The NFL is feeling the full effects of COVID-19. Games are constantly on the move at this point, so nothing is written in stone. Week 13 isn’t even over as I piece together my thoughts for next week, but with the information we do have, I’ll look at some spots that intrigue me for Sunday’s main slate. Here’s what jumps out in my first look at the Week 14 NFL slate on DraftKings.
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Quarterback
Expensive
Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks vs. New York Jets ($7,900) — The Seahawks are coming off a home loss to the Giants. Woof! If there was ever a bounce-back spot, it’s hosting the Jets the following week. The Jets pretty much beat the Raiders last week, but then gave up a rather curious last second touchdown to ensure the loss. I prefer some other targets, but Wilson is an extremely safe play in this spot.
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions ($7,500) — Rodgers is as safe as it gets right now, and probably brings a higher ceiling than Wilson into this matchup. Regardless of matchup, Rodgers is pretty much good for 20-30 DKFP — he’s scored at least 23 in each game since Week 7. The Eagles rank 26th in DKFP allowed to QB, and shouldn’t prevent Rodgers from continuing his dominance.
Cheap
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles vs. New Orleans Saints ($5,100) — We still don’t know who will start officially for the Eagles as of writing this Monday night, but Carson Wentz ($5,100) flat out stinks. This decision would’ve been made a while ago if Wentz didn’t have the contract he does, but we clearly saw last week that the rookie gives the Eagles a better chance. Hurts is composed and a solid passer, but will also get you points with his legs. The Saints aren’t an easy matchup, but they also have no film on Hurts.
Other Options: Matt Ryan ($5,700)
Running Back
Expensive
Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars ($8,700) — This is an interesting week at RB. Dalvin Cook ($9,400) has been good chalk nearly every week, and while he still should have a good game against the Bucs, it looks like it’s time to finally look elsewhere. While still expensive, game script set up for Henry to bust in Week 13, so his salary drops $500 for a big matchup against the Jags. Henry has been dominating this matchup for years, and while he rushed for just 84 yards against Jacksonville in Week 2, the ceiling here is massive.
Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions ($7,600) — It’s a week to pay up at RB. We’ve seen RBs shred the Lions week after week, ranking dead last in DKFP allowed to the position. Part of the reason is because of what Jones did to them back in Week 2 — 18-168-2 on the ground and 4-68-1 through the air (48.6 DKFP). Jones is coming off his best fantasy outing since that game last week versus the Eagles (26.8 DKFP), and should bring some momentum into this matchup.
Cheap
David Montgomery, Chicago Bears vs. Houston Texans ($6,500) — Things could change so that we get some more typical value here, but as things stand, rostering three pricey RBs could work out. Montgomery has consecutive games of at least 27 DKFP, including a big outing against the Lions last week. This is the next-best matchup, facing a Houston defense that ranks 31st in DKFP allowed to the position. I don’t trust the Bears, but I think it’d be tough for Monty not to find some yardage and a touchdown in this one.
Other Options: Jonathan Taylor ($5,800), Melvin Gordon ($5,200), Adrian Peterson ($5,000 — if D’Andre Swift is out)
Wide Receiver
Expensive
Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions ($9,300) — Might be heavy on the Pack this week, but it’s warranted. Adams is as automatic as it gets, finding the end zone in every game he’s played, outside of the game against the Lions he was injured in, and his first game back from injury. That means 13 touchdowns in the other eight games, averaging 32.5 DKFP in those contests. If you can’t afford him, make room to keep locking him in.
Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings at Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($7,400) — Jefferson is rapidly becoming a stud with the Vikings. Minnesota is throwing more, and as a road underdog here, should have to look to the air more. We’ve seen Tampa’s secondary exposed in recent weeks, and the rookie is the type of player that can get behind the defense. Jefferson’s outbursts were scattered at the start of the season, but he’s gotten more consistent. He’s averaging 24.6 DKFP during the last four games, scoring at least 17.6 in each contest.
Cheap
Keke Coutee, Houston Texans at Chicago Bears ($5,000) — The $1,500 spike in salary since last week isn’t ideal, but it’s well warranted. In Will Fuller’s absence, we knew there was going to be a lot to go around in the passing game, but maybe we didn’t know exactly how much of it would be funneled to Coutee. In Week 12 against the Colts, Coutee hauled in eight of nine targets for 141 yards (25.1 DKFP). His role presumably isn’t going away anytime the rest of this season.
Other Options: Jamison Crowder ($5,400), T.Y Hilton ($5,100)
Tight End
Expensive
Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs at Miami Dolphins ($7,400) — There are a lot of good plays on this slate, so being honest, I’ll just punt at TE like I do nearly every week. Kelce and Darren Waller ($6,800) both have tough matchups, but can easily work through them for big games. Maybe someone like Hunter Henry ($4,400) qualifies as a pay up play in a good matchup and bounce-back week, but that’s about as much as I’d pay.
Cheap
Jordan Reed, San Francisco 49ers vs. Washington Football Team ($3,500) — Revenge! Reed is operating as San Francisco’s TE1, and his former team ranks 26th in DKFP allowed to the position. Sets up a pretty nice spot if he can stay healthy for the full game.
Other Options: Dalton Schultz ($3,500), Jacob Hollister ($3,100)/Will Dissly ($2,900), Cole Kmet ($2,900)
DST
Expensive
Seattle Seahawks DST ($3,000) vs. New York Jets — Offense has been the problem for Seattle recently. At home against the Jets, this improved defense should be in position to cause problems. The Seahawks’ DST has scored 9.0 DKFP in consecutive weeks, and has massive upside in this one.
Cheap
Cincinnati Bengals DST ($2,300) vs. Dallas Cowboys — Anybody facing the Cowboys at home shouldn’t be this cheap on a slate. Cincy’s defense has issues, but it’s also shown some upside against poor offenses. This is a safe spot to punt.
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