DraftKings NFL Week 15 Top Plays, Game Stacks + Optimal DFS Lineups

Over/Under Lookahead

One of the best ways to identify valuable DraftKings targets is projecting the game script and potential scoring production for both teams in any given matchup. Of course, we want to target the highest-scoring games on the week as those games will produce the most fantasy points. Game stacks are often a great way to reduce variability in a given lineup by securing more pieces from a higher-scoring game. Winter is coming, and the weather will continue to be a massive factor, so make sure you check out our matchup pages to stay apprised of the forecast.

This is a week with a smaller main slate as there are two Saturday games this week, the Packers-Panthers and Broncos-Bills games. However, there are still some great games to target this week. These are the games this week with the highest and lowest over/under totals (main slate only).

Highest-Scoring Games

1. Chiefs @ Saints – O/U 51.5 (KC -3)
2. Texans @ Colts – O/U 51 (DET -11)
3. Buccaneers @ Falcons – O/U 50.5 (TB -6)
4. Eagles @ Cardinals – O/U 49.5 (ARI -6.5)

Lowest-Scoring Games

1. Patriots @ Dolphins – O/U 41.5 (MIA -2)
2. Jets @ Rams – O/U 43.5 (LAR -17.5)
3. Seahawks @ Washington – O/U 44.5 (SEA -5.5)
4. 49ers @ Cowboys – O/U 45 (SF -3)

Quarterbacks

GPP Targets

Lamar Jackson ($7,500): In perhaps the game of the year on Monday night, Lamar Jackson was the hero after leaving the game with cramps. He finished with 124 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, his best rushing output of the year, and finished with 34.9 fantasy points, his highest mark of the season. This week, Jackson faces the Jaguars, who have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks and the second-most over the past five weeks. Jackson has a wide range of outcomes, so he’s perhaps not an ideal cash target, but he has the potential to hit 35 fantasy points again, so he’s a phenomenal GPP play.

Jalen Hurts ($5,900): In his first start at quarterback for the Eagles, Hurts threw for 167 yards and a touchdown and ran for 106 yards on 18 carries. The rushing production was awe-inspiring, as was the fact that he didn’t turn the ball over against the Saints’ dominant defense. He faces a much easier matchup in the Cardinals this week, and his rushing ability makes him a very intriguing GPP play. His ownership could remain low as the fantasy community doesn’t totally trust him yet, and I believe in Hurts as a potential top-10 guy this week.

Mitchell Trubisky ($5,500): Trubisky finished with 25 fantasy points against the Texans last week and gets another intriguing fantasy matchup this week against the Vikings. Minnesota is allowing 256.6 passing yards per game, the seventh-most in the NFL, and they’ve also allowed a top-15 fantasy QB in each of the last four weeks. Their secondary has been decimated with injuries, and the Bears have plenty of capable pass-catchers to take advantage of the matchup. Minnesota has also allowed 26 passing touchdowns, the sixth-most in the NFL. Trubisky has a ton of upside in this matchup.

Other GPP options to consider: Kyler Murray ($7,000), Deshaun Watson ($6,800), Taysom Hill ($6,000), Philip Rivers ($5,900), Nick Mullens ($5,100)

Cash Targets

Kyler Murray ($7,000): The Cardinals’ quarterback has struggled as of late with under 20 fantasy points in each of his last three matchups after scoring 20+ points in every game before that span. Murray still ranks as the QB1 this year, and he’ll have the opportunity to bounce back this week against the Eagles. Murray ran 13 times for 47 yards last week, indicating his shoulder injury is behind him. The Eagles have allowed a top-12 QB in three of the past five weeks, and Murray should have no problem hitting that mark. The upside could still be capped with his recent injury and lower-scoring game, but Murray’s baseline is phenomenal for cash lineups.

Ryan Tannehill ($6,700): Tannehill has finished with 16+ fantasy points in each of his last four games and has thrown for 8 touchdowns to just 2 interceptions over that span. Last week, he only had to attempt 24 passes as Derrick Henry ran all over the Jaguars, which could be an issue moving forward. Henry could also dominate against the Lions and relegate Tannehill to a lower passing workload, so the upside is capped. However, Detroit has allowed the 2nd-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks over the past three weeks, so Tannehill has a solid floor in this matchup. He has proven that he doesn’t need a ton of passing attempts to get the job done for fantasy, and he is a solid target at this price tag.

