Week 1 NFL DFS Cheat Sheet – 2024

Strap in, pigskin addicts. NFL kickoff is imminent!

Week 1 is about to hit us like a linebacker on a blitz. From Mahomes’ magic in KC to Rodgers’ rebirth in the Big Apple, we’ve got a smorgasbord of gridiron glory that’ll make your head spin faster than a flea-flicker.

Rookies like Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. are ready to prove their worth, veterans are out to show they’ve still got it, and somewhere, a kicker is praying not to become this week’s meme.

Whether you’re riding the Bijan hype train or betting on Burrow to torch the Pats, this slate’s got more potential than a young Tom Brady at the combine. So grab your lucky jersey, set those lineups, and get ready for a week that’s as unpredictable as a Travis Kelce interview.

Football’s back, baby, and it’s time to make your significant other hate Sundays again!


Thursday, Sept. 5

Baltimore Ravens @ Kansas City Chiefs

Favorite: Chiefs -3

Over/Under: 46.5

DraftKings Slates: Thursday Showdown, Main 

Projected Fantasy Leaders: Patrick Mahomes (QB, $15,600), Travis Kelce (TE, $14,400), Lamar Jackson (QB, $17,100)

DFS Analysis:

The offense in this year’s NFL opener should be hotter than a Patrick Mahomes’ haircut. We suspect Mahomes and Kelce will connect for a score faster than you can say “touchdown dance.” As for Lamar, he’s a dual-threat beast, but he needs to avoid turnovers. WR Zay Flowers could shine as a sneaky flex option, especially with Kansas City’s secondary potentially vulnerable. The Ravens’ defense might struggle to contain Mahomes at Arrowhead, making a Chiefs’ stack more tempting than free healthcare.

(Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire)

Friday, Sept. 6

Green Bay Packers @ Philadelphia Eagles

Favorite: Eagles -2.5

Over/Under: 48.5

DraftKings Slates: Friday Showdown, Main 

Projected Fantasy Leaders: Jalen Hurts (QB, $7,300), A.J. Brown (WR, $8,000), Jordan Love (QB, $6,400)

DFS Analysis: Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown are primed to feast on the Packers’ secondary like it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet. Jordan Love’s continued breakout could lead to a high-scoring affair, but RB Josh Jacobs is merely a flyer mid-tier DFS option against Philly’s run defense. The Eagles’ D is strong, but they lose their home field edge in Brazil. If Love keeps it close, this one could be a fantasy bonanza. But good luck picking his targets.


Sunday, Sept. 8

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Atlanta Falcons

Favorite: Falcons -3

Over/Under: 41

DraftKings Slates: Sunday Early, Main, and Showdown

Projected Fantasy Leaders: Bijan Robinson (RB, $7,700), George Pickens (WR, $5,700), Drake London (WR, $6,000)

DFS Analysis: The Falcons are going to run more than Charlie Sheen from alimony payments. That makes Bijan Robinson’s the main course in Atlanta’s offensive buffet. George Pickens offers contrarian value in GPPs, but expect the Falcons’ run-heavy approach to dominate the game flow. Drake London’s target volume makes him a solid mid-tier option, especially against a potentially vulnerable Steelers secondary.


Arizona Cardinals @ Buffalo Bills

Favorite: Bills -5.5

Over/Under: 48

DraftKings Slates: Sunday Early, Main, and Showdown

Projected Fantasy Leaders: Josh Allen (QB, $8,000), James Conner (RB, $6,200), Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, $7,200)

DFS Analysis: Josh Allen may treat the Cardinals like a game of Madden on rookie mode. He’s one of the top QB DFS plays of Week 1. On the Cardinals’ side, James Conner could see volume, but game script may limit his upside. Marvin Harrison Jr. offers boom-or-bust potential, but the Cardinals’ passing attack might struggle against Buffalo’s defense, reducing Harrison’s DFS appeal.

(Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire)

Tennessee Titans @ Chicago Bears

Favorite: Bears -4

Over/Under: 43

DraftKings Slates: Sunday Early, Main, and Showdown

Projected Fantasy Leaders: Keenan Allen (WR, $6,900), Caleb Williams (QB, $5,900), Calvin Ridley (WR, $5,800)

DFS Analysis: Keenan Allen will be a security blanket for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. The veteran wide receiver’s ceiling in his Chicago debut? Higher than Snoop Dogg at a Cypress Hill concert. Meanwhile, Calvin Ridley will be making his first appearance as a member of the Tennesee Titans. He should be the top option on their offense, especially if WR Hopkins doesn’t suit up.


New England Patriots @ Cincinnati Bengals

Favorite: Bengals -9

Over/Under: 42

DraftKings Slates: Sunday Early, Main, and Showdown

Projected Fantasy Leaders: Joe Burrow (QB, $8,400), Ja’Marr Chase (QB, $9,100)

DFS Analysis: Burrow and Chase should torch the Pats’ secondary like marshmallows at a campfire. Patriots’ RB Rhamondre Stevenson offers a respectable floor due to volume, but the Patriots’ offense could struggle to keep pace, so he may lose touches late in the game.


Jacksonville Jaguars @ Miami Dolphins

Favorite: Dolphins -3.5

Over/Under: 49

DraftKings Slates: Sunday Early, Main, and Showdown

Projected Fantasy Leaders: Tua Tagovailoa (QB, $7,000), Tyreek Hill (WR, $8,700), Trevor Lawrence (QB, $6,200)

DFS Analysis: This matchup has more shootout potential than a drug bust gone bad. If your cash game budget allows, you’ll want to stack Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill like IHOP pancakes. Trevor Lawrence will need to air it out, making him a solid DFS option as well. And don’t forget RB Travis Etienne, whose receiving skills could make him a PPR sleeper.

(Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire)

Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts

Favorite: Texans -2

Over/Under: 42

DraftKings Slates: Sunday Early, Main, and Showdown

Projected Fantasy Leaders: C.J. Stroud (QB, $7,500), Stefon Diggs (WR, $6,700), Michael Pittman Jr. ($6,800)

DFS Analysis: This Texans’ passing attack should be as explosive as cousin Eddie after his third burrito. C.J. Stroud’s connection with Stefon Diggs makes them an elite DFS stack against a rebuilding Colts defense. Jonathan Taylor’s availability and health could make or break the Colts’ chances. Michael Pittman Jr. offers solid mid-range DFS value, as Indy may be playing catch-up and revert to the pass.


Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints

Favorite: Saints -3.5

Over/Under: 40

DraftKings Slates: Sunday Early, Main, and Showdown

Projected Fantasy Leaders: Derek Carr (QB, $5,300), Chris Olave (WR, $6,600)

DFS Analysis: Chris Olave is set to be Derek Carr’s top target and a cost-effective Week 1 DFS play. Bryce Young may soil the bed and is too risky of an option. Miles Sanders will see double-digit touches, but the Saints’ defense—which is tougher than a two-dollar steak—could curb his upside. It may be best to avoid the Carolina offense altogether.


Minnesota Vikings @ New York Giants

Favorite: Vikings -1

Over/Under: 41.5

DraftKings Slates: Sunday Early, Main, and Showdown

Projected Fantasy Leaders: Aaron Jones (RB, $6,500), Malik Nabers (WR, $5,900)

DFS Analysis: Justin Jefferson is normally a top DFS play but with Darnold under center, it’s chancy at $8,400. Aaron Jones provides strong value as the lead back. WR Malik Nabers could be a high-ceiling option. Given his legs, Daniel Jones could be your contrarian ticket to DFS glory – or therapy.


