It’s been a rough few weeks recently with regards to viable tight end options in DFS, but things are shaping up to be much more favorable at the position for Week 13.
Read MoreNFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 13 – Quarterbacks and Running Backs
The good news is that there are no teams on a bye in Week 13. The bad news is that we have three games on Thanksgiving, so we still have a somewhat limited amount of options for the main Sunday slate in DFS. With that being said, several of the top offenses will be at our disposal, which should make for an interesting group of games.
Read MoreNFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 12 – Quarterbacks and Running Backs
The Chiefs, Vikings and Chargers are among the four teams who are on a bye in Week 12, leaving us without the services of Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, Dalvin Cook and Melvin Gordon in DFS. As we wade through who is still available, here are some quarterbacks and running backs who could be in line for productive afternoons.
Read MoreNFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 7 – Wide Receivers
While there is no shortage of big names at wide receiver for Week 7, there are also several cheaper options who could outproduce their price point.
Read MoreNFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 7 – Running Backs
Week 7 brings yet another main Sunday slate in DFS with no Christian McCaffrey since the Panthers will be on a bye. We still have some excellent options to choose from, though, including some cheaper players with upside.
Read MoreNFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 7- Quarterbacks
The main Sunday afternoon slate is going to look very different for Week 7. The Chiefs, Eagles, Cowboys, Patriots and Browns are all either playing in a prime time game or are on a bye, taking some of the more prominent quarterbacks off the table.
Read MoreNFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 6 – Quarterbacks
We have four teams on a bye during Week 6 and one game in London that has an early start time Sunday, leaving us with fewer options than normal for the main DFS slate. With that being said, there are still some very intriguing quarterbacks to discuss.
Read MoreNFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 15 – WR, TE, DEF/ST
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Reader-only discount! Use code EBIRD15 at checkout to save 15%.
We’ve already discussed some of the top plays at quarterback and running back for Week 15 in DFS, so now let’s dive into the rest of the positions and target some of the best options to consider. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
WIDE RECEIVERS
JuJu Smith-Schuster vs. New England Patriots
Stadium – Heinz Field
FanDuel = $7,800
DraftKings = $8,000
Smith-Schuster came away with another monster performance last week against the Raiders, catching eight of 12 targets for 130 yards and two touchdowns. With opposing defenses focusing their efforts on Antonio Brown, Smith-Schuster has been able to record seven games with at least 100 receiving yards this season. In fact, he has 91 receptions and 1,234 yards compared to 86 receptions and 1,063 yards for Brown. However, Brown has the edge in touchdowns with 12 compared to six for Smith-Schuster. This could be a high-scoring game against a Patriots offense that finally has a healthy complement of skill players, leaving Smith-Schuster with a high floor once again.
Tyler Boyd vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – Paul Brown Stadium
FanDuel = $6,700
DraftKings = $5,700
It’s hard to get too excited about the Bengals’ passing attack with both Andy Dalton (thumb) and A.J. Green (foot) on the shelf. Jeff Driskel hasn’t exactly played well since taking over for Dalton, throwing for 406 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception over two games. Boyd hasn’t been able to find his way into the end zone, but he has been active with nine catches for 149 on 14 targets during that stretch. This is a favorable matchup against a Raiders defense that has allowed the most passing touchdowns (31) in the league, making Boyd a viable option despite Driskel’s lackluster play.
Robert Foster vs. Detroit Lions
Stadium – New Era Field
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,300
The Bills were already extremely thin at wide receiver when they decided to release both Kelvin Benjamin and Andre Holmes. Zay Jones is now their top receiver, but Foster also has a much larger role. He logged 96 percent of the Bills’ offensive snaps in Week 14, catching seven of eight targets for 104 yards. Actually, that marked the third time in the last four games where he racked up at least 94 yards. Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen isn’t a very accurate passer, but the amount of targets that Foster should receive makes him a viable cheap option in tournament play.
Jordy Nelson vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Stadium – Paul Brown Stadium
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,200
Nelson seems to be over his battle with a knee injury, logging at least 90 percent of the Raiders’ offensive snaps in each of their last three games. He couldn’t get much going against a tough Ravens defense in Week 12, but he’s amassed 16 receptions for 145 yards across his last two games. With the Raiders short on talent after trading away Amari Cooper, Nelson received 18 targets during their last two contests. The Bengals allow the fourth-most passing yards per game (274) in the league, leaving Nelson as an intriguing cost-effective option for your entry.
