Division Round Playoff Preview: Sunday
By the time this slate is over, we will know which two teams will battle it out for their respective conference championships. Our Division Round Playoff Preview: Sunday looks at the Bucs vs. Lions and Chiefs at Bills contests from a fantasy football and sports betting lens. Using our RDA* projections, we can break down each game to find the statistical edge that can give us a leg up in playoff fantasy and daily fantasy lineups. Also, we can determine the best bets to make. Before you place those winning bets, our partner Edge Boost can help you double your entries and payouts! Click below to increase your winnings today. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-8) at Detroit Lions (13-5) Time: 3:00 Eastern Line: Lions -7 Total: 49.5 Money Line: Buccaneers +250, Lions -300 Tampa Bay Offense Few people projected the Buccaneers to be playing in Week 20 when Tampa was sitting at 5-7. However, behind a strong defense and the heady play of QB Baker Mayfield, the Bucs rallied to win six of their last seven games and earned their spot into the divisional round of the NFC postseason. Their reward is a trip to Detroit to take on the surging Lions. Detroit boasted the league’s No. 2 run defense in 2023. Meanwhile, Tampa ranked dead last in the NFL in rushing. Subsequently, don’t expect a big rushing performance out of RB Rachaad White. However, White ranked fourth among all running backs with 64 grabs, so he’s plenty capable of producing PPR points in a game with a solid over/under of 49.5 The matchup is much more appealing for the receivers. Mike Evans led the league with 13 touchdown grabs but went scoreless in Week 6 against this secondary. Chris Godwin fared better in that game, snagging 6-of-7 targets for 77 yards. Both are solid options in a game where Tampa is projected to score over 21 points. Our RDA* projections have Tampa’s dynamic duo as top-5 wideouts this week. WR3 Trey Palmer was out-snapped by David Moore last week against the Eagles. Both have some appeal as cheap DFS options against a defense that yielded the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers per FullTime Fantasy’s points-allowed tool. Tight end Cade Otton saw a career-high 11 targets last week. He won’t play that big of a role against a Detroit defense that is more credible defending tight ends. However, all four of Otton’s touchdowns this season came on the road, which gives him some appeal as a low-cost flex option in daily lineups. Detroit Offense We all know Jared Goff tends to play better at home. However, Goff’s season-high total of 353 passing yards came back in Week 6 against the Buccaneers. Except that game was in Florida. Our updated RDA* projections for Week 20 predict Goff to have the most passing yards (268) of any signal caller this weekend. This game should feature a fearsome battle in the trenches. Detroit ranked fifth in rushing. Meanwhile, the Bucs ranked fifth against the run. Regardless of the imposing matchup, we’re not shying away from inserting Jahmyr Gibbs into our lineups. Gibbs has produced seven touchdowns in Detroit’s last six games. Additionally, both of his 100-plus yard rushing efforts came in this building. David Montgomery is also a top-4 play in our RDA* projections. But, it should be noted that Montgomery did nothing against Tampa Bay in their previous meetings- a game where Gibbs didn’t play. Our No. 1 wide receiver this week in full PPR formats is Amon-Ra St. Brown. With 18-plus PPR points in five straight, St. Brown is on a heater. Also, he destroyed the Bucs back in Week 6, snagging 12-of-15 targets for 124 yards and a score. With Kalif Raymond ruled OUT, Josh Reynolds will act as Detroit’s safety valve. Jameson Williams also has appeal as the Lions’ big-play threat. TE Sam LaPorta is questionable but played just fine last week. Only Denver allowed more fantasy points to tight ends than Tampa this season, so LaPorta looks appealing once word breaks that he is good-to-go. Many of the defenders who helped the Buccaneers win a title just three years ago make up the core of a Bucs’ defense that allowed the seventh-fewest points in football this season. Tampa ranked fifth against the run and the Buccaneers were a sparkling 8-1 against the spread on the road. Subsequently, I think they can keep this to a one-score game. Bucs +7 Kansas City Chiefs (12-6) at Buffalo Bills (12-6) Time: 6:30 PM Eastern Line: Buffalo -3 Total: 45.5 Money Line: Chiefs +130, Bills -150 Kansas City Offense The 2023 Chiefs are a long way off from last year’s championship roster. While the defense has more than lived up to the billing, it’s surprisingly been the offense that has regressed. Kansas City fell to ninth in yards and 15th in scoring. QB Patrick Mahomes had his worst fantasy season and tossed a career-high 14 picks. Also, this will be the first road playoff game of his