Jared Goff ($6,300): Goff has finished with under 15 fantasy points in two of his last three games, but you can credit that to tough matchups against the 49ers and Patriots. Things get easier against the Jets this week, who allow the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks over the past three weeks and the second-most this season. Goff has averaged 16.5 fantasy points per game and should be able to take advantage of a weak Jets’ secondary with the weapons at his disposal, including Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods. The Jets have allowed 28 passing touchdowns this year, tied for the most in the NFL, so a multi-passing touchdown game for Goff should be in the cards here.

Other cash options to consider: Patrick Mahomes ($7,900), Philip Rivers ($5,900), Cam Newton ($5,500), Matt Ryan ($5,400)

Running Backs

GPP Targets

Jonathan Taylor ($7,200): Taylor ran 20 times for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns last week and added 2 catches for 15 yards to finish with 30.5 fantasy points, his best output of the season. This week, he faces the Texans, allowing the 2nd-most fantasy points per game to running backs this season. Houston is allowing 152.3 rushing yards per game, the 2nd-most in the NFL. Taylor has averaged 21.3 touches per game over the past three weeks and has emerged as a clear top-five running back for fantasy. His upside is massive, and his clearly solid floor makes him a fine cash play as well.

Miles Sanders ($6,900): In Hurts’s first career start for the Eagles, Miles Sanders finished with 29.6 PPR points and was the RB3 on the week. He clearly benefitted from Hurts’s rushing ability as it opens up more opportunities close to the line of scrimmage as linebackers and defensive linemen are kept on their toes. Sanders did this against the Saints’ defense, allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to running backs, so he should do even better against the Cardinals, who allow the 12th-most fantasy points per game to RBs. Sanders’s ownership should remain low with several poor performances this year, leaving a bad taste in fantasy players’ mouths, but I’m rolling with him in GPP this week with top-3 upside.

J.K. Dobbins ($5,900): The Ravens have allowed J.K. Dobbins to get much more involved as of late, and the rookie runner has impressed with 5.2 YPC this year. He has averaged 13 carries per game over the past three weeks and has run for a touchdown in each of those games. This week, the Ravens face the Jaguars, who are allowing 145.5 rushing yards per game, the third-most in the NFL. Jacksonville has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to RBs and the most over the past three weeks. Dobbins is emerging as a force for this team and has clear top-10 upside in a plus matchup. The range of outcomes is fairly wide, but he has the ability to outproduce this price tag massively.

Jeff Wilson Jr. ($5,100): With Raheem Mostert’s status up-in-the-air due to an ankle injury, Jeff Wilson could be in line for more of a workload this week. The 49ers’ rushing offense figures to dominate this week against the Cowboys, who are allowing 162.7 rushing yards per game, the most in the NFL. Wilson racked up 14 touches for 44 yards and a touchdown last week to give him 9.4 PPR points. Wilson has put up 22+ PPR points twice this season, so he has shown the type of ceiling he can have when things are going well. If Mostert sits out this week, Wilson could easily be a top-10 back. Even if he plays, the Cowboys’ run defense provides both guys’ opportunity to finish as top-15 RBs. At this price tag, I’m very excited about Wilson’s upside.

Other GPP options to consider: Cam Akers ($6,600), Ezekiel Elliott ($6,100), Raheem Mostert ($5,800), Clyde Edwards-Helaire ($5,800), J.D. McKissic ($5,700), Jeff Wilson Jr. ($5,100)

Cash Targets

Derrick Henry ($9,500): Last week, the Titans’ stud running back came through with his best game of the season – he racked up 215 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 26 carries. If Henry averaged 191 rushing yards over the final three games, he could potentially break the record for most rushing yards in a season. His price tag has skyrocketed, but the Lions’ run defense has been atrocious this season, and they’ve allowed the most fantasy points per game to running backs. Henry has received 22.8 carries per game, and with that workload, it isn’t easy to imagine him not pulling through with value, even at this price tag.

James Robinson ($7,100): The undrafted rookie free agent has turned into an elite fantasy option, and he ranks as the RB4 this season in large part thanks to his remarkable consistency. Robinson hasn’t finished with fewer than 10 PPR points in a game all season and hasn’t been hurt by the Jaguars playing from behind in most games and running behind a poor offensive line. The Ravens have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to running backs over the past three weeks, which will make this a solid matchup for Robinson. The baseline he provides makes him a great centerpiece for cash game lineups.

