DraftKings NFL Week 17 Top Plays, Game Stacks + Optimal DFS Lineups

We’re officially into the final week of the NFL regular season, and what a ride it’s been. Through ups and downs, COVID-19 tests, and seemingly boundless injuries, it’s truly been a wacky season for DFS. I hope I’ve helped you make some money along the way. Week 17 presents new challenges, with several key starters being rested and team motivation being tested across the league. You have to be a true degenerate to dive into these uncharted waters, but luckily for you, that’s exactly what I would describe myself as when it comes to NFL DFS.

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. Titans @ Texans – O/U 56 (TEN -7.5)
2. Vikings @ Lions – O/U 54 (MIN -4)
3. Raiders @ Broncos – O/U 50.5 (LV -2.5)
4. Falcons @ Buccaneers – O/U 50.5 (TB -6.5)
5. Packers @ Bears – O/U 49.5 (GB -4)

Lowest-Scoring Games

1. Jets @ Patriots – O/U 39.5 (NE -3)
2. Cardinals @ Rams – O/U 41 (ARI -3)
3. Dolphins @ Bills – O/U 42 (BUF -2.5)
4. Chargers @ Chiefs – O/U 43 (LAC -4.5)
5. Steelers @ Browns – O/U 43 (CLE -9)

Quarterbacks

GPP Targets

Aaron Rodgers ($7,400): I don’t get how Aaron Rodgers isn’t the highest priced quarterback on this week’s slate, let alone even in the top five. He’s scoring 24.1 fantasy points per game, the 4th-most at the position, and has thrown for 15 touchdowns to just 1 interception in his last five games, with 44 touchdowns to 5 interceptions on the season. The Bears’ defense hasn’t been generous to opposing passers this year, but they’re set to be without Jaylon Johnson, and Buster Skrine in the secondary with Deon Bush and Tashaun Gipson also banged up. Rodgers sliced up the Bears for 4 touchdowns the last time these teams met, and he might still have lower ownership due to the matchup rating. His upside is massive in a game the Packers treat as a playoff game, and I’ll be building around him this week.

Ryan Tannehill ($7,000): Last week, in snowy conditions in Green Bay, Ryan Tannehill completed just 45.8% of his passes for 121 yards and threw two interceptions. If it weren’t for a long rushing touchdown, he would have had his worst fantasy effort of the season. However, there’s a reason for optimism for him to bounce back this week against a Houston defense he lit up for 366 yards and 4 touchdowns the last time they played. The Texans-Titans game has the highest over-under total on the slate, and you can count on Tennessee throwing everything they have into this game as they have yet to lock up a playoff spot. The Texans’ passing defense has repeatedly been torched as they’ve surrendered 29 passing touchdowns, the seventh-most in the NFL, with just 3 interceptions. Tannehill provides a ton of upside for GPP lineups, and I’ll be looking to build around this game in a lot of my lineups.

Cash Targets

Deshaun Watson ($7,700): The Texans won’t be headed to the postseason this year, but that hasn’t stopped Watson from lighting opposing defenses on fire lately with 10 touchdowns, just 1 interception in his last 5 games. He’s surpassed 300 yards passing in 4 of those 5 outings as well. Watson’s added rushing baseline (28.8+ rushing yards per game this year) makes him a very consistent fantasy target. He put up 32 fantasy points the last time he faced the Titans and could easily hit a similar mark this week. More importantly, it’s tough for cash lineups to see a scenario where Watson doesn’t finish as a top-5 QB in the game with the highest over-under on the week. His upside is high enough to make him a strong GPP consideration, but his absurd floor builds him up to be a top-notch cash play.

Kirk Cousins ($6,300): The Vikings were eliminated from the postseason last week, but Kirk Cousins should be able to end his season on a high note against the Lions who are allowing the most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks over the past five weeks, including a top-3 performance in four of five games. Cousins has an elite baseline with 17+ fantasy points in eight straight games and has obviously benefitted from one of the best receiving tandems in the NFL in Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson. Cousins has only thrown three interceptions since Week 6, and Detroit has just seven interceptions as a team this year, tied for the third-fewest in the NFL. This game also features the second-highest over-under total on the slate, and Cousins finished with 3 passing touchdowns the last time he faced the Lions. There’s nothing keeping Cousins from finishing as a top-five fantasy QB this week.

Other quarterbacks to consider: Russell Wilson ($7,300), Tom Brady ($7,200), Philip Rivers ($6,000), Cam Newton ($5,500), Drew Lock ($5,000; GPP only)

Running Backs

GPP Targets

David Montgomery ($7,700): The reign of David Montgomery continued last week as he now has 20+ PPR points in five straight games and an average of 25.2 PPR points over that span. There’s no reason to expect him to slow down this week against the Packers, a team he crushed for 25.3 PPR points the last time he faced them. Green Bay allows the fifth-most fantasy points per game to running backs this year, and I’m expecting Montgomery to be heavily featured for Chicago as they look to keep the ball out of Aaron Rodgers’ hands. This game has one of the highest over-under totals of the week, so Montgomery has a strong chance to reach the end zone, something he’s done seven times over the past five weeks. Keep rolling with Montgomery this week amidst the best stretch of his career in a fabulous matchup.