career and it comes against a red-hot Buffalo team eager to avenge recent postseason losses to Mahomes. RDA* projections expect a big game out of Isiah Pacheco. The sophomore sensation is projected to have the second-most rushing attempts this week and comes in as our No. 2 running back. Pacheco ranked 19th with 4.5 yards per carry and should be able to find plenty of running room against a Bills’ defense that was 27th in that category. As has been the case all season, the receiving corps is uncertain. Rashee Rice has been the only dependable option for Mahomes. Meanwhile, Buffalo ranked seventh against the pass. Rice is a solid option, but KC’s other wideout are all gambles with extremely low floors. Buffalo allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Plus, with Travis Kelce‘s struggles, it’s not the best matchup. Kelce’s DFS salary makes him a cost-prohibitive choice, even if he is one of the safest starts of the slate. Buffalo Offense Only three teams allowed fewer fantasy points to quarterbacks than Kansas City. However, Josh Allen has been matchup-proof. Particularly at home. Allen has scored
Division Round Playoff Preview: Saturday
After going 5-1 picking the Wild Card games, my Division Round Playoff Preview: Saturday breaks down the upstart Houston Texans traveling to Baltimore, and the Green Bay Packers trip to San Francisco to face the NFC’s top seed. Using our RDA* projections, we can break down each game to find the statistical edge that can give us a leg up in playoff fantasy and daily fantasy lineups. Also, we can determine the best bets to make. Before you place those winning bets, our partner Edge Boost can help you double your entries and payouts! Click below to increase your winnings today. Houston Texans (11-7) at Baltimore Ravens (13-4) Time: 4:30 Eastern Line: Baltimore -9.5 Total: 43.5 Money Line: Texans +340, Ravens -420 Houston Offense Look no further than last week’s thrashing of Cleveland to identify the value of probably rookie-of-the-year C.J. Stroud. Three weeks prior, that same Browns squad destroyed Houston on the same field. However, Stroud missed that game with a concussion. Back and healthy, the No. 2 pick lit up the league’s top defense. But things won’t get easier in the division round. Stroud now must go on the road to face a well-rested Baltimore defense that ceded the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Stroud has also played noticeably better at home and will contend with freezing temperatures and windy conditions. Baltimore ranked 6th against the pass but just 14th versus the run. That could mean a few more opportunities for Devin Singletary. “Motor” led all NFL running backs in the Wild Card round with a 72% snap share. Expect another week of heavy usage, making Singletary a strong option in DFS and playoff lineups. Back in the season opener, Nico Collins reeled in 6-of-11 targets for 80 yards in Houston’s 25-9 loss in Baltimore. This is a favorable game script for Collins, but Houston’s implied total of 17 points is a concern. Our RDA* projections have Collins approaching 12 points on Sunday. Noah Brown was placed on IR. That means No. 2 wideout duties will go to Robert Woods. Woods hasn’t done much this season but did go 10/6/57/0 against the Ravens in the season opener. John Metchie logged 35 snaps and a 13.6% target share last week. Xavier Hutchison was also in on 44% of Houston’s snaps. The Ravens only allowed three touchdowns to tight ends all season. But, with Houston’s receiving corps thin, expect Dalton Schultz to be heavily involved. Schultz has topped four catches in four of Houston’s past five road contests. Baltimore Offense Lamar Jackson had his worst fantasy game of the season against the Texans back in Week 1. He was limited to 169 passing yards and 38 on the ground. While the Texans have made significant strides on that side of the ball, we’re expecting a much different outcome in the rematch. In fact, our RDA* projections have Jackson as the top QB for the slate. The projections indicate Jackson will throw for 228 yards, two scores, and contribute an additional 64 rushing yards. That makes L-Jax a must-start in all fantasy formats paying in Week 20. Those strides Houston made defensively highlight the amazing job DeMeco Ryans did. The Texans improved to 6th in the NFL in run defense. Baltimore will employ a committee backfield. Gus Edwards leads the way but will need a touchdown to pay off. Edwards cedes most pass-catching work to Justice Hill. After cutting Melvin Gordon, don’t discount Dalvin Cook‘s chances of leading this backfield in touches, making him a sneaky DFS option. Zay Flowers is Baltimore’s No. 1 wideout. Only the Jets allowed fewer touchdowns to wideouts (5) than Houston’s 10. Flowers put 17.7 fantasy points on this defense in Week 1. He’s also scored five touchdowns in his last five games. Consider Flowers a strong WR1 