In this weekly article, we will provide you with some popular "chalk" stacks and some "under the radar" stacks to use in your DraftKings GPP tournaments. (GPPs)
Week 17 is a unique week in the world of DFS. We have a number of teams that competing for playoff positions. There are also multiple teams that will be evaluating talent for next season. These teams will often play backup players more than during past weeks. In past seasons, it has been difficult to get a solid read on Week 17. Thus, it is a wise move to take a conservative approach with your bankroll during Week 17. I suggest scaling your weekly bankroll allotment back to between 25%-50% of your normal weekly amount.
CHALK STACKS
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns, Team Total 28.5 points
QB Ben Roethlisberger $6,900-WR Antonio Brown $9,300 Total Stack $16,200 (32.4% of salary)
QB Ben Roethlisberger $6,900-WR Martavis Bryant $5,300 Total Stack $12,200 (24.4% of salary)
QB Ben Roethlisberger $6,900-WR Markus Wheaton $4,000 Total Stack $10,900 (21.8% of salary)
The Steelers are 9.5 point road favorites at the Browns. The total is set at a relatively high 47.5 points and the Steelers have one of the highest team totals of the week at 28.5 points. After last weeks debacle in Baltimore, the Steelers offense will be motivated to come out strong this week. Look for Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown to bounce back in this spot. A Roethlisberger/Brown stack has one of the highest ceilings of the weekend. If entering multiple GPP contests, Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton are alternative stacking options at different price tiers. The Browns have allowed the 4th most points/game this season.(26.9)
Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints, Team Total 28.5 points
QB Matt Ryan $5,500-WR Julio Jones $8,500 Total Stack $14,000 (28% of salary)
The Falcons are 4 point home favorites vs. the Saints. Vegas has set the game total at 53 points, the highest of the weekend. The Falcons are motivated to finish the season with their third consecutive victory. The Falcons may try to force feed WR Julio Jones this week. Jones is 17 receptions away from breaking the NFL record for receptions in a season. He has the perfect opponent for an attempt at the record. The Saints have allowed a league leading 30.6 points/per game and 43 touchdowns this season. Jones will be one of the most popular players to roster this week on DraftKings. If you are entering multiple GPPs, you should make sure that you have some exposure to Jones.
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Team Total 28.5 points
QB Cam Newton $7,500-TE Greg Olsen $6,800 Total Stack $14,300 (28.6% of salary)
QB Cam Newton $7,500-WR Devin Funchess $3,400 Total Stack $10,900 (21.8% of salary)
The Panthers are 10.5 point home favorites vs. the Buccaneers. The Panthers have one of the highest team totals of the week at 28.5 points. After suffering their first loss of the season last week, the Panthers will be motivated to regain their momentum before heading into the playoffs. The Panthers have additional motivation as they are still competing for the number one overall playoff spot in the NFC Conference. Cam Newton has been lights-out at home this season averaging 26.7 fantasy points/per game. Ted Ginn Jr did not practice on Friday and is expected to miss the game due to a knee injury. This means that there will be some additional targets available for the Panthers receivers. Greg Olsen has been the most consistent weapon in the passing game averaging 15.6 fantasy points/per game. Devin Funchess is an alternative cheap option that should carry a low ownership percentage.
UNDER THE RADAR STACKS
New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Team Total 27.5 points
QB Eli Manning $5,600-WR Odell Beckham Jr $9,000 Total Stack $14,600 (29.2% of salary)
The Giants are 3.5 point home favorites vs. the Giants. Vegas has set the total as the second highest of the weekend at 51.5 points. After last weeks suspension, Odell Beckham should be motivated as he needs only 104 receiving yards to finish with 1,500 for the season. Look for Eli Manning to target Beckham early and often this Sunday. If you have been living under a rock, Chip Kelly was fired this week. This change implies that the Eagles will be evaluating talent for next season. The Eagles have been terrible on defense allowing the second most points per game (26.7) and the second most touchdowns (34) on the season.
Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals, Team Total 20.25 points
QB Russell Wilson $7,000-WR Doug Baldwin $6,700 Total Stack $13,700 (27.4% of salary)
The Seahawks are 6.5 point road underdogs at the Cardinals. The game total is a surprisingly high 47 total points. The Seahawks have clinched a wild-card spot but cannot win their division. A win vs. the Cardinals and a Vikings loss would give them the top wild-card spot and a first-round matchup with the Redskins. Russell Wilson has been red-hot the past six weeks averaging 29.6 fantasy points/per game over that time period. Seahawks WR Doug Baldwin has been elite over the past 5 weeks averaging 29.8 fantasy points/per game. Based on his recent performance, Baldwin is extremely under-priced on DraftKings this week. The Seahawks should carry a lower ownership percentage as compared to past weeks based on the perceived difficult matchup.
