🖥 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE THANKS
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Deeper DraftKings DFS Sleepers for the Conference Championships

Deeper daily fantasy sleepers for DraftKings and the NFL Conference Championships, Justin Carter finds DFS sleepers for fantasy football owners to target.

And now there are just four teams left in the NFL playoffs. The New England Patriots are there, like many people expected. The Philadelphia Eagles are there too, which many people also expected at times during the regular season until quarterback Carson Wentz went down with a knee injury and was replaced by the Nick Foles, the man who co-owns the record for the most touchdown passes in a single game--and also vanished from the consciousness of NFL fans over the past couple of years.

The Vikings are there after beating the Saints in dramatic fashion, with a shocking last second touchdown pass from Case Keenum to Stefon Diggs that no one expected. (Note: As a University of Houston alum, I am very proud of Case Keenum.) And then the Jacksonville Jaguars are making their first appearance in the Conference Finals since 1999 behind quarterback Blake Bortles and a stellar defense that...just gave up 42 points to Pittsburgh? WHAT IS FOOTBALL DOING.

This could be a big week for you on DraftKings as the season winds down. Let's look at deeper DFS targets and DraftKings sleepers for the Conference Finals. These are all players whose DraftKings cost is at or below $5,000, except for the wide receiver position, where I'll be looking at players below $4,000.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Deeper DraftKings DFS Targets for the Conference Finals

QUARTERBACKS

Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars - $5,000 (DraftKings)

There's a temptation to suggest Foles here because he's $200 cheaper, but he plays against a Vikings defense that allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks during the regular season and is coming off a fairly mediocre win against the Falcons. But Bortles? He gets the Patriots, who allowed the seventh-most points during the regular season to the position AND allowed Marcus Mariota to throw for 254 yards and a pair of touchdowns while running the ball four times for 37 yards. Bortles has found his feet during these playoffs, and his arm came alive against the Steelers. It's actually not crazy to imagine the Jaguars in the Super Bowl and Bortles being one of the reasons why.

 

RUNNING BACKS

James White, New England Patriots - $4,900 (DraftKings)

So you're willing to bet that lightning actually does strike the same place twice? James White found the end zone twice in the Divisional Round against the Titans, finishing with 20.0 fantasy points, his highest mark of the season. It's tough to trust a Patriots running back who isn't named Dion Lewis, but White does have a history of performing in the playoffs--he had three touchdowns in last year's Super Bowl against the Falcons, plus another touchdown during last season's Divisional Round. White is a player who has stepped up in big spots for New England. There's no guarantee he does that again, but I like his chances in a week with a really shallow pool of players to draw from.

T.J. Yeldon, Jacksonville Jaguars - $4,200 (DraftKings)

Yeldon served as the primary backup to Leonard Fournette in the Divisional Round with Chris Ivory inactive. Fournette re-injured his ankle during that game, though he did return in the second half. Yeldon could serve useful this week as a guy who can spell Fournette at times and as a pass catcher--in addition to rushing five times for 20 yards and a score last week, Yeldon caught three passes for 57 yards.

Corey Clement, Philadelphia Eagles - $3,100 (DraftKings)

Clement is another back whose usefulness in the passing game could come in handy. He only carried the ball once against Atlanta and last saw double-digit carries in Week 9 as Jay Ajayi's presence has knocked Clement down his team's rotation, but his five targets against Atlanta and his increased usage as a receiver since Nick Foles became Philadelphia's quarterback gives him a chance to put up decent numbers and, possibly, to find the end zone, though it'll be tough against a Vikings defense that allowed just one receiving touchdown to a running back during the regular season.

Brandon Bolden, New England Patriots - $3,000 (DraftKings)

Maybe the ultimate "hmm, maybe?" guy this week. Bolden scored a touchdown last week for New England as the team used him as a goal line back. If Mike Gillislee (knee) or Rex Burkhead (knee) are able to suit up this week, Bolden becomes much less appealing. But if one or both--and Gillislee in particular--are out, Bolden could once again see snaps down near the end zone.

 

WIDE RECEIVERS

Dede Westbrook, Jacksonville Jaguars - $3,900 (DraftKings)

The rookie vanished against Pittsburgh, catching just one pass for eight yards. But he's got a good match-up this week (New England allowed the sixth-most points to receivers in the regular season), has plenty of talent, and had been developing as a weapon for Jacksonville over the second half of the season. At this point, I trust him more than Keelan Cole or Allen Hurns.

Jarius Wright, Minnesota Vikings - $3,000 (DraftKings)

This one is definitely a "cross your fingers and hope" pick, but Wright did catch three passes for 56 yards against the Saints. If there's a weak spot in the Eagles defense, it's been in how they've done defending wide receivers. Wright is pretty far down Minnesota's pecking order behind Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs, but he's got decent upside (and also those two guys are the two most expensive wide receivers this week and I'm a little scared of the price tag.)

