). Bridges has posted 20-plus real-life points in seven of his last eight games, so the hope is that he can accumulate enough of the other stats in the box score to return value in a potentially fast-paced matchup.

    Tobias Harris ($6,200) — Tobias Harris is always a volatile play in DFS, but the veteran forward should benefit from facing a fast-paced Hawks squad that is 28th in effective field-goal percentage allowed (55.8%) while ceding the 2nd-most FDPs per game to PFs (50.1). Our projections currently have Harris listed as the fourth-best point-per-dollar play (5.6x value) on the slate.

    Others to Consider

    Andrew Wiggins ($6,500) — Once again, the Warriors don’t have many players to turn to for scoring production, and Andrew Wiggins could go overlooked after putting up only 12.6 FDPs in his most recent start. Before his recent dud, Wiggins had 36-plus FDPs in back-to-back games, and the Kings are permitting the fifth-most FDPs per game to PFs (49.8) over their last 15 contests.

    Vit Krejci ($4,600) — Vit Krejci has made seven consecutive starts for the Hawks, which has led to him notching 20-plus FDPs in six of those outings. Besides Wednesday’s Hawks-Pistons clash boasting a high total and a narrow spread, Detroit is 26th in three-point percentage allowed (37.6%) and 28th in steal rate allowed (9.7%).

    Bigs

    Top Priorities

    Mark Williams ($8,000) — While I also like Jaren Jackson Jr. in the Hornets-Grizzlies matchup, Mark Williams has a similar ceiling outcome at a salary that is $500 lower as he’s gone for 40-plus FDPs in each of his last four starts. Over their last 15 games, Memphis is giving up the third-most FDPs per game to Cs (61.2) while sitting at 22nd in block rate allowed (10.6%).

    Onyeka Okongwu ($6,500) — Onyeka Okongwu made his first start of the season in Atlanta’s last game, and the versatile big man has now tallied 32-plus FDPs in five of his last six appearances. Assuming Okongwu remains in the starting lineup or continues to get around 28-ish minutes, he remains a fantastic play against the Pistons — especially if Jalen Johnson is ruled out for the Hawks.

    Jalen Duren ($6,300) — On the other side of the Hawks-Pistons matchup, Jalen Duren has been putting together notable performances recently, tallying 31-plus FDPs in five of his last eight contests. Aside from Atlanta permitting the 12th-most FDPs per game to Cs (56.3), our projections have Duren as one of eight players who is expected to record a double-double on Wednesday.

    Others to Consider

    Jaylin Williams ($5,400) — In the absence of Isaiah Hartenstein, Jaylin Williams has made three straight starts for the Thunder, scoring 31-plus FDPs in back-to-back games. Williams couldn’t ask for a much better matchup on Wednesday with the Jazz ranking 28th in rim field-goal percentage allowed (66.3%) and 30th in block rate allowed (13.4%) while ceding the 2nd-most FDPs per game to Cs (60.2).

    Mo Bamba ($3,900) — There’s plenty of risk in playing Mohamed Bamba against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday as the Los Angeles Clippers could elect to play small with Ivica Zubac ruled out due to an eye injury. At the same time, Bamba will likely make a start for the second straight game, and there’s also a scenario where he’s needed to combat the size of Kristaps Porzingis.

    Get a 30% Profit Boost Token to use on a 3+ leg parlay or SGP on any NBA game(s) taking place January 22nd! See here for full terms and conditions. Learn about today’s other offers at FanDuel Sportsbook Promos.

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    Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel Daily Fantasy today!

    The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author’s advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.



    Looking to dominate your NBA DFS lineups for Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025? Look no further, as we have some top picks to help you build a winning lineup.

    1. Luka Doncic, PG, Dallas Mavericks – Doncic has been on fire recently, averaging over 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in his last three games. He has a favorable matchup against the struggling Golden State Warriors and should put up big numbers.

    2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, SF/PF, Milwaukee Bucks – Giannis is always a solid play, as he can fill up the stat sheet in multiple categories. He faces the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have struggled defensively this season, making him a great option.

    3. De’Aaron Fox, PG, Sacramento Kings – Fox has been playing well as of late, averaging over 20 points and 7 assists in his last five games. He has a good matchup against the Miami Heat and should continue his strong play.

    4. Julius Randle, PF, New York Knicks – Randle has been a consistent fantasy producer this season, averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. He faces the Atlanta Hawks, who have struggled defensively, making him a great play.

    5. Christian Wood, PF/C, Houston Rockets – Wood has been a bright spot for the struggling Rockets, averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. He faces the Phoenix Suns, who have been vulnerable in the frontcourt, making him a solid option.

