The A List at DFS Academy | Week 17 NFL DFS

Between Christmas, Saturday, and the usual primetime games, we are in for a weird NFL DFS week. This is the smallest slate I can remember since beginning writing this article. We have only eight games from which to choose. As such, some of our typical rules of engagement may get broken. Plus, the chalk will likely be even chalkier, which is completely fine for our DFS Cash lineups. Now, let’s get into our Week 17 NFL DFS Cash picks.

Cash is in session.

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NFL DFS Week 17

Teacher’s Pet

Saquon Barkley (DraftKings: $8,600 / FanDuel: $9,600)

With no Jalen Hurts in the lineup and a history-breaking record on the line, expect Saquon Barkley to carry the load for the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. He has touched the ball over 20 times in six consecutive games. Last week, when Hurts went out, he nearly hit 30 touches. Plus, we all know he has the potential for a 250-yard outing. As 7.5-point favorites, the Eagles should easily roll over the Cowboys behind Barkley. 

Honor Roll

Baker Mayfield (DraftKings: $6,900 / FanDuel: $8,200)

Despite the Carolina Panthers winning last week, their defense still leaves plenty to be desired. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in a must-win situation. If they lose, their chances of winning the NFC South are all but lost. The Panthers played them tightly in their last matchup, only losing by three points. Now, if the Panthers continue to push them, Baker Mayfield will continue to pass the ball a lot to stay competitive. With a 48-point total line, that should be no problem.

Jakobi Meyers (DraftKings: $6,000 / FanDuel: $6,600)

After a down week, Jakobi Meyers is poised for a bounce-back performance against the New Orleans Saints. Meyers has been proficient this season as a volume hog and should return to that status in Week 17. Even with only five targets last week, he has averaged 10 targets per game over the past five weeks. That is plenty to give us the confidence to roll with him on a small slate.

Adam Thielen (DraftKings: $5,700 / FanDuel: $6,200)

The Carolina Panthers are starting to disguise themselves as a competent NFL team, and Adam Thielen has been there through thick and thin. Plus, the more consistent the Panthers get, the more Thielen is able to thrive. He continues to be one of Bryce Young’s favorite targets. Plus, Tampa Bay has a tendency to push their opponents to pass the ball a ton. The last time these two teams played, Young threw over 40 passes. That increased volume is all the reason to target Thielen this week.

Check the Chalkboard

Bucky Irving (DraftKings: $6,700 / FanDuel: $8,000)

Tampa Bay has continued to rely on Bucky Irving as their number-one running back. Now, he gets the chance to run all over a Carolina Panthers defense that just got rocked by James Conner. And yes, feel free to play him with Baker Mayfield. The Buccaneers often pass the ball to the running backs, so both Mayfield and Irving can get there in DFS.

Participation Grade

Grant Calcaterra (DraftKings: $3,100 / FanDuel: $4,700)

Even after Grant Calcaterra laid a goose egg with Kenny Pickett under center, I am ready to roll with him again. The price point is the primary selling point here. In order to play Saquon Barkley or Justin Jefferson, punting at tight end is a necessity. Plus, with a week of practice, Pickett should be prepared to get a few dump-off passes to Calcaterra. 

Back of the Classroom Studs

Calvin Ridley (DraftKings: $5,500 / FanDuel: $6,300)

While we have not gotten the Calvin Ridley redemption many (including myself) were hoping for, he has maintained a solid role in this offense. Despite the lack of ceiling games, Ridley has a safe floor that makes him viable for DFS Cash. Even in games with only three catches, he has scored at least seven DraftKings points each time, demonstrating his receiving efficiency. 

Wan’Dale Robinson (DraftKings: $4,400 / FanDuel: $5,300)

The New York Giants continue to struggle on offense, but that is not stopping Wan’Dale Robinson from being a solid DFS Cash option. Robinson is now averaging at least 10 targets per game over the past three weeks. With that production, Robinson is an easy target especially at his salary. Honestly, we could all use some more Wan’Dale Robinson in our lives.

Philadelphia Eagles (DraftKings: $3,100 / FanDuel: $5,000)

Betting on the Eagles’ defense fits perfectly if you are also betting on Saquon Barkley. There is a natural correlation there. If Philadelphia is winning this matchup, there is a good chance they are running the ball well and that their defense is holding Dallas to minimal production. Plus, the Eagles’ pass rush has been solid in recent weeks, enabling them to have a ceiling outcome as well.

Report Card

DraftKings

Scoring System

• A: Scored over three times their price
• B: Scored over two times their price
• C: Matched their price
• F: Scored lower than their price

Player	Price	Points	Grade
Ja’Marr Chase	$8,500	22.40	B
Bijan Robinson	$8,100	24.30	A
Jahmyr Gibbs	$7,500	28.40	A
Jakobi Meyers	$5,800	6.10	C
Patrick Taylor	$5,200	3.50	F
Michael Penix	$4,500	7.38	C
Wan’Dale Robinson	$4,100	13.20	A
Brenton Strange	$3,500	3.20	F
Tennessee Titans	$2,600	-1.00	F
Overall	$49,800	107.48	B
Season Long	$743,300	1,760.82	B

FanDuel

Scoring System

• A: Scored over two times their price
• B: Scored over one and a half times their price
• C: Matched their price
• F: Scored lower than their price

Player	Price	Points	Grade
Ja’Marr Chase	$9,500	19.40	A
Bijan Robinson	$8,900	23.30	A
Jahmyr Gibbs	$8,300	26.40	A
Jakobi Meyers	$6,700	5.10	F
Patrick Taylor	$4,800	3.00	F
Michael Penix	$6,000	7.38	C
Wan’Dale Robinson	$5,100	9.70	B
Brenton Strange	$5,200	1.20	F
Tennessee Titans	$3,900	-1.00	F
Overall	$58,400	94.48	B
Season Long	$888,300	1,544.32	B

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