If you’re looking for Indianapolis Colts vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Monday Night Football NFL DFS picks in Week 12, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve analyzed each team’s highest-probability game scripts to assess the most likely outcomes, including which players are in line to thrive more than anticipated or fall short of expectations.
The following recommended fantasy football lineup (for tournaments, 50/50, or head-to-head competitions) aims to lock in a relatively high floor while maximizing upside.
Colts Considerations
Restoring Matt Ryan at QB appeared to be the right call. While he’s still not close to vintage playability, Ryan has the experience and talent (yes, talent) to keep his team in games, unlike backup QB Sam Ehlinger.
That’s critically important as we assess a DFS lineup for this matchup. Facing a defense yielding the most passing TDs in the league entering Week 12, all three of the Colts’ primary wideouts are on the table. It’s not a question of if an Indy WR will shine. It’s a question of how many and to what extent.
We might wince at the thought that this team is averaging the second-fewest points per game. But since the coaching change and Ryan’s return to the fold, the offense has looked a bit sharper.
That’s due in no small part to a healthy Jonathan Taylor leading the backfield. At his best, Taylor can dominate games. At his middling, Taylor can draw in defenses and give Ryan more room to operate. It’s hard to envision this DFS lineup without Taylor in it.
Steelers Considerations
Pittsburgh has a tough assignment. Their rookie QB possesses a ton of potential yet is still green. The Colts are yielding the second-fewest yards per carry (3.8), and they’ve been stingy against wideouts. It’s a tough road matchup in prime time.
Somehow, the Steelers have to figure out how to break through. Indy is merely average against tight ends with respect to yards and touchdowns, so that’s a start.
We also might imagine Najee Harris shifting into a pass-catching role. The Colts are giving up the fifth most RB receptions and receiving yards, along with the second most red-zone targets.
This is apparently how opponents have schemed them — and/or it’s a result of Indy’s D successfully bottling up receivers near the goal line. Either way, there’s a path for Harris to get shut down on the ground while still making his mark through the air.
Top Colts vs. Steelers NFL DFS Picks for MNF
Today, we’re playing DraftKings “Showdown Captain Mode,” which includes one player who earns 1.5 times his scoring output, plus five Flex players.
The following NFL betting recommendations are based on proprietary PFN predictive analytics pulled from decades of NFL historical data. Using this data, I’ve built dozens of models showing actionable probabilities of better-than-expected and worse-than-expected outcomes.
Captain: RB Jonathan Taylor, Colts ($17,400)
He’s earning heavy volume, finding the end zone, and securing targets. Perhaps Jonathan Taylor has lost a step after enduring a heavy workload last season. But he should be the offensive focal point tonight.
Flex: RB Najee Harris, Steelers ($9,400)
There was a time this season when loud whisperers urged Pittsburgh to replace Harris with Jaylen Warren. But Harris has looked superb the last two weeks. As alluded to above, I have to believe Pickett will lean on him in the passing game, particularly with Warren shelved.
Flex: WR Parris Campbell, Colts ($6,800)
Parris Campbell is only two-thirds the cost of Michael Pittman, but with the same ceiling. We’ll take it.
Flex: TE Pat Freiermuth, Steelers ($6,400)
One of the most targeted TEs in 2022, Pat Freiermuth should see 8+ looks tonight. Not a flashy pick, and yet it works if he returns to 2021 form in the scoring column.
Flex: WR Alec Pierce, Colts ($5,200)
This is a leap of faith — or, as I prefer to think of it, a probability-driven leap. Alec Pierce hit double digits in three straight outings earlier this season. However, he’s averaging only 5.1 DFS points in his last five games. I’m banking on a rebound for a terrific rookie who Ryan needs to get going.
Flex: Colts D/ST ($4,600)
With only $5,100 remaining, we’ll roll with the Colts D/ST. Yes, they could come up big, even if Harris and Freiermuth lead some successful drives. Pickett has absorbed 14 sacks these past three contests, and he’s thrown eight picks in a little over six games. 12+ DFS points seem doable for Indianapolis.