    Make sure to consider these picks when building your NBA DFS lineup for Wednesday night’s action. Good luck!

    Tags:

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    #NBA #DFS #Picks #Wednesday

  • Divisional Round Injury Update, DFS Guidance, Start/Sit Advice, Projections, and More


    The Buffalo Bills will face the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round. Here’s the latest fantasy football news and advice to help you with your lineups this week and moving forward, especially regarding TE Dawson Knox.

    Pro Football Network's Free DFS Optimizer
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    Is Dawson Knox Playing vs. the Ravens?

    Knox was not listed on the injury report this week. Barring any last-minute setbacks, he is expected to play this weekend.

    We’ll continue to monitor the Bills’ injury report. You can also visit and bookmark our NFL Injury Tracker and Fantasy News Tracker for the latest updates.

    Should You Start or Sit Dawson Knox in the Divisional Round?

    We see a lot of offenses that come without much of a role for their tight end, but the remaining eight teams all can carve looks out for their TE1; that means I’m not venturing down to Dawson Knox.

    The Bills can score with the best of them, and Dalton Kincaid’s lack of counting numbers could generate some interest in Knox, but that’s too thin for my liking. He hasn’t seen more than three targets in six straight games and has seen his snap share tick down to 54.7% over his past three (season: 60.5%).

    I remain intrigued by Kincaid, and with his success in the first matchup, that’s the direction I’m going if I have to pick a pass catcher in Buffalo.

    Are you looking for start/sit advice for other players in your lineup? Read our Divisional Round Fantasy Start-Sit Advice Cheat Sheet for every fantasy-relevant player in every game.

    Dawson Knox’s Fantasy Points Projection in the Divisional Round

    As of Sunday, Knox is projected to score 3.9 fantasy points in PPR formats. This includes 1.3 receptions for 14.5 yards and 0.2 touchdowns.

    Check out the free PFN Fantasy Start-Sit Optimizer for the latest projections and advice for your lineups this week.

    PFN Insight on the Ravens’ Defense

    The 2023 Ravens led the league in scoring defense but only ranked 10th in Defense+. This year’s Ravens fell to ninth in scoring defense but fared better in Defense+.

    That improved form held true in the Wild Card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. While Baltimore’s 75.3 (C) grade was nothing special, that’s usually all this offense needs to win. The Ravens were able to exploit Russell Wilson‘s tendency to hold the ball, averaging their second-highest sack rate (11.8%) of the season.

    Since moving Kyle Hamilton to safety in Week 11, the Ravens rank first in points per drive, first in EPA per dropback, first in third-down defense, and first in red-zone defense (including playoffs).

    Paired with a run defense that has been elite all season, Baltimore suddenly looks like one of the scariest No. 3 seeds in recent memory. With the offense playing at an elite level led by presumptive MVP Lamar Jackson, Baltimore could be better equipped to make the Super Bowl than last year’s team, even without the advantage of the top seed.

    For more insight on all other team defenses, head to our PFN Defense+ Metric Analysis. 

    Dawson Knox’s Fantasy Ranking

    Our Weekly Consensus PPR Rankings are below — both positional and overall. They were last updated at 9:15 AM ET on Saturday, January 18. If you’re in a Superflex league, make sure you check out our Divisional Round Superflex Rankings.

    Divisional Round TE PPR Rankings

    1) Sam LaPorta | DET (vs. WAS)
    2) Travis Kelce | KC (vs. HOU)
    3) Mark Andrews | BAL (at BUF)
    4) Dallas Goedert | PHI (vs. LAR)
    5) Dalton Kincaid | BUF (vs. BAL)
    6) Zach Ertz | WAS (at DET)
    7) Isaiah Likely | BAL (at BUF)
    8) Dalton Schultz | HOU (at KC)
    9) Noah Gray | KC (vs. HOU)
    10) Tyler Higbee | LAR (at PHI)
    11) Dawson Knox | BUF (vs. BAL)
    12) Grant Calcaterra | PHI (vs. LAR)
    13) Cade Stover | HOU (at KC)
    14) Colby Parkinson | LAR (at PHI)
    15) Brock Wright | DET (vs. WAS)
    16) John Bates | WAS (at DET)
    17) Charlie Kolar | BAL (at BUF)
    18) Davis Allen | LAR (at PHI)
    19) Hunter Long | LAR (at PHI)
    20) Ben Sinnott | WAS (at DET)
    21) Shane Zylstra | DET (vs. WAS)
    22) Peyton Hendershot | KC (vs. HOU)
    23) Quintin Morris | BUF (vs. BAL)

    Ravens at Bills Trends and Insights

    Baltimore Ravens

    Team: Lamar Jackson was the MVP in 2019. The next season …

    • *Won on Wild Card Weekend (he had 179 pass yards)

    • *Derrick Henry was the home RB in that Wild Card game

    • *Advanced to play a 13-win Bills team

    Jackson was the MVP in 2023. This season …

    • *Won on Wild Card Weekend (he had 175 pass yards)

    • *Derrick Henry was the home RB in that Wild Card game

    • *Will play a 13-win Bills team

    QB: Since Week 9, Jackson has completed 75.8% of his non-pressured passes with 20 touchdowns and just one interception on those 161 attempts.

