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
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Monday Night Football DFS Lineup Picks for FanDuel, DraftKings - Steelers vs. Bengals

Jorge's top NFL DFS lineup picks for FanDuel, DraftKings and Week 15's Monday Night Football Steelers vs. Bengals matchup. His daily fantasy football advice and value plays.

Monday Night Football has arrived and we get treated to an AFC North battle as the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Cincinnati Bengals. The Steelers are trying to keep pace with other top teams in the AFC as teams are jockeying for playoff seeding positions while the Bengals look to play spoiler and hand Pittsburgh a loss. This game features an over/under of 40.5 with the Steelers being favored by 12 points.

In this article, I will be providing you with daily fantasy football picks on FanDuel and DraftKings for the Monday Night Football slate on December 21st (Week 15). These lineups can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on both DraftKings and FanDuel.

If you have any questions you can follow me on Twitter @jorgepucks and fire away, or sign up for a premium RotoBaller NFL package and chat with myself and other NFL DFS analysts any time you'd like!

Featured Promo: Get any Props Premium Pass for 50% off using code SUMMER. Win more with our two new Props Optimizer tools -- one for PrizePicks Props, and one for Sportsbook Betting Props. Find optimal prop bets and get our recommended picks daily! Go Premium, Win More!

 

DFS Quarterbacks

This looks to be a pretty easy choice when it comes to choosing to roster a quarterback on this showdown slate. No disrespect to Brandon Allen and Ryan Finley but it does not look like a great matchup to roster them in any format. The Steelers have one of the toughest defenses in the league and they make it very tough to move the ball on them as they allow 319 total yards per game and have one of the lower allowed point totals in the league The Bengals were only able to muster up 10 points in their first game and this was with a healthy Joe Burrow under center.  The Pittsburgh defense leads the league with 45 sacks on the year and the Bengals offensive line has been horrible as they have allowed 46 sacks on the season so far.

On the opposite side of this game sits Ben Roethlisberger who has played well all season long. Big Ben had himself a field day in Week 9 as he threw for 333 passing yards and four touchdowns. The Bengals Defense did not have an answer for this Steeler passing attack and it is safe to assume that they still won't have an answer for it this week as well. The Cincinnati defense has only generated 15 total sacks on the season which is tied for the second-worst sack total in the league so Roethlisberger should have a clean pocket to operate out of. Big Ben gets the ball out of his hand really quick as he has the quickest time to throw metric in the league (2.29 seconds). The Steelers are using quick throws to keep the chains moving and keep Roethlisberger upright which has been the key to their offensive success all season long.

Analysis: Ben Roethlisberger is a top captain option on this slate and should be viable in all formats while it is best to fade Allen and Finley in this matchup.

 

DFS Running Backs

The Steelers and Bengals have really struggled all season long to run the ball efficiently as they both rank in the bottom four teams when it comes to rushing yards per game. The Bengals have missed their main bell-cow back in Joe Mixon as he has been in and out of the lineup all season long tending to injuries. Cincinnati has chosen to not activate him from IR so this means that this is another week that the Bengals will be relying on their backup running backs to carry the load. Gio Bernard has carried the rock the most during Mixon's absence but was benched early last week after he fumbled early on in the game. Samaje Perine and Trayveon Williams split the workload as they both had double-digit carries in Week 14 and could see an uptick in carries should Bernard find himself in the doghouse yet again. The Steelers Defense has been very good against the run as they hold opponents to 100 rushing yards which is the sixth-best in the league.

The Steelers have been a very pass-heavy team which has hindered their rushing upside. James Conner has taken close to 60% of the Steelers rushing attempts and is still the defacto number one back in Pittsburgh. Over the last eight games played, Conner has had double-digit rushing attempts and averages three targets per game. While the Steelers have a plethora of backs to use, Conner sees the bulk of the workload while Benny Snell Jr. usually comes in as the change of pace back. The Steelers' run game has been bad as they average only 3.7 yards per carry which is second-lowest in the entire league. The Bengals rushing defense has been porous as they allow 131 yards per game which give a bump to the Steelers rushing attack. The Steelers have not had a rushing touchdown in over three games straight so this could be a get right opportunity for the Steelers running backs.

