Week 16 FanDuel Picks
Quarterback
Cash Game Option
Lamar Jackson, Ravens ($9,300) at Cleveland
You don’t need an explanation for why Jackson’s a strong play. But the math backs up that he’s an excellent value, as he sits a clear #1 in our FanDuel $/point rankings. His value is bolstered by the lack of appealing QB alternatives.
Tournament Target
Russell Wilson, Seahawks ($8,300) vs. Arizona
The concern with Wilson is always the potential for a run-heavy game script. He’s also slumped a bit lately — at least for his standards — surpassing 22.2 fantasy points once over his past 8 games.
While the Seahawks are installed as 8-point favorites, that number opened at 10. They’re banged up on defense with key injuries to S Quandre Diggs, DE Jadeveon Clowney and CB Shaquill Griffin. Mix in an up-tempo Arizona offense, and it’s conceivable that this one goes over a slate-high game total of 51.5.
FanShare Ownership Projection: 9.3%
Also consider: Kyler Murray, Ryan Fitzpatrick
Running Back
Cash Game Options
Joe Mixon, Bengals ($7,800) at Miami
Mixon’s priced up a bit, and it’s no secret why.
Miami’s allowed 4.6 YPC to enemy RBs and the 3rd most fantasy points to the position. While the Bengals were eliminated from the playoffs weeks ago, Mixon remains the team’s key offensive piece with 54 touches over the past 2 weeks.
DeAndre Washington, Raiders (5,600) at L.A. Chargers
With Josh Jacobs out, Washington’s close to a free square this week at $5.6K. Back in Week 14 with Jacobs out, Washington handled 14 of 21 team RB carries and 7 of 10 RB targets. And that was in a 42-21 loss.
While Washington deserves heavy cash game consideration, he’s a tournament fade for me given unappealing TD upside. The Raiders are implied for the 3rd lowest point total (19.25) on the main slate.
Tournament Target
Alvin Kamara, Saints ($7,200) at Tennessee
Kamara’s been a Round 1 bust this year — no question. He’s scored only 2 season-long TDs, both in Week 3.
But he’s still seeing 15-20 touches per week on an offense that sits top-5 league-wide in scoring. Implied for nearly 27 points against Tennessee — and with the Titans allowing the 3rd most catches to enemy RBs — this looks like a fine time to gamble on a breakout. Kamara’s $7.2K price tag is a season-low.
FanShare Ownership Projection: 13.6%
Also consider: Chris Carson, Melvin Gordon, Devonta Freeman, Phillip Lindsay
Wide Receiver
Cash Game Options
Keenan Allen, Chargers ($6,700) vs. Oakland
Allen racked up 8-68 on 11 targets back in a Week 10 meeting with Oakland. He enters this one with 5+ catches and 68+ yards in 5 straight. And on the year, only 4 WRs own more than his 16 red zone targets (per Pro Football Reference).
Oakland sits 27th in Pro Football Focus’ coverage grades and a vulnerable 7th in fantasy points allowed to WRs. At a mid-level price tag, Allen’s tough to pass up.
D.J. Moore, Panthers, ($6,600) at Indianapolis
Moore does enter some unknown territory, as rookie QB Will Grier will make his NFL debut. But chances are he’s not a downgrade on Kyle Allen, who’s really stunk in recent weeks and will end his 2nd season with a lowly 6.8 YPA.
Curtis Samuel missed practice on Friday with a knee injury, while the Colts will be without CBs Kenny Moore and Quincy Wilson. If Samuel sits, Moore — who’s reached 75 yards in 7 straight — will be an even bigger steal at $6.6K.
Tournament Target
Terry McLaurin, Redskins ($6,500) vs. Giants
McLaurin’s target share sits at 23% since Dwayne Haskins took over as the starter. His volume upside will remain with the ‘Skins without Paul Richardson and Trey Quinn. Plus, it’s tough to beat a matchup with the Giants. They’ve allowed 8 WRs to reach 100 yards, while they also recently released top CB Janoris Jenkins.
McLaurin should have his way with guys like DeAndre Baker and Corey Ballentine.
FanShare Ownership Projection: 9.7%
Also consider: Michael Thomas, Julio Jones, Courtland Sutton, Tyler Boyd, Darius Slayton, D.K. Metcalf
Tight End
Jacob Hollister, Seahawks ($5,700) vs. Arizona
Hollister’s only played in 8 games this year as a Seahawk. But he’s reached 6 targets 5 times. And he’s running an encouraging number of routes; 9th most among TEs since Week 12, per Pro Football Focus.
Now facing the league’s best matchup, Hollister will carry top-5 overall TE upside. Arizona’s given up 15 TDs and 1,023 yards to TEs -- both league-highs.
FanShare Ownership Projection: 11.9%
Also consider: Zach Ertz, Austin Hooper
Defense
Cash Game Option
Redskins ($3,800) vs. Giants
Tournament Target
Ravens ($4,500) at Browns