NFL Week 13 DFS Picks For FanDuel

I have been more busy than usual the last few weekends which has resulted in me not posting an article since Week 9. I don't plan on making that a habit, but my time for research and lineup construction comes before writing. This week's NFL main slate features 12 total games with less obvious plays than usual, at least in my eyes. That should create for more diverse ownership and creativity within lineups, something that I enjoy. Let's dive in to the breakdown of the NFL main slate on FanDuel for Week 13!

REMINDER: RTs on the article post on twitter at @SportsVerseHQ are appreciated, as well as following my personal Twitter @cobioconnell. If you would like to see my lineup package for the NFL season, message me there. Thank you!

Top Play:

Travis Kelce ($8400) -

All-Pro Reels from District of Columbia, USA, Chiefs 361 (51615694173), CC BY-SA 2.0

Of all receivers on this slate, Travis Kelce only trails Justin Jefferson in average FanDuel points per game. However, Travis Kelce is in a tier of his own at the brutally weak TE position, and has just as good of a chance to finish as this week's TE1 as he does any other spot. Kelce has been the definition of consistency as he has managed to score 10+ FD points in all but one game this season, and has also totaled 15+ in 8/11. If his volume of targets, scoring ability, and overall production wasn't enough to convince you, the Chiefs face off against the Bengals in what should be a shootout in the game that carries the highest implied total this week. Also, the 2.5 point spread indicates that the game should stay close, which will help keep the Chiefs in passing form.

Best Value:

Zonovan Knight ($5800) -

On most slates, my top value play would be a lineup lock for me, but this week is a little different. That isn't to say that there isn't any cheap plays that you should target, but rather that they aren't quite as transparent in Week 13. Nonetheless, my top value play of the week is New York Jets' rookie running back Zonovan Knight with Michael Carter currently listed as doubtful. If Carter is expectedly ruled out, Knight will likely be the main beneficiary as Robert Saleh couldn't commit to saying that James Robinson will play against the Vikings, and Ty Johnson is more of a receiving back. After Michael Carter left the game in Week 12, Zonovan Knight had 17 total touches for 103 yards. Although their run defense is far better than their pass defense, the Vikings are allowing the second most yards per game, and are just outside of the top ten in points allowed per game. At a salary of just $5800, Zonovan Knight is in a good spot to smash value.

Best Game Environment:

Kansas City Chiefs @ Cincinnati Bengals -

If you are a DFS player that prioritizes stacking as one of your main lineup construction strategies, than look no further than the Chiefs-Bengals this Sunday. Expectedly, this game's 52.5 implied total is the highest on the slate, and the 2.5 spread is close enough to where both offenses are going to want to score during the full four quarters. You can stack this game in anyway you desire, but my top plays are Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, with Isiah Pacheco, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Joe Mixon (if he plays), Tyler Boyd, and Hayden Hurst being strong secondary options as well.

Main Player Pool:

Quarterback:

Patrick Mahomes ($9000)

Jalen Hurts ($8800)

Joe Burrow ($8300)

Other great plays: Justin Fields ($8500), Lamar Jackson ($8200), Justin Herbert ($8100), Deshaun Watson ($8000), Trevor Lawrence ($7500), Jared Goff ($6800)

Running Back:

Austin Ekeler ($9200)

Christian McCaffrey ($8200)

Aaron Jones ($7400)

Other great plays: Nick Chubb ($9600), Josh Jacobs ($9500), Saquon Barkley ($8600), Jamaal Williams ($7500), David Montgomery ($7000), Zonovan Knight ($5800)

Wide Receiver:

Davante Adams ($8600)

Amon-Ra St. Brown ($8000)

Garrett Wilson ($6600)

Other great plays: Tyreek Hill ($9000), Ja'Marr Chase ($8900), Tee Higgins ($8300), A.J. Brown ($8100), Amari Cooper ($7800), Keenan Allen ($7700), Christian Kirk ($7500), DeVonta Smith ($6800), Joshua Palmer ($6600), Nico Collins ($5800), Marvin Jones ($5600), Chase Claypool ($5500)

Tight End:

Travis Kelce ($8400)

Mark Andrews ($7100)

Hayden Hurst ($5300)

Other great plays: George Kittle ($6200), Pat Freiermuth ($5900), Gerald Everett ($5400), Tyler Higbee ($5300)

D/ST:

Browns ($5000)

Steelers ($4200)

Rams ($3500)

Other great plays: Seahawks ($4800), Ravens ($4500), Falcons ($3900), Bears ($3200)