Week 16 of the NFL season is underway, and there are seven matchups in an action-packed early window.
DraftKings is offering an early slate DFS contest for the chance to win $50,000. I’ve gone through all the contests and highlighted a trio of under-the-radar options that can help give you a crucial edge.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL $200K Early Only Rush [$50K to 1st] (Early Only)
DraftKings Value Picks
DeVonta Smith ($5,800)
I had to triple-check that this was the correct pre-assigned price tag. DeVonta Smith is a top-20 wide receiver in the league. The stats might not back that up right now — he’s on pace to have the fewest receiving yards of his career. Smith has had to navigate a nagging hamstring injury and an aerial attack that went sideways in the middle of the season.
The former Heisman winner finally looks close to 100 percent, and the team wants to shore up the passing game before the postseason. With an emphasis on airing out the rock, Smith becomes a must-start fantasy asset. He’s coming off snagging 11 receptions for 109 yards and a score in a dominant effort against Pittsburgh. Washington is a more favorable matchup, and given his immediate increased role, Smith will continue to be a PPR darling on the outside.
Anthony Richardson ($5,400)
It has been a wildly disappointing campaign for Anthony Richardson, whose stock has undoubtedly cratered in recent weeks. The physical gifts are still tantalizing: a rocket arm, tree trunk-sized legs and a linebacker frame. Everything else he offers is far from desirable. The mental lapses continue to be backbreaking, the accuracy is historically spotty and the lack of progression is concerning.
So why is he being featured? Tennessee is trotting out a backup signal caller with a defense that has gotten worse month over month. The squad hasn’t totally rolled over, but it’s been a year to forget in Nashville. Richardson is playing to lock up the starting job in 2025, and even if he struggles to complete a pass, he has plenty of value running the ball, particularly in the red area.
Kyle Pitts ($4,000)
This is Kyle Pitts’ last chance. The “generational” tag gets tossed around far too easily, but even so, Pitts earned that moniker after an illustrious tenure at the University of Florida. After an impressive rookie campaign, Pitts has been nothing more than a potential merchant. The idea of him has always exceeded the production on the field. He had some brief flashes this season, but with Kirk Cousins’ horrific play, he couldn’t capitalize on his momentum.
Michael Penix Jr. takes over as signal caller, which should boost Pitts’ stock. Rookies tend to pepper their tight ends early, particularly near the goal line, where Pitts has never been able to find success at the next level. New York has one of the worst rosters in the NFL, and this is a prime position for the former Gator to finally break out and show signs of an elite pass catcher.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL $200K Early Only Rush [$50K to 1st] (Early Only)
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is xaiver-aguiar) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