David Johnson ($6,800): With just 91.3 rushing yards per game as a team, the second-fewest in the NFL, Houston’s backfield hasn’t been very enticing for fantasy this season. However, David Johnson has caught 14 of 14 targets for 117 yards and a score over the past two weeks, and that pass-catching production makes him a very compelling target against a Titans defense allowing the fourth-most yards from scrimmage per game in the NFL. I’ll be targeting the Texans-Titans game plenty this week, and I love the idea of stacking Ryan Tannehill with A.J. Brown then bringing it back with David Johnson at RB. Duke Johnson is back at practice, but David Johnson has been far more effective and should be in line for double-digit touches in a very favorable matchup. His top-ten RB upside makes him a great GPP play.

Alexander Mattison ($6,100): The last time that Dalvin Cook missed a game for the Vikings, DFS ownership flocked in the direction of Alexander Mattison. However, he was disappointed with just 30 yards from scrimmage in a tough matchup against the Falcons. That left a bad taste in fantasy players’ mouths, and it could cause Mattison’s ownership to remain low this week. That will be a mistake as he faces the Lions, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to the running back position. Dalvin Cook roasted Detroit for 252 yards from scrimmage and 2 rushing touchdowns the last time these teams met. It would be a mistake to expect that same production level from Mattison, but he provides top-five upside at the position given the matchup, which makes him a steal at this price.

Cash Targets

D’Andre Swift ($6,300): Swift was a letdown last week as the Buccaneers blew out the Lions – he finished with just 9 PPR points. Matthew Stafford is dealing with a litany of injuries, but he’s working hard to get back on the field for his team this week. Regardless of whether or not he returns, Swift should be in line for a high number of touches against the Vikings defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to RBs over the past five weeks. Some of that is skewed by an absurd, historic 6-touchdown performance by Alvin Kamara last week, but Swift is running for 4.6 YPC despite a poor Detroit offensive line. He has seen exactly 5 targets in five straight games, and that target baseline gives him a tremendous floor for cash games. Beware of his two lost fumbles over the past two weeks, but Swift has remained heavily involved even after those fumbles. He’s a strong cash play in such a favorable matchup.

Jeff Wilson ($6,000): As the clear-cut workhorse last week, Jeff Wilson delivered a signature 22-carry, 183-yard rushing performance and also caught a 21-yard pass for a touchdown. Raheem Mostert is on Injured Reserve, which leaves Wilson as the clear starter against Seattle this week. The Seahawks’ run defense has been better as of late, but Kyle Shanahan has a long track record of producing great fantasy performers out of the backfield. Wilson saw 23 touches last week and should be able to hit 20+ again this week. At $6,000, that touch load makes him a strong value regardless of the opponent.

Melvin Gordon ($5,700): With Phillip Lindsay on Injured Reserve, Melvin Gordon has seen 15+ touches in four straight games. He should be able to easily hit that number again this week against a Raiders’ defense that is allowing the 4th-most fantasy points per game to running backs. Gordon is also benefitted from this game featuring one of the highest over-under totals on the week as he should have a great opportunity to hit paydirt. As Denver’s top pass-catcher out of the backfield, Gordon is game-script proof and will be a big part of their plans against a weak Las Vegas front seven. His price tag is still way too low, and his RB1 upside makes him a phenomenal GPP option or cash play.

Other running backs to consider: Derrick Henry ($9,400), Nick Chubb ($7,600), Austin Ekeler ($7,500), Jonathan Taylor ($7,400), J.K. Dobbins ($6,700), Myles Gaskin ($6,500), Ronald Jones ($5,900), A.J. Dillon ($4,900), Ito Smith ($4,300), Malcolm Brown ($4,300)

Wide Receivers

GPP Targets

Justin Jefferson ($7,600): The Vikings’ rookie receiver has quickly turned into one of my favorite players in the NFL with his absurd combination of quickness, route-running precision, and ball skills. Jefferson has already racked up 79 catches for 1,267 yards and 7 touchdowns despite not being a starter for the first two games, and he has a tremendous opportunity to put an exclamation point on a fascinating rookie season against the Lions who are allowing the most fantasy points per game to wide receivers over the past five weeks. Jefferson may draw a high level of ownership, but that doesn’t dissuade me from playing him in GPP lineups.