    Offense: Over their past five games (all wins), Baltimore has scored a touchdown on 40.8% of their drives (they were one of the elite offenses prior to this run with a 33.3% rate).

    Defense: Opponents are 0-of-6 on fourth downs against the Ravens over the past four games (prior: 12-of-23).

    Fantasy: On Saturday, Derrick Henry became the first player in NFL history to have four games in a season with 130 rushing yards and multiple rushing touchdowns when he was 30+ years of age.

    Betting: Baltimore has covered six of eight road games after failing to do so in the season opener at Arrowhead.

    Buffalo Bills

    Team: All four of Buffalo’s losses this season have come following a blowout result the week prior.

    QB: Excluding the one-snap Week 18, Josh Allen is 13-of-16 with two touchdowns and zero interceptions on third down over his past two games.

    Offense: The Bills have not committed a turnover in six of seven games since their Week 12 bye.

    Defense: Buffalo allowed Baltimore to score a TD on all four of their red zone trips in their Week 4 meeting – they’ve allowed two red zone scores on six trips over their past three games (Denver was 0-of-1).

    Fantasy: The Bills didn’t lead for a single second of the first game with the Ravens – James Cook’s production over expectation this season is 16.4% higher when playing from ahead as opposed to behind.

    Betting: The Bills have rotated covering with not covering in seven straight games (they covered easily against the Broncos on Sunday).





    As we head into the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs, it’s important to stay updated on the latest injury news, DFS guidance, start/sit advice, projections, and more. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know heading into this weekend’s games:

    Injury Update:
    – Patrick Mahomes (concussion) is expected to play in the Chiefs’ matchup against the Browns, but his status should be monitored closely leading up to game time.
    – Cooper Kupp (knee) is questionable for the Rams’ game against the Packers, so fantasy managers should have a backup plan in place.
    – Antonio Gibson (toe) is expected to play for Washington against the Buccaneers, but his workload could be limited.

    DFS Guidance:
    – Look for value plays at the running back position, as several backup running backs could see increased volume due to injuries.
    – Consider stacking quarterbacks with their top pass-catching options in high-scoring games, such as the Bills vs. Ravens matchup.

    Start/Sit Advice:
    – Start Lamar Jackson against the Bills, as his rushing ability gives him a high floor and ceiling in fantasy.
    – Sit Ronald Jones against Washington, as the Buccaneers could opt for a committee approach in the backfield.

    Projections:
    – Josh Allen is projected to be the highest-scoring quarterback of the weekend, with a favorable matchup against the Ravens.
    – Davante Adams is projected to be the top wide receiver, as he has a strong connection with Aaron Rodgers and a favorable matchup against the Rams’ secondary.

    Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as we approach kickoff for the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs. Good luck to all fantasy managers this weekend!

    Tags:

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    #Divisional #Injury #Update #DFS #Guidance #StartSit #Advice #Projections

  • Top starts, sits and sleepers in fantasy football and DFS for NFL divisional round


    • Jayden Daniels breaks the rookie standard: Rookies are not supposed to perform well on the road in the playoffs, but Daniels broke that trend last weekend, and he will look to take advantage of the injury-riddled Detroit Lions defense this Saturday night. 

    • Kyren Williams doesn’t offer the upside that is needed due to his pricetag: Williams has scored 20-plus fantasy points in only three games this season, as his only 25-plus point performance came all the way back in Week 3. Plus, the Philadelphia Eagles defense is not one to target when trying to find high-upside DFS tournament plays. 

    • 2025 NFL Draft season is here: Try PFF’s best-in-class Mock Draft Simulator and learn about 2025’s top prospects while trading and drafting for your favorite NFL team.

    Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

    The regular fantasy season is over, but that doesn’t mean your fantasy football fun is over. Get your DFS lineups submitted to enjoy the NFL playoff games to the fullest! And I can help you make the best lineup! Below you can find my top fire (boom) and ice (bust) players at each position for Divisonal Round Weekend. Plus, the top sleeper (risky but high upside) at the wide receiver and tight end positions.  Don’t miss my Fire & Ice chart at the bottom of this page. There, I have listed out all of my fire, good, sleeper and ice plays for Divisional Round Weekend. 

