NFL DFS Bargain Bin: Week 16 Sunday Slates

CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 15: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 15: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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NFL DFS Bargain Bin: Week 16 Sunday Slates Wide Receivers 

Sammy Watkins, KC vs. ATL ($5,000-DK/$5,400-FD)

Watkins always offers some cost-effective exposure to the Chiefs’ high-octane passing game and  more dependability than the likes of Mecole Hardman or Demarcus Robinson, for example. Watkins has enjoyed a steady role since returning from a five-game absence due to calf and hamstring injuries, seeing at least six targets in three of the first four games he’s played following his recovery. His salaries remain extremely reasonable, and the veteran wideout now draws a matchup versus a Falcons defense that’s been vulnerable against the pass most of the season.

Atlanta has played better overall under interim coach Raheem Morris’ stewardship, but the Falcons still check in with a No. 19 ranking in pass defense DVOA and allowing the second-most passing yards per game (287.7) after surrendering 390 to Tom Brady in Week 15. Atlanta has also yielded the fourth-most passing touchdowns while facilitating the third-most targets (311) to receivers at a 68.2 percent catch rate. Watkins naturally takes a back seat to both Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce in KC’s air attack, but considering Atlanta has yielded the second-most DK (45.7) and most FD (36.0) points per game to receivers, he could certainly have a chance to thrive alongside his teammates.

Rashard Higgins, CLE at NYJ ($4,800-DK/$5,800-FD)

As alluded to earlier, Baker Mayfield has been highly effective over the last month, and Higgins represents an excellent value pairing with the third-year signal-caller. The fifth-year wideout has been an important factor in Mayfield’s recent success, posting a combined 16-239-2 line on 24 targets over the last three contests. That gives Higgins a legitimate No. 2 receiver profile in this offense, which has averaged the second-most passing yards per game (327.0) over the last three contests.

In addition to the Jets’ poor pass-defense metrics cited in Mayfield’s entry, it’s also worth noting New York is allowing the sixth-most DK (42.2) and seventh-most FD (33.3) points per game to receivers, as well as a generous 71.2 percent catch rate to the position. Higgins boasts a nearly identical 71.4 catch rate on his 49 targets this season, a figure all the more noteworthy when considering the young veteran also carries a robust aDOT of 13.8 yards. Given New York also funnels plenty of action toward the air due to an above-average run defense, Higgins could be set up for success at very modest salaries.

Darnell Mooney, CHI at JAX ($4,000-DK/$5,400-FD)

The rookie has enjoyed a solid role in the passing game all season, averaging a respectable 5.6 targets per game while posting a 46-499-4 line and drawing a total of eight red-zone looks on the campaign. Mooney has plenty of speed to get downfield, and he’ll draw a Week 16 matchup that could be highly favorable for a player of his skill set. In addition to their league-worst pass defense DVOA ranking already highlighted in Trubisky’s entry, the Jags are surrendering 271.7 passing yards per game and a 68.8 percent catch rate to wideouts.

Moreover, Jacksonville has given up the fourth-most receiving TDs (17) and also ranks in the bottom 10 in both DK (41.5) and FD (32.8) points per game allowed to wideouts. Mooney is posting an above-average 72.8 air yards per game, owns 15.0 and 25.1 percent shares of the Bears’ targets and air yards, respectively, and has an impressive aDOT of 13.1 yards as well. With a downfield role that dovetails particularly well with the Jags’ propensity for giving up long pass plays, Mooney could prove to be a very strong fantasy-point-per-dollar play.

ALSO CONSIDER: Jalen Reagor, PHI at DAL ($4,600-DK/$5,700-FD)