Week 14 FanDuel Picks
Quarterback
Cash Game Option
Deshaun Watson, Texans ($7,700) vs. Denver
There’s not a clear cash game QB this week. So I’ll take Watson at a discounted price against a Denver squad that’ll likely remain without Von Miller.
The Texans are implied for 26.25 points, the 3rd highest total on the main slate. Watson should play a big role in that, although he will take a small hit if Will Fuller (hamstring) is inactive.
Tournament Target
Jameis Winston, Bucs ($7,700) vs. Indy
Winston’s hit 17 FanDuel points 9 times, while he ranks 2nd league-wide in attempts per game.
Next up is a Colts pass D that’s surrendered 2 passing scores in 3 straight. They’ll also be without slot CB Kenny Moore, while S Malik Hooker (foot) and CB Rock Ya-Sin (ankle) also landed on the injury report.
FanShare Ownership Projection: 4%
Also consider: Aaron Rodgers, Sam Darnold
Running Back
Cash Game Options
Devonta Freeman, Falcons ($6,000) at Carolina
Volume, matchup and price. Those are the main reasons to play Freeman this week.
He’s coming off a 17-carry effort in his first game post-injury. Sunday turns up a date with a Carolina unit allowing a league-high 19 RB scores. And Freeman’s $6K tag helps him rank 4th in our $/point rankings.
Atlanta’s O-line remains banged up, but the offense will at least return Julio Jones and Austin Hooper.
Melvin Gordon, Chargers ($7,300) at Jacksonville
Gordon’s hit 20 carries in 3 of the past 4 weeks. He’s totaled 9 targets over that stretch, too. Next up is a gift-wrapped matchup against a Jags unit that just placed LB Myles Jack on IR. They’ve allowed 104-641-7 to RBs over the last 5 weeks (4 games) -- and the most fantasy points league-wide.
Tournament Target
Alvin Kamara, Saints ($7,600) vs. San Francisco
Kamara hasn’t met expectations, but he’s still seeing solid volume. He’s reached double digit carries in all but 1 game, while he’s seen at least 7 targets in 6 straight. Shockingly, he hasn’t found the end zone since Week 3.
Chalk it up to variance, though, as he’s handled 14 opportunities inside the 10 yard-line this year, per Pro Football Reference.
The 49ers have the bodies to at least limit Michael Thomas — somewhat — while it’s possible they force a pass-heavy game script for Drew Brees. Ultimately, you’d be playing Kamara for his combo of price, workload and talent.
FanShare Ownership Projection: 13.0%
Also consider: Christian McCaffrey, Nick Chubb, Leonard Fournette, Alexander Mattison
Wide Receiver
Cash Game Options
Davante Adams, Packers ($8,400) vs. Washington
Adams has been peppered with targets of late — 10+ in his last 5 games. He’s appeared over his turf toe injury, allying 6+ catches each time over that stretch.
He’ll look to score for the 3rd straight game against a Washington pass D that lacks anything close to a shutdown presence.
D.J. Moore, Panthers ($7,100) at Atlanta
Moore notched 8-95 against Atlanta just 3 weeks ago. He’s really posted only 1 dud all year — a 5-38 line Week 8 at San Francisco.
The 2nd-year WR owns 9+ targets in 7 straight, a streak that should extend to 8 against the Falcons. Atlanta’s allowed the 5th most yards to WRs on the season.
Tournament Target
Mike Evans, Bucs ($7,700) vs. Indianapolis
Evans always profiles as a strong tournament play. He’s notched 6 catches of 40+ yards while tallying 1,767 air yards — 416 ahead of the next closest pass catcher (Kenny Golladay).
Indy’s done well to limit big plays, but this offense is unique because of Jameis Winston’s aggressiveness. Set for some positive TD regression, Evans is a candidate to emerge from a mini slump.
FanShare Ownership Projection: 12.3%
Also consider: Keenan Allen, Odell Beckham, Robby Anderson, Mike Williams, Parris Campbell
Tight End
Darren Waller, Raiders ($6,200) vs. Tennessee
Waller’s racked up 7, 6 and 9 targets over the past 3 weeks. That’s helped produce games with 78 and 100 yards.
With Hunter Renfrow still out, Waller’s targets look fairly safe. A slow-paced Tennessee offense on the other side isn’t ideal, but with Josh Jacobs (shoulder) banged up — and perhaps out — the passing game could be elevated here.
FanShare Ownership Projection: 10.4%
Also consider: Kyle Rudolph (if Adam Thielen sits)
Defense
Cash Game Option
Ravens ($4,200) vs. Bills
Tournament Target
Buccaneers ($3,800) vs. Colts