    Note: I used FanDuel’s Saturday-Sunday tournament slate for player pricing. FanDuel uses half-PPR scoring so I used half-PPR data in my below writeup.

    Fire QB Start of the Week: Jayden Daniels (at DET)

    FanDuel Cost: $8,500 – Third among QBs

    Jayden Daniels isn’t like a regular rookie quarterback, he’s a cool rookie. Not only was Daniels the first rookie to win a road playoff game in over a decade, but he also became the first rookie to throw multiple touchdowns in a road playoff win in NFL history. Daniels is the total package, as he is a huge threat on the ground but also excels as a pocket passer. 

    Daniels has now scored at least 22 fantasy points in six straight full games played and has a chance to put up another huge game in a favorable matchup this weekend. The Detroit Lions defense came to play against Sam Darnold in Week 18 … but that now doesn’t seem too impressive after his miserable performance in the wild-card round. In the weeks leading up to Week 18, the Lions allowed Josh Allen (41.3), Brock Purdy (30.3) and Caleb Williams (26.1 and 22.8) to all have massive games against them. 

    Ice QB Start of the Week: Patrick Mahomes (vs. HOU) 

    FanDuel Cost: $7,700 – Sixth among QBs

    This price is a bit too hefty considering the production that Patrick Mahomes offered this season — he scored fewer than 17 fantasy points in 11 of 16 games played in 2024. The Kansas City Chiefs have been awesome in the playoffs throughout Mahomes’ career … but last postseason, Mahomes only hit 19 fantasy points in one of four games (the Super Bowl — and he only got there because he scored 8.4 points in overtime). 

    The Houston Texans have held opposing quarterbacks to just 16.3 fantasy points per game this season, including Justin Herbert’s 5.7-point performance against them in the wild-card round. No defense has allowed a lower comp percentage than the Texans this year, and only the Philadelphia Eagles have allowed fewer passing yards per dropback than the Texans.

    Fire RB Start of the Week: Jahmyr Gibbs (vs. WAS)

    FanDuel Cost: $8,900 – Third among RBs 

    David Montgomery is returning to the field, but that shouldn’t scare off DFS players from paying up for Jahmyr Gibbs. I expect Montgomery’s workload to be limited in his first game back, and Gibbs has been an absolute beast for the Lions offense in his absence. Gibbs has put up over 150 scrimmage yards and at least one touchdown in three straight games. 

    The Washington Commanders have allowed the third-most yards per carry and fifth-most rushing touchdowns to running backs this season. Other elite running backs, such as Saquon Barkley and Bijan Robinson, have recently dominated the Commanders defense.

    Ice RB Start of the Week:  Kyren Williams (at PHI)

    FanDuel Cost: $7,700 – Fourth among RBs

    Kyren Williams has been an extremely steady, reliable fantasy producer this season, but he has not had many week-winning performances. Williams has scored 20-plus points in only three games this season, with 25-plus points in just one game (Week 3). He gets a super hard matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, who have allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to running backs since Week 6. 

    Even with a touchdown, Williams still had a mediocre fantasy day against the Eagles in their Week 12 matchup, scoring just 11.2 fantasy points. His upside is not worth his cost, especially in large tournaments.

    Fire WR Start of the Week: Terry McLaurin (at DET)

    FanDuel Cost: $7,600 – Fiftth among WRs

    McLaurin has hit 16-plus fantasy points in five of the last seven games while catching a touchdown eight times over that span. McLaurin’s fantasy ceiling is just as high as the wide receivers priced higher than him this week —  Amon-Ra. St. Brown, Puka Nacua, Nico Collins, A.J. Brown —  but he has the best matchup of them all. 

    The Lions allowed the most receiving yards and third most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2024. Before Sam Darnold’s Week 18 collapse, the Detroit Lions let Keenan Allen and Ricky Pearsall each put up exactly 141 receiving yards and one touchdown against them in Weeks 16 and 17. 

    Sleeper WR Start of the Week: Keon Coleman (vs. BAL)

    FanDuel Cost: $5,300 – 18th among WRs

    It hasn’t been the most inspiring season for Buffalo Bills’ rookie WR Keon Coleman, who they took at the top of the second round, but he has made some big catches throughout the year. He has averaged 18.7 yards per reception in his first season in the NFL and will have the opportunity to come down with some more splash plays this Sunday night. 

    The Baltimore Ravens defense allowed the third-most downfield receiving yards in the NFL in the 2024 regular season, behind only the Jacksonville Jaguars and Detroit Lions. When the Bills faced the Ravens in Week 4, Coleman had multiple receptions of 20-plus yards and dropped a 40-yard target right in his hands. If any of the Bills wide receivers come through with a big performance this weekend, I would put my money on Coleman. 

