DraftKings NFL Week 16 Picks

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DraftKings NFL Week 16 Picks

It’s that time of year folks. It is that time when everyone is busy wrapping gifts and putting a bow on their fantasy football seasons. Much like I have said for the last handful of weeks though, the party doesn’t stop for daily fantasy players. So as one of your league-mates is on the brink of being crowned champion, you could be a champion yourself and win some serious cash in DFS. So sit back, enjoy your holiday, and check out some week 16 Draft Kings selections.

Other Recommended Articles and Pages:

• Week 16 Fantasy Rankings
• Fanduel Week 16 Picks

Quarterbacks

Blake Bortles ($6,500): The Blake Bortles bandwagon is becoming a bit crowded as it heads for a week 16 matchup against the feel-good 49ers. The extra attention and fanfare for Bortles shouldn’t come as a complete surprise as he has now scored 20 or more points in three out of his last four contests. The best part for daily fantasy players, he has done all this without ever costing more than $5,700. Bortles has now made the jump to $6,500 but I still say that is worth the investment. During the 49ers winning streak, they have kept most quarterbacks in check. That being said though, none of those quarterbacks were coming off of stretches such as Bortles is. With the 49ers allowing just 3.1 YPC to the running back position since week 11, I expect the offensive attack to rest on the shoulders of Bortles more so than Leonard Fournette. And on top of that, the main source of weakness in this 49ers defense is their cornerbacks. Bortles quality production will continue in week 16.

Since returning Wk 9, Reuben Foster is @PFF's highest graded run stopping LB & 1st in Run Stop %.

SF allowing 3.1 YPC to RBs since Wk 11 bye.

— Pat Thorman (@Pat_Thorman) December 20, 2017

Mitchell Trubisky ($4,700): The 2017 season is still ongoing, but the winds of change that the offseason will bring has been dominating the airwaves in Chicago. Putting all of that aside, there is still football that needs to be played and luckily for the windy city faithful, the Cleveland Browns are coming to town. As expected in most Browns games, this should be a solid matchup for the rookie quarterback as the winless Browns are allowing the fourth most points to the position. As for Trubisky himself, he is coming off of his first 300-yard passing performance and has averaged just over 290 yards passing in his last two games. It really is just a matter of time before the playbook starts working more in the favor of Trubisky and his fantasy owners. Once that happens, the stats will follow. While the Bears will need to find a way to execute in the red zone, if you’re spending large on other positions, Trubisky is an intriguing option at quarterback.

Running Backs

Ezekiel Elliott ($8,000): The build-up to the eventual Ezekiel Elliott suspension felt like an eternity. Thankfully, the six games have been served and now the Cowboys running back is ready to make his triumphant return. I understand that this isn’t exactly a reach but I felt compelled to list him in this column as I feel his return will be a big one. We are talking about a running back who in the four games prior to his suspension was averaging over 120 rushing yards per game. Those four games would also see Elliott scoring six total touchdowns. The difference between then and now is, Elliott is fresh, he’s likely bitter about serving his suspension, and he’s making bets on how many yards he’ll rush for. All of that against a Seahawks defense that was thrashed by Todd Gurley last week, I will gladly take those odds.

CJ Anderson ($5,500): The Broncos running back hasn’t had the greatest relationship with his fantasy owners as injuries and quarterback play has plagued his production. Last week against the Colts, however, CJ Anderson would have his most productive game since week 2. The truth of it is, when Anderson is provided with the opportunity the stats tend to follow. In games in which Anderson has had 20 or more carries this season, he has averaged 100 yards rushing. He should be used in the passing game as well as Anderson has only had two games this year without a target. The Broncos opponent this week is a Redskins defense that is allowing the eleventh most points to the position. After two consecutive games with 20 or more carries, I like Anderson to cash in his opportunities as well as his $5,500 price tag.

Wide Receivers

Jarvis Landry ($6,300): One of the biggest things that I have preached this season is the opportunity players receive. Following that logic, I cannot stress enough that you should find a way to include Jarvis Landry in your week 16 lineup. The Dolphins pass catcher hasn’t had one game this season with less than six targets. Those sorts of targets have allowed him to score 15 points or more in six of his last seven games. That is including his week 15 matchup against the Bills as Landry would catch 10 of 13 targets for 99 yards. This week the Dolphins will go up against a Chiefs defense who despite slowing down the Chargers last week, are still allowing the third most points to the position. Jarvis Landry is just one of those players that is hard to ignore in a point per reception format.

JuJu Smith-Schuster ($6,400): While the NFL world continues to ponder what a catch is, the Steelers will head to Houston for a Christmas Day matchup against the Texans. With Antonio Brown being sidelined, everyone’s favorite rookie JuJu Smith-Schuster will have an increased workload. It really couldn’t have come at a better time for potential Schuster owners as the Texans are allowing the fourth most points to the position. Last week during the Steelers controversial loss to the Patriots, Schuster would wind up hauling in all six of his targets for 114 yards. While he hasn’t had a game with 10 or more targets since week 8, I expect Shuster to be targeted heavily and to score his first touchdown since week 10. Prepare yourself for a JuJu endzone celebration.

Tight End

Vernon Davis ($3,400): As ugly as things may have gone for the Denver Broncos this season, their defense is still a matchup problem for fantasy players. Among some of the skilled positions, the Broncos rank in the top five in fewest points allowed to both the running back and wide receiver positions. Among tight ends is a different story however as the Broncos are allowing the third most to the position. This week the Broncos will head to Washington to take on the Redskins in what should be a nice matchup for Vernon Davis. Daily fantasy players have felt the letdown of a Davis performance before, most notably on Thanksgiving against the Giants. Since failing to deliver on that matchup, Davis has had three straight unfavorable matchups. All of this being said, I get it that on paper it is hard to trust Davis. Given the matchup and the mounting injuries to the running back position though, I like Cousins to lean on Davis and some of his other pass catchers this week.

Team Defense

Bears ($3,500): It isn’t every week that you see the Bears as a suggested option in daily fantasy. While that may be true, week 16 is bucking that trend. As previously mentioned, DeShone Kizer and the Cleveland Browns will head to Chicago to take on the Bears. This hasn’t been the most fruitful rookie campaign for Kizer who has thrown an interception in all but two games. On top of that, he has had just one game this season in which he hasn’t been sacked. Interceptions and sacks all count in daily fantasy and that will work in your favor if you choose to spend the $3,500 on the Bears this weekend. Have a safe and happy holiday everyone!

 

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