 

TIGHT ENDS

Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings - $4,500 (DraftKings)

This feels like cheating. Rudolph is a good option and comes at a significant discount over Rob Gronkowski and a decent discount over Zach Ertz, but he's still the third highest tight end salary this week. Let's just skip to the next player.

Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville Jaguars - $2,500 (DraftKings)

I'm going to be very honest with y'all right now--once you get past Rudolph, you're just throwing darts and hoping something sticks. The Jaguars are not good at using their tight ends, but if you're cutting corners on this position then you want the player with the best chance at finding the end zone. Lewis did that five times this season and New England's defense does the poorest against tight ends of any of the four teams left. It's...bleak, but if you're going to get lucky then this might work out.

 

More NFL Playoffs and DFS Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

CeeDee Lamb

Clears Concussion Protocol, Cleared to Play Sunday Night Against Vikings
CFB

Freddie Kitchens Fired from North Carolina Coaching Staff
Joel Kiviranta

Hurt in Thursday's Win
Lars Eller

Departs Early Versus Blue Jackets
Viktor Arvidsson

Makes Early Exit Against Jets
Bo Horvat

Suffers Lower-Body Injury in Thursday's Win
Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Sustains Lower-Body Injury
Roope Hintz

Exits Loss With Injury
Logan Cooley

to Miss at Least Eight Weeks
Mike Evans

Wastes No Time Making a Big Impact in Return
Bijan Robinson

Dismantles Buccaneers Defense in Week 15 Upset
Kirk Cousins

Tosses Three Touchdowns in Primetime Victory
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Explodes for Best Outing of Career on TNF
Mike Conley

Unavailable Friday
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Downgraded to Out Thursday
Anthony Edwards

Iffy to Face Warriors
Davante Adams

Remains Absent From Practice Thursday
Kris Murray

Makes Third Start of the Campaign Thursday
Gary Trent Jr.

Replaces Jericho Sims in Starting Unit Thursday
Jarrett Allen

to Remain Sidelined Friday
AJ Green

Misses Second Consecutive Game
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Officially Active on Thursday Night
Jordan Poole

Cleared for Action Thursday
Ja Morant

Listed as Questionable for Friday's Tilt
Mike Evans

Officially Active on Thursday Night
Miles McBride

to be Re-Evaluated in One Week
Robert Williams III

Yang Hansen Out Thursday
Lauri Markkanen

Available Friday Night
LaMelo Ball

Sidelined for Friday
Tyrese Maxey

Dealing With Illness But Expected to Play Friday
Nique Clifford

to Start Thursday
Kristaps Porzingis

Out of Action Versus Pistons Friday
Joel Embiid

Probable Ahead of Friday's Matchup With Pacers
Ryan Leonard

to Miss 3-4 Weeks
Mats Zuccarello

Lands on Injured Reserve
Timo Meier

Takes Leave of Absence
Draymond Green

Ruled Out for Friday Versus Timberwolves
Thatcher Demko

Back in Canucks Crease Thursday
Josh Norris

Out on Thursday
Boone Jenner

Rejoins Blue Jackets Lineup Thursday
Stephen Curry

Off Injury Report for Friday's Matchup With Minnesota
Victor Hedman

Placed on Injured Reserve
Charlie McAvoy

Set to Return Thursday
Philip Rivers

Colts Prepping Philip Rivers to Start in Week 15?
John Konchar

Will Undergo Thumb Surgery
Zach Edey

Out at Least Four Weeks
CFB

Bryce Underwood Could Leave Michigan Without Buyout
Mike Evans

Expected to Play Thursday, But Only on Key Downs?
Fernando Tatis Jr.

Padres Not Considering Trading Fernando Tatis Jr.
Tarik Skubal

Tigers Engaged in "Serious Talks" Around Trading Tarik Skubal at the Winter Meetings
Josh Jacobs

