I have two favorite NFL DFS picks for Week 13 tournament lineups. Today, I’m going to try something different with my fantasy football content and share both with you. So, without any more delay, here are my two optimal Week 13 DFS lineups, based on FanDuel pricing.
Top NFL DFS picks for Sunday Week 13 | Lineup No. 1
This lineup makes several assumptions — some conventional and others highly unconventional. We have to be bold in targeted ways, knowing that we’ll be at a competitive advantage over most opponents if we’re right.
Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks ($7,300)
It’s probably been years since Russell Wilson was this cheap in DFS, and for good reason. He hasn’t looked the same since recovering from a finger injury. But he was a locked-in QB1 in three of his first four games and is a perennial elite/near-elite QB who still has one of the best WR duos in the league.
It also helps that the running game is melting down, which should force Wilson to throw more than usual. I’m very big on Wilson today, and I realize that puts me in small company. If I’m right, this lineup will rock.
Leonard Fournette, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($7,700)
While I’m always nervous starting a player coming off a monster performance, Leonard Fournette is well-positioned to roll again against the anemic Atlanta defense.
Antonio Gibson, RB, Washington Football Team ($6,200)
7 receptions last week and no J.D. McKissic. Patient league managers are being rewarded with a healthy Antonio Gibson. Ambitious DFS competitors probably can’t find a cheaper RB1.
DK Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks ($7,300)
DK Metcalf only has 8 receptions and 70 yards in his last three games. That is an incredible disappointment and in no way indicative of his elite upside. Let’s face it — if Metcalf piles up 100 yards and 2 touchdowns today, would it shock you? The Wilson-Metcalf stack is a boom-bust approach that pays big if it hits.
Tyler Lockett, WR, Seattle Seahawks ($6,900)
No joke — while writing “Tyler Lockett,” I just heard a character on a show my kids are watching say, “I’m not here to build; I’m here to win.” That’s Seattle today. This is not just an intra-divisional matchup. It’s Seahawks pride near the end (probably) of the Russell Wilson era. If we’re betting on Wilson and Metcalf, we have to bet on Lockett for only $6,900.
Van Jefferson, WR, Los Angeles Rams ($5,800)
Admittedly, this pick is a bit risky. What can we realistically expect from Van Jefferson? But I love his matchup and big-play ability. For this price, we’re getting a good shot at strong value.
Foster Moreau, TE, Las Vegas Raiders ($5,000)
When a starter is declared out during the week, you’ll often find their backup is priced way below market value. Foster Moreau has easy TE1 potential at the cost of a TE2.
Alexander Mattison, Flex, Minnesota Vikings ($8,700)
Some of you might have wondered if I’d forgotten about Alexander Mattison. Look, we can’t afford everyone we want. But there’s room for Mattison and his elite RB1 ceiling with this lineup.
Los Angeles Rams, D/ST ($4,900)
The Los Angeles Rams face the Jacksonville Jaguars at home. Not much more needs to be said.
Top NFL DFS picks for Sunday Week 13 | Lineup No. 2
This lineup is a sharp departure from the first. Instead of assuming a big day for Seattle, it assumes the Steelers will air it out against a Ravens defense that’s tough against the run and beatable against the pass. Let’s see how to make this work.
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers ($6,500)
Objectively, there are few worse fantasy QBs this season than Ben Roethlisberger. Objectively, Big Ben could easily outperform expectations against a defense yielding 18.4 fantasy points per game to opposing QBs.
Plus, all of Baltimore’s cornerbacks are listed as questionable with injuries. So, it’s fair to wonder if this might be Roethlisberger’s best big-game opportunity of the year.
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts ($10,500)
The money we save with Big Ben can be redirected to this week’s most expensive DFS player. Jonathan Taylor is a clear-cut MVP candidate and is a must-start against anyone, anytime. This lineup is designed to make room for him. Here’s hoping he crushes the hapless Texans.
Antonio Gibson, RB, Washington Football Team ($6,200)
Back to Gibson. If he were priced at $7,500, I wouldn’t be so forceful. But we can’t pass on a $6,200 bell cow with realistic RB1 potential.
Diontae Johnson, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers ($7,300)
As you know by now, when we invest in a quarterback, it almost always pays to invest in his top receiver. Diontae Johnson’s production speaks for itself. Paired with Big Ben, there’s an opportunity here for 45 combined points between the two, and that would put us well on our way to a nice payout.
Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Indianapolis Colts ($6,800)
Michael Pittman’s allure has faded in recent weeks, and not unexpectedly. Two weeks ago, I labeled him a “sit” despite being the WR7 through Week 10. His 3.3 fantasy points the following day confirmed my suspicion — Pittman was overvalued. Now, the pendulum has swung too far in the other direction. He has strong blow-up potential against the Texans.
Chase Claypool, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers ($6,500)
Should we invest $5,300 on the TD-friendly Pat Freiermuth or use $1,200 more on the higher-upside Chase Claypool? You now know my answer. Play for the ceiling in as many positions as possible. Claypool and Diontae Johnson can play big in the same game. We’ve seen it before, and we know it can happen again in the right matchup despite Roethlisberger’s struggles. And the Ravens are the right matchup.
Foster Moreau, TE, Las Vegas Raiders ($5,000)
Moreau again? Yes, Moreau again. He has the highest demonstrated ceiling of any TE priced at $5,000 or below. That’s good enough for me.
DK Metcalf, Flex, Seattle Seahawks ($7,300)
Another familiar face. I’m not interested in “safe.” I want a lineup where all nine players conceivably could score 20+ points. If Metcalf flops again, so be it. If he shines, I’ll be one of only a small percentage of competitors who took the gamble.
Miami Dolphins, D/ST ($4,000)
12 weeks ago, this would not have appealed to many people. After what we’ve seen from the Miami Dolphins and New York Giants the past few weeks, snagging Miami makes sense. Oh, and Mike Glennon is under center for the G-Men…