TIGHT ENDS
Rob Gronkowski vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Stadium – Heinz Field
FanDuel = $6,900
DraftKings = $5,800
When Gronkowski is healthy, his upside is off the charts. The problem is, that’s been a rare occurrence this season. The good news for the Patriots is that he’s healthy right now and might be peaking at the time of the year when it matters the most. He made quick work of the Dolphins last week, catching all eight of his targets for 107 yards and one touchdown. That was his first 100-yard game since Week 1. Although he only has three touchdowns this season, two of them have come in the last three weeks. The Steelers have allowed 853 yards and seven touchdowns to tight ends, potentially setting up Gronkowski for another dominant performance.
Jared Cook vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Stadium – Paul Brown Stadium
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,600
With the Raiders short on options at wide receiver, Cook has become one of the main weapons in their passing game. He’s already set career-highs in receptions (61), receiving yards (825) and touchdowns (six) with three games still to go. His last two games have been especially productive, catching 14 of 18 targets for 216 yards and a touchdown. Opposing tight ends have racked up 771 yards and seven touchdowns against the Bengals this year, so expect them to have a hard time slowing down Cook.
C.J. Uzomah vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – Paul Brown Stadium
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $3,600
Uzomah hasn’t been overly productive with Driskel at the helm the last two weeks, catching eight of 10 targets for 70 yards. However, of all the healthy skill players that the Bengals have left, Uzomah being on the field for 85 percent of their offensive snaps is the second-highest mark on the team behind Boyd. The Raiders have been the worst team in football at defending tight ends, allowing 961 yards and nine touchdowns to the position. At this cheap price, Uzomah’s high snap rate makes him an intriguing tournament option.
DEFENSES/SPECIAL TEAMS
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Washington Redskins
Stadium – TIAA Bank Field
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $3,400
If you play in season-long fantasy, the demise of the Jaguars’ defense should serve as a reminder to never pay up for defenses early in drafts. They’ve regressed significantly after being one of the most stout units in the league last year, including allowing 30 points to the Titans in Week 14 and 24 points to the Bills in Week 12. Their sacks are down significantly and they haven’t been forcing a lot of turnovers, either. Despite all of that, they are still a great option in Week 15 against a Redskins team that has been decimated by injuries to the quarterback position. It’s to the point where Josh Johnson will start this game. To put that into perspective, prior to his relief effort of Mark Sanchez in Week 14, Johnson hadn’t thrown a pass in the NFL since 2011.
New York Giants vs. Tennessee Titans
Stadium – MetLife Stadium
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $2,600
The Giants are coming on strong down the stretch, but it might be a case of too little, too late for their playoff chances. Not only are they scoring more points, but their defense has 10 sacks, five interceptions, a fumble recovery and two touchdowns across their last two games. That came against a Bears team starting Chase Daniels at quarterback and the aforementioned dumpster fire that is the Redskins’ quarterback situation, but at least they took care of business. The Titans offense isn’t exactly an offensive juggernaut, either, averaging just 19.3 points per game, leaving the Giants a viable option in tournament play.
NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 12 – TE/DEF/ST
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Reader-only discount! Use code EBIRD15 at checkout to save 15%.
The tight end position could receive a significant boost in Week 12 with Rob Gronkowski (back/ankle) expected to play for the first time since Week 8. Let’s dive into the schedule and examine some players, and defenses/special teams, to target or avoid as you create your entry. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
CASH CONTEST OPTIONS
Zach Ertz vs. New York Giants
Stadium – Lincoln Financial Field
FanDuel = $7,600
DraftKings = $6,400
Last week was about as ugly as it could get for the Eagles. Their defense was destroyed by the Saints and their offense looked completely inept, resulting in a 48-7 loss. Even Ertz, who is normally immune to any shortcomings the rest of the offense might have, finished with just two catches for 15 yards. He only had three targets, which is crazy considering he had 16 the previous week and hasn’t had fewer than six in any game this year.