Analysis: Conner is the safest running back play on the slate and could be used in all formats. Bernard should get the first crack for the Bengals and could rack up points in the passing game but the risk is also there for him to get benched should he mess up early. All Bengals running backs and Snell Jr. for Pittsburgh are viable for MME player pools.

 

DFS Wide Receivers

The Steelers were able to find success through the passing game in the first matchup against the Bengals earlier this season. Diontae Johnson led the group in receiving yardage as he accumulated 116 yards on six catches on 11 total targets. Chase Claypool hauled in two receiving touchdowns on four total receptions and JuJu Smith-Schuster led the team with nine catches on 13 total targets. This was a tough matchup for the Bengals Defense and we can anticipate them experiencing the same struggles as they did back in Week 9. Over the three most recent games played, JuJu has led the team with 26 targets and is arguably the safest receiving option from this group because of his role in this Steelers offense. Johnson struggled against the Bills as he experienced some drop issues but a guy with his talent can't be overlooked in a soft matchup against the Bengals. Claypool has been a little shaky with his overall target numbers but could end up being a good tournament play, especially if he gets looks in the red zone once again. James Washington has seen a slight increase in targets and would be a deep tournament option that saves some salary.

The Bengals have a solid receiving group themselves but this squad definitely misses their young quarterback in Joe Burrow and without him playing, it truly hinders their upside from a receiving perspective. Over the last three games played, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd have been the two main receiving threats for Cincinnati. They have combined for 39 total targets (20,19) and have recorded a combined nine receiving touchdowns on the season. The Bengals should be playing from behind in this game which makes them viable in all formats since they should see an increased volume in targets and opportunities. AJ Green rounds out the Bengals receiving trio and while he isn't the AJ Green of old, he still is averaging over six targets per game on the season and would be worth taking a stab on in tournament lineups. In their lone game against Pittsburgh, Higgins led the way with seven catches on nine targets for 115 receiving yards and a touchdown. Boyd was right behind him with six catches on eight targets for 41 yards and AJ Green saw five total targets but was unable to record a catch.

Analysis: There are plenty of receiving options on this slate and JuJu looks to be the safest option based on his consistent targets and role in this Steelers offense. Boyd and Higgins are the safest receiving options for the Bengals and both could be rolled out in all formats. Johnson and Claypool could be rolled out in cash games but also are a tad riskier so they are better suited as strong tournament plays from the Steelers offense. Green and Washington remain in play but would only be viable if making several lineups and are wanting to be unique with your builds.

 

DFS Tight Ends

With how loaded the receiving group is, the tight ends in this game could go overlooked, specifically in tournaments. Eric Ebron has really flourished as the main tight end in the Pittsburgh Steelers offense as he is seeing over five targets a game and has seen 27 total targets over the last three games played. He has four receiving touchdowns on the season and draws a very favorable match against a Bengals defense who have allowed the most receiving yards to tight ends (867) and the most overall targets to tight ends as well (108). Ebron had a quiet outing against the Bengals in Week 9 as he recorded two catches on six targets for 38 yards. On the other side of this game sits Drew Sample who has done a solid job filling in as the top tight end for the Bengals once CJ Uzomah went down with a season-ending injury. Sample is averaging five targets per game over his last four games played and is still searching for his first receiving touchdown on the season. The Pittsburgh defense has been very stingy when it comes to opposing tight ends as they have held them to just 496 receiving yards and two total touchdowns on the season.

Analysis: Ebron is the top tight end play on the slate and could be utilized in all formats while Sample could be a sneaky low-owned tournament option, especially if he is able to rack up a few catches and find the end zone.

 

DFS Defense/Special Teams

This game seems to be pretty one-sided and with the low total factored in as well, there is a defense that you can play. The Steelers Defense has been one of the top defenses in the league and despite their recent stumbles against Washington and Buffalo, they get a very good matchup against the Bengals. Cincinnati is only averaging 18.8 points per game and generating 319 total yards of offense per game which ranks 29th overall in the entire league. The Steelers defense is holding opponents to just 18.2 points per game and is tied for the league-lead in generating turnovers as they have caused 25 takeaways on the season. Cincinnati has allowed the 4th most giveaways as they have turned the ball over 22 times and it doesn't seem like their turnover problems will slow down anytime soon. With how lop-sided this game could be, Chris Boswell is certainly in play for Pittsburgh as the offense should be able to generate drives and put them into scoring position early and often.

