NFL DFS Lineup Advice – Friday August 17

Friday night gives us another slate of NFL DFS action! Unlike week 1, these games should provide more snaps for starters, so many of the big names will actually be in play. The purpose of this article is to equip you with some information to help you make those tough lineup decisions for the night’s slate. Be sure to follow me @BenMcD_Sports as I’ll be making updates to this list based upon team updates and breaking news. Thanks for reading NFL DFS Lineup Advice – Friday, August 17th!

NFL DFS: Quarterbacks

Patrick Mahomes

According to  Andy Reid, the Chiefs plan to leave Mahomes and the other starters in for the duration of the first half. With weapons like Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins, and Travis Kelce, the strong armed quarterback should have no problem racking up points. One of the most attractive things about Mahomes as a NFL DFS quarterback is that he’s able to get it done with his legs as well as his arm. In his only start last season, the young QB finished with seven rushing attempts. There’s not a whole lot of thought needed on this one. Mahomes carries huge upside and is one of the safest plays of the slate.

Josh Rosen ARI QB

Until we get some more clarity on how teams plan to distribute their quarterback snaps for Friday night, Mahomes will likely remain my favorite QB of the slate. That doesn’t mean there won’t be value elsewhere though. Sam Bradford is expected to see a few series in this game but is unlikely to play past the first quarter. The Cardinals are planning to give Rosen snaps with the first team, and he should benefit from the upgrade in talent. I’ll be checking in on team news throughout the day, but as long as Rosen seems like a lock to play close to two full quarters, I’m interested.

More from FanSided

• Shohei Ohtani Rumors: The best trade package from every NL East team
• Cardinals Rumors: Surprise extension, Dylan Carlson-Yankees link, Rays trade idea
• USWNT vs. Vietnam: Key takeaways before they take on the Dutch
• NFL rumors: 49ers trending toward contract drama with defensive star
• Steelers avoid any camp drama with latest roster move

NFL DFS: Running Backs

Wayne Gallman NYG RB

At the moment, Saquon Barkley has not been ruled out for the matchup with Detroit. However, I’m around 99.99997% sure that the Giants are not going to rush him back from a hamstring injury to play in a meaningless preseason game. In Barkley’s absence, Gallman has been receiving more reps with the first team during practice this week, and with only Jonathan Stewart ahead of him on the depth chart, he should see enough work to be a worthy consideration for NFL DFS contests on Friday night.

Nick Chubb CLE RB

Chubb was one of the biggest busts of week 1, rushing for 11 yards on 15 carries and catching one pass for 12 yards. Be that as it may, there’s a reason that expectations for the rookie were so high entering last week. During his time at Georgia, he showed himself to be an explosive runner with reliable hands. This isn’t Space Jam. Chubb still has those abilities. Another factor that could work in Chubb’s favor is the possibility of precipitation on Friday night. Teams tend to run the ball much more once the field and ball both get wet. While so many are jumping off of the Chubb bandwagon, I have no problem making room for him and his low ownership in my lineup on Friday night.

Kareem Hunt KC RB

Honestly, not much needs to be said. Last season, Hunt piled up 1,369 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. He also proved to be a weapon in the passing game, reeling in 56 catches for 460 yards and 3 scores. Andy Reid says his starters are playing the entire first half, and if it that’s true, Hunt is pretty close to a must play. Sometimes the obvious choice is the right choice. (More on that in a moment.)

NFL DFS: Wide Receivers

Tyreek Hill/Sammy Watkins KC WR

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, any Kansas City starter who plays for an entire half is an elite option at their position. What I’ll be watching closely for is to see if there’s anything that would hint towards Mahomes preferring one WR over the other. Every lineup I build will probably contain one of these guys and I’ll have no reservations stacking both of them with Mahomes.

Tre’Quan Smith NO WR

Smith had been earning rave reviews in practice, and last week showed us why. It’s not just that he delivered 4 catches for 46 yards in his first NFL action; it’s the way he popped on film. With Cameron Meredith still working his way back from injury, Smith should continue to get a chance to showcase his skills.

Calvin Ridley ATL WR

For many of the same reasons I like Nick Chubb, I also like Ridley. The immensely talented former Alabama wideout was limited to -3 yards on 1 catch last week and the sour taste that he left in the mouths of many DFS players will almost certainly keep his ownership low. Fantasypros.com recently shared that the Falcons plan to give Ridley a few chances in the return game in addition to his receiving duties, so there’s always the chance he scores big for you on special teams. If you were to stack Ridley with the Falcons DST, you could be in for a huge treat. Of course, starting the Atlanta D against Kansas City might be ill-advised.

NFL DFS: Tight Ends

Travis Kelce KC TE

Do you notice a pattern? You need to have some Kansas City starters in your lineup! Kelce is one of the most gifted tight ends in the league, and if he’s on the field for the entire first half, there’s no other tight end I’d rather roll with. He possesses both the highest floor and the highest ceiling among tight ends on Friday night. Just make sure that Andy Reid doesn’t have a change of heart just before kickoff!

Mike Gesicki MIA TE

Despite failing to record a reception last week, the Dolphins remain high on their rookie tight end. According on Phinsider.com, Gesicki was actually only on the field for 19 offensive plays last week. His lack of production was most likely due to a lack of playing time. With Miami expected to give key guys more snaps on Friday, the rookie tight end should be able to come through for DFS players.

NFL DFS: Defense/Special Teams

Cleveland Browns DST

Part of this pick is contingent upon the game being sloppy from a rain shower. However, even if it fails to rain, you can do worse than a defense who gets to square up against the likes of Nathan Peterman, A.J. McCarron, and Josh Allen.

Arizona Cardinals DST

There’s no denying that Drew Brees and the Saints have a special offense. However, IF Brees plays, he won’t be on the field for long, which makes the Arizona D worth a look. For a bonus – WR and return man, Christian Kirk makes for a nice stack when coupled with the Cardinals DST.

Thanks for reading, NFL DFS Lineup Advice for Friday’s slate and stay tuned to Fantasy CPR each and every day for all the latest DFS news and analysis!