We talking bout playoffs? Indeed we are, so swallow those scoffs. I don’t care if you cough because there is one slot available in each conference. Teams will be battling, unlike Reagan and Gorbachev. But have no fear. The scenarios aren’t complex. No need for Microsoft. While we won’t get Jared Goff, it should be a wonderful experience like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
The Ravens can win the division with a victory. They are 20-point favorites. The Steelers are in the playoffs, but the final seeding is still a mystery. For the Bengals, there is trickery, as they need to win and have certain events work in their favor on the periphery.
DraftKings Sportsbook has BAL -20 over CLE at home with the total at 41. CIN is -2 over PIT on the road with the total at 48.
DISCLAIMER: This piece was written on Thursday, so it won’t factor in injuries or lineup changes that occur closer to Saturday.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL $1.2M Saturday Special [$300K to 1st] (Sat).
Quarterback
Stud
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns ($8,000) – My inital thought was to fade Jackson and go with Joe Burrow, but the more I thought about it, the more I think Jackson is the way to go. While Baltimore is favored by a whopping 20 points, they are still implied for 30.5 points!
Jackson has failed to hit 20 FPTS only twice this season and he’s gone bonkers in blowouts on limited volume. Last week, he only threw 15 passes but ended with 29.42 FPTS in a 31-2 victory. Three weeks ago, he had 37.1 FPTS in a 35-14 win over the Giants.
I think Burrow will be higher owned because both Cincinnati and Pittsburgh have something to play for and, the last time they met, the score was 44-38. The Steelers have a good defense, though, and it wouldn’t surprise me if this game is lower-scoring that expected.
Value
Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals ($5,300) – The last time these teams met, Wilson put up 30.86 FPTS in a 44-38 victory. I’m not expecting a repeat of that performance or game script, but it’s within the range of outcomes and I sure as hell am not clicking on Bailey Zappe’s name.
For up-to-the-minute news, analysis, and lineups, download the DK Network app. You also can follow DK Network on Twitter @dknetwork.
Running Back
Stud
Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns ($8,300) – Chase Brown is questionable so Henry becomes the pay-up option by default. That’s not to say Henry is a poor play, as he’s failed to hit double-digit FPTS only once while totaling 1,783 yards and 14 touchdowns on the season. The Ravens are going to score points. It’s just a matter of how they are scored. Even if the starters don’t get a full complement of touches, they will likely still get there.
Value
Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals ($5,800) – Since Week 14, Warren has out-snapped Najee Harris. Warren has received more targets in the passing game and the nine red zone opportunities over that span are the same as Harris. Warren has finished with 16.2 and 14.2 FPTS over the last two games.
Wide Receiver
Stud
Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers ($8,600) – Chase has been one of the best receivers all season, posting 117 receptions on 161 targets for 1,612 yards and 16 touchdowns. He’s failed to hit double-digit FPTS only once while exceeding 20 FPTS nine times. It’s the ceiling that few can match, though, as he has three games over 40 FPTS with a high of 58.4 FPTS.
Other Options – Tee Higgins ($7,100), George Pickens ($6,600)
Value
Calvin Austin III, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals ($4,100) – Austin hasn’t hauled in 100 yards receiving in any game this season. He has scored four touchdowns, though, and has produced six double-digit FPTS games, with a high of 20.4 FPTS. Over the last three games, Austin has garnered five targets in each contest with at least four receptions in all and 65 yards in two of three.
Other Options – Andrei Iosivas ($4,000)
Tight End
Stud
Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals ($3,900) – Freiermuth caught seven of eight targets for 60 yards last week. Against the Bengals in Week 13, he hauled in six of seven targets for 68 yards and a touchdown. On the season, Cincinnati has allowed the most FPTS on average, the most receptions, second-most targets, third-most yards and second-most touchdowns to the tight end position.
Other Options – Mark Andrews ($4,500), Mike Gesicki ($3,600), Isaiah Likely ($3,300)
Value
Jordan Akins, Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens ($3,000) – With David Njoku ruled out, Akins should see the majority of snaps at tight end. Last week with Njoku out, Akins received eight targets, catching six for 49 yards and 10.9 FPTS. Noodle-armed Zappe could latch onto Akins in this one.
Defense/Special Teams
Ravens DST vs. Cleveland Browns ($3,500) – The Ravens pass defense has been exploited more than a few times this season, but I doubt Bailey Zappe will be one to replicate the feat. Baltimore is second in sacks and has racked up 10 interceptions, five fumbles and a touchdown on the season.
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is sontzu) 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.