play in this slate. After Flowers, it’s trickier. Odell Beckham is the best bet to make an impact downfield. Beckham’s 14% target share easily outpaced the ancillary wideouts. Of those lesser options, Rashod Bateman will see more snaps and targets than Nelson Agholor. Houston’s biggest defensive weakness came against tight ends. Now that we know the Ravens have ruled Mark Andres OUT, Isaiah Likely becomes a locked-in top-4 play this week. His reduced salary makes him particularly appealing in DFS showdown slates. If this game comes down to turnovers, it could swing Houston’s way. The Texans were +10 in turnover differential. The Ravens actually led the league with a +12 margin. However, Houston had an NFL-low 14 giveaways. Most of Houston’s key offensive contributors also have experience in colder weather. I think the Stroud can keep them hanging around in this game and will take the points. Houston +9.5 Green Bay Packers (10-8) at San Francisco 49ers (12-5) Time: 8:15 PM Eastern Line: San Francisco -9.5 Total: 50.5 Money Line: Packers +360, 49ers -450 Green Bay Offense Jordan Love and the Packers are on quite a heater. Green Bay has won four straight, seven of nine, and Love has produced 21 touchdowns and thrown only ONE interception since Week 11. Meanwhile, the 49ers have picked off a league-leading 22 balls this season. However, the Niners have had issues against the pass. The Niners are also below average in pass rush and on third downs. This looks like another favorable game script for Love to keep drives alive and keep the Packers within striking distance. Aaron Jones won many fantasy contests last week. His usage indicated that he was primed to exploit a sagging Dallas defense. San Francisco’s 4th-ranked fantasy run D will be a more formidable opponent. But Jones remains an elite play due to his involvement in the passing game. All of Green Bay’s wide receivers are in play against a subpar San Francisco secondary. Christian Watson returned last week but only played in 41% of Green Bay’s snaps. He did emerge unscathed, so fair to assume we’ll see a bump. Jayden Reed had a rare zero but had a 14% target share. Romeo Doubs had the finest game of his career last week thanks to a massive 29% target share. TE Tucker Kraft tripled Luke Musgrave in snaps
Monday Playoff Preview
What was originally scheduled to be one game is now a pair, due to inclement weather in Buffalo. Saturday’s slate brought a 2-0 start and Sunday featured a pair of intriguing NFC contests. After nailing both, I’m 4-0 to open Wild Card Weekend. FullTime Fantasy’s Monday Playoff preview breaks down the Pittsburgh at Buffalo and Philadelphia at Tampa Bay games. Using our RDA* projections, we can break down each game to find the statistical edge that can give us a leg up in playoff fantasy and daily fantasy lineups. Also, we can determine the best bets to make. Before you place those winning bets, our partner Edge Boost can help you double your entries and payouts! Click below to increase your winnings today. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) at Buffalo Bills (11-6) Time: 4:30 Eastern Line: Buffalo -9.5 Total: 37.5 Money Line: Steelers +400, Bills -525 Pittsburgh Steelers Pittsburgh dipped to 29th in offense, yet Mike Tomlin did another phenomenal job rallying his club above putrid quarterback play. Tomlin is sticking with the ‘hot hand’ in QB Mason Rudolph. However, expect the Steelers to feature both of their running backs heavily, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, against a suspect Buffalo run defense. Also, the Steelers won’t have their best defensive player in T.J. Watt. The Steelers have only garnered a single victory in the 11 games Watt has missed since debuting in 2017. The under has hit in 10 of Pittsburgh’s last 15 games and 7-of-8 when facing the Bills. Buffalo Bills The Bills are surging into the playoffs on a five-game winning streak. A change of offensive coordinators resulted in more emphasis on James Cook and the rushing attack. Of course, QB Josh Allen leads the club in rushing scores and is one of the top running QB threats in football. The Steelers ranked just 19th against the run this season. WR Stefon Diggs has not thrived since the scheme change. But Diggs remains a strong play against a modest secondary. This game was originally scheduled for Sunday and moved due to weather. The cold and snow could still factor in. Additionally, the under has hit in six of the last seven games played at Highmark Stadium. UNDER 39.5 LOSS Philadelphia Eagles (11-6) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-8) Time: 8:15 PM Eastern Line: Philadelphia -3 Total: 43.5 Money Line: Eagles -150, Buccaneers +130 Philadelphia Eagles The once-dominant Eagles are reeling. Philadephia enters the playoffs having lost five of their last six. That’s a terrible dynamic. In the Super Bowl era, the previous five teams that dropped 5-of-6 before entering the postseason are 0-5 in their playoff game. Additionally, the Eagles are beat up. QB Jalen Hurts has been contending with numerous ailments for a while and No. 1 WR A.J. Brown (knee) has been ruled out. Expect more targets to go to TE Dallas Goedert and WR DeVonta Smith, who is poised to have a big game. Also, it makes sense to project RB D’Andre Swift to have an expanded role. However, Tampa Bay ranked 5th against the run and Swift has only topped double-digit fantasy points once in his last six games. Philly’s chances rest with Hurts, as both a passer and runner. These two squads faced off in this stadium back in Week 3 and Hurts produced 305 yards of offense and two scores. