The long, hard journey that was fantasy football 2023 has led us here – championship week.
Congrats to you finalists who are grinding waivers to scoop and score a DST. Thank you for reading this column this season. It’s been a pleasure to showcase these streaming options for you. You’re already ahead of the game by using Fantasy Points. Now, let’s finish the job and get that trophy.
Drake’s top 7 DSTs to Add
(under 50% owned on Yahoo)
- Las Vegas @ IND
- LA Rams @ NYG
- Jacksonville vs CAR
- Chicago vs ATL
- Seattle vs PIT
- Tennessee @ HOU
- Indianapolis vs LV
Las Vegas Raiders (LVR, 12%) - Did you know the Las Vegas Raiders have been the number one DST over the past three weeks? They’ve averaged 19.3 points per game. In that span, the Raiders had 12 sacks, two interceptions, five fumble recoveries, and four touchdowns. This week, they’ll play the Indianapolis Colts, who just allowed the Falcons to get six sacks of Gardner Minshew.
Los Angeles Rams (LAR, 20%) – The Giants give out sacks like they are candy canes going on a tree. The problem for the Rams is that they apparently hate candy canes. LA hasn’t decked a quarterback hall more than twice in any game since Week 12. I like that to change against this NY team that’s just playing out the season. The Giants are a top 5 unit in points allowed to opposing DSTs. I like LA’s odds of turning them over a few times.
Tennessee Titans (TEN, 6%) – The Titans just played Houston in Week 15 and collected four sacks, one fumble, and scored. If C.J. Stroud is under center for the Texans, I’m not loving this play, but that’s not a given this week. Monitor Stroud’s status if you’re considering the Titans for Week 17.
Jacksonville Jaguars (JAX, 41%) – Typically, the Panthers opponent is a must-add for DST streamers. This week, though, we’ve got two problems. First, the Jags just aren’t that good. They’ve allowed 30 points in three of their last four games. Second, only one of the Panthers' previous three opponents has scored over ten fantasy points. Bryce Young came alive in Week 16 and only took two sacks. He hasn’t thrown an interception since Week 13. It’s an OK spot, but I’m not rubber-stamping it as a must-play.
Seattle Seahawks (SEA, 24%) – We get the Seahawks D coming off a six-sack effort against Mason Rudolph and the Steelers. I doubt we see another stellar Rudolph performance this week because – it’s Mason freakin’ Rudolph. Home DST vs a backup QB is always a scenario we look to exploit.
Indianapolis Colts (IND, 48%) – It’s hard to recommend a team that scored zero points as a DST unit last week, but here we are. Indy will face a Raiders bunch that, on the season, allows the ninth most points to opposing defenses. It’s in a dome; the QBs are total wild cards, so it could get crazy. I’d probably look elsewhere, but this Colt team can pressure the quarterback. It’s not like the Raiders are some offensive juggernaut. If you throw out the crazy Chargers debacle, Vegas hasn’t scored an offensive touchdown since Week 12.
Chicago Bears (CHI, 33%) – Coming off a down performance in Week 16, it’s a bounceback spot at home for Chicago against our old pal “Hospital Ball” Heinicke. Any time you get a dome team on the road, I think you want to look at it. Chicago hasn’t allowed over 20 points since Week 11. They should be a stout option for streamers in championship week.
WEEK 17 DFS PLAYS (DraftKings)
Do you need something to do because your season-long dreams are over?
49ers ($4200) @ WAS – I'm not paying the highest price even though I love the idea of a pissed-off Niners D sacking Sam Howell 100 times — if Howell even plays.
Bills ($3900) vs. NE – Another top-of-the-market play. The Patriots stink, and the Bills need the win. It’s not ideal, but I understand if you’ve got the salary. The Pats simply want to run the ball and go home, though. Don’t forget that the New England D is pretty good and could stop Josh Allen and friends from making this a route.
Jaguars ($3800) vs CAR – If the Jags don’t have Trevor Lawrence, will they even win this game? This has trap written all over it. That’s a no for me, dawg.
Rams ($3500) @ NYG – Cross country trip, a new Giants QB, this could be a tough spot. In DFS, I don’t love it and will look elsewhere.
Bears ($3400) vs ATL – Before Week 16, the Bears had three straight double-digit scores on DK. I’d be fine rolling with them against the Falcons, who always play in wacky games.
Falcons ($3100) @ CHI – Chicago can implode and turn the ball over several times. Justin Fields is prone to sacks and boneheaded plays. This is a sneaky spot I like for tournaments.
Panthers ($2700) @ JAX – If Trevor Lawrence doesn’t play, this gets interesting. I’d bet many folks look here for GPP lineups, pending Lawrence's news.
Giants ($2500) vs LAR – This Giants defense isn’t horrible. They are well-coached and show exotic fronts. It wouldn’t shock me at all if the G-men pulled one out of their rear ends at home. This is exactly the type of large-field tournament spot you take a shot at.
Cardinals ($2400) @ PHI – This Eagles offense is still a mess. They turn the ball over. Hurts doesn’t mind running out of bounds behind the line of scrimmage to take a sack. Dumb things follow this team around like a lost puppy. It wouldn’t shock me at all if the Cardinals found 10 DK points in this one.
