NFL DFS Lineup Sleepers for DraftKings, FanDuel - Thanksgiving Day Slate Value Picks Include Cooper Rush, Rico Dowdle, Jaylen Waddle, and more

Happy Thanksgiving RotoBallers! Week 12 of the NFL season is in the books, and now we shift our focus to Week 13 and what value plays we can find on the Thanksgiving slate in DFS competitions.

In this piece, I will examine some undervalued sneaky targets. By selecting these players, you will have more flexibility in other positions to secure a high-end player elsewhere in your lineup. No matter what competition you are playing in DFS, finding a budget player with a safe floor and room for upside is the recipe for success.

I will include the DraftKings (DK) and FanDuel (FD) prices for each player in the main slate competition. However, when discussing which players are valued, I will focus primarily on their DraftKings prices. Even though both platforms have a few minor differences in scoring, a value is usually playable on any format given their relation to other highly priced players at their position.

Quarterback NFL DFS Value Plays - Thanksgiving Day Slate

Cooper Rush, NYG at DAL | DK: $4.8K FD: $6.9K

After struggling in his first start of the season against the Philadelphia Eagles, Cooper Rush put together two solid games from a fantasy perspective and got the Cowboys back in the win column this past weekend over the Washington Commanders.

Over his past two games, Rush has averaged 300.5 passing yards per game with three total scores.

Cooper Rush (4) to Luke Schoonmaker (1)
Dallas Cowboys
22 yards
pic.twitter.com/j9hWMRFTOs

— NFL Touchdown Videos (@NFLTDsVideos) November 24, 2024

On Thursday, Rush will host the New York Giants, against whom Baker Mayfield scored 23.6 PPR points last weekend. In addition, the Giants have allowed the 14th-most PPR points to opposing quarterbacks this season.

Caleb Williams, CHI at DET | DK: $5.3K FD: $7.2K

My other QB value has had an up-and-down rookie campaign. Last weekend, Williams broke out of a prolonged slump as he threw his first TD pass since Week 6 and eclipsed 300+ passing yards for the first time since Week 5.

In addition, since averaging 10.1 PPR points during Weeks 8 through 10, the former No.1 overall selection has averaged 23.5 PPR points in each of his past two contests.

Facing a tough Detroit Lions defense that has allowed the sixth-fewest PPR points to opposing QBs makes Williams a risky option. However, if Detroit gets an early lead, Williams may have to force the ball downfield through most of the second half.

Running Back NFL DFS Value Plays - Thanksgiving Day Slate

Rico Dowdle, NYG at DAL | DK: $5.5K, FD: $6.1K

Dowdle enjoyed a productive showing on the ground last weekend as he totaled 86 yards and added 12 through the air in their victory over the Washington Commanders. This was an excellent bounce-back for Dowdle, as he tallied just 28 rushing yards the previous week against the Houston Texans.

In addition, this past weekend, No.2 running back Ezekiel Elliott logged only 12 snaps, a significant drop from the 25 he saw in Week 11.

Dowdle’s increasing role in the backfield and favorable matchup against the New York Giants, who have allowed the eighth-most PPR points to opposing RBs, sets him up for a productive showing.

Roschon Johnson, CHI at DAL | DK: $4.5K, FD: $5.7K

My other value target comes with a lot more inherent risk. Even though Roschon Johnson has found the end zone in each of the past two games, D'Andre Swift has seen 15 more rushing attempts and more snap opportunities.

However, Johnson typically enters the game once the Bears get to the red zone, setting him up for high-value touches.

Caleb Williams was 3-of-3 for 80 yards, setting up Roschon Johnson’s scoring plunge. A smooth drive for the Bears to the end zone. pic.twitter.com/yQVNYytSbG

— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) November 24, 2024

Facing a tough Detroit Lions defense that has allowed the second-fewest PPR points to opposing RBs might limit Johnson’s ceiling, but if the Bears can get to the red zone often, Johnson could be a great value at his price.

Wide Receiver NFL DFS Value Plays - Thanksgiving Day Slate

Rome Odunze, CHI at DET | DK: $5K, FD: $5.5K

The rookie saw double-digit targets for the second-straight contest last weekend but could not make much of an impact as he caught just five of them for 39 yards.

However, the previous week, Odunze tallied 65 yards off six receptions.

Facing a susceptible Detroit secondary that has allowed the fifth-most PPR points to opposing wideouts could open the door for a breakout game. While the risk is there as Odunze is in a crowded wide receiver room, he has shown flashes of upside at times and could smash at his current price on Thursday.

Wan'Dale Robinson, NYG at DAL| DK: $4.7K, FD: $5.6K

The entire New York offense had a tough time operating with Tommy Devito under center. However, they should have a good opportunity to get back on track facing a struggling Dallas defense.

Last weekend, Wan'Dale Robinson caught all five of his targets for 47 yards. Since Week 6, Robinson has averaged an impressive 7.0 targets per game and has been deployed as the clear No.2 option behind rookie standout Malik Nabers. The sophomore wideout has also seen a hefty 25.8% target share through the season.

Facing a Dallas secondary that has allowed the 11th-most PPR points to opposing wideouts makes Robinson an intriguing target, especially given his recent volume and current target share.

Jaylen Waddle, MIA at GB | DK: $5.4K, FD: $6.3K

The 26-year-old finally broke out of his season-long slump in Week 12 as he tallied 100+ yards for the first time since the season opener. He also found the end zone in this game for just the second time this season.

Happy Birthday Jaylen Waddle, yesterdays performance was special ‼️🐧

- 8 Rec
- 144 YDS
- 18 YPC
- TD pic.twitter.com/7gLNFGtIhY

— Bobby Shouse (@B_Shousejr) November 25, 2024

Fantasy managers may be worried about trusting him this weekend given his lack of consistent production, but on a small slate, it is crucial to target plays with big-play upside.

This season, Waddle has posted a strong 2.08 aDOT, placing him in the 83rd percentile among qualified wideouts. Even though he is facing a tough Green Bay secondary that has allowed the seventh-fewest PPR points to opposing tight ends, Waddle could light up the scoresheet again, given the hefty 47.5-point total this game carries.

Tight End NFL DFS Value Plays - Thanksgiving Day Slate

Theo Johnson, NYG at DAL | DK: $2.9K, FD: $4.9K

The rookie tight end continued to see an impressive target share, even with a new quarterback under center. Tommy DeVito looked Johnson’s way six times last weekend. This was his third straight contest, and he saw at least six targets in each game.

During this span, Johnson has averaged 9.6 PPR points per game and 42.7 yards per game.

On Thursday, Johnson will face a Dallas defense that has been near the middle of the pack in production against opposing tight ends (13th-fewest points). However, Zach Ertz found the end zone against them last weekend and brought in six receptions suggesting Johnson could have similar success.

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