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Meanwhile, Tampa is also dealing with injuries. QB Baker Mayfield was limited all week with ankle and rib injuries and is listed as questionable. Mayfield is tough and will play. But the matchup is a tough one. Particularly for a limited signal caller. In Week 3, the Eagles held Mayfield to 146 passing yards and one score at Raymond James. Despite the 25-11 loss to Philadelphia in September, this is a good matchup for Tampa’s skill-position group. The Eagles ranked 31st against the pass. Mike Evans scored seven touchdowns at home this season, including the team’s only TD in the previous matchup. Chris Godwin produced double-digit fantasy points in his final five outings of the regular season. Our RDA* projections love Godwin tonight. Also, RB Rachaad White can factor in as a dangerous receiving option if the Eagles’ No. 10 run defense factors in. With the Eagles struggling and Tampa winning five of their last six to win the NFC South, I like the Buccaneers to cover and might even consider the money line. Bucs +3 WIN Sign Up Before the NFL Playoffs & Double Your Bet Instantly With Edge Boost Offer is up for a limited time only! Special Offer For The FullTime Community: Users who sign up within the next 72 hours will start at $500 in advance limit from EDGE Boost (as opposed to $50). 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Sunday Playoff Preview
After a two-game slate on Saturday, Sunday offers two more playoff games. Our Sunday Playoff Preview breaks down the fantasy, DFS, and sports betting angles for the Packers at the Cowboys and the intriguing night game between the Rams and upstart Lions. Using our RDA* projections, we can break down each game to find the statistical edge that can give us a leg up in playoff fantasy and daily fantasy lineups. Also, we can determine the best bets to make. Before you place those winning bets, our partner Edge Boost can help you double your entries and payouts! Click below to increase your winnings today. Green Bay Packers (9-8) at Dallas Cowboys (12-5) Time: 4:30 PM Eastern Line: Dallas -7 Total: 50.5 Money Line: Packers +270, Cowboys -340 Green Bay Packers Plenty of scoring is expected indoors between a Packers offense that ranked 12th in scoring and a Dallas unit that led the league. The biggest factor in the Packers’ scoring resurgence was QB Jordan Love. Fantasy football’s No. 5 signal-caller, Love tossed multiple scores in eight of his final nine games. However, things won’t be easy against a Dallas defense that ranked 5th overall and against the pass. With A.J. Dillon doubtful, Aaron Jones is a strong contender to approach 20 touches. Additionally, Christian Watson (hamstring)looks iffy. Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs remain solid options, as do the Packers’ rookie tight end duo. The Packers have covered nine of their last 10 games against the Cowboys and straight up won 4-of-5 in Dallas. Dallas Cowboys Dallas took control of the NFC East by winning 7-of-9 just as the Eagles were tanking. Much of the success can be attributed to an offense that has steamrolled opponents at home. The Cowboys led the NFL in scoring and were undefeated at AT&T. CeeDee Lamb was fantasy football’s top wideout in 2023 and sits atop our RDA* projection against a Green Bay secondary that ceded 13 scores to opposing wideouts. Green Bay allowed more sores to running backs. Therefore, Tony Pollard comes in as our No. 2 runner for the week. A Dallas stack led by QB Dak Prescott will be a popular DFS entry. The Cowboys are 6-2 ATS at home and the OVER is 10-3 since Week 6. However, Dallas has struggled against the Packers, dropping nine of their last 10 overall. Packers +7 WIN Los Angeles Rams (10-7) at Detroit Lions (12-5) Time: 8:00 PM Eastern Line: Lions -3 Total: 51.5 Money Line Rams +140, Lions -165 Los Angeles Rams Like the second game, Sunday’s finale should feature plenty of scoring. The total of 51.5 points for this game is the highest of the Wild Card slate. For the Rams, QB Matthew Stafford thrived down the stretch as his offense got healthy. Sophomore RB Kyren Williams was a league winner. However, the