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DraftKings NFL picks, Week 17: Best bargains in DFS play

By Drew DeLuca

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 22: Dallas Goedert #88 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with Carson Wentz #11 after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 22, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 22: Dallas Goedert #88 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with Carson Wentz #11 after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 22, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 23: Outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith #55 of the Green Bay Packers and linebacker Kyler Fackrell #51 of the Green Bay Packers celebrate after a sack against the Minnesota Vikings during the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 23, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 23: Outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith #55 of the Green Bay Packers and linebacker Kyler Fackrell #51 of the Green Bay Packers celebrate after a sack against the Minnesota Vikings during the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 23, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Defense/Special Teams – All In

The Steelers (at BAL, $3,000) should end up being the chalkiest play of the entire DFS slate. They face a Ravens team that will be missing its starting quarterback and both of its leading rushers: Jackson and Mark Ingram. A solid Steelers secondary should shut down the downfield passing game, relegating this game to a low scoring affair.

The Packers (at DET $3,000) travel across Lake Michigan to take on a Lions offense that has no running game to speak of. It’s also led by David Blough. The colloquial “they play the games for a reason” doesn’t seem to apply here. Let’s call it now: Game, Blouses…sorry, Bloughses.

The Saints (at CAR, $4,000) are playing with purpose, and face a rookie quarterback. Sometimes, it’s just that simple. Unfortunately, the price is a bit steep, given a plethora of lower ticketed defenses in Week 17.

Defense/Special Teams – Raise

The Patriots (vs MIA, $4,300) are the most expensive unit on the slate, but they’re likely to pay out in a big way against a turnover-prone quarterback. This is a “you get what you pay for” situation as it will be for those taking the Dolphins for $1,800.

The Titans (at HOU, $2,800) make a great start if the Chiefs lose, or if Deshaun Watson misses the game due to his back injury. Knock them down a tier in the event neither of these situations comes to pass.

The Falcons (at TB, $3,400) boast an improved secondary, so Jameis Winston is in for a rough day without Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Expect multiple interceptions, given that Winston threw three in the first 16 minutes last week.

Defense/Special Teams – Call

The Raiders (at DEN, $2,500) are a bit of a gamble, but they’re hungry and facing a quarterback making his fifth NFL start. Betting on Black in Week 17 is hardly a rookie move.

Meanwhile, the Jets (at BUF, $2,700) are a solid budget option, but only if Josh Allen sits. The Redskins (at DAL, $2,200) are another conditional play; get them in your lineups if the Eagles win.

Next. 2020 NFL Free Agency: Early predictions for top 25 players. dark

Finally, the Bears (at MIN, $2,100) are a frustrated, talent-laden unit playing for pride against a team that has incentive to rest its starters. It would be quite poetic if the number one fantasy defense going into the season ended 2019 as the number one defense in Week 17. While that’s unlikely, a top-five finish wouldn’t be a surprise.

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