David Montgomery ($7,000): In his three games since returning from injury, Montgomery has scored 24+ PPR points. He has averaged 17 touches per game over that span and has scored 4 touchdowns over that stretch as well. This week, he faces the Vikings, whose run defense has been decimated lately, especially after the loss of Eric Kendricks. Montgomery’s price tag has shot up recently in DraftKings, but he is running for 4.5 YPC and has 4+ targets in each of the past three weeks. With his combination of workload and efficiency, he’s a strong centerpiece for cash game lineups.

Kenyan Drake ($5,500): Drake has averaged 19 touches per game over the past four weeks and has turned that into 17.5 PPR points per game. He has also run for five touchdowns over the past four weeks, and with nine touchdowns in twelve games this season, he’s a constant threat to score a rushing touchdown. The Eagles have allowed 18 rushing touchdowns in 13 games, the third-most in the NFL, so that makes Drake a strong threat to score again this week. He is still underpriced in DraftKings, and I’m confident in his ability to provide value this week.

Other cash options to consider: Alvin Kamara ($7,400), D’Andre Swift ($6,400), Clyde Edwards-Helaire ($5,800), Kenyan Drake ($5,500), Nyheim Hines ($5,400)

Wide Receivers

GPP Targets

D.K. Metcalf ($8,600): In his sophomore season, D.K. Metcalf has turned into one of the best receivers in the NFL as he is on a 16-game pace of 85 catches for 1,450 yards and 12 touchdowns. That has translated to 18.8 PPR points per game, and he has gone under 13 PPR points just once over the past seven weeks. Of course, he needs more than 13 points to return value on this price tag, but he’ll have a strong opportunity to do that against Washington, who allows the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers over the past five weeks. Metcalf is an elite talent worthy of this price tag, and I’m confident in his ability to return value this week.

Terry McLaurin ($6,600): It’s been disappointing as of late for McLaurin as he has scored under 5 PPR points in each of the last two games. However, that should provide a strong opportunity for him to bounce back with low ownership. The Seahawks have allowed 294.8 passing yards, the most in the NFL, and Washington’s top target in the passing game continues to be McLaurin. Dwayne Haskins is set to be under center this week after Alex Smith’s injury, and we’ve seen some huge fantasy performances from McLaurin with Haskins throwing him the ball. He has top-five potential this week, and with projected low ownership, he’s one of my favorite GPP targets.

Marvin Jones ($5,700): Over the past several weeks, Marvin Jones has been one of the most hit-or-miss fantasy options. He has scored 23+ PPR points in two of the last five games but 10 or fewer in three of the last five. It looks like Matthew Stafford will miss this week, putting Chase Daniel under center, but I still am intrigued by Jones in this matchup. The Titans have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers over the past five games. The Detroit-Tennessee game is projected as one of the week’s highest-scoring, and Jones clearly has the talent to pick on an underwhelming group of Titans defensive backs. The fact that Daniel is under center means there’s a wide range of outcomes for Jones, but he has great upside for GPP lineups.

D.J. Chark ($5,000): This hasn’t been the season many hoped for from D.J. Chark after his sophomore breakout last year, but things could change in a hurry with Gardner Minshew back under center. The duo will have the opportunity to rekindle their chemistry from last year, and Chark has dominated the target share in Jacksonville lately with an average of 8.2 targets over the past five weeks. Chark faces the Ravens this week, which allows the 2nd-most fantasy points to wide receivers over the past three weeks amidst several injuries to their secondary. In GPP lineups, you’re looking for lower-priced dart throws that could vastly outproduce their price if things break the right way. Chark fits the bill, and he has top-10 upside this week.

Other GPP options to consider: Tyreek Hill ($8,800), Calvin Ridley ($8,200), Amari Cooper ($6,400), Keke Coutee ($5,300), Michael Pittman Jr. ($4,800), Jalen Reagor ($4,400), Darnell Mooney ($3,900), Lynn Bowden ($3,600)

Cash Targets

Michael Thomas ($7,200): Taysom Hill has finally gained some confidence as a passer lately, and that has translated to fantasy success for Michael Thomas. The Saints’ top wideout has caught 17 balls for 189 yards over the past two weeks and has finished with an average of 17.9 PPR points per game over the past two weeks. This week, the Saints will have to air the ball out a fair amount as I’m expecting the Chiefs to have no problem putting up points. Thomas is a phenomenal talent who has finally been producing lately, and he provides a solid baseline to return value on this price tag.