Lions ranked 2nd in the league against the run. Conversely, Detroit struggled against the pass, ranking 27th. That puts both Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua in play as top-8 wideouts per our RDA* projections. Also, the Rams tend to show up as visitors. LA went 5-3-1 against the spread on the road and the OVER hit in six of nine. Detroit Lions Meanwhile, the Lions are more than capable of running teams out of the building. Detroit ranked 5th in the league in scoring and was an NFL-best 12-5 against the spread this season. QB Jared Goff plays his best ball at home, leading to the Lions covering 10 of their last 13 at Ford Field. Los Angeles allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs. The Lions will heavily feature both Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. However, the tough matchup favors Gibbs, who has a more prominent role in the passing attack. Speaking of the aerial game, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown should cook against a Rams’ secondary that surrendered the 9th-most fantasy points to wideouts. Our RDA* projections also favor Jameson Williams to be a sneaky start. There is a lot of history of OVERs in this series and with both teams in 2023. However, I think the Rams can hang around and that half-point is big. RAMS +3.5 WIN Sign Up Before the NFL Playoffs & Double Your Bet Instantly With Edge Boost Offer is up for a limited time only! Special Offer For The FullTime Community: Users who sign up within the next 72 hours will start at $500 in advance limit from EDGE Boost (as opposed to $50). Claim this offer using EdgeBoost now if you sign up before the Texans–Browns game kicks off on Saturday! Click on this link Click “Sign Up Today” & Double Your Bet Instantly! What is EDGE Boost? EDGE Boost is the first Bet Now Pay Later (powered by VISA) provider that enables you to take out a responsible, no-interest advance that you can use to bet on games of your choice at any sportsbook, DFS site, or the FFWC! You are then given four weekly installment payments to repay your advance, and if your wager hits, you double your winnings with no fees. 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It’s like being on a perpetual winning streak. And
Saturday Playoff Preview
The opening round of the 2023 NFL playoffs are all set. The FullTime Fantasy Saturday Playoff Preview looks at both the Browns vs. Texans and Dolphins vs. Chiefs games from a fantasy and sports betting perspective. Using our RDA* projections, we can break down each game to find the statistical edge that can give us a leg up in playoff fantasy and daily fantasy lineups. Also, we can determine the best bets to make. Before you place those winning bets, our partner Edge Boost can help you double your entries and payouts! Click below to increase your winnings today. Cleveland Browns (11-6) at Houston Texans (10-7) Time: 4:30 Eastern Line: Cleveland -2.5 Total: 44.5 Money Line: Browns -145, Texans +125 Cleveland Offense Back in Week, the Browns went into NRG Stadium and throttled the Texans 36-22. The game wasn’t even that close as Houston piled on 15 garbage-time points. In that game, Joe Flacco completed 27-of-42 for 368 yards and three scores. Flacco’s 22.8 fantasy points in that game were the second-most allowed by a much-improved Houston defense all season. In the rematch, Houston’s pass rush will be healthier. Additionally, the Texans will have more success moving the ball than they did with Davis Mills under center. Also, Flacco’s penchant for turnovers could make the difference in a close game. View Flacco as a solid start this week. However, the floor makes him a riskier play than the other three signal-callers suiting up Saturday. Houston’s run defense also made big strides in 2023. Jerome Ford was held to 25 yards on 15 totes in Week 16. Ford salvaged his day with a touchdown but was otherwise ineffective. Our RDA* projections call for Ford to get 16 touches, generate about 65 yards of offense, and is about a 50/50 bet to find the end zone. Kareem Hunt (groin) returned to practice Wednesday. Hunt won’t see as many touches as Ford in this game. However, Hunt is the preferred option in short-yardage. This week, he’ll be a TD-or-Bust option. That gives him some DFS appeal. Amari Cooper set a franchise record with 265 yards three weeks ago versus the Texans. However, Houston played without Will Anderson and Jonathan Greenard in that game, which led to no pass rush. Cooper won’t have a repeat of his gaudy Week 16 figures, but he still comes in as a top-5 fantasy wideout per our RDA* projections. Elijah Moore didn’t do much in the previous game and is still questionable with a concussion. Cedric Tillman has also been ruled out, leaving David Bell as an interesting flier. The Texans allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends in 2023. David Njoku caught