    Ice WR Start of the Week: Puka Nacua (at PHI)

    FanDuel Cost: $8,600 – Second among WRs

    The Rams offense has been inconsistent over the last month, and Puka Nacua has not caught a touchdown in any of his last four games played while putting up fewer than 60 receiving yards in two of his last three games. Nacua had a big game against the Philadelphia Eagles earlier in the season, but that was in Los Angeles.

    The Eagles have allowed just two wide receivers to score more than 12 fantasy points against them at home since their Week 5 bye … and one of them was Malik Nabers, who did it in Week 18 when the Eagles were resting most of their starters.

    Fire TE Start of the Week: Dallas Goedert (vs. LAR)

    FanDuel Cost: $6,100 – Second among TEs

    Dallas Goedert led the Philadelphia Eagles with six targets in Wild-Card Weekend while putting up a solid fantasy day with 47 yards and a touchdown. He gets a favorable matchup this weekend against the Los Angeles Rams, who allowed the second most fantasy points to tight ends in the 2024 regular season and then allowed T.J. Hockenson to score 15 points against them in the first round of the playoffs. 

    The Rams’ have allowed a tight end to score 14-plus fantasy points against them in each of their last three games—  Hockenson (14.9), Trey McBride (24.3) and Noah Fant (14.8). 

    Sleeper TE of the Week: Dalton Schultz (at KC)

    FanDuel Cost: $5,300 – Seventh among TEs

    The Houston Texans came into the season with a plethora of receiving options, but now, in the biggest game of their season, it’s up to Nico Collins and Dalton Schultz to carry the passing game. The Kansas City Chiefs have allowed the most receiving yards to tight ends in 2024. In their Week 16 matchup, Schultz recorded eight targets, five receptions, 45 yards and a touchdown. 

    Also, teammate TE Cade Stover has been stealing some snaps and targets from Schultz as of late, but he was placed on injured reserve this week and will miss the rest of the season.

    Keep an eye on Schultz’s practice status because he is also banged up. If Schultz does not play, Irv Smith Jr. would become a very sneaky, cheap DFS option with high upside. 

    Ice TE Start of the Week: Zach Ertz (at DET)

    FanDuel Cost: $5,500 – Fifth among TEs

    Not only is Zach Ertz dealing with a rib injury, but he also has a very tough matchup in the divisional round. The Detroit Lions allow the fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season while allowing the third-fewest receiving yards and only three receiving touchdowns to the position. Only two tight ends scored more than 11 fantasy points in a matchup against the Lions this year. 

    Jayden Daniels should be able to take advantage of the Lions’ weaker CB group and target his higher-ceiling weapons in McLaurin, Dyami Brown and Olamide Zaccheaus.

    Here, I categorize every relevant fantasy player into five different buckets: (1) fire starts (best starts of the week); (2) thumbs up (good starts); (3) Risky players with upside (sleepers); (4) Ice starts (predicting bad performance from good player); (5) Stop (must sits).

    Note: If a player/defense is not listed, I either expect them not to play in the Divisional Round or am not considering starting them in fantasy lineups.

    Fire

    Thumbs Up

    Upside

    Ice

    Stop



    Top starts, sits, and sleepers for NFL divisional round in fantasy football and DFS

    With the NFL playoffs heating up, fantasy football managers and DFS players are looking for the best players to start, sit, and target as sleepers in the divisional round. Here are some top picks for each category:

    Top starts:

    – Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs: Mahomes has been on fire lately and faces a weak Cleveland Browns defense in the divisional round. Expect a big game from the reigning Super Bowl MVP.

    – Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints: Kamara is a dual-threat back who can rack up points both on the ground and through the air. He should have a big game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

    – Davante Adams, WR, Green Bay Packers: Adams is one of the best wide receivers in the league and should have a field day against a suspect Los Angeles Rams secondary.

    – Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs: Kelce is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses and should have a big game against the Browns.

    Top sits:

    – Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens: Jackson has a tough matchup against the Buffalo Bills, who have a solid defense. He may struggle to put up big numbers in this game.

    – Ronald Jones II, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jones has been dealing with injuries and may not be at full strength against the Saints. Look for other options at running back.

    – JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers: Smith-Schuster has been inconsistent this season and faces a tough matchup against the Chiefs. Look for other options at wide receiver.

    – Rob Gronkowski, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gronkowski has been quiet in the playoffs so far and may struggle to put up big numbers against the Saints.

    Sleepers:

    – J.K. Dobbins, RB, Baltimore Ravens: Dobbins has been on a tear lately and could have a big game against the Bills.

