This week, there is a three-game Saturday NFL slate. It seems like we are only a few years away from games every day of the week, across six continents, on eight streaming services, three of which don’t even exist yet. The football world domination is fully underway, and it’s time to fully embrace it. Enjoy this piece as a pre-breakfast appetizer, with digestible and rich details in enough bite-size chunks to make you feel nourished and ready for the day.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL $1.25M Saturday Special [$300K to 1st] (Sat)
Quarterback
Stud
Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos ($7,200) – If the Bengals somehow manage to squeak into the postseason, Joe Burrow needs to be at the forefront of the MVP conversation. To have such a high fantasy floor as a quarterback with no upside from his legs is almost unheard of, as the superstar continues to sling his way to absurd passing stats. He’s had over 20 fantasy points in six of his last seven games, including three 30-point explosions. The Denver defense has been staunch but has wilted against superior competition. Burrow is on a warpath, and there’s no slowing him down right now.
Value
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots ($5,900) – Justin Herbert is the Ferrari parked outside an abandoned house falling apart at the seams. His best weapon is a rookie slot receiver. The interior of his offensive line is abysmal. He has to be borderline perfect for this offense to have signs of life. Lucky for Los Angeles, Herbert has been incredibly impressive, dragging this group to the cusp of a ten-win campaign. His fantasy production has been volatile, but he has a chance to pop against a woeful New England bunch.
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Running Back
Stud
Kyren Williams, Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams ($7,500) – The advanced analytics crowd has to be tired of this Los Angeles ground attack. The unit is 23rd in EPA per rush, worse than the likes of Jacksonville and Cleveland. This might be worrisome to Sean McVay, but fantasy managers have loved this philosophy. Kyren Williams gets well over 20 touches a game and has found the end zone 15 times. Regardless of the inefficiency, his workload makes him a must-start.
Other Option – Chase Brown ($7,600)
Value
J.K. Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots – Fresh off the IR, J.K. Dobbins was well on his way to contending for Comeback Player of the Year before going down with a knee injury. With Gus Edwards already ruled out, Dobbins will reclaim his spot as the Chargers’ bell cow. New England has a putrid run defense, and Dobbins was producing some impressive outings earlier in the season. If he can stay on the field, it’s hard not to like his DFS potential.
Other Option – Audric Estime ($5,300)
Wide Receiver
Stud
Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos ($8,400) – As I type this, Ja’Marr Chase is probably open somewhere. He is the current “Best WR in the World” titleholder and is only driving up his price tag more in a contract year. Even if he doesn’t always cross the century mark, his dominance in the red zone has eliminated any chance of not showing up. Even if Patrick Surtain is lined up across from him, it’s hard not to like Chase’s chances. He always gets free for a massive play, it’s just a matter of time.
Other Option – Puka Nacua ($8,000)
Value
Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots ($5,100) – Quentin Johnston looks the part. He has a massive frame, can line up on the perimeter or in the slot, and looks like a freight train with the rock in his hands. The issue is his route running is a work in progress, and catching the ball always seems to be a challenge. If he can simply secure some passes, he can do enough damage to make an impact. Outside of Christian Gonzalez, New England’s secondary is substandard—this is Johnston’s chance to regain some fantasy value.
Other Option – DeVaugn Vele ($4,100)
Tight End
Stud
Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams ($6,200) – It’s almost impossible for a tight end to be effective and non-existent around the goal line, but Trey McBride defies the odds. There’s been plenty of chatter about McBride’s 92 receptions without a touchdown, but not enough praise for how he’s elevated himself above Marvin Harrison Jr. and solidified his place as the team’s top target. At some point, Drew Petzing will create a play just to ensure McBride avoids the wrong kind of history, which makes me bullish in a favorable matchup in a divisional game with the chance to play spoiler.
Other Option – Hunter Henry ($4,200)
Value
Austin Hooper, New England Patriots vs. Los Angeles Chargers ($3,200) – The Patriots have the worst receiving corps in recent history. The group is almost completely devoid of talent, with no one outside of Kayshon Boutte showing the ability to consistently create separation. They’ve been forced to go to 12 personnel, which has helped Austin Hooper become a factor in this offense. Hooper has mustered at least nine fantasy points in three of the last four weeks. At this uber-thin position with such a cheap price tag, he’s an option worth exploring.
Other Option – Stone Smartt ($3,400)
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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 skills 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.