six passes including a TD in the previous matchup. He’s our No. 2 tight end for the slate. Houston Offense It’s best to ignore the previous game from the Texans’ perspective. At least on offense. Houston didn’t accomplish much with Davis Mills and Case Keenum under center. However, with the return of C.J. Stroud, the Texans’ offense should be far more effective. After missing two games with a head injury, Stroud returned in the season finale to post solid, but unspectacular numbers. Stroud has been one of the best QBs in football at home. However, facing the NFL’s No. 1 defense will be problematic. If Stroud can continue his stellar play at NRG, the Texans have a good shot. Devin Singletary has taken over as the club’s feature back. Cleveland is far better against the pass than run, so expect Houston to make Singletary a big part of the game plan. Our RDA* projections have Singletary approaching 80 scrimmage yards. However, he is less likely to find to hit pay dirt. Cleveland ranked 4th in the league in limiting fantasy points to opposing wideouts. Nico Collins is Houston’s undisputed top wide receiver. But the Browns limited Collins to 18 yards on four receptions. Collins did score in that game to somewhat salvage his day. But our RDA* projections predict another modest outing. Robert Woods will return in this game and is likely to be Houston’s No. 3 with Noah Brown returning to practice Thursday. This is a tough matchup for Houston, even if the Texans have played much better at home. That makes all of their ancillary pass-catchers little more than DFS dart throws. Brown has more boom potential. Tight end Dalton Schultz should fill the void as Houston’s top target. Back in Week 16, Schultz reeled in a team-high eight grabs for 61 yards. However, the matchup is worse for tight ends. Cleveland allowed only 9.7 fantasy points per game to the position- second-lowest in the NFL. As much as Cleveland feels like the better team, eventually, the magic will run out, right? I’m on the home dogs. Houston +2.5 WIN Miami Dolphins (11-6) at Kansas City Chiefs (11-6) Time: 8:00 PM Eastern Line: Kansas City -4.5 Total: 51.5 Money Line: Dolphins +190, Chiefs -225 Miami Offense For most of the season, this would have looked like a premier matchup with unlimited offensive potential. However, the Chiefs and Dolphins stumbled to the finish line to damper the fantasy appeal. The opening line of 51.5 seems high for two teams that have not played well. Also, weather will be a factor. The forecast calls for a high of 7 degrees with game-time temps hovering around 0. Brrrr. That will pose problems for Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins. In his last five road games, Tagovailoa averaged just 233.8 passing yards per game with seven touchdown passes. Meanwhile, facing Kansas City boasts a top-10 defense that surrendered the third-fewest touchdown passes in 2023. Kansas City was also stout against the run. However, the Dolphins boasted the NFL’s No. 6 rushing attack. Raheem Mostert will return after sitting out the last two regular-season games. Mostert led the NFL in rushing scores, including seven rushing TDs in seven road contests. De’Von Achane will also be heavily involved. Achane boasts enormous upside but has slowed down after eclipsing 100 rushing yards in three of
Week 17 DFS: Tight End Report featuring Travis Kelce
Week 17 DFS: Tight End Report No tight end scored more than 20.00 fantasy points in Week 16. George Kittle (7/126) was the top player for the week, followed by Evan Engram (10/95) and Chigoziem Okonkwo (6/63/1). Here are the
No tight end scored more than 20.00 fantasy points in Week 16. George Kittle (7/126) was the top player for the week, followed by Evan Engram (10/95) and Chigoziem Okonkwo (6/63/1). Here are the top five tight ends by scoring average after 16 weeks:
- T.J. Hockenson (14.67)
- Travis Kelce (14.39)
- Sam LaPorta (14.00)
- George Kittle (13.15)
- Evan Engram (13.09)
Here are the top plays this week via the Week 15 DFS: Tight End Report. Also, check out the Week 16 DFS: QB Report, RB Report, and WR Report.
Top Tier Option
Travis Kelce, KC (DK – $7,000/FD – $7,800)
Over his last eight games, Kelce caught 42 of his 58 targets for 443 yards and one touchdown, leading to only steady fantasy production in five games (11.80, 16.40, 15.10, 12.10, and 14.30). His recent stats (5/28 and 5/44) don’t command his current salary. He has one impact game (12/179/1) and a pair of steady showings in fantasy points (22.70 and 21.40), all coming between Week 5 and Week 7. Over his past eight matchups, he averaged 7.3 targets (8.9 in 2022 and 8.4 in 2021).
Cincinnati has the second-worst defense (98/1,020/6 on 120 targets) against tight ends, with failure in four games (SF – 91/49, PIT – 12/141, JAC – 10/91/1, and IND – 8/65/1). Over the past nine weeks, tight ends have at least eight catches in six contests.