Chalk Week 11 up to basically a worst case scenario for Ertz. He’s already had seven games with at least 10 targets, so he’ll continue to have one of the highest floors of any tight end. When the Eagles faced the Giants in Week 6, Ertz caught seven of nine targets for 43 yards and a touchdown. The Giants defense has traded away a couple of key players since then, setting up Ertz with the potential for an even better performance in their rematch.
George Kittle vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Stadium – Raymond James Stadium
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $6,200
It hasn’t mattered who is throwing passes to Kittle so far this season. He’s emerged as one of the best tight ends in fantasy despite playing for an offense that is riddled with injuries and very short on talent. He lit up the Giants for nine receptions and 83 yards in Week 10, setting a season-high with 10 targets. That marked the third time in the last four games that he has received at least eight targets.
Kittle is a strong play against most teams, but this really stands out as a game for him to exploit a terrible Bucs defense. They’ve struggled in just about every facet of the game, including allowing 747 yards and five touchdowns to opposing tight ends. Even though his price has climbed significantly, Kittle is still a great option for cash contests.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Buffalo Bills
Stadium – New Era Field
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,000
The Jaguars were locking down the Steelers for the majority of their game last week, but couldn’t hold on at the end. The Steelers stormed back from a 16-0 deficit to beat them, 20-16. Facing the Steelers is no easy task, but the Jaguars defense looked primed for a big game with three interceptions and two sacks before ultimately letting the team down.
It was going to be difficult for the Jaguars to replicate the stellar defensive numbers that they compiled last year, so it’s not all that surprising that they have regressed to an extent. They have allowed at least 20 points in six straight games, including two contests where they allowed at least 30 points. Their sack numbers are down, but they have still held opponents to the third-fewest passing yards per game (210). If there was ever a week for them to get back to their dominant form, this is it against a Bills offense that has been anemic for the majority of the season.
GPP TOURNAMENT OPTIONS
Nick Vannett vs. Carolina Panthers
Stadium – Bank of America Stadium
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $2,700
The Seahawks are riding the high of taking down the Packers in Week 11. Their run-heavy offense came through for them again with Chris Carson, Rashaad Penny, and Mike Davis combining for 155 yards and a touchdown. Vannett wasn’t very involved, catching just one of two targets for 17 yards. If there was a silver lining from his performance it was that he was on the field for 60 percent of the Seahawks offensive snaps.
There is certainly plenty of risk involved with Vannett. The Seahawks don’t throw the ball much, which has resulted in Vannett receiving three targets or fewer in three of his last four games. However, during that four-game stretch, he also showed his upside with six catches, 52 yards, and a touchdown in Week 9 against the Chargers. This matchup couldn’t be any better against a Panthers defense that allowed a whopping nine touchdowns to tight ends, so don’t overlook Vannett in tournament play.
Cameron Brate vs. San Francisco 49ers
Stadium – Raymond James Stadium
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $3,600
Brate has largely been an afterthought in the Bucs offense behind O.J. Howard. He’s only received 17 targets all season compared to 48 for Howard. However, Brate will have the position all to himself now after Howard injured his ankle last week and was placed on injured reserve.
The Bucs are lucky to have such a talented backup in Brate. He’s shown an ability to be a major contributor in the past, hauling in 14 touchdowns across the previous two seasons. Even with his limited workload this year, he’s found his way into the end zone three times. Not only is Brate a hot pickup if you play in season-long fantasy, but he’s a great option in DFS for Week 12 at such a cheap price.
Buffalo Bills vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Stadium – New Era Field
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $2,700
The Bills have come crashing back down to Earth after finally ending their long playoff drought last year. Their offense is significantly devoid of talent and injuries haven’t helped their cause, either. However, they headed into their bye riding the high of a demolishing of the Jets in which the defense had three sacks and two interceptions. The Jets don’t exactly have a lot of weapons on offense and were without Sam Darnold (foot), but the Bills still held them to 10 points.
If there has been a bright spot for the Bills, it’s been their defense. They’ve allowed the fewest passing yards per game (202) and the 10th-fewest rushing yards per game (99.8). The Jaguars finally have star running back Leonard Fournette healthy, but Blake Bortles has been awful. They’ve only scored an average of 14.7 points across their last six contests, so this could be an opportunity to roll with the Bills defense if you’d like to save a little money at the position.