Las Vegas Raiders @ Los Angeles Chargers

Favorite: Chargers -3.5

Over/Under: 42.5

DraftKings Slates: Sunday Afternoon, Main, and Showdown

Projected Fantasy Leaders: Justin Herbert (QB, $5,800), Ladd McConkey (WR, $4,700), Gardner Minshew II (QB, $5,300)

DFS Analysis: Herbert’s health is more questionable than Lindsay Lohan’s life choices. If he and his arm cannon are back to 100%, Herbert is the Chargers’ top DFS play. Although, that doesn’t say much as LA’s suspect receiving corps faces a solid Raiders defense. On the Vegas side of the ball, Davante Adams is a risky option with Gardner Minshew II under center. Consider Adams more of a GPP play.

(Photo by Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire)

Denver Broncos @ Seattle Seahawks

Favorite: Seahawks -5

Over/Under: 42.5

DraftKings Slates: Sunday Afternoon, Main, and Showdown

Projected Fantasy Leaders: Geno Smith (QB, $5,500), D.K. Metcalf (WR, $6,200), Javonte Williams ($5,500)

DFS Analysis: Averaging 15.8 FPs at home last year, Geno Smith won’t win you any Super Bowls. Nonetheless, he’s got the targets to hit his 30+ FP ceiling on occasion. Metcalf is a matchup nightmare and a strong mid-tier WR play in DFS lineups. In Denver, Javonte Williams is another year removed from his injury. He’ll look to start his season on a high note against a rickety Seahawks run D.


Dallas Cowboys @ Cleveland Browns

Favorite: Browns -2.5

Over/Under: 43

DraftKings Slates: Sunday Afternoon, Main, and Showdown

Projected Fantasy Leaders: CeeDee Lamb (WR, $8,900)

DFS Analysis: CeeDee Lamb is the only blue-chip stock in this contest. Both QBs are more like investing in crypto – high risk, potentially high reward. Dak Prescott might struggle against a strong Browns defense, making him a risky option. Watson has played just 12 games in two seasons. And you know things are bad in Dallas when you have to re-sign Zeke Elliott. We’ll sidestep this contest.


Washington Commanders @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Favorite: Buccaneers -3

Over/Under: 42.5

DraftKings Slates: Sunday Afternoon, Main, and Showdown

Projected Fantasy Leaders: Baker Mayfield ($5,600), Mike Evans ($7,300), Terry McLaurin ($6,000)

DFS Analysis: Mike Evans is a reliable mid-tier DFS option with Baker Mayfield providing solid value if the Buccaneers’ offense clicks. Washington’s Jayden Daniels-led offense has more questions than answers. The Bucs’ defense could limit his ceiling. Nonetheless, McLaurin offers a relatively safe floor as a relief valve for Daniels.


Los Angeles Rams @ Detroit Lions

Favorite: Lions -3.5

Over/Under: 51

DraftKings Slates: Main, Showdown

Projected Fantasy Leaders: Jared Goff ($6,300), Amon-Ra St. Brown ($8,200), Puka Nacua ($7,400)

DFS Analysis: This game has shootout potential, making Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown DFS gold. Puka Nacua, if healthy, is a must-start, though his status should be monitored. Kyren Williams offers some value as an RB2, particularly if the Rams look to establish the run early.

(Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire)

Monday, Sept. 9

New York Jets @ San Francisco 49ers

Favorite: 49ers -4

Over/Under: 44

DraftKings Slates: Main, Showdown

Projected Fantasy Leaders: Christian McCaffrey, ($8,600), Mike Williams (WR, $5,700)

DFS Analysis: Rodgers is back, and saltier than a pretzel factory. He presents a high-risk, high-reward scenario in his Jets “debut” (we won’t count last year’s four snaps). Wilson is the #1 WR but Rodgers likes his ends, which account for 18% of his career passes. Hence, TE Tyler Conklin should at least 3x his $3,000 salary. Meanwhile, McCaffrey’s the safest bet since gravity – he’s as versatile as a Swiss Army knife and scores more than a heartthrob in a rom-com.


Draft a lineup in this week’s free NFL DFS contest and win a DFS Hub Season Pass!

Super Bowl NFL DFS Cheat Sheet – February 11, 2024

The big game has finally arrived, and as DFS Hub does each week, we’re sporting our playbook of wallet-winning NFL DFS tactics. Make your Super Bowl fiesta pack more punch with the pro tips below…

How to Generate Fat Fantasy Totals

  1. San Francisco 49ers (-2.0) at Kansas City Chiefs (+2.0) – O/U 47.5
    • While KC has been stingy to running backs this season, Christian McCaffrey has two TDs in back-to-back games. While pricey, expect CMC to make the most of his first Super Bowl appearance.
    • Brandon Aiyuk propelled the Niners in their comeback against the Lions and should remain a big part of San Fran’s offense with a Tgt%L4 of 21%.
    • Isiah Pacheco has scored at least one touchdown in every game he’s played since Week 12.
    • Pacheco has seen a median of 5.5 Red Zone opportunities across the last four games, so his TD streak has a good chance to continue.
    • Rashee Rice will also have his chances as the 49ers are ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in FPs allowed to wide receivers.

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(Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire)

Rebound Plays:  3 stars coming off one or more dud performances, with strong matchups

  1. George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers, $9,600 CPT / $6,400 FLEX
    • Kittle was quiet against Detroit last week but the veteran tight end started the postseason strong with 81 yards and a TD against Green Bay.
    • Since Week 14, Kittle has followed up every poor performance with no less than 16 FPs in his following outing.
    • The San Francisco TE has no concerns about his toe injury heading into the Big Game.
  2. Rashee Rice, WR, Kansas City Chiefs, $11,400 CPT / $7,600 FLEX
    • Rice has been held under 50 yards in back-to-back games but had two games over 125 yards before this slump.
    • While the KC offense is fairly deep, Rice still has a Tgt%L4 of 22%.
    • Despite recent struggles, the rookie is still averaging 18 FPs per game since Week 17.
  3. Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers, $15,000 CPT / $10,000 FLEX
    • KC has a DvPL4 of 18.8 fantasy points against QBs, a total Purdy hasn’t surpassed since Week 15.
    • Following a Week 16 meltdown that saw Purdy throw four interceptions, the QB has thrown just one pick.
    • Purdy has failed to eclipse 230 yards just once since Week 6.

Prop Bonanza: Flex players with high prop-to-salary ratios

  1. Jerick McKinnon, RB, KC, $200
    • The lowest TDCost on the slate at $1.35; a better TD prop odds than even Edwards-Helaire, Watson, MVS, Jennings and Conley; he’s a game-time decision, but if he plays, he’s a must-start at this price
  2. Kyle Juszczyk, RB, SF, $800
    • Low $8.08 TDCost; had three targets against the Lions; might be a sneaky red zone option for the 49ers
  3. Isiah Pacheco, RB, KC, $8,000
    • -122 TD prop line; four targets in his last game; at least one TD every week since week 12

Draft a lineup in this week’s free NFL DFS contest for prizes!

Championship Sunday NFL DFS Cheat Sheet – 2023

The penultimate Sunday of the NFL season is here. On tap are two high-drama showdowns with ample star power. Let’s kick off Championship Sunday NFL DFS preview by digging into these two matchups.

2 Games That Should Generate Fat Fantasy Totals

  1. Detroit Lions (+7.0) at San Francisco 49ers (-7.0) – O/U 51.0
    • The Lions have yielded nearly 340 yards per game through the air over the last four weeks.
    • Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel could be the main beneficiaries of a Detroit D ranked 30th in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers.
    • Jared Goff will have his chances, too, as the 49ers have allowed a 19.3 DvPL4 (median FPs to QBs in the last four games)
    • Goff has kept the ball away from opposing defenses, with no interceptions in the last three weeks.
  2. Kansas City Chiefs (+3.5) at Baltimore Ravens (-3.5) – O/U 44.5
    • Isiah Pacheco has a chance to get things going on the ground as the Ravens have a DvPL4 of 33.0 fantasy points allowed to running backs.
    • Before shutting down Houston in the Divisional Round, the Ravens gave up over 120 yards on the ground in each of their previous three games.
    • Lamar Jackson has an incredible 9 TDs in his last two games and back-to-back outings of 39 FPs.