The Chiefs’ offense (77 points over their last four games) is a mess, and Patrick Mahomes gained fewer than 6.5 yards per pass attempt in six of their previous eight games. Finally, Kelce has a winnable matchup with a slight drop in salary. I want to believe, but I can force him if he doesn’t fit my Week 17 plan…
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Week 17 DFS: Wide Receiver Report
Week 17 DFS: Wide Receiver Report Amari Cooper (11/265/2) delivered a difference-maker in the fantasy postseason for the first time in his NFL career, ranking first in wide receiver scoring (51.50) in Week 16. The change to Mason Rudolph at
Amari Cooper (11/265/2) delivered a difference-maker in the fantasy postseason for the first time in his NFL career, ranking first in wide receiver scoring (51.50) in Week 16. The change to Mason Rudolph at quarterback gave George Pickens (4/195/2) the best outcome in his short NFL career. Puka Nacua (9/1801) was the third-ranked wideout for the week. Twelve wide receivers scored between 20.00 and 29.00 fantasy points. Here are the top five players by scoring average after 16 weeks:
- Tyreek Hill (22.87)
- CeeDee Lamb (21.90)
- Amon-Ra St. Brown (18.83)
- A.J. Brown (18.76)
- Keenan Allen (18.69)
Also, before we get into the Week 17 DFS: Wide Receiver Report, check out the QB Report and RB Report.
Top-Tier Options
Justin Jefferson, MIN (DK – $8,800/FD – $9,200)
Over the past two weeks, with Nick Mullens starting at quarterback, Jefferson averaged 22.25 fantasy points in DraftKings scoring with one edge game (6/141/1). The Vikings looked his way 20 times while attempting 70 passes. He posted four stud games (9/150, 11/159, 7/149/1, and 6/85/2) to start the season (28.33 FPPG). In 2022, Jefferson posted a dominating game (9/184/2) at home vs. the Packers but an empty showing (1/15) on the road.
Green Bay drifted to 15th in wide receiver defense (218/2,522/13 on 322 targets). The only offense to solve their pass coverage vs. wideouts was the Chargers (32/415/2). Their defense did show regression in points allowed over the past two matchups (27 and 30 points), leading to 34 catches for 398 yards and three touchdowns on 49 targets (CIN and DET). CB Jaire Alexander has been suspended for this game, putting the Vikings’ wideouts in a better position for success.
Jefferson does get a nick in his profile in Week 17, with Jaren Hall starting for the Vikings. He’s been on the field for 22 plays in his rookie season, leading to eight completions on 10 passing attempts for 101 yards. Over his last two seasons at BYU, Hall gained 6,409 yards with 57 touchdowns and 11 interceptions over 22 games. He will move the chains with his legs (148/655/6).
Tyreek Hill, MIA (DK – $9,300/FD – $9,800)
After missing Week 16, the Dolphins had Hill on the field for 85% of the snaps against Dallas. He caught…
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Week 17 DFS: Running Back Report
Week 17 DFS: Running Back Report Breece Hall (43.10 fantasy points) turned in a beast game in Week 16, giving him the top ranking. Christian McCaffrey (25.10) and Jahmyr Gibbs (25.00) finished second and third in running back scoring. Only
Breece Hall (43.10 fantasy points) turned in a beast game in Week 16, giving him the top ranking. Christian McCaffrey (25.10) and Jahmyr Gibbs (25.00) finished second and third in running back scoring. Only three other backs scored more than 20.00 fantasy points. Here are the top five running backs by scoring average after 16 weeks:
- Christian McCaffrey (25.35)
- Raheem Mostert (17.91)
- Rashaad White (16.47)
- Travis Etienne (16.19)
- Breece Hall (15.59)
Also, check out FullTime Fantasy‘s Week 17 DFS QB Report.
Elite Option
Christian McCaffrey, SF (DK – $9,600/FD – $11,000)
The 49ers had McCaffrey on the field for all of their plays last week, leading to his eighth consecutive game with more than 100 combined yards. He has a touchdown in 13 of his 15 starts with a combined 21 scores. His two impact games (48.70 and 41.70) came against the Cardinals. McCaffrey has a floor of 20.00 fantasy points in eight other matchups. He is on pace to gain 2,190 combined yards with 24 touchdowns and 71 catches on 364 touches.
Washington fell to 29th in running back defense (26.13 FPPG) after allowing more than 28.00 fantasy points to backs in their last eight games. The Jets and Breece Hall drilled the Commanders for 242 combined yards with two touchdowns and 12 catches. Running backs have 16 touchdowns with success in the passing game (82/587/5).
