10 Dec Daily Fantasy Must Plays for Week 14
Daily fantasy prices for Week 14 are going to lead to some chalky chalk plays, but that will not deter me from taking advantage of price discrepancies. There are also higher-priced, safe options that should help take away some of the risk of volatile plays, including one of my picks below.
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QUARTERBACK – Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan has been a high variance play in 2020, but with Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley on the field, he is a premium option. The Chargers secondary is in shambles, and that does not begin to address the defense’s egg laid last week against a non-existent Patriots passing attack. The total for this game is at 49.5 points, up from its 48.5-point open.
Ryan’s production is also tied some to his own defense. Justin Herbert could torch the Falcons secondary because he is facing a run funnel defense, meaning it is significantly better at stopping the run as opposed to the pass.
Running Back – Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks
This is a perfect play if you believe the Seahawks run away with their game against the New York Jets. Chris Carson returned to his lead role last week and looks close to his normal self. The Jets are the 17th-worst schedule-adjusted defense against the run, and with Russ not cooking lately, Carson could be the heart of the Seahawks offense.
Another point with this Carson pick. Russell Wilson ‘cooks’ more when Carson is eating. Wilson is going to get plenty of roster love in daily fantasy, but an unconventional stack of Wilson and Carson is in play.
Wide Receiver – Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons
Injuries have held Jones’ production back this season, but he has been a consistent performer when playing. In games in which Julio Jones has played at least 79% of snaps (seven of nine games), he has seen double-digit targets three times and has at least 94 yards in five of those contests.
His price tag on DraftKings and FanDuel makes him a chalky selection, but enough daily fantasy players will be targeting the Chargers offense at home that Jones makes an excellent, cheaper stack with Ryan, or a correlation play with Chargers.
Tight End – Dalton Schultz, Dallas Cowboys
Imagine not playing Travis Kelce or Darren Waller when they are on the main daily fantasy slate. But here we are! Dalton Schultz gets the nod for me because the Cincinnati Bengals are 31st against opposing tight ends. The Bengals have allowed at least 50 receiving yards to the tight end position in nine of 13 games and seven touchdowns.
Zack Martin’s injury is another loss to a Cowboys offense line, making Andy Dalton’s job that much more difficult. A quick, efficient passing attack will benefit the Red Rifle, and Schultz’s Average Depth of Target the past month is 4.8 yards. Death by one thousand papercuts is a great way to exploit a poor defense on the road.
Jeff has been playing fantasy sports since 2001. He has covered and written about fantasy, high school, and professional sports for over five years. When not grinding articles and fantasy lineups, he spends time with his wife and two kids, runs for charity, and continues to get progressively worse at golf, no matter how hard he tries.