Let’s do something different this week. Instead of breaking down every game on the main slate, I’ll be focusing on five games in particular that I believe offer the best game environments and stacking opportunities. As you read, please note that the player names in bold are what I consider my “core” players or guys that I’m sliding into a large percentage of my lineups. Oh, and if you’re new to DFS, you should check out my DFS Tips and Tricks article here.
*All player prices referenced are from FanDuel.
Cardinals @ Patriots (49.5 O/U)
Stacking Kyler Murray ($9,100) with DeAndre Hopkins ($8,500) this week will cost you nearly 30% of your salary. That sounds like a ton, but you’ll find that most of the top QB/top WR combos this week are similarly expensive. Murray and Hopkins offer you as much upside as any of them, so I don’t mind paying up. Of course, you can always go down to Christian Kirk ($6,100) if you need to save. He could see some additional looks if Stephon Gilmore is able to slow Hopkins down at all. Kenyan Drake ($6,200) is also viable here. He’s been dominating the carries this season, but he also saw a season-high in targets and receptions last week. If the Cardinals plan to utilize Drake in a true three-down role, he’s significantly underpriced.
Cam Newton ($7,700) isn’t as fun to stack, but his receivers are much cheaper. Aside from last week, Jakobi Meyers ($5,800) has been dominating the targets and air yards in this offense. He’s a nice bounce back candidate. Meanwhile, Damiere Byrd ($5,400) offers a ton of upside at his price. If you’re betting on this game to hit the over, make sure you’ve got one of those two in your lineup.
Chargers @ Bills (52.5 O/U)
Justin Herbert ($8,400) and Keenan Allen ($8,200) have been automatic this season. Stacking those two has been a profitable decision most weeks, and I’ll happily go back to them in Week 12. This should be a high-scoring, back-and-forth game, and Buffalo has already allowed huge games to slot receivers like Cooper Kupp and Jamison Crowder this season. You can also look to Mike Williams ($6,100) and Hunter Henry ($5,900) in larger stacks. If he’s activated from IR, Austin Ekeler ($6,500) will be an attractive tournament option at his price. Otherwise, Kalen Ballage ($5,500) will start once again, presenting a value play for cash games.
On the other side, you can build another exciting, but expensive, stack with Josh Allen ($8,600) and Stefon Diggs ($7,900). With John Brown ruled out, you can look to Cole Beasley ($5,400) and even Gabriel Davis ($4,800) in larger game stacks.
Panthers @ Vikings (51 O/U)
Even in a great matchup, I’m hesitant to play Dalvin Cook ($11,000). He’s been spectacular lately, but he’ll need to score 30+ points to pay off his salary, a mark he’s reached just twice this season. I’d prefer to pay down for workhorse backs like Nick Chubb ($8,400) and Derrick Henry ($8,300), who come at almost a $3,000 discount. I’m more interested in the WRs for Minnesota. Adam Thielen ($7,800) and Justin Jefferson ($7,000) are both excellent options, assuming Thielen is activated from the COVID-19 list. If Thielen sits, Irv Smith ($5,200) is a great play against this Panthers’ defense that has been exposed by TEs in recent weeks.
With Christian McCaffrey expected to miss at least one more game, you can go back to the well with Mike Davis ($7,200). He’s no longer an egregious value at his price, but he’s seeing enough volume to pay off if this game becomes a shoot out. Teddy Bridgewater ($7,000) is probably my favorite cheap QB on the slate, and he’s easily paired with any combination of DJ Moore ($7,300), Robby Anderson ($6,400), and Curtis Samuel ($5,900).
Raiders @ Falcons (54 O/U)
If Julio Jones ($8,000) suits up for this game, I’m fine with Matt Ryan ($7,600) as a contrarian option at QB. If Jones sits, I’m avoiding Ryan, but Calvin Ridley ($8,100) becomes a smash play. Keep an eye on the practice reports for Todd Gurley, as well. If he’s forced to miss the game with a knee issue, Brian Hill ($5,100) would present a massive value as the starter.
Darren Waller ($7,100) is by far my favorite play on the Raiders’ side. He could give Travis Kelce a run for his money against this Falcons’ defense, which ranks dead last in PPG allowed to TEs. You can also look at Josh Jacobs ($8,000), who has multi-TD upside in this high-scoring game environment, and Nelson Agholor ($5,200), who seems to score every week at this point.
Chiefs @ Buccaneers (55.5 O/U)
Playing Patrick Mahomes ($9,000) with Tyreek Hill ($8,600) and Travis Kelce ($8,000) consumes roughly 43% of your budget, but the price is fair considering what this trio has delivered in recent weeks. If you’re looking for a bargain on this Kansas City offense, you can play Sammy Watkins ($5,600), who is set to play for the first time since Week 5. Clyde Edwards-Helaire ($6,700) is cheap, as well, but he’s got a brutal matchup.
Playing Tom Brady ($7,900) after an embarrassing primetime loss worked out in Week 10, so why not run it back. Antonio Brown ($6,500) is very affordable, and he’s primed for a breakout after his 13-target performance in Week 11. If you can’t afford Mahomes, double-stack Brady with Brown and one of Chris Godwin ($7,400), Mike Evans ($7,100), or Rob Gronkowski ($6,200) and run it back with a Chiefs’ pass-catcher.
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