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If you love high-stakes NFL DFS action on small slates, this Saturday is your time to shine! With just two divisional matchups on the schedule, every lineup decision is magnified.
The action kicks off with the Baltimore Ravens hosting the Cleveland Browns at 5:30 p.m. EST, where the Ravens are heavy favorites with an implied team total of 30 points. Later in the evening, the Cincinnati Bengals travel to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers at 8:00 p.m. EST in what Vegas projects as a much closer contest.
In this article, you'll find my favorite picks for the NFL DFS Saturday slate on DraftKings and FanDuel. I have my top option at each position as well as a secondary option to consider. Good luck in your contests and thanks for choosing RotoBaller for your NFL DFS advice!
Quarterbacks - Saturday Slate Week 18 DFS Picks
Lamar Jackson, BAL - $9,100 (DK), $9,100 (FD)
Lamar Jackson is the clear top QB on this slate, offering an elite combination of rushing upside and passing efficiency. Cleveland's defense has been strong against traditional QBs but has struggled against mobile ones, and Jackson’s dual-threat ability (23.1 rushing yards per game) gives him both a high floor and slate-breaking ceiling.
Lamar Jackson has the highest TD:INT ratio for any QB in any season with 30+ TDs since 2000 (9.8) 🔥
1st out of 117 🥇 https://t.co/Jkqo4ck5YP pic.twitter.com/F5oiWn602C
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) December 31, 2024
With the Ravens sporting a hefty 30-point implied total and Jackson heavily involved in both the run and pass game, he’s a must-play in cash formats and remains viable for GPPs as well.
Joe Burrow, CIN - $7,500 (DK), $8,600 (FD)
Joe Burrow is the go-to option for GPPs. The Bengals have the 2nd highest implied team total on the slate (25 points), and Burrow has been on fire, averaging 290 passing yards per game this season. Pittsburgh ranks 24th in pass EPA, making this an excellent spot for Burrow to thrive.
Stack him with Ja’Marr Chase or Tee Higgins to maximize upside in tournaments, as this game projects to be the most competitive and potentially highest-scoring of this small slate.
Running Backs - Saturday Slate Week 18 DFS Picks
Derrick Henry, BAL - $8,000 (DK), $10,000 (FD)
Henry faces a Cleveland defense ranked 14th in run EPA, but the Ravens' elite offensive line (top-ranked in run blocking) tilts this matchup in his favor. Henry’s volume is unmatched, averaging over 19 carries per game, and his red-zone dominance makes him the safest RB play on the slate.
With Baltimore expected to control the game script as 17.5-point favorites, Henry is a lock for cash games and offers multi-touchdown potential for GPPs.
Jaylen Warren, PIT - $5,800 (DK), $5,800 (FD)
Jaylen Warren provides strong value at his salary, given his increased role in Pittsburgh’s offense. While Najee Harris handles more carries, Warren has been far more efficient and involved in the passing game (3.1 targets per game).
All I want for Christmas is Jaylen Warren to get his own backfield for one full season
— Jakob Sanderson (@JakobSanderson) December 25, 2024
Against a Bengals defense ranked 17th in run EPA, Warren is a sneaky tournament option with big-play potential that could swing a GPP lineup.
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Wide Receivers - Saturday Slate Week 18 DFS Picks
Ja’Marr Chase, WR - $8,600 (DK), $9,500 (FD)
Ja’Marr Chase is the slate’s premier wide receiver, leading the Bengals in targets (9.9 per game) and air yards. His ability to dominate in contested catch situations and create after the catch makes him a must-have in all formats.
Pittsburgh’s secondary has struggled, ranking 24th in pass EPA, and Chase’s connection with Burrow is the key to unlocking this slate’s highest potential upside.
Zay Flowers, BAL - $6,000 (DK), $6,900 (FD)
Zay Flowers has become Lamar Jackson’s most reliable weapon in the passing game, leading the Ravens in targets and air yards share. With Cleveland’s defense ranking 24th against WRs, Flowers is set up for a strong performance, especially if Baltimore builds an early lead and uses play-action to exploit mismatches.
Franchise first 📈 @ZayFlowers pic.twitter.com/hBfeozmy5m
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 2, 2025
Flowers is a strong GPP play with the ability to hit value on just a handful of catches due to his ability to rack up yards after the catch.
Tight Ends - Saturday Slate Week 18 DFS Picks
Mark Andrews, BAL - $4,500 (DK), $6,500 (FD)
Mark Andrews remains the safest tight-end option on the slate, providing consistent target volume and elite red-zone usage. Cleveland struggles against tight ends (23rd in TE DVP), and Andrews has the potential to lead the slate in scoring at the position.
Andrews is viable in all formats but particularly strong in cash lineups given his secure role in the Ravens’ high-scoring offense.
Pat Freiermuth, PIT - $3,900 (DK), $5,500 (FD)
Pat Freiermuth has 57 receptions on the season, one behind George Pickens for the team lead.
If Freiermuth finishes the year as the Steelers' receptions leader, he'll be Pittsburgh's first TE to do so since Heath Miller in 2012. #Steelers
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) January 1, 2025
Freiermuth has been more involved in Pittsburgh’s passing game recently, seeing 4+ targets per game and operating as a reliable red-zone threat. Against a Bengals defense ranked 11th against TEs, Freiermuth offers solid upside for his price, particularly in GPPs where he could deliver a touchdown at low ownership.
Defense/Special Teams - Saturday Slate Week 18 DFS Picks
Baltimore Ravens D/ST - $3,500 (DK), $5,000 (FD)
The Ravens are in a dream spot as massive home favorites against Cleveland’s sputtering offense. Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson has struggled under pressure, and Baltimore’s defensive line leads the slate in sack potential. This is a top-tier cash and GPP play, especially when paired with Henry for correlation.
Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST - $2,700 (DK), $4,000 (FD)
The Steelers are a high-risk, high-reward GPP option. While Burrow and the Bengals’ offense are formidable, Pittsburgh generates pressure at an elite rate and can capitalize on mistakes. If you’re looking for a contrarian pivot, the Steelers defense could deliver at low ownership.
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