In this weekly article, we’ll look at the cheaper options that should return good value to your NFL DFS lineups. The bargain threshold varies by site, and position, but generally we’ll aim for our bargain plays to take up about 8-10 percent of your salary cap, except for quarterbacks, which we’ll allow 11-12 percent. A great tool to find bargains is our DFS projection system, which gives a dollar per fantasy point projection for each player. I refer to it often!
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Quarterback
Trey Lance, San Francisco 49ers vs. Houston
Jimmy Garoppolo sustained a torn UCL and broke his right thumb (chipped bone) in Sunday’s game, making his status highly doubtful for Week 17. Although he hasn’t been officially ruled out yet, it’s safe to make plans that involve Lance at this point in the week’s preparation. Lance only started one game, and has seen less action lately than he did while mixing in earlier in the season. His rushing upside is a major cause for excitement about his low salary and opportunity this week, but so is the matchup. San Francisco is still favored by 12.5 points over Houston, even after news of Garoppolo’s injury was clarified. Lance is pretty much pure upside at just $4800 (DK), $20 (Yahoo) and $6400 (FD).
Also consider: Zach Wilson, Mac Jones
Running Back
Darrel Williams, Kansas City Chiefs at Cincinnati
We also need clarification on Clyde Edwards-Helaire before locking in Williams, but he seems pretty doubtful for Week 17 right now. Williams isn’t the most efficient rusher, but he makes up for it in the pass game, and has just as many touchdowns as CEH (four rushing, two receiving for both). His 50 targets rank 15th among running backs, and this game projects as a shootout between two potent offenses. Williams isn’t super cheap, but he should be fine value if Helaire sits.
Devin Singletary, Buffalo Bills vs. Atlanta
Singletary is slowing making a case for rostering him. He’s been a frustrating fantasy player for as long as he’s been in the league, with the Bills either using a committee approach, or letting Josh Allen do all the fun stuff (like score rushing touchdowns). In the last 2-3 games, Singletary is making a bigger impact. Despite facing three formidable defenses in a row, he’s managed double-digit half-PPR fantasy points three games in a row, twice with rushing touchdowns and in Week 14, with six catches on seven targets. He’s approached 100 total yards in each of those games, and gets a much more favorable matchup with Atlanta at home this weekend. His salary ($5400 DK, $18 Yahoo, $6000 FD) is just right for the risk/reward combination he offers.
Also consider: Chase Edmonds
Wide Receiver
Christian Kirk, Arizona Cardinals at Dallas
Being the Cardinals WR1 doesn’t come with a DFS salary increase, apparently. That’s ok with me, as this game is one where I want as many players as possible. It carries the highest over/under of the main slate, and though the Cowboys are favored at home, Arizona should be able to keep it competitive. Kirk leads all Cardinals receivers in targets, catches (75.8 percent catch rate) and yards. Kyler Murray has been attempting a ton of passes (at least 40 in the last three games), and that should be the case again against a Dallas defense that has been much tougher against the run. Kirk probably needs to score to make a huge difference in your lineups, but even in half-PPR his volume should offer a decent floor.
Braxton Berrios, NY Jets vs. Tampa Bay
Apologies for regular readers who have seen Berrios here the past two weeks, but his salary is still very low and he’s been in the double-digit half-PPR points in the last three games. Tampa Bay is a huge favorite on the road in New Jersey this weekend, but that, in combination with the Bucs’ dominant run defense, should put Zach Wilson firmly in pass mode. Berrios had six targets last week, 10 in Week 14, and has mixed into the run game a little bit too. With Jamison Crowder and Elijah Moore questionable again, Berrios could make for a solid play once again.
Also consider: DeVonta Smith, Tyler Boyd
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Tight End
Dalton Schultz, Dallas Cowboys vs. Arizona
We know how it goes with TEs…just because Schultz has been super-involved in the Cowboys’ pass game the past two weeks doesn’t mean the streak will continue, but if you’re not paying up at the position this weekend, he’s the best bet. I noted the great game environment earlier, which is a factor in rostering Schultz, but he also has 16 catches on 17 targets in the last two weeks, scoring in both games. He’s really affordable on all three sites (slightly less so on FanDuel).
Also consider: Zach Ertz, CJ Uzomah
Defense
Buffalo Bills vs. Atlanta
The Bills allow the third-fewest points per game and have the third-most takeaways (29) in the league. This is a good reality defense that could very well post their third shutout of the season against Atlanta. Their salary is far too low on DraftKings and FanDuel, although they haven’t always taken advantage of good matchups from a fantasy perspective, I’ll always choose to pay less for a great real defense in a great game environment.
Yahoo: Seattle Seahawks vs. Detroit ($13)
Since Yahoo has Buffalo as the second-highest priced D/ST this week, you can turn to Seattle there. The Lions have scored the fourth-fewest points this season, while Seattle’s defense is playing well. They’re coming off a six-sack game vs. Chicago and are slightly better at home this year. They’re near touchdown favorites in a game with one of the lower over/unders of the slate.