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(Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire)

Rebound Plays:  3 stars coming off one or more dud performances, with strong matchups

  1. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers, $6,900
    • Aiyuk had just 32 yards in the Divisional Round, but now matches up with the Lions and their abysmal DvPL4 of 61.0 FPs allowed to WRs.
    • The Lions were the best team in the NFL against running backs this season, so the Niners may be more inclined to throw the ball in this one.
    • With Deebo on the mend, Aiyuk should be the focal point of the passing game.
  2. Rashee Rice, WR, Kansas City Chiefs, $5,700
    • Following two straight games of over 125 yards, Rice was quiet last week against Buffalo.
    • Despite seeing just 4 targets versus the Bills, Rice still has a Tgt%L4 of 24%.
    • Baltimore have kept tight ends to a median of 9.8 FPs over the last four games, so KC may have to look to their wide receiver to attack the Ravens through the air.
  3. Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers, $6,400
    • Purdy hasn’t put up more than 18 fantasy points in a game since Week 15 but faces a Detroit D ranked 30th in FPs allowed to quarterbacks.
    • The Lions have a DvPL4 25.7 FPs given up to QBs, which is Purdy’s best matchup of the season.
    • Purdy hasn’t thrown a pick in the last three of the last four weeks.

Prop Bonanza: Flex players with high prop-to-salary ratios

  1. George Kittle, TE, SF, $5,300
    • 2nd lowest TDCost with a -118 TD prop line; Detroit’s D was ranked 25th against tight ends this year
  2. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, SF, $6,900
    • Lowest TDCost of any receiver; +103 TD prop line; faces DET secondary that is 1.2 standard deviations below average
  3. Sam LaPorta, TE, DET, $5,400
    • Reasonable TDCost with a +161 TD prop line; now healthy, he’s fairly matchup-proof and remains an integral part of the Lion’s offense.

Draft a lineup in this week’s free NFL DFS contest for prizes!

Divisional Round NFL DFS Cheat Sheet – 2023

The NFL divisional round is in full swing, with the top-seeded teams making their postseason debut. The weekend’s highlights include the Detroit Lions hosting a playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the much-anticipated rematch between Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes. With only eight teams remaining in the fight for the NFL’s biggest prize, the stakes are high and the excitement is palpable. Let’s sift through the DFS gold mine of the Divisional Round, while trying not to step on any fantasy landmines.

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2 Games That Could Generate Fat Fantasy Totals

  1. Green Bay Packers (+9.5) at San Francisco 49ers (-9.5)– O/U 50.5
    • Following a three-touchdown performance in the Wild Card Round, Jordan Love has 12 TDs during Green Bay’s four-game winning streak.
    • MVP candidate Christian McCaffrey gets a juicy matchup against a bottom-ten D in fantasy points allowed.
    • Aaron Jones has rushed for at least 110 yards in each of his last four games.
  2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+6.5) at Detroit Lions (-6.0) – O/U 48.5
    • Detroit QB Jared Goff has thrown an INT in only two of his last eight games.
    • The Buccs are ranked 29th in the NFL in FPs allowed to tight ends which bodes well for Detroit rookie Sam LaPorta.
    • Tampa’s wide receivers will look to feast on a Detroit D allowing a median 61.1 fantasy points to WRs in the last four games.