McCaffrey has an excellent matchup, with a high floor in fantasy points. The 49ers should score at will in this game, but they could give their star running back some snaps off if Washington doesn’t put up a fight on the scoreboard.
Second-Tier Options
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Week 17 Quarterback Report
Week 17 NFL Quarterback Report Joe “Waiver Wire” Flacco was the best quarterback in the land in Week 17 (30.50 fantasy points), thanks to a career game by Amari Cooper (11/265/2). The runner-up prize went to Derek Carr (29.15), followed
Joe “Waiver Wire” Flacco was the best quarterback in the land in Week 17 (30.50 fantasy points), thanks to a career game by Amari Cooper (11/265/2). The runner-up prize went to Derek Carr (29.15), followed by Josh Allen (28.35), Jalen Hurts (27.45), and Justin Fields (27.20). Twelve other quarterbacks scored between 20.00 and 26.50 fantasy points. Here are the top five players after 16 weeks by scoring average:
- Josh Allen (26.95)
- Jalen Hurts (26.09)
- Dak Prescott (23.03)
- Lamar Jackson (22.76)
- Brock Purdy (22.11)
Using our Week 17 Fantasy Football Rankings, let’s break down this week’s field in the FullTime Fantasy Week 16 NFL Quarterback Report.
Top Tier Options
Jalen Hurts, PHI (DK – $8,300/FD – $9,200)
Over the past six weeks, Hurts has one passing touchdown or fewer in five starts. He held value by his success in the run game (59/260/8). His completion rate (60.3%) over this span is well below his first nine games (68.9%). Despite his direction, Hurts has already set career highs in completions (327), passing attempts (499), and combined touchdowns (35). When at his best, he scored more than 30 fantasy points in three matchups (31.35, 31.55, and 38.50).
The Cardinals rank 25th in quarterback defense (21.94). Only the Giants (380/3) scored more than 30.00 fantasy points. The Rams (229/4) and 49ers (262/4) delivered the most success in touchdowns over the past four weeks. Quarterbacks rushed for 285 yards and five touchdowns on 61 carries. Five offenses rushed for more than 175 yards.
The Eagles played better offensively in Week 16 (471 combined yards with three touchdowns, four field goals, and 33 points), pointing to success in scoring this week. I sense I have Hurts under-projected this week as he looks poised to have a 4X floor in this upside matchup...
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Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 17
Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 17 The highlight of the final Thursday game of the 2023 fantasy season is that the game gets to kick off championship week. While last week’s Saints vs. Rams tilt hit the over, FullTime Fantasy‘s
The highlight of the final Thursday game of the 2023 fantasy season is that the game gets to kick off championship week. While last week’s Saints vs. Rams tilt hit the over, FullTime Fantasy‘s Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 17 features the Browns hosting the NFL’s most futile offense in the lowly New York Jets.
16th-year pro Joe Flacco has been a revelation for the Browns. Cleveland has started four different signal-callers this season. However, the Browns are in contention for the AFC’s top seed with a nifty 10-5 record.
Meanwhile, the Jets have also had to play the quarterback carousel. But Robert Saleh has not enjoyed anywhere near as much success. At least not on offense. Saleh’s defense ranks third in the NFL.
Saleh does keep his club ready to compete and they will undoubtedly be ready to play spoiler.
New York opened as 6.5-point underdogs and the total was a ghastly 35 points.
Matchup
| TEAM | OFFENSE | PASS | RUSH | YDS/PLAY | POINTS |
| New York Jets | 32 | 31 | 28 | 30 | 30 |
| Cleveland Browns | 13 | 20 | 11 | 28 | 10 |
New York’s season effectively ended after four snaps. After losing Aaron Rodgers, the Jets have struggled to mount any kind of credible offense. Zach Wilson fared about as well as expected before losing – and regaining- the starting job. Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian have also contributed to the futility.
Siemian will make his second start this week and faces a tough task. Cleveland boasts the NFL’s No. 1 defense. The Browns lead the league in passing defense, interception rate, third-down efficiency, and fewest yards per play.
Meanwhile, Flacco has resurrected a stagnant offense. Cleveland has averaged 29 points per game in Flacco’s three starts. However, the Jets have the No. 2 pass defense and won’t allow the big plays that the Browns produced in Houston.
Points will be at a premium in this one. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean this game is a fantasy football fade.
New York Offense
How will Thursday’s Jets vs. Browns game go?
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