    – Michael Gallup, WR, Dallas Cowboys: Gallup has big-play ability and could break out in a shootout against the Rams.

    – Logan Thomas, TE, Washington Football Team: Thomas has been a reliable target for Washington and could have a big game against the Buccaneers.

    These are just a few top starts, sits, and sleepers to consider for the divisional round in fantasy football and DFS. Make sure to do your own research and set your lineups accordingly. Good luck!
    Tags:
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    #Top #starts #sits #sleepers #fantasy #football #DFS #NFL #divisional

  • FanDuel NFL DFS Picks: Divisional Round Sunday Main Slate


    The Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs will come to a close on Sunday, with two games set to be played between teams with Super Bowl aspirations. The Los Angeles Rams will take on the Philadelphia Eagles to get things started on Sunday, which will then be followed by one of the most anticipated matchups of the season as the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills will square off.

    Using our NFL DFS projections as a guide, let’s take a look at some of the best daily fantasy football plays at each position — accounting for salary — on the Divisional Round Sunday main slate.

    Slate Overview

    Here is a snapshot of each team’s outlook, including opponent, implied team total, over/under, and spread based on the NFL odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.

    Quarterbacks

    Josh Allen, Bills

    FanDuel Salary: $9,000
    Matchup: vs. BAL

    While you can make arguments for nearly everyone on a two-game slate, why wouldn’t we just use the two QBs that have been the best at their position all season? Even though Baltimore’s defense has been playing much better in the latter part of the season, Josh Allen just put up 25.5 FanDuel points (FDPs) against the third-best schedule-adjusted defense of the Denver Broncos, and he’s notched 25-plus FDPs in four of his last six starts.

    Lamar Jackson, Ravens

    FanDuel Salary: $8,700
    Matchup: at BUF

    Aside from Lamar Jackson rushing for 63-plus yards in five of his last six outings, he’s also tossed multiple TDs in 13 of his last 15 contests while averaging a slate-best 25.9 FDPs per game. Not only do our projections have Jackson leading all QBs on the Sunday main slate in FDPs (22.6), but the Bills are giving up the seventh-most yards per carry (5.4) and the ninth-worst defensive rushing success rate (52.6%) against QBs, per NextGenStats.

    Running Backs

    Derrick Henry, Ravens

    FanDuel Salary: $9,600
    Matchup: at BUF

    The Ravens are currently slight favorites on the road versus the Bills, and stacking Lamar Jackson with Derrick Henry to get exposure to Baltimore’s lethal rushing attack is certainly viable with the Ravens having the highest implied total (26.5) on the slate. Whenever Baltimore and Buffalo faced each other back in Week 4, Henry produced a season-high 37.4 FDPs, and he’s tallied 22-plus FDPs in four straight games.

    Saquon Barkley, Eagles

    FanDuel Salary: $9,300
    Matchup: vs. LA

    In the first meeting versus the Rams back in Week 12, Saquon Barkley exploded for 302 scrimmage yards and 2 TDs en route to 47.2 FDPs, and there is going to potentially be snow coming down in Philly for Sunday’s matchup. Despite Saquon having to compete with Jalen Hurts for TDs near the goal line, LA’s defense is permitting the 10th-most yards per carry (4.5) and 9th-most rushing yards over expected per attempt (0.54) to RBs.

    Justice Hill, Ravens

    FanDuel Salary: $5,400
    Matchup: at BUF

    You could undoubtedly make a case for James Cook for Sunday’s slate, but the Bills rotate their RBs, and he’s somewhat reliant on breaking big plays. If the Ravens find themselves in a negative game script or elect to attack the Bills’ 21st-ranked schedule-adjusted pass defense, Justice Hill is a stellar salary-saving option — especially with Buffalo coughing up the sixth-most FDPs per target (1.32), fifth-most receiving TDs (6), third-highest target rate (22.3%), and third-most yards per route run (1.41) to RBs.

    Wide Receivers

    Puka Nacua, Rams

    FanDuel Salary: $8,500
    Matchup: at PHI

    Even in the Rams’ blowout win over the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card Round where he finished with only 5 catches for 44 yards, Puka Nacua still led the team in target share (34.6%) by a decent margin. Across the 10 games he has started and finished this season, Nacua paces LA’s offense in target share (36.8%), air yards share (35.0%), red-zone target share (35.0%), receptions per game (7.9), receiving yards per game (98.8), and yards per route run (3.71).