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(Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire)

Rebound Plays:  3 stars coming off one or more dud performances, with strong matchups

  1. Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, $7,200
    • The veteran wideout has scored 10 FPs or less in the last three weeks but faces a Detroit D ranked 30th in fantasy points allowed to WRs.
    • Despite just 70 yards combined in his last two games, Evans has still seen 15 targets.
    • With a DvPL4 of 61.1 FPs, there’ll be plenty of opportunities to go around for Evans and the other Tampa Bay receivers.
  2. Devin Singletary, RB, Houston Texans, $5,700
    • Singletary hasn’t eclipsed 100 yards in a game since Week 15 but has scored a TD in back-to-back games.
    • The Ravens have been kind to opposing backs recently, with a DvPL4 33.0 FPs.
    • Houston’s starting running back has a median snap share of 67% over the last four games.
  3. George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers, $5,200
    • Kittle has been boom or bust in his last four games, but should lean more towards the boom against a Green Bay D ranked 26th in FPs allowed to TEs.
    • Despite a 29-yard dud in Week 18, Kittle is still averaging over 71 yards per game during the last four weeks.
    • The Packers DvPL4 of 15.8 FPs against tight ends is the best matchup Kittle has faced all season.

Prop Bonanza: Flex players with high prop-to-salary ratios

  1. Christian McCaffrey, RB, SF, $8,800
    • He may not have bargain pricing but CMC has the 2nd best TDCost
    • His TD prop line is -375, SF is a 10 point favorite, and GB is ranked 22nd against RBs
  2. George Kittle, TE, SF, $5,200
    • Third best TDCost, facing the 26th ranked TE defense, he led all tight ends this season with 1,020 receiving yards

Draft a lineup in this week’s free NFL DFS contest for prizes!

Wild Card Round NFL DFS Cheat Sheet – 2023

The regular season may be over, but the biggest NFL DFS competition is just getting started with Wild Card round. These playoff slates are jam-packed with matchups that will have you couch-bound all weekend.

Scoring Alert: 3 Games That Could Generate Fat Fantasy Totals

  1. Los Angeles Rams (+3.0) at Detroit Lions (-3.0)– O/U 51.5
    • The Cardinals have given up over 100 points throughout the last three weeks.
    • Arizona has a DvPL4 of 40.8 FPs against running backs, which bodes well for Kenneth Walker III.
    • Geno Smith hasn’t scored less than 17 fantasy points in the last three weeks and faces the 25th-ranked D in fantasy points allowed to QBs.
  2. Dallas Cowboys (-7.5) at Green Bay Packers (+7.5) – O/U 50.5
    • Jordan Love has been on fire during Green Bay’s three-game win streak, throwing for 9 TDs and no interceptions.
    • Dallas tight end Jake Ferguson will have a chance to do some damage against a GB defense ranked 26th in fantasy points allowed to TEs.
    • The Cowboys are giving up 133 rushing yards per game in the last four weeks.
  3. Cleveland Browns (-2.5) at Houston Texans (2.5) – O/U 44.5
    • Texans QB C.J. Stroud was the AFC Offensive Player of the Week six times this season
    • Texans WR Nico Collins posted a career-high 195 yards receiving against the Colts in week 18.
    • The Browns have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing QBs
    • Joe Flacco is red hot, having thrown for 300+ yards in his last four games

(Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire)

Rebound Plays:  3 stars coming off one or more dud performances, with strong matchups

  1. Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions, $6,200
    • Goff has been held to under 15 fantasy points in two of his last three games but his old team is ranked 29th in FPs allowed to quarterbacks.
    • The Lions have averaged over 30 points per game during their last four.
    • LA’s QB has avoided throwing an interception in five of his last seven games.
  2. Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams, $7,500
    • The star wideout had just 27 receiving yards in Week 18, but Detroit has a monstrous DvPL4 of 59.0 FPs allowed to wide receivers.
    • The veteran receiver has brought down a TD in four of his last five games.
    • Kupp has a median of 3.0 red zone opportunities per game across the last four weeks.
  3. Stefon Diggs, WR, Buffalo Bills, $7,400
    • After four straight games under 50 yards, Diggs finally broke out a bit in Week 18 with 87 receiving yards.
    • Diggs has a target share of 28% during the last four weeks.
    • With teammate Gabe Davis potentially nursing an injury, Diggs may have even more opportunities than usual.

