TX’s NFL DFS Afternoon Slate Plays – Week 17
What’s up, 4 DEEP?! My article will cover the three afternoon games on FanDuel. Ask me any lineup questions in Discord before lock (@TX). Let’s get into it!!
UPDATES: Ja’Marr Chase plans to warm up and test the shoulder. If he is a go he’s in play if out then bumps to the other Bengals players.
Favorite Stacks:
- Chiefs
- Seahawks
- Bengals
TX’s Elite QBs:
- Patrick Mahomes – He’s obviously the most talented QB on the slate with the highest ceiling, but the Chiefs have been bad and it’s reflecting in his fantasy points. However, we can’t overlook the Bengals are 31st against the pass, allowing 297 passing yards a game over their last nine.
TX’s Mid Tier QB:
- Geno Smith – The only thing that really makes him appealing is his weapons. He has elite weapons that can help him get there, but he’s so inconsistent, it’s hard to trust.
- Jake Browning – He has shown a nice floor and ceiling combo over his starts so far this season. He’s facing a tough Chiefs defense who plays the pass well, but the game script should give him a few more opportunities to get there.
- Mason Rudolph – I don’t hate it and he actually looked pretty decent last week. He’s the second cheapest QB on the slate and he has firepower in Pickens and Johnson on the outside.
TX’s Door #3 QB:
- Jarrett Stidham – Super cheap against a defense that’s struggled all year. He will be without Sutton, though, so that could be an issue.
TX’s Elite RBs:
- Isiah Pacheco – He’s been in concussion protocol, but assuming he clears, he’s my top RB on the slate.
- Joe Mixon – Hasn’t historically performed well against KC, but I like him around the goal, and he does have the ability to break the slate.
TX’s Mid Tier RBs:
- Austin Ekeler – On the road in Denver is a tough spot to play, but the Chargers’ options are limited and Ekeler can do it all.
- Javonte Williams – He’s cheap with a new QB at home and going against a defense who struggles against the run.
- Najee Harris / Jaylen Warren – Harris has gotten the bulk of the carries and has finally shown some life, so I think he’s the safer play, but Warren has the HR upside.
TX’s Door #3 RBs:
- Kenneth Walker –Tough match-up against the Steelers but they are favored at home. He just doesn’t have any consistency so it’s hard to list him as more than a door #3.
TX’s Elite WRs:
- Tee Higgins – He could be any team’s #1 and the game script should favor the Bengals’ passing game. Assuming Chase is out, if Chase is Higgins is still in play but I’m not as high on him.
- Rashee Rice – Showing to be the main dude in KC. 12 targets last week.
- DK Metcalf / Tyler Lockett– With Geno back, I’m off DK a little bit and I think it’s a Lockett week. Lockett has no floor, so it’s a tough move to go him over DK, but I think he has a nice game here.
TX’s Mid Tier WRs:
- George Pickens / Diontae Johnson – Pickens had six targets and two touchdowns last week, but Johnson had five targets and only two catches. I think Pickens is a fine play and we can pivot to Johnson and be different if needed.
- Jerry Jeudy – No Sutton this week and a new QB.
- JSN – Decent target share and price with some upside.
- Tyler Boyd – Saw seven targets last week and is cheap in a good game environment.
- Quentin Johnston – Cheap price and no depth for the Chargers at WR.
- Justin Watson – Has become the Chiefs’ WR #2 and has TD upside. The Bengals rank 32nd to WR2s and Toney is out this week as well.
TX’s Door #3 WRs:
- Andrei Iosivas – Has touchdown upside.
- Marvin Mims Jr / Brandon Johnson – Depleted WR corps in Denver with a new QB.
- MVS – Homerun upside and that’s it.
TX’s Elite TEs:
- Travis Kelce – He hasn’t looked good at all, but we know what he’s capable of and I’d hate to miss that “Kelce/Mahomes” game on a short slate.
TX’s Mid Tier TEs:
- Gerald Everett – Denver ranks 32nd against TEs in touchdowns allowed and 25th in yards allowed over their last nine games.
- Pat Freiermuth – Rudolph just doesn’t look towards the middle of the field, but if he does, at this price and in this match-up, he should succeed. This could be a good week for two tight ends.
TX’s Door #3 TEs:
- Tanner Hudson – This guy is a stud, and they just need to feed him the ball. The match-up isn’t ideal, but the game environment is there.
Defenses:
- Broncos – At home this week against Stick and a depleted Charger offense.
- Steelers – Decent price point with upside.
- Chiefs – Browning has been good, but the opportunities should be there for them to create some turnovers.
