1 day Ago By Jake Rill
The standard fantasy football season is over for the majority of leagues, with champions having been crowned at the end of Week 17. But there's still one week of the NFL regular season remaining. It's the perfect time to jump into the daily fantasy world if you haven't done so already.
Sunday's Week 18 slate is loaded with divisional matchups, as 14 games are on the schedule. So if you're looking to create a lineup on DraftKings (or other DFS formats), there will be a ton of players to choose from. Here's some advice for those looking to get in on the action via DraftKings.
Two starts into his NFL career, Michael Penix Jr. has flashed his potential in the Atlanta Falcons' offense. The rookie quarterback has passed for 425 yards over the past two weeks, and he threw his first career touchdown pass in a Week 17 loss to the Washington Commanders.
The Falcons still have a chance to win the NFC South and make the playoffs, so they'll be trying to beat the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Because of that, Penix is a strong DFS option, especially at his low cost ($5,400). Over the past four weeks, Carolina is giving up the second-most fantasy points to opposing QBs (per NFL.
com ). But the Panthers could keep Sunday's game close, meaning Penix should get plenty of opportunities to air it out. Don't be surprised if Penix records the first multi-TD performance of his NFL career and puts together a strong fantasy performance in the process.
Bucky Irving has become the clear lead running back in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' backfield in recent weeks. The 22-year-old rookie received 15 or more carries in four of the team's five games during December. As Irving's workload has gone up, his performance has gotten even better.
The Oregon product had three 100-yard games last month, and he scored a pair of touchdowns over that span. He's coming off a Week 17 showing vs. Carolina in which he racked up 190 total yards.
The Buccaneers will be trying to win the NFC South title this week against the New Orleans Saints, who have given up the third-most fantasy points to RBs over the past two weeks (per NFL.com ). Tampa Bay could build an early lead and use its running game to preserve it.
Although Irving has a fairly high price tag ($7,700), he should deliver a standout performance. So it's worth paying up to get him into your DraftKings lineup. Last week, the Commanders clinched a playoff berth.
This week, they'll be trying to lock up the No. 6 seed in the NFC as they go on the road to take on the NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys, who are quite banged up as they conclude a disappointing season. Washington will be playing its starters, and its wide receivers have a strong matchup.
Dallas has given up the second-most fantasy points to WRs over the past four weeks (per NFL.com ). Terry McLaurin ($6,800) is the best target for a DraftKings lineup.
But if you don't have room in your budget for the Commanders' top wideout, then Olamide Zaccheaus ($4,500) is the next best option, as he's scored three touchdowns over the past two weeks. Dyami Brown ($3,600) and Jamison Crowder ($3,500) are other solid value plays. It would be wise to get a Washington wide receiver into your lineup, as this Week 18 matchup could be a blowout in favor of the Commanders.
.