PLAYERS TO AVOID
Evan Engram vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Stadium – Lincoln Financial Field
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $4,200
Engram didn’t exactly shine last week against the Bucs, finishing with two catches for 66 yards. He only received two targets and was on the field for just 32 percent of the Giants offensive snaps. The problem for Engram is that the Giants have a lot of talent around him. With Odell Beckham Jr. and Saquan Barkley the clear leaders of their offense, Engram doesn’t always get a ton of passes thrown his way. The Eagles have only allowed 370 yards and two touchdowns to tight ends, making Engram an unappealing option in DFS.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – M&T Bank Stadium
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $3,300
The Ravens are certainly not someone to avoid based on their matchup. The Raiders have had trouble scoring points and are running out of healthy players. Despite this looking like a prime spot to use the Ravens, it might not be as great as you think. The Ravens had a crazy 11 sacks against the Titans in Week 6, but they only have three sacks across four games since. They also have just five interceptions, which is the sixth-fewest in the league. You’ll have to pay up to get them into your lineup, so it might not be a wise choice based on their inability to provide sacks and turnovers.
NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 10 – Running Backs
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Reader-only discount! Use code EBIRD15 at checkout to save 15%.
Only a few of the top running backs won’t be available for the main Sunday slate in DFS for Week 10, leaving plenty of great options to choose from across the price scale. Let’s dig into the position to see where you can gain the edge for your entry. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
CASH CONTEST OPTIONS
Todd Gurley vs. Seattle Seahawks
Stadium – Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
FanDuel = $10,800
DraftKings = $9,400
The Rams were caught in a shootout with the Saints in Week 9, which finally led to a subpar game from Gurley. He averaged 5.2 yards-per-carry, but he only finished with 68 yards on 13 attempts. The Saints held him in check in the passing game, as well, with Gurley finishing with six catches on seven targets for 11 yards. Even though Gurley managed to record a rushing touchdown, he had just one touchdown for the second straight week.
If you paid up to get Gurley in your entry last week, you were left disappointed, but don’t let that cloud your judgment moving forward. This is a much better matchup against a far inferior Seahawks offense, which should lead to more rushing attempts for Gurley. The Seahawks are also allowing an average of 4.8 yards-per-carry, which is tied for the fourth-most in the league. When these two teams met earlier this season, Gurley finished with 113 total yards and three touchdowns.
Kareem Hunt vs. Arizona Cardinals
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $9,000
DraftKings = $8,500
The Chiefs had another great offensive performance against the Browns in Week 9 and Hunt was right in the thick of the action. He had 17 carries for 90 yards, and although he only received two targets, he caught one of them for a 50-yard touchdown. Add in his two rushing touchdowns and it was his third multi-touchdown game of the season. A feat even more impressive than that is that he has at least one touchdown in eight straight contests.
With the ease at which the Chiefs move the ball, Hunt is going to get plenty of opportunities for touchdowns. This is another stellar matchup for him against the Cardinals, who have allowed the second-most rushing yards per game (143.1). Their 12 rushing touchdowns allowed is also tied for the second-most, so don’t hesitate to pay up for Hunt.
Melvin Gordon vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $8,900
DraftKings = $9,000
A bye week came at just the right time for the Chargers. Gordon missed Week 7 with a hamstring injury, but a bye in Week 8 helped him to miss only that one game. He certainly didn’t look hampered at all against the Seahawks on Sunday, turning 16 carries into 113 yards and a touchdown. That marked the third time in his last four games that Gordon finished with at least 6.9 yards-per-carry.
Week 10 brings a matchup against the Raiders, who looked like a trainwreck against the 49ers last week. In their first meeting this season, Gordon had 120 total yards and a touchdown against the Raiders. With the Raiders allowing the most rushing yards per game (144.5), expect Gordon to have another strong performance in their rematch.
GPP TOURNAMENT OPTIONS
Tevin Coleman vs. Cleveland Browns
Stadium – FirstEnergy Stadium
FanDuel = $7,300
DraftKings = $5,400
Coleman’s performance against the Redskins in Week 9 was impressive. They’ve had one of the better run defenses in the league this year, but Coleman still finished with 88 rushing yards on just 13 carries. He did plenty of damage in the passing game, as well, hauling in five of seven targets for 68 yards and two touchdowns. Those are the only two receiving touchdowns the Redskins have allowed to running backs all season.