    DeVonta Smith, Eagles

    FanDuel Salary: $7,300
    Matchup: vs. LA

    Over the last four games of the regular season where DeVonta Smith was active for the Eagles, he posted the second-highest target share (35.5%), most receptions per game (6.8), most receiving yards per game (79.3), and most yards per route run (2.96) on the team. Comparatively, A.J. Brown registered a 37.6% target share, 5.8 receptions per game, 71.5 receiving yards per game, and 2.58 yards per route run during that span, so playing Smith at a salary that is $1,100 lower than Brown could be the move.

    Rashod Bateman, Ravens

    FanDuel Salary: $6,200
    Matchup: at BUF

    While Rashod Bateman caught both of his targets for only 24 yards in the Wild Card Round, he still found the end zone, leading to a modest 9.4 FDPs. This week’s matchup against the Bills sets up better for Bateman to remain utilized throughout the game as the spread is tight, the total is high, and Buffalo is allowing the 10th-most FDPs per target (1.51) and 4th-highest catch rate over expected (+3.5%) to WRs.

    Khalil Shakir, Bills

    FanDuel Salary: $6,100
    Matchup: vs. BAL

    It can be a headache trying to guess which WR from the Bills will be the most productive, but Khalil Shakir is definitely the most consistent of the bunch with his team-high marks in target share (23.0%) and yards per route run (2.40) in his 16 appearances this season. Our projections have Shakir listed as the best point-per-dollar play (1.8x value) at the WR position on Sunday’s slate.

    Tight Ends

    Dallas Goedert, Eagles

    FanDuel Salary: $6,100
    Matchup: vs. LA

    Dallas Goedert has popped up on the injury report late in the week with an illness, but it remains to be seen if it’s anything that will sideline him for Sunday’s clash with the Rams. If Goedert is active for Philadelphia in the Divisional Round, he’ll get to face a Los Angeles defense that is giving up the eight-most receiving TDs (8), sixth-highest target rate (20.9%), fifth-most yards per route run (1.66), and third-most FDPs per game (12.5) to TEs.

    Mark Andrews, Ravens

    FanDuel Salary: $5,900
    Matchup: at BUF

    Despite Mark Andrews having a quiet performance in the Wild Card Round, he was on a six-game streak of scoring a TD and nine-plus FDPs before the playoffs began. With Zay Flowers trending toward being out again for the Ravens, Baltimore’s passing game will lean on Rashod Bateman and their TEs versus the Bills.

    Isaiah Likely, Ravens

    FanDuel Salary: $5,100
    Matchup: at BUF

    In the absence of Flowers in the Wild Card Round, Isaiah Likely led the Ravens in snap rate (79.2%), target share (21.1%), air yards share (30.6%), and yards per route run (3.53). Likely should be on the field plenty again in Sunday’s highly anticipated showdown against the Bills, and our projections have Likely as the third-best point-per-dollar play (1.2x value) at the TE position on Sunday’s main slate.

    Defenses

    Baltimore Ravens

    FanDuel Salary: $4,100
    Matchup: at BUF

    Baltimore’s defense has looked vastly improved down the stretch, and while they’ve benefitted from positive matchups, they’ve still scored 14-plus FDPs in three of their last four games. If the Ravens can secure an early lead and force the Bills to drop back constantly with Josh Allen, that opens the door for more sacks and turnovers.

    Los Angeles Rams

    FanDuel Salary: $3,500
    Matchup: at PHI

    For the sake of saving salary, the defense of the Rams will be mentioned here after they produced 23 FDPs in the Wild Card Round with nine points allowed, nine sacks, two turnovers, and a TD. Despite Philly carrying a 25.5-point implied total, our projections have Los Angeles recording the most sacks (2.5) on the slate.

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    The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author’s advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.



    Are you ready for some more NFL playoff action? The Divisional Round continues on Sunday with another exciting slate of games. If you’re looking to get in on the DFS action, here are some FanDuel picks to help you build a winning lineup:

    Quarterback:
    – Josh Allen (BUF): Allen has been on fire lately and faces a vulnerable Chiefs defense in what should be a high-scoring game.

    Running Back:
    – Aaron Jones (GB): Jones is a dual-threat back who should see plenty of touches against a tough Rams defense.
    – Cam Akers (LAR): Akers has emerged as the lead back for the Rams and should get plenty of opportunities against the Packers.

    Wide Receiver:
    – Stefon Diggs (BUF): Diggs has been one of the best receivers in the league this season and should continue to produce against the Chiefs.
    – Davante Adams (GB): Adams is Aaron Rodgers’ favorite target and should have a big game against the Rams.

    Tight End:
    – Travis Kelce (KC): Kelce is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses and should have a big game against the Bills.

    Defense/Special Teams:
    – Green Bay Packers: The Packers have a strong defense and should be able to contain the Rams’ offense.

