With the wild card weekend and divisional Saturday all wrapped up, that means there are two more games to be played. Today, we have Jaguars-Steelers and Saints-Vikings. I will go over these games and offer my best roster suggestions that I strongly recommend for play in DraftKings. Also similar to last week, I will be throwing in some info on IDP for DraftKings, because that contest is running again!
Jacksonville at Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh favored by 6.5. 41.0 Total.
In a rematch, of an earlier regular season game, the Jaguars are headed to Heinz field in hopes of beating the Steelers for second time this season. For the Jaguars to repeat as winners, they will need to run the ball. RB Leonard Fournette at $6,900 is a great play this week in DraftKings. Over the past four regular season games the Steelers allowed the third most fantasy points to the RB position. Fournette also had success against the Steelers in their first matchup this year. I do not love any of the Jacksonville wide receivers this week, but if I need to start one I would use WR Dede Westbrook at $4,400. He has been seeing the most consistent target share out of all the Jacksonville wide receivers.
On the Pittsburgh side of the ball, RB Le’Veon Bell at $9,600 is another great play. Over the past two regular season games they have allowed the fourth most fantasy points to the RB position. And in the last four regular season games, they have nearly allowed opposing running backs 25 carries per game. LeSean McCoy last week had six receptions for 44 yards, and 19 carries for 75 yards. QB Ben Roelithsberger at $6,200 has a tall test in front of him, but may do better than most people think.
Only 1 QB has thrown for more than 300 yards on the Jaguars this season…Yep it’s Ben Roethlisberger. pic.twitter.com/H5COx5B934
— Andrew Erickson™ (@AndrewErickson_) January 14, 2018
Over the last two regular season games, the Jaguars allowed the fourth most fantasy points to the QB. They shutdown, Tyrod Taylor last week, but the Steelers’ offense is much better than Buffalo. For Roethlisberger to have a big game, he will need big performances from some of his receivers. WR Antonio Brown at $8,100 is the biggest risk, whereas WR JuJu Smith-Schuster at $6,000 and WR Martavis Bryant at $5,000 are a little safer and cheaper. Brown will have low ownership because of his injury and the matchup, so it is really a matter if you believe he can still perform. Steelers D/ST at $3,800 is also a great option.
New Orleans at Minnesota. Minnesota favored by 5.5. 46.5 Total.
QB Case Keenum at $6,100 could be in for a nice game this week. The Saints defense has been very suspect over the past two regular season weeks, allowing the most fantasy points to the QB over that timespan. They then followed this up with a performance last week where they allowed over 28 fantasy points to Cam Newton at home. The Saints also allowed tons of receiving yardage to RB Christian McCaffrey and TE Greg Olsen so I like that to replicate with the Vikings offense. Fire up TE Kyle Rudolph at $4,700 and RB Jerrick McKinnon at $4,900. Both WR Adam Thielen at $7,600 and WR Stefon Diggs at $6,200 are also great options as well. They both scored over 27 fantasy points against the Saints in Week 1 and should see plenty of volume. Devin Funchess was able to manage 79 yards receiving versus the Saints defense last week. Additionally the Saints ended the regular season allowing the eighth most fantasy points to the WR position. Also that Vikings D/ST at $2,900 has been particularly good at home, so I like them to generate turnovers as well.
For New Orleans, QB Drew Brees at $6,300 is still a solid option on the road. He played fine back in Week 1 in Minnesota, so I believe he can still produce. However, I do believe the Saints will utilize their running backs more this week than last. With Xavier Rhodes covering WR Michael Thomas at $7,200, I want to avoid. I do like WR Ted Ginn Jr. at $5,800, RB Alvin Kamara at $7,800, RB Mark Ingram at $5,600. It is worth noting Ingram is on the cheaper side this week. Also that Saints D/ST at $2,800 has been very good this year, and perhaps can rattle the inexperienced Case Keenum. Matchup is tough across the board for the Saints, but there offensive is so dynamic, I am sure they will find some way to move the ball. My money is on the RBs.
Defense Wins DraftKings!
Once again please see below for @HBogart27 ‘s picks for IDP! Good luck if you play in the Showcase contests!