Prop Bonanza: Flex players with high prop-to-salary ratios

  1. Tony Pollard, RB, DAL, $6,100
    • Lowest TDCost and a solid matchup (DAL -7) at home against Green Bay, which allowed the fifth-most rushing yards this season; -159 TD prop line
  2. Isiah Pacheco, RB, KC, $6,400
    • One+ TDs in each of his last four games; 32.5 FPs in his last outing; -139 TD prop line, at home (-5); MIA is normally a tough RB matchup but perhaps not in 4-degree weather
  3. Khalil Shakir, WR, BUF, $3,400
    • Lowest TDCost of any WR; #2 receiver with Gabe Davis out; faces shaky PIT coverage

Draft a lineup in this week’s free NFL DFS contest for prizes!

Week 18 NFL DFS Cheat Sheet – 2023

As the curtain closes on the NFL’s regular season, welcome to Week 18 – the final act where playoff dreams hang in the balance, and fantasy rosters become more of a gamble than a Vegas slot machine. It’s the time of year when “big playoff implications” really means “let’s see who chokes and who becomes a legend.”

Keep a wary eye on the Chiefs, Rams, 49ers and Browns, though, as they might be giving their starters more bench time than an underwhelming second-stringer. And for those hanging their hopes on Jacksonville’s golden boy, Trevor Lawrence – he’s a “gametime decision.” In the world of fantasy, that’s about as comforting as hearing your pilot might Google “how to land” mid-flight.

Last but not least, don’t forget to factor in contract incentives, which always play a factor.

Now let’s get to this week’s big 3 games…

Scoring Alert: 3 Games That Could Generate Fat Fantasy Totals

  1. Seattle Seahawks (-2.5) at Arizona Cardinals (+2.5) – O/U 47.5
    • The Cardinals have given up over 100 points throughout the last three weeks.
    • Arizona has a DvPL4 of 40.8 FPs against running backs, which bodes well for Kenneth Walker III.
    • Geno Smith hasn’t scored less than 17 fantasy points in the last three weeks and faces the 25th-ranked D in fantasy points allowed to QBs.
  2. Dallas Cowboys (-13.5) at Washington Commanders (+13.5) – O/U 47.0
    • CeeDee Lamb is coming off of a game with 44.2 FPs and has a juicy matchup with the 31st-ranked defense in fantasy points allowed to pass catchers.
    • Lamb won’t be the only Dallas receiver that could feast in Week 18 as Washington has a DvPL4 of 51.1 fantasy points against WRs.
    • Washington has coughed up 181 rushing yards per game during their last three games.
  3. Minnesota Vikings (-3.5) at Detroit Lions (+3.5) – O/U 45.5
    • The Lions have allowed nearly 700 passing yards during the last two weeks, 373 of which were given up to the Vikings.
    • Minnesota is allowing 30 points per game during their recent three-game losing skid.
    • Amon-Ra St. Brown has at least 100 yards and a TD in each of his last three games.

(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire)

Rebound Plays:  3 stars coming off one or more dud performances, with strong matchups

  1. Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings, $8,500
    • Jefferson scored 29.1 FPs in his last outing against the Lions two weeks ago.
    • The Minnesota star has seen exactly 10 targets in each of his last three games.
    • Detroit is ranked 29th in the league in FPs given up to WRs.
  2. A.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles, $8,700
    • With just 5 targets, Brown is coming off his second-lowest target total of the year, but the Eagles plan to rectify that in Week 18.
    • Even with his low target total in Week 17, Brown still has a Tgt%L4 of 31%.
    • Brown managed 80 yards on 11 targets in his last matchup with the Giants, who are ranked 28th in the NFL in fantasy points allowed receivers.
  3. Rachaad White, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, $7,600
    • Before Week 17, White had a TD in four straight games.
    • The Panthers are second to last in the league in FPs given up to RBs.
    • Even after a Week 17 dud, White is still averaging nearly 20 fantasy points per game in his last four.