DraftKings NFL picks, Week 17: Best bargains in DFS play
By Drew DeLuca
Quarterbacks – All In
Patrick Mahomes (KC vs. LAC, $7,200): With Lamar Jackson out this week, Mahomes is the highest-priced active quarterback available on the main slate, and with good reason. However, the Chargers have fielded one of the league’s better pass defenses.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs’ passing game has statistically been much better on the road (306 yards per game, first in the NFL) than at home (268 yards per game, sixth). That said, he’s still Patrick Mahomes, and he’s still a solid value given that he’s $800 cheaper than a guy who’s not playing.
Ryan Tannehill (TEN at HOU, $6,800): Tannehill has been a revelation in his Music City Renaissance, but now he enters the biggest game of his football career. How will he measure up to the pressure? Given the state of the Texans’ pass defense, we like his chances in DFS this week.
Quarterbacks – Raise
Aaron Rodgers (GB at DET, $6,900): Yes, the Packers like to run the ball, but it’s Aaron Rodgers. Against the Lions. In a meaningful game. With all of his skill position players healthy and available. PLEASE deal me in.
Carson Wentz (PHI at NYG, $6,100): Wentz has put this team on his back down the stretch, as Nick Foles has done the last two seasons. Unfortunately, Zach Ertz is dealing with a fractured rib and a sore back, and a lack of WRs limits Wentz’s upside, but if the Ginger Ninja has taught us anything this season, it’s to never count him out.
Wentz is on the cusp of the first 4,000-yard passing season in Eagles’ history. He should hit that mark against a struggling Giants secondary with a solid offensive line in front of him.
Quarterbacks – Call
David Carr (OAK at DEN, $5,500): Carr has been up and down this season, but he hasn’t thrown an interception in over three weeks. No one expects the Raiders to make the playoffs, but he’s gunning for them anyway, and auditioning to keep his 2020 starting job in the meantime.
Tom Brady (NE vs. MIA, $6,000): The Patriots will likely be without Julian Edelman, but the Patriots are playing in a meaningful game against an inferior opponent. A vintage Brady appearance isn’t out of the question.
Daniel Jones (NYG vs. PHI, $6,400): On the heels of a five passing touchdown performance, Jones gets a chance to play the role of spoiler at home against a division rival. The inconsistent Eagles defense and Jones’ ability to create fantasy points with his legs make him a worthwhile start in Week 17 NFL DFS lineups.
A couple of higher-risk bargain plays include Case Keenum (WAS at DAL, $4,500), who is auditioning for a 2020 gig elsewhere; Dwayne Haskins has flashed enough potential to secure his role as the Redskins’ quarterback of the future. Terry McLaurin is playing for a 1000 yard season, so expect Keenum to find him often.
Devlin Hodges (PIT at BAL,$4,600) is a nice story, but the fact that the team went back to Mason Rudolph isn’t a great sign. Rudolph’s addition to the IR opens the door for Western Pennsylvania’s favorite Duck, however.
While the inexpensive Hodges faces a Ravens team that’s resting most of its key starters, I’d much rather play Drew Lock (DEN vs OAK, $5,800), though the price is a bit steep. The Broncos want to see what they have in Lock, who can eliminate a hated division rival in front of the home crowd.