NFL DFS Lineup Sleepers for DraftKings, FanDuel - Week 18 Value Picks Include Michael Penix Jr., Kenneth Gainwell, Jalen McMillan, and more

Week 17 of the NFL season is in the books, and now we shift our focus to Week 18 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 18

Bryce Young, CAR at ATL | DK: $5.8K, FD: $6.9K

The former No. 1 overall pick had a disappointing showing last weekend but should be in a good position to bounce back in Week 18. Last weekend, Young threw for just 203 yards and two scores. This outing snapped a two-game streak of scoring at least 20.0 PPR points.

Since Week 13, Young has averaged a solid 22.6 PPR points and has tallied 10 total touchdowns over this five-game stretch. Facing the Atlanta Falcons, who have allowed the eighth-most PPR points to opposing QBs, makes him a great value play with upside.

Michael Penix Jr., CAR at ATL | DK: $5.4K, FD: $6.9K

My other value play comes from the other side in this matchup in Michael Penix Jr. Penix has had mixed results over his first two career starts, averaging a modest 12.9 PPR points per game. However, in his first start, he was not tasked to move the ball downfield too often as the Falcons were in full control over the Giants.

MICHAEL PENIX JR. WITH A DART TO Kyle Pitts ON 4TH & GOAL TO TIE THE GAME 🤯 😱

WHAT A TIME FOR THE ROOKIE’S FIRST NFL TD 🔥

(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/y8FQOUc3Dw

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 30, 2024

Last weekend, Penix looked quite sharp, especially toward the end of the loss to the Washington Commanders. The rookie led a game-tying drive in the final minutes of the game and even converted on two fourth downs on this drive. Facing a Carolina secondary that has allowed the fifth-most PPR points to opposing QBs could set the stage for a strong finale.

Running Back NFL DFS Value Plays - Week 18

Kenneth Gainwell, NYG at PHI | DK: $5.6K, FD: $5.6K

With the Philadelphia Eagles locked into the No. 2 spot in the NFC, they will opt to rest their starters. While Saquon Barkley stands just 101 yards away from making history, the Eagles have their sights set on a Super Bowl, which should open the door for Gainwell to see the majority of snaps in the backfield.

Operating as the No. 2 option behind Barkley, Gainwell has averaged a solid 4.3 YPC and 7.6 YPR. With Barkley getting the day off, Gainwell carries solid upside facing a New York Giants defense that has allowed the fourth-most PPR points to opposing RBs.

Ameer Abdullah, LAC at LV | DK: $5.1K, FD: $6.3K

The 31-year-old has been one of the most valuable RB assets in fantasy football since Week 15. Over his past three games, he has averaged a strong 18.9 PPR points per game. 

Ameer Abdullah is an A+ teammate

"He lets Powers-Johnson spike it! And the @Raiders back in front!" pic.twitter.com/TWxvYBWSXd

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 23, 2024

While he did leave last weekend’s game early with a foot injury, if he is a full-go on Sunday, he should be expected to retain his workhorse role that carries an elite receiving upside. During this span, he has seen 5.7 targets per game.

Update: Abdullah has been ruled out with a foot injury. As a result, Alexander Mattison is set to lead the backfield and is a strong value play ($5,300/$5,500)

Julius Chestnut, HOU at TEN | DK: $4K, FD: $5.3K

My final running back target could be the beneficiary of numerous injuries. Tyjae Spears suffered a concussion last weekend, and Tony Pollard (ankle/illness) is dealing with an ankle injury and the flu.

This could leave Chestnut as the lone option facing the Houston Texans. If he does get the start, he has a path to an 18+ attempt and 4+ target showing at a very low cost.

Wide Receiver NFL DFS Value Plays - Week 18

Jalen McMillan, NO at TB | DK: $5.1K, FD: $6.1K

With the Buccaneers needing a victory to clinch the NFC South, expect them to have their foot on the gas all afternoon. Since Week 14, Jalen McMillan has found the end zone at least once each game and six total times.

Over this stretch, he has become the clear No. 2 option in the passing attack and averaged a strong 60.5 yards and 6.3 targets per game. He is a great value play facing a New Orleans secondary that has allowed the eighth-most PPR points to opposing wideouts.

Olamide Zaccheaus, WSH at DAL | DK: $4.5K, FD: $5.8K

Similar to Tampa Bay, the Commanders can move up to the No. 6 seed in the NFC by taking care of business against the Dallas Cowboys. As a result, fantasy managers should expect the starters to remain in the game the entire afternoon.

Washington makes good on the INT! TD for Olamide Zaccheaus on 4th and 2 🔥

📺: #ATLvsWAS on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/EX1rUExrSr

— NFL (@NFL) December 30, 2024

With both Noah Brown (kidney) and Dyami Brown (hamstring) out, Olamide Zaccheaus has enjoyed a late-season surge, tallying 77.5 yards and 6.5 receptions per game over the past two weeks. During this span, he has scored three touchdowns.

Brandin Cooks, WSH at DAL | DK: $4.7K, FD: $5.9K

With CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) sidelined, the Cowboys turned to veteran Brandin Cooks to lead the passing attack in Week 17. In this game, Cooks saw an impressive eight targets but was only able to bring in four of them for 52 yards.

Facing a potent Washington offense, Dallas may need to play catch-up throughout the afternoon, which will set up Cook for a nice ending to the season.

Tight End NFL DFS Value Plays - Week 18

Tucker Kraft, CHI at GB | DK: $3.7K, FD: $5.1K

Despite having a modest target share, Tucker Kraft has flashed big-play ability when given the ball. Over his past five games, he has averaged an impressive 16.8 YPC and 53.8 total yards per game.

Facing a Chicago defense that has struggled to defend opposing tight ends makes him a solid upside play.

Zach Ertz, WSH at DAL | DK: $4K, FD: $5.4K

My final tight end is Zach Ertz. After catching just six total passes during Weeks 13 through 16, the veteran enjoyed a much-needed breakout performance in Week 17 as he brought in six of his seven targets for 72 yards and two scores.

Over his past 10 games, Ertz has scored six touchdowns and seen a solid 5.7 targets per game. With the Commanders needing a victory to move up to a higher seed, expect the offense to continue to succeed while facing an inconsistent Dallas defense.

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