NFL DFS Lineup Sleepers for DraftKings, FanDuel - Week 17 Value Picks Include Bryce Young, Alexander Mattison, Romeo Doubs, and more

Week 16 of the NFL season is in the books, and now we shift our focus to Week 17 and what value plays we can find on the main slate in DFS competitions.

In this weekly 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.

If you have any questions on how to navigate the slate and other fantasy sports questions, feel free to follow me on X @A_Smith_FS and send me a message. In addition, be sure to use code "SMITH" to get a 10% discount on any premium package.

Quarterback NFL DFS Value Plays - Week 17

Mason Rudolph, TEN at JAX | DK: $5K, FD: $6.7K

Mason Rudolph was able to put points on the board last weekend but did struggle at times. He threw for 252 yards and two scores but also threw three interceptions. Over his past two starts, Rudolph has thrown two scores in each game while averaging 230.5 yards per game.

Despite his inconsistencies, Rudolph should provide solid upside facing a struggling Jacksonville secondary that has allowed the second-most PPR points to opposing QBs. On an eight-game slate, the “value” plays are typically risky but can pay off if they hit. With a great matchup, Rudolph has a path to a strong outing on Sunday.

Bryce Young, CAR at TB | DK: $5.6K, FD: $7.1K

My other value play is much safer in Bryce Young. Young is coming off his first three-touchdown performance of the season. In their overtime victory over the Arizona Cardinals, Young threw two scores with 158 passing yards and added 68 yards and a score on five attempts.

Bryce Young scores on a 23-yard run!

📺: #AZvsCAR on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/DH5yk10PPf

— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2024

Over his past five games, he has tallied seven total scores and averaged 225.5 passing yards per game. He will look to stay hot against a weak Tampa Bay secondary that has allowed the third-most PPR points to opposing QBs.

Running Back NFL DFS Value Plays - Week 17

Tyjae Spears, TEN at JAX | DK: $5.4K, FD: $5.8K

After Tony Pollard had dealt with a lingering ankle injury throughout the past two weeks, Tyjae Spears was able to see the majority of snaps for the first time this season. Last weekend against the Indianapolis Colts, Spears logged 34 offensive snaps to Pollard’s 23.

Tyjae Spears scored one of the COOLEST touchdowns of the season.

Literally, crowd surfing his way to the endzone.

🔥🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/5EeDeHkczq

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 15, 2024

In this game, Spears punched in two goal-line scores. He should be in a good position to have several red zone opportunities, facing a weak Jacksonville defense that has allowed the second-most PPR points to opposing running backs this season.

Note: Pollard has not been able to practice on Wednesday and Thursday. He could be in danger of missing of missing Sunday's game.

Alexander Mattison, LV at NO | DK: $5.6K, FD: $5.7K

With Sincere McCormick (ankle) on the injured reserve, Alexander Mattison returned to his lead role in the Vegas backfield. Last Sunday, he tallied 27 yards and a score on 12 attempts and was very impressive as a pass catcher, bringing in four of his seven targets for 29 yards.

This weekend, he should be in a good spot to have another high-volume showing and carry solid upside, facing the New Orleans Saints that have allowed the sixth-most PPR points to opposing running backs this season.

Wide Receiver NFL DFS Value Plays - Week 17

Romeo Doubs, GB at MIN | DK: $5.1K, FD: $5.6K

Despite seeing only three targets in their blowout victory over the Saints In Week 16, Romeo Doubs could be in store for a heavy workload facing the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

During Weeks 7 through 15 (six games), Doubs averaged a solid 5.7 targets per game and was Jordan Love’s go-to option in the passing game. With Christian Watson (knee) in questionable status for this game and facing a Minnesota secondary that has allowed the most PPR points to opposing wideouts, Doubs is shaping up to be a massive value.

Josh Downs, IND at NYG| DK: $4.8K, FD: $6.1K

Despite Anthony Richardson’s inconsistent production as a passer, Josh Downs has continued to impress during his sophomore campaign. Over his past four games, Downs has averaged 51.0 yards per game with two scores.

Touchdown Josh Downs to give Indy a 24-7 lead!

📺: #TENvsIND on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/PAQDLqNOH2

— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2024

During this span, he has seen 6.0 targets per game and has become the clear leader in the wide receiver room. Despite facing a tough Giants secondary that has defended opposing wideouts well, Downs carries elite upside given his big-play ability and high target share.

Jalen McMillan, CAR at TB | DK: $4.6K, FD: $5.9K

The rookie wideout has emerged as a legitimate weapon in this Tampa Bay offense, as he is carrying a three-game touchdown streak into Week 17. During this stretch, he has seen 6.7 targets per game while tallying 63.7 yards per game. He has surpassed Cade Otton and has become Baker Mayfield's No. 2 option, and has even seen more targets than Mike Evans in one game during this stretch.

This weekend, he is in a great spot facing the Carolina Panthers, who are in the middle of the pack in terms of allowing PPR points to opposing wideouts.

Tight End NFL DFS Value Plays - Week 17

Chig Okonkwo, TEN at JAX | DK: $3.6K, FD: $5.4K

Another Titan? The 25-year-old has quietly seen double-digit targets in each of his past two games. He caught 8.5 receptions per game during this span, with 70.0 yards per game.

Given his current role in the Tennessee passing attack, Okonkwo could be poised for another double-digit PPR showing against the Jaguars, who have allowed the seventh-most PPR points to opposing tight ends this season. He is a sneaky, low-budget, high-upside stack with Rudolph.

Dalton Kincaid, NYJ at BUF | DK: $4.3K, FD: $5.8K

My final tight end is not typically a value play, but given this small slate, he is quite underpriced as a “top” option. Since returning to action in Week 15 after missing three games with a knee injury, Kincaid saw seven targets in back-to-back outings.

While he has only caught four passes in both of these games, Kincaid has become an integral part of a high-octane offense. Given his role, he carries an elite upside this weekend and could finish at the top of the position while being priced outside the top-3 choices.

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