Cooper Kupp ($7,000) and Robert Woods ($6,800): I spoke about Jared Goff in my cash targets for quarterbacks, and my high expectations for him extend to his top two wideouts in Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods. Kupp has gotten back on track lately with 14+ PPR points in three of his last four games, and he scored his first touchdown in 10 weeks last week. Woods has scored 15+ PPR points in three of his last four appearances and has averaged 8.1 targets per game. The Jets have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers this year, and their secondary has been very vulnerable. Kupp and Woods are two great options at wide receiver as you don’t have to pay too much for either one, but you can be confident in their strong baseline for cash games.

Brandon Aiyuk ($6,300): The 49ers’ rookie wide receiver has been surprisingly consistent lately with 17+ PPR points in each of his last five games. He has seen an average of 11.2 targets over his past five games and should continue to see a hefty target share after Deebo Samuel’s injury that could knock him out for the remainder of the season. Aiyuk faces the Cowboys this week, allowing the 2nd-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. He has gotten involved in several ways in Kyle Shanahan’s offense, and Aiyuk has a tremendous combination of talent and a plus matchup that should help him succeed here.

T.Y. Hilton ($5,500): He’s baaaaaack. T.Y. Hilton was nowhere to be found for most of this season, but he has racked up an average of 22.9 PPR points per game over the past three weeks. Hilton has caught 17 balls for 277 yards and 4 touchdowns over the past four weeks, and gets to face the Texans again this week who he has torched time and again throughout his career. Houston has allowed the 2nd-most yards from scrimmage in football this season, and I’m expecting the Colts’ offense to excel this week. Hilton has retaken his claim as the top target for Philip Rivers, and he should have another great game against the beatable Houston secondary.

Other cash options to consider: A.J. Brown ($7,600), Allen Robinson ($7,400), Keke Coutee ($5,300), Jakobi Meyers ($4,600), Jamison Crowder ($4,400), Emmanuel Sanders ($4,200), Josh Reynolds ($3,700), Anthony Miller ($3,400)

Tight Ends

GPP Targets

Irv Smith Jr. ($3,600): With Kyle Rudolph out last week against the Buccaneers, Irv Smith Jr. came through with 4 catches for 63 yards and a touchdown. Smith finished with 16.3 fantasy points in that game. He’s averaged 12.9 yards per reception and has scored 3 touchdowns in 4 starts this season. If Rudolph is out again this week, I’m very intrigued by Smith as he faces the Bears, who allow the 4th-most fantasy points per game to tight ends. Smith provides a ton of upside at this price tag, assuming he’s the main tight end in Minnesota.

Jared Cook ($3,400): Taysom Hill has found himself recently as a passer, and Jared Cook should be able to keep producing as a solid tight end option. He’s scored a touchdown in two straight games and has averaged 4.5 targets per game. We’ve seen some highs and lows from Cook this season, but the Saints are going to need to air the ball out this week against the Chiefs, who are allowing the 2nd-most fantasy points per game to tight ends over the past three weeks. Cook is the team’s top red-zone threat, and he should have a great chance to score another touchdown this week. At this price, he provides some exciting upside.

Other GPP options to consider: Dallas Goedert ($3,900), Jonnu Smith ($3,700), Hayden Hurst ($3,300), Jordan Akins ($2,800)

Cash Targets

Mark Andrews ($5,500): The Ravens’ passing attack has started grooving recently, and Mark Andrews has scored 12+ PPR points in each of his last three games. He has averaged 5.6 catches for 78.3 yards over that span, and he’s proven that he doesn’t have to score a touchdown to provide fantasy value. The Jaguars have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends this season, and Andrews provides an excellent baseline at the tight end position. The upside isn’t great enough to justify this price in GPP lineups, but his baseline justifies it for cash games.

Dallas Goedert ($3,900): I was nervous about deploying Dallas Goedert last week in Jalen Hurts’s first career start, but the tight end came through with 4 catches for 43 yards. That was his fifth-straight game with 6+ targets, and that consistency makes him a tremendous play for cash lineups where consistency is king. Goedert may not have elite upside, but his target share can’t be beaten, and he provides a tremendous amount of consistency at a position that has struggled all year.

