Sticking with last week’s format, I’ll be focusing on my favorite games for the Week 13 main slate 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.
Browns @ Titans (53.5 O/U)
This game features two offenses that are in the bottom five in pass attempts per game. Despite the limited volume, you can still stack Ryan Tannehill ($7,800). He’s posted three performances with 26+ points, and his scrambling ability boosts his ceiling a bit. However, I would avoid double-stacking Tannehill. Instead, pair him with either AJ Brown ($8,200) or Corey Davis ($6,100). Derrick Henry ($10,000) is going to be the most popular Titan by far and one of the highest-owned players on the slate, but he’s still a strong play if you can afford him. With his volume and efficiency, he’s a threat for 150+ rushing yards and multiple TDs every week.
I refuse to build a lineup around Baker Mayfield ($7,100). He has essentially no ceiling, and he doesn’t have any attractive pass-catching options. Jarvis Landry ($6,000) is the best of the bunch, and he’s had just one fantasy performance with more than 11 points. However, I am interested in Nick Chubb ($8,700) and Kareem Hunt ($6,300) as run-backs for Titans stacks. If the Browns can keep the game close, or even take a lead, Chubb should smash once again.
Jaguars @ Vikings (51 O/U)
As a heavy favorite in a soft matchup, Dalvin Cook ($10,500) could melt faces this week. However, this Minnesota passing game deserves some love, as well. Kirk Cousins ($7,300) has thrown for 300+ yards and 3 TDs in back-to-back games, and his matchup this week is equally juicy. He pairs nicely with Adam Thielen ($7,800) and Justin Jefferson ($7,700), who soak up a majority of the WR targets every week.
I don’t want to play Mike Glennon ($6,800), but there are some cheap run back options on the Jacksonville side. If he suits up, DJ Chark ($6,300) will be one of my favorite plays on the slate. The Vikings have an exploitable secondary, and he’s demonstrated an ability to take over games in the past. Otherwise, you can look to Keelan Cole ($5,300), Laviska Shenault ($5,200), or recent breakout Collin Johnson ($5,000). I wouldn’t want to play two RBs in the same game, but, if you’re building a Cousins stack, don’t be afraid to bring it back with James Robinson ($7,800). He’s handling essentially all of the backfield work for the Jaguars, and he’s involved in all phases.
Patriots @ Chargers (47.5 O/U)
Don’t be afraid to go back to Justin Herbert ($7,900). He’s one of the best QBs on this week’s slate, and he’s got great stacking options. If you’ve got the salary, Keenan Allen ($8,100) is the ideal choice. However, you can certainly look to Hunter Henry ($6,000) or Mike Williams ($5,800) instead. You’ve also got to love Austin Ekeler ($7,000) in this spot. He caught 11 passes and handled the most total touches of his career in Week 12. In this fast-paced offense, he should deliver more big performances down the stretch.
The Patriots are a little harder to figure out, as usual. Damien Harris ($5,900) is probably my favorite play, though his lack of receiving work really caps his upside. You can play Cam Newton ($7,500) without any pass-catchers and hope he scores a couple of rushing TDs. Otherwise, Damiere Byrd ($5,300) is my preferred stacking partner.
Rams @ Cardinals (48.5 O/U)
Kyler Murray ($8,700) is dealing with a shoulder injury, which is the only reason that this game isn’t my favorite on the slate. Still, there are great stacking options on both sides here. I especially love Christian Kirk ($5,800) as a value this week. DeAndre Hopkins ($8,000) is certainly still in play, but he’ll have to deal with Jalen Ramsey. It’s possible that a few of his targets could end up going to Kirk. If Larry Fitzgerald misses another game, you can also look to Andy Isabella ($4,800), who would likely man the slot. Kenyan Drake ($6,600) had a strong outing in Week 12, and I think you can go right back to him this week. I’ve been encouraged by his recent goal line and receiving game usage.
The Rams aren’t afraid to go pass-heavy when trailing, so if you think the Cardinals can win this game, it makes sense to play some Jared Goff ($7,200). You can stack him with any combination of Robert Woods ($7,100), Cooper Kupp ($6,600), and Josh Reynolds ($5,500) and run it back with a Cardinal on the other side. The Rams’ offense could also trend very run-heavy if they get out to a lead, so I like Cam Akers ($5,600) as a sneaky tournament dart-throw.
Colts @ Texans (51 O/U)
I can’t shake the feeling that Deshaun Watson ($8,200) is a trap this week. Throughout his career, his production has dipped when Will Fuller is out of the lineup. To make matters worse, Randall Cobb is still on IR, and the team released Kenny Stills last week. Brandin Cooks ($6,500) is going to be incredibly chalky as Watson’s only legitimate weapon. Jordan Akins ($5,200) and Keke Coutee ($4,800) should see more snaps moving forward, but they both seem a bit overpriced here. If you do want to play Watson and Cooks this week, you’ll need to get creative with the rest of your lineup.
You can play Philip Rivers ($7,000) this week. He’s not my favorite option, but the Texans have been friendly to opposing QBs this season. Plus, Rivers only needs 21 fantasy points to provide 3x value, a mark he’s hit three times this season. Michael Pittman Jr. ($5,600) would be my preferred stacking option. However, if you want to feel really gross, you can play TY Hilton ($5,600). He had his first good game of the season in Week 12 and has owned the Texans throughout his career. Another way to attack this game is on the ground. Jonathan Taylor ($6,400) operated as the clear lead back against the Packers in Week 11, but he was placed on the COVID-19 list and had to miss Week 12. He’ll be ready to go this week against a Texans’ defense that’s allowing 4.9 YPC to opposing RBs.
Eagles @ Packers (48 O/U)
Outside of Dallas Goedert ($6,200), and maybe Miles Sanders ($7,200), I don’t want to play anyone on this Philadelphia side, and that’s okay!
The Packers’ offense has an excellent implied point total, and I give you permission to play Aaron Rodgers ($8,500), Davante Adams ($9,500), and Aaron Jones ($8,400), even without an Eagles run-back.
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