A.J. Brown ($7,200): I am absolutely thrilled about the prospect of playing A.J. Brown in GPP lineups this week. Brown failed to reach the end zone for just the fourth time all season last week, and he should be able to get back there against a Houston defense that has surrendered 29 passing touchdowns this season. Brown is an explosive talent and has incredible RAC ability. In this matchup, he’ll be matched up with Vernon Hargreaves, who has been exploited all season. Brown has massive upside in what should be one of the week’s highest-scoring games, and stacking him with Ryan Tannehill will be my favorite stack of the week, especially given this game is a must-win for Tennessee.

Chris Godwin ($6,600): It’s been challenging to trust Chris Godwin game-to-game with the absurd collection of receiving talent in the Tampa offense. However, that presents a strong opportunity for him with a low price, given his talent and expected low ownership given his unpredictability. This week, he’ll be matched up with Falcons’ slot cornerback Isaiah Oliver who has been torched this year. Godwin is still a tremendous talent and should be in line to produce against Atlanta, allowing the second-most passing yards and third-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

Michael Gallup ($5,000): The Cowboys have had a rocky season offensively amidst offensive line and quarterback injuries, and that’s translated to a complete lack of consistency for the pass-catchers. However, Michael Gallup came through hugely with 6 catches for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns in a must-win game for Dallas last week. He has another opportunity to produce this week’s game as Amari Cooper will likely draw the much more difficult shadow coverage from James Bradberry, leaving the inexperienced and inconsistent Isaac Yiadom to cover Gallup. While he’s the definition of boom-or-bust, Gallup provides an excellent level of upside for GPP lineups at this price.

Cash Targets

Calvin Ridley ($8,500): With an average of 7 catches for 131 yards over the past four weeks, Calvin Ridley has quickly evolved into one of the most consistent weapons in fantasy football. This week, he gets to face a very beatable Tampa secondary that he exploited for 10 catches for 163 yards and a score just a couple of weeks ago. Julio Jones has already been ruled out for this game, and Ridley’s stretch of six games with 9+ targets will surely continue this week in one of the highest-scoring games of the week. Ridley’s baseline makes him a tremendous cash game play.

Robert Woods ($6,300): With Cooper Kupp on the COVID-19 IR, he’ll miss this week’s game and leave Robert Woods to see the bulk of the targets at the wide receiver position for Los Angeles. Woods is a superstar talent as the WR12 on the season and provides a level of consistency that is difficult to find. I expect him to be a safety blanket for John Wolford, making his first career start under center, and Woods has a great opportunity to hit 1,000 receiving yards – he needs just 100 more – for the third straight year. Expect him to be a focal point in the offense on the ground for Sean McVay, as well.

T.Y. Hilton ($5,800): I didn’t expect to get to the point where I’d be recommending Hilton as a cash target this season, but he has scored 9+ PPR points in five straight games and provides an excellent baseline against a Jaguars defense that is allowing the most yards from scrimmage in the NFL this season. Jacksonville allows the 9th-most fantasy points to wide receivers this year, and Hilton is in an excellent position to take advantage of the favorable matchup as the top target in the passing game for Philip Rivers.

Emmanuel Sanders ($5,500): The veteran wideout has been a solid option lately with 11+ PPR points in three straight games amidst Drew Brees’s return to the lineup and Michael Thomas being ruled out the rest of the regular season. Sanders has a juicy matchup against the Panthers’ exploitable defense this week and will serve as the top option in the passing offense as Alvin Kamara has been ruled out with a close contact COVID-19 tracing. Sanders provides plenty of base-level production to make him one of my favorite cash game receivers.

Other wide receivers to consider: Davante Adams ($9,200), Allen Robinson ($7,700), Mike Evans ($7,500), Adam Thielen ($7,400), D.K. Metcalf ($7,300), Brandin Cooks ($6,900), Corey Davis ($6,200), D.J. Moore ($5,700), Robby Anderson ($5,600), Nelson Agholor ($5,400), Curtis Samuel ($5,300), Sterling Shepard ($5,200), Russell Gage ($5,100), Jerry Jeudy ($4,200), Darius Slayton ($4,100), Denzel Mims ($3,000)

Tight Ends

GPP Targets

George Kittle ($6,000): In his return to the field for the 49ers last week, George Kittle came through with 4 catches for 92 yards against the Cardinals. With Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk both expected out this week, Kittle will be the top weapon in the passing game against Seattle, who is still allowing the most passing yards per game. Kittle is an extremely talented player and has the ability to produce regardless of who is under center for San Francisco. With respect to Mark Andrews and Noah Fant, this is a week where I see the tight end position being Kittle or punt for GPP lineups.