    These are just a few of the top picks for the Divisional Round Sunday Main Slate on FanDuel. Good luck with your lineup, and may the DFS gods be in your favor!

    Tags:

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  • NFL DFS Best Plays for Week 18 (Fantasy Football)

    NFL DFS Best Plays for Week 18 (Fantasy Football)


    Each week we will review some of the content found in the DFS Pass and discuss some of our most confident plays heading into Sunday. A lot can change over the weekend, especially with injury news (See Betz’s Injury Blitz podcast) and roster percentages shifting who is in-or-out before roster lock time. Let’s review.

    • Locked-in Cash Plays
    • CORE Plays
    • Game Stacks We Love
    • Full-On Fades of the Week
    • Favorite Leverage Plays
    • Favorite Dart Throws
    • Boldest Calls of the Week

    Week 18 Main Slate Podcast

    Locked-In Cash Plays

    Borg – I’m locking Bijan Robinson in my lineup. His usage is unreal seeing 39% of the team’s total rush attempts and targets since their Week 12 bye. It’s a staggering workload and after seeing 91% of the snaps last week, you can expect similar numbers in a must-win game for the Falcons at home. Oh, and the Panthers are the worst rush defense in the NFL. On a week with a ton of volatility, I’m locking in the safety of Bijan in cash.

    Betz – Agree with Borg – Bijan is a must for me this week, but as my RB2, I really think Bucky Irving is a great play once again in a must win game. Last week, we saw him out-carry Rachaad White 20 to 6 and out-target him 4 to 1. With the Bucs having all the motivation in the world at home against Spencer Rattler with a massive team total, the Bucs guys looks so strong this week.

    DraftKings Core Plays

    These are the 3-5 players at each position we have mixed in our cash player pool. Based on salaries, late news, and budget constraints, it is guaranteed you will not be able to fit in all of them. But their high floors and team-implied totals make them great plays for the week in both cash & GPPs.

    These are simply in order of favorite core players. You obviously won’t be able to fit all in a cash lineup and there are salary tradeoffs for paying up at each position.

    Dobbs is only $4K, and we know he can run a little bit. At this price point, we’re looking for 12-16 points for cash games to get there, and we think that is very possible, especially against the Cardinals. If you don’t want to mess around with that in tournaments, don’t be afraid to spend up for some guys who are motivated to win and have a great ceiling – Jayden Daniels, Baker Mayfield, etc. For cash, the savings on Dobbs goes a long way in being able to jam in the studs.



    Are you ready for the final week of the NFL regular season? Week 18 is here, and that means it’s time to set your DFS lineups for some fantasy football action. With playoff spots on the line and teams fighting for seeding, there are plenty of exciting matchups to target for your DFS rosters.

    Here are some of the best plays for Week 18 in NFL DFS:

    Quarterback:
    1. Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) – Allen has been on fire recently and faces a vulnerable Jets defense in Week 18.
    2. Tom Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – Brady and the Bucs are playing for seeding and face a beatable Panthers defense.
    3. Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) – Herbert has a favorable matchup against the Raiders and should put up big numbers.

    Running Back:
    1. Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts) – Taylor is a must-play every week and faces the Jaguars in Week 18.
    2. Joe Mixon (Cincinnati Bengals) – Mixon has been a workhorse for the Bengals and faces a weak Browns run defense.
    3. Sony Michel (Los Angeles Rams) – With Cam Akers out, Michel should see a heavy workload against the 49ers.

    Wide Receiver:
    1. Cooper Kupp (Los Angeles Rams) – Kupp is having a historic season and should continue his dominance against the 49ers.
    2. Deebo Samuel (San Francisco 49ers) – Samuel is a threat both as a receiver and a runner and should see plenty of touches against the Rams.
    3. Stefon Diggs (Buffalo Bills) – Diggs is a top-tier receiver facing the Jets and should have a big game.

    Tight End:
    1. Mark Andrews (Baltimore Ravens) – Andrews has been Lamar Jackson’s favorite target and faces a weak Steelers defense.
    2. Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs) – Kelce is always a threat to score and should have a big game against the Broncos.
    3. Rob Gronkowski (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – Gronk is a red zone threat and should have opportunities to score against the Panthers.

    Defense/Special Teams:
    1. Los Angeles Rams – The Rams defense is one of the best in the league and faces a struggling 49ers offense.
    2. Buffalo Bills – The Bills defense has been playing well and faces the Jets in Week 18.
    3. Cincinnati Bengals – The Bengals defense has been solid all season and faces a Browns team that has struggled offensively.

    Make sure to check for any last-minute injury updates before setting your lineup, and good luck in Week 18 of NFL DFS!

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