DRAFTKINGS DFS CASH PLAYS NFL WEEK 16 2021

By Jamie Calandro
Jamie Calandro

DRAFTKINGS DFS WEEK 16 CASH PICKS
Kudos to ALL who are still fighting in your seasonal leagues after the COVID mess that was week 15. Unfortunately my magical run in the Scott Fish Bowl ended, but DFS has been a goldmine this month, so come over to the dark side if you’re eliminated and still looking for some NFL action! @dfs_numbers and I will be breaking down every game on Sunday morning at 10 AM EST on our YouTube channel, so be sure to tune in. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy footballing!

 

QUARTERBACK

TOP PLAY

 

Justin Herbert, LAC ($7200)

Herbert has averaged 28.2 DK PPG over the past five contests, showing not only a rock solid floor but GPP-winning ceiling as well. Austin Ekeler appears set to miss this game, which should mean a shift in game script to a little more pass-heavy approach. There’s only been one game this year where Herbert has thrown under 35 passes, and Houston ranks 30th in the NFL in yards per play allowed.

Other options - Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes

Mid-tier options - Lamar Jackson, Matthew Stafford, Jalen Hurts

VALUE PLAY

 

Joe Burrow, CIN ($5900)

Burrow’s numbers have really waned over the past six weeks, but this looks like a spot to dial them back up. On paper this presents as a rough matchup with Baltimore, and the 45 O/U is pretty pedestrian. However, the Ravens’ pass defense has plummeted as the season has gone on, as they’ve allowed the third highest YPA and the most completions over 20, 30, and 40 yards. Marlon Humphrey continuing to be out only amplifies their defensive struggles, and Burrow has three very reliable WRs to throw to.

Other options - Matt Ryan, Justin Fields

 

RUNNING BACK

TOP PLAY

 

Dalvin Cook, MIN ($8300)

This is a middling matchup on paper for Cook as the Rams rank 16th in rush defense DVOA and have allowed 4.34 YPC. However, Cook has 58 touches over the last two games, and Minnesota will surely ride him in a critical week 16 game against the Rams. Alexander Mattison has been activated off the COVID list, but he’s only averaging 5.1 touches per game behind Cook, so there’s nothing to fear here in terms of both floor and ceiling. The only thing keeping me off Cook in cash games is the fact that there is a lot of value at RB, and some stud WRs I want to spend on again.

Other options - Najee Harris

Mid-tier options - Joe Mixon, Cordarelle Patterson, Josh Jacobs

VALUE PLAY

 

James Robinson, JAX ($5900)

I highly recommend going heavy on Robinson in cash. Interim coach Darrel Bevell stayed true to his word by featuring Robinson in week 15, as the RB carried the ball 18 times and saw six targets in the passing game. The Urban Meyer nonsense is over, so expect a heavy workload from Robinson going forward. This week he gets to do it against a Jets defense that is on pace to allow the most FPPG to RBs EVER, and they’ve also given up an incredible 24 all-purpose TDs to RBs as Duke Johnson was the latest to victimize them. Lock in Robinson at $5900 here.

Other options - David Montgomery, Ronald Jones, Rhamondre Stevenson, Justin Jackson

 

WIDE RECEIVER

TOP PLAY

Cooper Kupp, LAR ($9100)

8.7-116.1-1…
Yes, those are Cooper Kupp’s AVERAGES this year, which is absolutely bonkers. What’s equally nuts is that his price didn’t move after his 9-136-2 line he just hung on Seattle’s defense, and this week he gets to take on Minnesota who now have allowed the most FPPG to opposing WRs. Kupp should be over 10k every week, so take this gift and run with it.

Other options - Tyreek Hill (currently on COVID list), Justin Jefferson, Keenan Allen, Stefon Diggs

Mid-tier options - Hunter Renfrow, Tee Higgins, Mike Williams, Devonta Smith


VALUE PLAY

 

Antonio Brown, TB ($4900)

The polarizing Brown has gone from being just a memory for the last six weeks to leaping back onto the radar as a near must-play at $4900. With Chris Godwin and Leonard Fournette out for the regular season and Mike Evans also in danger of missing this game, AB should immediately jump into double-digit targets from Tom Brady and the Bucs, who are fourth in the NFL in pass rate over expectation.

Other options - Russell Gage, Marquis Brown, DJ Moore, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Gabriel Davis, Nico Collins

 

TIGHT END

TOP PLAY

 

Rob Gronkowski, TB ($6200)

Gronk saw 11 targets last week with Godwin and Evans both going down mid-game, and there’s no reason to expect that won’t happen again this week. The Bucs need this win, so expect Brady to lean on his main squeeze for the last 15 years. The matchup isn’t the best, but Gronk’s volume should be on full display here, both in between the 20s and in the red zone.

Other options - Travis Kelce (currently on COVID list), Mark Andrews, Kyle Pitts

Mid-tier options - Dallas Goedert


VALUE PLAY

 

C.J. Uzomah, CIN ($3000)

We’re always on the lookout for TE punts in this DFS game we play, and this week I think it’s Ozumah. He could always fall fourth (or even fifth) on the Bengals’ pecking order in the passing game, but he has 16 targets over the past three weeks and the Ravens have been hurt by TEs all season (fourth most FPPG allowed). He helps you fit a ton.

Other options - Jared Cook, Cole Kmet, James O’Shaughnessy, Brevin Jordan


TOP FIVE DEFENSES FOR CASH PRIORITY:
Atlanta Falcons ($2600)
Philadelphia Eagles ($3600)
Jacksonville Jaguars ($2700)
Los Angeles Chargers ($3400)
Las Vegas Raiders ($2900)