Evan Engram ($3,700): Amidst a lack of productivity for the Giants’ offense, a slew of injuries, and an overall lack of consistency, Evan Engram’s price has plummeted to an absurd spot. He finished with an average of 19.8 PPR points per game vs. the Cowboys last season, and the Dallas pass defense hasn’t improved at all. Engram is still a very talented player with YAC ability. While it hasn’t been an enjoyable fantasy season for him, this price is way too low given his talent and the favorable matchup.

Cash Targets

Mark Andrews ($5,800): Early in the season, Mark Andrews was far too inconsistent for cash lineups, but he’s now scored 12+ PPR points in five straight games. He has 5+ catches in each of those games and hasn’t been nearly as touchdown-dependent as he was early in the year. This week, he faces the Bengals, who are allowing the 6th-most fantasy points to the tight end position this year. With such a strong baseline and in a favorable matchup, Andrews is a safe play that provides some upside.

Robert Tonyan ($5,000): Tonyan should have been a Pro Bowler this year, and he had scored a touchdown in five straight games before last week. He should be able to return to the end zone this week against a Bears’ defense that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends. As Aaron Rodgers’s seemingly second-favorite target, Tonyan has elevated into a level of consistency for fantasy that I certainly didn’t’ see coming, and his snow-game clunker last week doesn’t dissuade me from rolling him out again this week.

Other tight ends to consider: Darren Waller ($7,100), T.J. Hockenson ($4,600), Rob Gronkowski ($4,500) Noah Fant ($4,400), Irv Smith Jr. ($3,900), Hayden Hurst ($3,700), Dalton Schultz ($3,000), Cole Kmet ($3,000), Trey Burton ($2,800)

Defense/Special Teams

GPP Targets

Seattle Seahawks ($3,000): In hunting for value at the DST spot for GPP lineups, you have to consider high-variance units with the potential to finish as the #1 DST on the week. Seattle fits the bill as they’ve scored the 4th-most fantasy points at the position over the past five weeks and face the 49ers, who are allowing the most fantasy points per game over the past five weeks. At $3,000, there isn’t a better value at the position this week.

Arizona Cardinals ($2,800): The Cardinals’ defense has been a high-variance unit this season, but they score the 7th-most fantasy points at the DST position over the past five weeks. I wouldn’t normally love playing DSTs against the Rams’ consistent offense, but without Jared Goff and Cooper Kupp, the Cardinals’ DST is a viable play. Throw in a couple of ill-advised turnovers from John Wolford in his first career start, and you could have yourself the #1 DST on the week.

Cash Targets

Baltimore Ravens ($4,200): If you’re going to spend up at DST this week, the Ravens are the place to do it. Baltimore’s DST has registered 8.7 fantasy points per game, the fifth-most in the NFL, and faces the Bengals, who allow 8.3 fantasy points per game to DSTs, the seventh-most. Regardless of whether it’s Ryan Finley or Brandon Allen under center on Sunday, the Ravens’ defense should be able to create turnovers and could add to its tally of three defensive touchdowns this year. I’m looking to save the salary for other positions in GPP lineups, but Baltimore offers minimal downside and is a great DST for cash games, even with the high price.

Los Angeles Rams ($3,300): The Cardinals’ offense hasn’t been the same high-flying unit with Kyler Murray’s recent injuries, and while the second-year quarterback is expected to take the field on Sunday, his leg injury could limit the offense’s upside. Murray was sacked three times last week, and with his added lack of mobility due to the injury, the Rams’ defense (49 sacks, 2nd-most) should feast in this matchup. That makes them an excellent play in cash games, especially given their impressive production all year.

Other DSTs to consider: Indianapolis Colts ($3,900), New England Patriots ($3,500), Minnesota Vikings ($2,600), Cleveland Browns ($2,500)

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, Titans @ Texans

QB: Ryan Tannehill $7,000
RB: David Johnson $6,800
RB: Myles Gaskin $6,500
WR: A.J. Brown $7,200
WR: Brandin Cooks $6,900
WR: Chris Godwin $6,600
TE: Dalton Schultz $3,000
FLEX: Denzel Mims $3,000
DST: Seattle Seahawks $3,000

Lineup #2: GPP Game Stack, Vikings @ Lions

QB: Kirk Cousins $6,300
RB: Austin Ekeler $7,500
RB: D’Andre Swift $6,300
WR: Justin Jefferson $7,600
WR: D.J. Moore $5,700
WR: Jerry Jeudy $4,200
TE: George Kittle $6,000
FLEX: Jalen Guyton $3,400
DST: San Francisco 49ers $3,000

Lineup #3: Cash

QB: Deshaun Watson $7,700
RB: Jeff Wilson Jr. $6,000
RB: Melvin Gordon $5,700
WR: Calvin Ridley $8,500
WR: Nelson Agholor $5,400
WR: CeeDee Lamb $5,200
TE: Robert Tonyan $5,000
FLEX: Josh Reynolds $3,200
DST: Los Angeles Rams $3,300