Coleman is still sharing the backfield duties with Ito Smith, but Coleman has been on the field for exactly 57 percent of the Falcons offensive plays in each of their last three games. Smith wasn’t on the field more than 46 percent of the time in any of those contests. The Browns have allowed the fourth-most rushing yards per game (138.9) and the most rushing touchdowns (14), leaving Coleman with excellent upside.
David Johnson vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
FanDuel = $6,900
DraftKings = $6,800
If you play in season-long fantasy football, Johnson is right up there with some of the biggest disappointments in the league. The Cardinals finally moved on from offensive coordinator Mike McCoy before Week 8, which really can only help Johnson at this point. His first game with Byron Leftwich as offensive coordinator wasn’t exactly off the charts, but he finished with 100 total yards against the 49ers, marking just the second time this season he has recorded at least 100 total yards in a game.
The Cardinals had a bye last week, which should be helpful as they adopt Leftwich’s new offense. He’s already stated his desire to get Johnson more involved, at least bringing him back onto the radar in DFS. This is certainly a favorable matchup for Johnson to exploit with the Chiefs allowing a league-high 5.2 yards-per-carry. There is risk involved here, but Johnson could be someone to consider for your entry.
Duke Johnson Jr. vs. Atlanta Falcons
Stadium – FirstEnergy Stadium
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $4,700
One of the more perplexing things we’ve seen this season is the Browns usage of Johnson. After finishing with 74 catches on 93 targets last year, Johnson only had 20 receptions on 29 targets through their first eight games. The Browns decided to clean house by firing their head coach and offensive coordinator last week, which immediately provided positive results for Johnson. With the Browns trying to keep up with the Chiefs, Johnson caught all nine of his targets for 78 yards and two touchdowns.
It was about time the Browns got Johnson more involved. They aren’t exactly deep at wide receiver, so it would seem to remain in their best interest to keep throwing passes Johnson’s way. If he can get similar usage in Week 10, he could once again have a big stat line considering the Falcons have allowed a league-high 68 receptions to opposing running backs. At this cheap price. Johnson could be well worth the risk in tournament play.
Jalen Richard vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Stadium – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,800
Few losses this season have been as embarrassing as the one the Raiders suffered at the hands of the 49ers in Week 9. With Nick Mullens making his first career start, they managed to blow out the Raiders, 34-3. Richard only had two carries in that contest, but running the ball is not his forte. He did catch all four of his targets for 45 yards, marking his fourth-straight game with at least four targets.
After the Raiders dealt Amari Cooper to the Cowboys and lost Marshawn Lynch to injury, their offense doesn’t have a ton of talented playmakers left. Their defense has played poorly as well, which should leave with some early deficits to try and make up. In those situations, Richard should be heavily involved in catching passes out of the backfield. Don’t be surprised if the Chargers race out to an early lead, setting things up nicely for Richard to provide value.
PLAYERS TO AVOID
Leonard Fournette vs. Indianapolis Colts
Stadium – Lucas Oil Stadium
FanDuel = $7,000
DraftKings = $6,300
Fournette injured his hamstring in the first game of the season against the Giants, which forced him to miss the subsequent two games. He tried to return in Week 4, but couldn’t make it through that contest and hasn’t played since. After having a bye in Week 9, everything is pointing towards Fournette taking the field against the Colts. Although he can be a major asset when healthy, it might be best to make sure he can make it through an entire game before you start playing him in DFS again.
Adrian Peterson vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Stadium – Raymond James Stadium
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $5,700
Peterson’s success with the Redskins has been surprising. After looking ineffective with the Saints and Cardinals last year, Peterson has already rushed for at least 96 yards in a game five times this season. However, his prognosis going forward looks extremely bleak with the Redskins offensive line decimated by injuries. Not only have they lost guards Brandon Schreff (pectoral) and Shawn Lauvao (knee) for the season, but tackle Trent Williams (thumb) is also a couple of weeks away from returning. With a bunch of backups blocking for him, Peterson isn’t very appealing at this price.