Aaron Rodgers turned back the clock in Week 16 with a vintage performance. He had 442 passing yards, two TD through the air and another two on the ground, totaling 45.88 DK points. Davante Adams disappointed from an aDot perspective but had 11 catches and a late TD to end up with 24.10 points. Evan Engram was also a hit as he ended with 113 total yards. Zeke Elliott totaled 109 yards and 5 receptions but the lack of TD hurt our cause. Thank god Marlon Mack scored a TD (38 total yards).
Nick Foles gave us the air yard opportunities we coveted with Jeffery; unfortunately it only manifested itself into 3 catches for 82 yards. Tim Patrick and Kalen Ballage fell short with 6.70 and 6.90 points respectively. The Vikings continued my trend of not hitting on the splash play defense with a so-so 7 points.
On to Week 17…
QB Ben Roethlisberger vs. Cin
Coming off a heartbreaking (hehe) loss last week the Steelers need to win and get help from the Browns to reach the playoffs. The good news is Ben literally could not get a better matchup in Week 17. No team in the NFL gives up more points per game to QBs than the Marvin Lewis…and Hue Jackson led Bengals defense who will be without corner Dre Kirkpatrick. I expect this game to be placed squarely on the shoulders of Big Ben versus a pass rush deficient Cincy team.
DraftKings salary: 7,000
RB Melvin Gordon @ Den
Gordon ran into the same struggles a lot of RBs have faced the last six weeks versus Baltimore. They have a top-tier run defense and the eat away at your volume with their ability to control the clock. Gordon won’t have the same issues going up against the skeleton crew that is the Broncos skills positions. This is a game I fully expect the Chargers to control and return Gordon to his 25-touch upside. If the Chargers don’t watch the Chiefs-Raiders game and play all out, Gordon is the top RB play of the week for my money.
DraftKings salary: 8,400
RB Sony Michel vs. NYJ
Game script is Michel’s only foe. If the Patriots control this game or it stays within 1 score it’s pretty easy to project at least 18 carries for him. The Jets give up an exploitable 4.6 yards per carry and the last time these two teams faced each other, Michel rocked them for a season high 133 yards on 21 carries. The Patriots are headed to the playoffs regardless but a win will lock them into a first round bye and maybe the #1 seed. I expect them to lean on their strength which surprisingly is now their running game is starting to look like a guy that will be saying he’s in he best shape of his life in the not too distant future. Even with Burkhead and White around, New England hasn’t hidden the fact that Sony Michel is the priority.
DraftKings salary: 5,200
WR Davante Adams vs. Det
I’m going into my narrative bag…134, it’s the amount of yard Davante Adams needs to break the Packers single season record for receiving yards. The Packers have little to play for but I’d imagine this is high on the motivation totem pole. Even without the record just playing Adams every week is probably one of the smartest things you could do. The Lions give up the 9th most points per game to the position and Adams had 9 catches for 140 yards and a TD when he faced them in week 5.
DraftKings salary: 8,000
WR Alshon Jeffery @ Was
Jeffery disappointed in the box score but there was still a lot to like here. Foles is giving him a chance downfield…he had a 50-yard catch coupled with a brutal 50-yard drop. Washington held him in check in their last meeting but with Foles aggressiveness I have to go back to him at this price point.
DraftKings salary: 5,700
WR Robert Foster vs. Mia
Foster has been a bit of a revelation for this weapon starved Bills and he gets a great opportunity to keep his ascension going. If you throw out last week’s game versus the Jags and their QB mess, the Bills gave up an average of 29 points per game to opposing wide receivers. For comparison sake, the Saints give up the most points per game to the position on the year at 28.20. Foster will probably be the WR I have in most of my lineups this week.
DraftKings salary: 5,100
TE CJ Uzomah @ Pit
Didn’t feel like spending up at tight end this week (or any week) so in trying to find a cheap source of targets I found an old friend in Uzomah. He’s been good for 5 or so targets weekly in this post injury receiver corps and if Ben has the game I’m projecting him too, that total could reach 8 or so.
DraftKings salary: 3,500
Flex Gus Edwards vs. Cle
The Ravens have muddied up every game Lamar Jackson and no opponent has shown the ability to slow their rushing attack. With the playoffs on the line this is a bet that the trend continues. Kenneth Dixon has played more snaps than Edwards in recent weeks but he continues to receive the most touches. He hasn’t had less than 15 touches in any of Lamar’s starts. Without much passing game usage you’ll need a TD to really hit big here but it’s more than worth the shot.
DraftKings salary: 4,400
Defense Giants vs. Dal
Dallas is locked into the 4th seed and have nothing to play for in Week 17. This is a prime spot for the Boys’ to sit everyone of offensive importance. With all due respect to Cooper Rush, I’m taking my shot here at near minimum salary.
DraftKings salary: 2,100