Other cash options to consider: Logan Thomas ($4,000), Tyler Higbee ($3,800), Dalton Schultz ($3,200), Cole Kmet ($3,000)

Defense/Special Teams

GPP Targets

Miami Dolphins ($3,700): The Dolphins are allowing just 18.8 points per game this season, the 2nd-fewest in the NFL, and their DST is scoring 9.7 fantasy points per game, the 3rd-most in football. The Patriots are allowing opposing DSTs to score 8.7 fantasy points per game over the past three weeks, the 9th-most in the NFL. This is projected as one of the lowest-scoring games of the week, and Miami has the defensive personnel to pick on a weak Patriots’ offense.

Washington Football Team ($2,600): The Seahawks’ high-flying offense isn’t necessarily one to chase for DSTs this season, but they are allowing 3.2 sacks per game, the fourth-most in the NFL. They also aren’t imperceptible to turnovers, and the Washington front seven will give their offensive line a very tough time. Washington’s DST is scoring the 6th-most fantasy points this season, and they’re underpriced this week. Don’t be too scared about the matchup.

Other GPP options to consider: Seattle Seahawks ($3,100), Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($3,000), New England Patriots ($3,000)

Cash Targets

Los Angeles Rams ($4,500): Every week, I grapple with whether or not to spend up at DST. If you’re going to pull the trigger this week, you can have confidence in the Rams’ defense. LA is allowing just 18.9 points per game, the third-fewest in the NFL, and the Jets are scoring just 14.1 points per game, the fewest in the NFL. New York has also allowed 2.8 sacks per game, the eighth-most in the NFL, and they’re going to be destroyed by Aaron Donald, Leonard Floyd, and the Rams’ elite offense. There’s no way the Rams’ defense doesn’t dominate in this matchup, and I’m excited about their ability to put up 20+ fantasy points this week.

San Francisco 49ers ($3,100): The 49ers’ defense has had a tough season as they’ve undergone arguably more injuries than any other team. They rank just 18th in fantasy scoring among DSTs, but they have gotten healthier as of late and finished with 8 fantasy points against Washington last week. This week, they face the Cowboys, who have 24 turnovers this year, the third-most in football. The Niners provide a solid baseline, making them a strong cash target.

Other cash options to consider: Tennessee Titans ($3,400), Chicago Bears ($3,200), Arizona Cardinals ($2,900)

Sample Lineups

One of my favorite strategies to use for DFS has quickly become game stacks. By loading up on players from the same game, you can reduce variability in your lineup and take hold of some of the highest-scoring games on the week that will guarantee you fantasy production. I’ll start my sample lineups with a few GPP game stacks for some of my favorite games on the week and then jump into some cash game lineups where game stacking is less important and overall production is the king as you look to finish in the top half of your pool.

Lineup #1: GPP Game Stack, Jaguars @ Ravens

QB: Lamar Jackson $7,500
RB: Jonathan Taylor $7,200
RB: J.K. Dobbins $5,900
WR: Terry McLaurin $6,600
WR: Brandon Aiyuk $6,300
WR: D.J. Chark $5,000
TE: Mark Andrews $5,500
FLEX: Anthony Miller $3,400
DST: Washington Football Team $2,600

Lineup #2: GPP Game Stack, Chiefs @ Saints

QB: Taysom Hill $6,000
RB: Miles Sanders $6,900
RB: D’Andre Swift $6,400
WR: Tyreek Hill $8,800
WR: T.Y. Hilton $5,500
WR: Emmanuel Sanders $4,200
TE: Jared Cook $3,400
FLEX: Clyde Edwards-Helaire $5,800
DST: New England Patriots $3,000

Lineup #3: GPP Game Stack, Eagles @ Cardinals

QB: Jalen Hurts $5,900
RB: Miles Sanders $6,900
RB: Jonathan Taylor $7,200
WR: DeAndre Hopkins $7,900
WR: Marvin Jones Jr. $5,700
WR: Jalen Reagor $4,400
TE: Dan Arnold $3,500
FLEX: Kenyan Drake $5,500
DST: Tampa Bay Buccaneers $3,000

Lineup #4: Cash

QB: Jared Goff $6,300
RB: Derrick Henry $9,500
RB: Nyheim Hines $5,400
WR: Michael Thomas $7,200
WR: Chris Godwin $6,200
WR: Keke Coutee $5,300
TE: Dalton Schultz $3,200
FLEX: Josh Reynolds $3,700
DST: Chicago Bears $3,200