Cracking DraftKings: Week 18

A weekly overview of DraftKings cash and GPP contests.

Ben Cummins's Cracking DraftKings: Week 18 Ben Cummins Published 01/04/2025

© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

With Full Motivation with Playoff Ramifications

  • Denver Broncos
  • Miami Dolphins
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • Atlanta Falcons

Teams With Little or Nothing To Play For

  • Kansas City Chiefs
  • Buffalo Bills
  • Houston Texans
  • Philadelphia Eagles
  • Los Angeles Rams

Cash Games

Quarterbacks

RankPlayerOpponentSalary
1Baker Mayfieldvs Saints$7,000
2Bo Nixvs Chiefs$6,400
3Michael Penix Jr.vs Panthers$5,400

The Buccaneers are all-in to make the playoffs and Maker Mayfield is cooking. He ranks third in passing yards per game (267.4) and second in pass touchdowns per game (2.4). Mayfield leads a Buccaneers offense that ranks ninth in EPA/Play, 12th in Early Down Pass Frequency (EDPF), and ninth in Pass Rate Over Expected (PROE). The Buccaneers are 13.5-point home favorites and Mayfield gets a Saints defense that ranks 26th in EPA/Play Allowed.

The Broncos are motivated to make the playoffs. Bo Nix ranks tenth in pass touchdowns per game (1.6) and runs a Broncos offense that ranks 12th in Early Down Pass Frequency (EDPF), and sixth in Pass Rate Over Expected (PROE). The Chiefs are resting their starters, making the Broncos 9.5-point home favorites.

The Falcons are full steam ahead to make the playoffs and Michael Penix Jr. is in the dream spot at home against the Panthers atrocious defense. Carolina ranks dead last in EPA/Play Allowed and 31st in Dropback EPA Allowed.

Running Backs

RankPlayerOpponentSalary
1Bijan Robinsonvs Panthers$8,500
2Bucky Irvingvs Saints$7,700
3Rico Dowdlevs Commanders$5,800

The Falcons are full steam ahead to make the playoffs and are 7.5-point home favorites. Bijan Robinson has the dream matchup against a Panthers defense that ranks dead last in both EPA/Play Allowed and Rush EPA Allowed. Robinson is a total stud. He ranks sixth in opportunities per game (21.4) and fourth in total yards per game (107.1).

The Buccaneers are all-in to make the playoffs. Bucky Irving's averages over his past three games: 20 opportunities per (would rank 10th if over the full season) and 131.7 total yards per (would rank second if over the full season). The Buccaneers are 13.5-point home favorites and Irving will feast against a Saints defense that ranks 26th in EPA/Play Allowed and 31st in Rush EPA Allowed.

Rico Dowdle's averages over his past six games: 22 opportunities per (would rank sixth if over the full season) and 111.7 total yards per game (would rank third if over the full season). Dowdle is at home against a Commanders defense that ranks 22nd in Rush EPA Allowed. He's shockingly priced at just $5,800.

 

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