Analysis: The Steelers defense is in a prime matchup and should be able to generate some turnovers against this Bengals offense. They could be used in the captain spot while Chris Boswell could be used in tournament lineups. It is a hard fade for the Bengals Defense as Pittsburgh should generate points and Randy Bullock could be used as a tournament play but carries major risk.

 

Good luck, RotoBallers, and remember to mix it up and don't be afraid to be different in these large field GPPs!



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Weekly DFS Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Brice Matthews

Joining Astros
MLB

White Sox-Guardians Postponed on Thursday
Brandon Aiyuk

Likely to Begin Season on PUP List, but Not Ruled Out for Week 1
Jameson Williams

Not in the Team's Long-Term Plans?
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Micah Parsons

Plans to be Present for Start of Training Camp
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Ikem Ekwonu

Next Up for Extension in Carolina?
Jalen Thompson

Heading into Last Year With Cardinals?
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Najee Harris

Suffers Eye Injury in Fireworks Mishap
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Vitor Petrino

Set For His Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Set To Open Up UFC Nashville Main Card
Junior Tafa

Set For Light-Heavyweight Bout
Alex Bregman

Will Return to Red Sox This Weekend
Chris Sale

Braves Won't Consider Trading Chris Sale
Clarke Schmidt

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery on Friday
Nick Nash

Unlikely to Make Falcons Active Roster
Lane Johnson

in No Rush To Retire
Jalen Williams

Signs Contract Extension With Thunder
Blake Corum

has "Gotten His Speed Back"
Jarquez Hunter

Picking Up Rams Offense Quickly
Alijah Martin

Agrees to Two-Way Deal With Raptors
Tristan Vukcevic

Set to Return to Washington
Kirk Cousins

Feels Misled by Falcons
Bijan Robinson

Says Falcons Have "Outlandish Goals" for the Running Game
Luther Burden III

Bears Expect Luther Burden III to be Ready for Training Camp
Cole Kmet

an Unlikely Trade Piece
Tony Pollard

Titans Hope to Balance Rushing Attack With Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears
Byron Buxton

Sitting Thursday
Quentin Johnston

Not Assured of Starting Role
Cordarrelle Patterson

on the Roster Bubble in Pittsburgh?
Shedeur Sanders

Not Assured of Roster Spot in Cleveland?
Wan'Dale Robinson

Hoping For More Downfield Opportunities
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Jordan McLaughlin

Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
Dylan Harper

Out Thursday, Expected to Play Saturday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Homers Twice on Wednesday
Mike Trout

Homers Twice in Win Over Rangers
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Leads Yankees to Victory
Salvador Perez

Crushes Two Homers in Win
Cleveland Browns

Greg Newsome on the Trade Block?
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
Zach Tom

An Extension Candidate in Green Bay
Devin Booker

Agrees to Extension with Phoenix
Trevor Williams

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Byron Buxton

Exits After Hit-by-Pitch, X-Rays Negative
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Playing on Wednesday
Alex Bregman

has "Really Good Chance" to Return Before All-Star Break
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Expected to Return on Friday
Walter Clayton Jr.

Leads Jazz to Summer League Win
Carter Bryant

Struggles in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Drops a Double-Double in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Oklahoma City Thunder

Malevy Leons Logs Impressive Summer League Outing on Tuesday
Dalton Knecht

Collects 25 Points in Lakers Summer League Win
Los Angeles Lakers

Darius Bazley Drops 27 Points in Summer League on Tuesday
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Chet Holmgren

Agrees to Rookie Max Extension
Alex Bregman

Not Returning Wednesday
Jhoan Duran

Unavailable Due to Illness
Shane McClanahan

Tosses Clean Frame in First Rehab Appearance
Jacob Wilson

Day-to-Day After HBP
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. to be Reassessed Wednesday
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Malaki Branham

Traded to Washington
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Blake Wesley

Moves to Washington
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Kelly Olynyk

on the Move Again
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Anthony Davis

Recovering From Eye Surgery
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Cal Raleigh

Continues Historic Homer Pace Tuesday
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF