DRAFTKINGS DFS CASH PLAYS NFL WEEK 18 2021

DRAFTKINGS DFS NFL CASH GAME PICKS - WEEK 18

We’ve finally reached the end of the regular season this Sunday after being blessed as football fans with an extra week 18. This DFS slate will separate the “prepared” from the “unprepared” as there will likely be many replacement players going for teams with nothing to play for. It’s possible this article is obsolete by then, so you’ll want to make sure to tune into both our YouTube shows, as Jason Brady (@dfs_numbers) and I break down the slates in detail (Friday at 8:30 PM EST and Sunday morning at 10 AM EST). Good luck!

 

QUARTERBACK

TOP PLAY

Josh Allen, BUF ($8100)

The key this week will be finding teams that will be playing their starters fully, and Bills will certainly be doing that as their range of seeding can go from anywhere from #2 to #7. Allen has accounted for the most team TDs (rushing and passing) by a QB this year, and the Jets are 30th in yards per play allowed. He is also a running back, in essence, and the Jets have allowed an astonishing 26 TDs on the ground, along with the fifth most FPPG to QBs.

Other options - Kyler Murray

Mid-tier options - Matthew Stafford, Taysom Hill

VALUE PLAY

Tyler Huntley, BAL ($5700)

Lamar Jackson still isn’t practicing, which isn’t a good sign for his availability this Sunday. It would leave Huntley to start his fourth straight game, and he simply isn’t priced for how well he’s played. I do worry about Pittsburgh’s pass rush against Baltimore who has allowed the most sacks this year, but Huntley has rushed for 172 yards the last three games and two TDs, while also passing for three more, and Baltimore NEEDS to win (among other scenarios).

Other options - Kirk Cousins, Ryan Tannehill, Justin Fields

RUNNING BACK

TOP PLAY

Jonathan Taylor, IND ($9300)

This is an easy one. Taylor is averaging 5.5 YPC after going over 100 yards AGAIN against the Raiders, and Colts will be in full win mode, as they have not yet clinched a playoff spot. Taylor gets a matchup with the Jaguars who are 27th in yards per play allowed and have also given up the tenth most FPPG to opposing RBs. Last time against Jacksonville this season, Taylor went 21-116-1 while also drawing eight targets in the passing game. He really should continue to be under 10k, so take the price “discount”.

Other options - Alvin Kamara, Nick Chubb, Dalvin Cook, Najee Harris

Mid-tier options - David Montgomery, Rashaad Penny, Sony Michel, Devin Singletary

VALUE PLAY

Chase Edmonds, ARI ($5800)

If the Cardinals win the division and the Rams lose to the 49ers, they’ll have the division and be the #2 seed. Assuming James Conner sits again (he’s still not practicing), Edmonds will bring his 5.3 YPC against a Seahawks defense that has been crushed by RBs for the second most FPPG and 20 all-purpose TDs. Edmonds has also caught 13 balls on 15 targets the last two weeks. Just keep in mind that Edmonds also missed practice yesterday, so he’ll need to start to add confidence to this pick.

Other options - D’Onta Foreman, Rex Burkhead, Michael Carter

WIDE RECEIVER

TOP PLAY

Cooper Kupp, LAR ($9700)

If the Vikings had anything to play for, I’d like a $1600 cheaper Justin Jefferson more as a per-dollar play. I doubt they’ll restrict him at all, but the risk alone is enough to warrant the price boost to Kupp, as the Rams have TONS on the line (they could get the #2 seed and fall as far as #5). Last week was only the second time all season Kupp had single-digit targets, but he still beat his value with a 6-95-1 line. With the Rams’ playoff seeding and the receiving records on the line, expect Kupp to be fed against the 49ers who have allowed the ninth most FPPG to WRs.

Other options - Justin Jefferson, Stefon Diggs

Mid-tier options - AJ Brown, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jaylen Waddle, Brandin Cooks, Christian Kirk, Darnell Mooney

VALUE PLAY

Chase Claypool, PIT ($5100)

Claypool’s value has been decimated by Big Ben’s meager 6.5 aDOT, but if there’s any week for him to bounce back it’s this one. The Steelers are playing for their playoff lives, and Claypool’s archetype can’t get a better matchup against the Ravens who have allowed the most completions of 20, 30, and 40 yards. Baltimore has also allowed the third most FPPG to opposing WRs, and Claypool has racked up 15 targets over the last two weeks (even if he hasn’t done anything with them).

Other options - DJ Moore, Robby Anderson, Russell Gage, Odell Beckham, Cole Beasley, Ray-Ray McCloud

TIGHT END

TOP PLAY

Mark Andrews, BAL ($7400)

Even though he’s $900 more than the next most expensive TE, Andrews is very much worth it at a mid-tier WR price. The Ravens still have an outside shot of making the playoffs so they’ll be going full bore. Andrews has 40 targets from Tyler Huntley, and now leads all TEs in air yards.

Other options - Zack Ertz

VALUE PLAY

Cole Kmet, CHI ($3400)

Jimmy Graham has VERY annoyingly been the RZ tight end for Chicago, but Kmet has 31 targets over his last five weeks, and is second in air yards among TEs in that span. Justin Fields seems set to start the Bears’ finale, and Kmet’s target share has been the highest with him than anyone else of the Chicago QB carousel.

Other options - Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett, John Bates, Brevin Jordan


TOP FIVE DEFENSES FOR CASH PRIORITY:
Cleveland Browns ($2600)
Buffalo Bills ($3700)
Washington Football Team ($3100)
Indianapolis Colts ($3800)
Minnesota Vikings ($2900)