Calling Himself Day-to-Day
CFB

Chris Brazzell II Declaring for NFL Draft
CeeDee Lamb

on Track to Play on Sunday Night
CFB

Fernando Mendoza Named AP College Football Player of the Year
Raisel Iglesias

to Remain the Braves Closer
Robert Suarez

Agrees on Three-Year Deal With Braves
T.J. Watt

Could Miss Monday's Game With a Lung Issue
Trey Hendrickson

Moved to Injured Reserve
Josh Jacobs

Likely to Miss a Second Straight Practice
De'Von Achane

to Start the Week as Limited in Practice
CFB

Sherrone Moore Remains in Police Custody
CFB

Joe Klanderman Joining Baylor Coaching Staff
Alex DeBrincat

Extends Scoring Streak With Three-Point Effort
Dylan Guenther

Lights the Lamp Twice Wednesday
CFB

Kentucky Hiring Jay Bateman as Next Defensive Coordinator
Sam Bennett

Tallies Three Points Against Mammoth
Vince Dunn

Caps Off Three-Point Performance With Overtime Winner
Spencer Knight

Stops Rangers From Scoring Wednesday
Simon Edvinsson

Makes Early Exit Wednesday
Si Woo Kim

Closes 2025 With Strong Finish Among Putting Woes
Akshay Bhatia

Looks to Rebound in 2026 After Down Year Off the Tee
Brian Harman

2025 Season a Step Back Despite Spring Win
Sam Burns

' Elite Putting Headlines a Solid 2025 Season
Sepp Straka

Ends Stellar 2025 Campaign on a High Note
Robert MacIntyre

Closes Out a Steady 2025 Campaign
CFB

Chip Kelly Interviews for Georgia Tech Offensive Coordinator Job
CFB

Louisville Receiver Chris Bell has a Torn ACL
Davante Adams

in Good Spot for Week 15 Despite Hamstring Soreness
Min Woo Lee

Breaks Through to Win in Texas This Year
PGA

Alex Noren Wins Twice on European Tour This Year
Wyndham Clark

has Up-and-Down 2025 Golf Season
CFB

Michigan Fires Head Coach Sherrone Moore
Corey Conners

Comes Close to Winning Again in Very Good 2025
Justin Rose

Turns Back the Clock in 2025
Mike Evans

Officially Questionable for Thursday Night Game
Geno Smith

Unlikely to Play in Week 15
CFB

Jim Knowles Expected to be Hired as Tennessee's Defensive Coordinator
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

"Good to Go" for Week 15
Harris English

Enjoys Solid Finish at Hero World Challenge
CeeDee Lamb

has "One or Two" Things Left to the Clear Concussion Protocol
CFB

Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles Not Being Retained at Penn State
CFB

Indiana's Stephen Daley Done for Season After Post-Game Injury
Pete Alonso

Orioles Finalizing Five-Year Deal
Kyle Finnegan

Tigers, Kyle Finnegan Agree on Two-Year Deal
Bo Bichette

Red Sox Out on Bo Bichette For Now
Philadelphia Phillies

Phillies Extend Manager Rob Thomson Through 2027 Season
Michael King

the Mets' Top Rotation Target?
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Could Move Back to Leadoff Spot
CFB

Florida, Wisconsin Among Suitors for QB Transfer Kenny Minchey
CFB

Bryan Harsin, Justin Wilcox Candidates for Washington State Head Coach Job?
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz Agrees to Deal With the Dodgers
Kyle Schwarber

Returning to Phillies on Five-Year Deal
CFB

Ole Miss Hiring John David Baker as Offensive Coordinator
CFB

Ty Howle the Top Target for Virginia Tech Offensive Coordinator Job
Shohei Ohtani

to be Used More as Traditional Starting Pitcher Next Year
Yordan Alvarez

to Become Full-Time DH in 2026?
Mason Miller

Padres Plan to Keep Mason Miller in the Bullpen
Ranger Suárez

Orioles Interested in Signing Ranger Suarez
Anthony Volpe

Yankees Don't Expect Anthony Volpe to be Ready in April
Gerrit Cole

Targeting a Return in May/June
CFB

Heisman Trophy Finalists Announced on Monday
CFB

Anthony Hill Jr. Declaring for 2026 NFL Draft
CFB

Ryan Walters a Candidate for Tennessee Defensive Coordinator Job?
Rory McIlroy

Ends 2025 as the Year's Most Unburdened Player
Aaron Rai

Needs to Figure Out Putting Woes This Offseason
Jordan Spieth

Plays Better on Paper in 2025 Than Results Show
PGA

Chris Gotterup Needs to Find Better Touch and Consistency This Offseason
Hideki Matsuyama

Ends 2025 Season With a Bookend Victory
CFB

Tennessee Fires Defensive Coordinator Tim Banks
Scottie Scheffler

Comes Up Just Shy of Hero World Challenge Victory
Merab Dvalishvili

Drops A Decision At UFC 323
Petr Yan

Reclaims Bantamweight Title
Alexandre Pantoja

Era Ends With Gruesome Injury
Joshua Van

Becomes Second-Youngest UFC Champion
Brandon Moreno

Suffers His First TKO Loss
Brandon Moreno

Tatsuro Taira Becomes First Fighter To Finish Brandon Moreno
Henry Cejudo

Payton Talbott Retires Henry Cejudo
Henry Cejudo

Retires After UFC 323 Loss
Jan Blachowicz

Bogdan Guskov Vs. Jan Blachowicz Ends In A Majority Draw
Jan Blachowicz

And Bogdan Guskov Fight To Majority Draw
San Francisco Giants

Jeff Kent Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
Ketel Marte

Red Sox Interested in Trading for Ketel Marte
Kyle Schwarber

Pirates Make Four-Year Offer to Kyle Schwarber

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP