It’s that time of year again—Thanksgiving feast week! A season filled with family, friends, delicious food, and, of course, DFS football. The excitement is palpable as we gear up for another thrilling Turkey Day weekend packed with daily fantasy sports sleepers and value plays. Our mission is to highlight the best bargains on DraftKings, FanDuel, and SuperDraft, ensuring you’re ready to dominate your DFS leagues.
The Importance of Identifying Value
The key to success in daily fantasy football lies in one crucial element: value. Without identifying those hidden gems, you won’t have a shot at winning any DFS jackpots. Striking a balance between reliable weekly stars and high-value sleepers is essential. Think of it like crafting the perfect Thanksgiving buffet, where you mix classic favorites with delightful sides that elevate the meal.
For years, this column has illuminated the undervalued players each week across DraftKings, FanDuel, and SuperDraft. While anyone can spot the elite DFS stars, it’s the sleepers and value plays that can set your lineup apart and help you rake in some serious cash.
Week 12 Highlights: Success Stories
As we look back on the previous week, it’s essential to celebrate our successes. Throughout the season, we’ve highlighted our biggest hits, showcasing the effectiveness of our strategies. Let’s dive into the standout performances from Week 12, complete with each player’s salary and their final DraftKings points production.
| POS. | PLAYER | WEEK 12 GAME | SALARY | POINTS |
| QB | Bo Nix | Broncos at Raiders | $6,300 | 23.4 |
| QB | Sam Darnold | Vikings at Bears | $5,900 | 24.1 |
| QB | Baker Mayfield | Bucs at Giants | $6,100 | 19.7 |
| RB | Bucky Irving | Bucs at Giants | $5,400 | 27.1 |
| RB | David Montgomery | Lions at Colts | $6,700 | 16.3 |
| WR | DJ Moore | Bears vs. Vikings | $5,500 | 20.1 |
| WR | Calvin Ridley | Titans vs. Texans | $5,700 | 14.3 |
| TE | Jonnu Smith | Dolphins vs. Patriots | $4,100 | 23.7 |
| TE | T.J. Hockenson | Vikings at Bears | $4,200 | 21.4 |
| TE | Zach Ertz | Commanders vs. Cowboys | $3,800 | 15.8 |
| DST | Denver | Broncos at Raiders | $3,200 | 10.0 |
| DST | Tampa Bay | Buccaneers at Giants | $3,300 | 10.0 |
While we didn’t hit the massive scores we enjoyed two weeks ago, we still had a healthy list of 12 juicy servings of DFS goodness. Our quarterback and tight end selections particularly shined, and we struck gold with Bucky Irving and DJ Moore in the mid-$5,000 range.
Looking Ahead: Week 13 DFS Sleepers
Now, let’s carry that momentum into Week 13! We’re unveiling our DFS sleepers and value picks across DraftKings, FanDuel, and SuperDraft. We’ll spotlight the most affordable high-value options at each position, along with their costs or scoring boosts on each DFS site.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! May your holiday be filled with joy and your DFS lineups filled with winning players!
Best NFL DFS Sleepers for Week 13: Quarterback
Russell Wilson, Steelers at Bengals (DK: $5,700 | FD: $7,500 | SD: 1.3x)
After a strong start, Wilson has faced some challenges recently, averaging just 11.05 PPG over his last two games. However, this matchup against the Bengals could be a turning point. Cincinnati has struggled defensively, allowing a significant number of fantasy points to quarterbacks. If Wilson can evade the pressure from Trey Hendrickson, he could put up some impressive numbers.
Justin Herbert, Chargers at Falcons (DK: $5,600 | FD: $7,900 | SD: 1.3x)
Herbert has been on fire, ranking as the QB6 since Week 7 and averaging over 20 PPG. Facing a Falcons defense that has allowed the 6th-most points to QBs this season, this could be a prime opportunity for him to shine.
Other QBs to consider:
- Drake Maye, Patriots vs. Colts (DK: $5,600 | FD: $6,800 | SD: 1.3x)
- Anthony Richardson, Colts at Patriots (DK: $5,500 | FD: $7,800 | SD: 1.3x)
- Will Levis, Titans at Commanders (DK: $5,000 | FD: $7,100 | SD: 1.4x)
Best NFL DFS Sleepers for Week 13: Running Back
Bucky Irving, Buccaneers at Panthers (DK: $5,800 | FD: $ | SD: 1.45x)
Irving is riding high after a spectacular performance last week, racking up 151 all-purpose yards and a touchdown. Facing a Panthers defense that has struggled against the run, he’s poised for another big game.
Other strong Week 13 RB values:
- Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots vs. Colts (DK: $5,900 | FD: $6,400 | SD: 1.35x)
- Tony Pollard, Titans at Commanders (DK: $6,300 | FD: $7,000 | SD: 1.3x)
- Chase Brown, Bengals vs. Steelers (DK: $6,200 | FD: $7,300 | SD: 1.3x)
- Jeremy McNichols, Commanders vs. Titans (DK: $5,400 | FD: $6,700 | SD: 1.5x)
Best NFL DFS Sleepers for Week 13: Wide Receiver
Ladd McConkey, Chargers at Falcons (DK: $6,100 | FD: $6,300 | SD: 1.25x)
McConkey has emerged as a key player for the Chargers, especially with the struggles of other downfield threats. After witnessing recent success against the Falcons, he’s primed for a breakout game.
Other strong Week 13 DFS values at WR:
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks at Jets (DK: $6,300 | FD: $7,700 | SD: 1.25x)
- Marvin Harrison Jr., Cardinals at Vikings (DK: $6,000 | FD: $6,900 | SD: 1.25x)
- Tank Dell, Texans at Jaguars (DK: $5,900 | FD: $6,400 | SD: 1.25x)
- Michael Pittman Jr., Colts at Patriots (DK: $5,200 | FD: $6,600 | SD: 1.35x)
Best NFL DFS Sleepers for Week 13: Tight End
Pat Freiermuth, Steelers at Bengals (DK: $3,500 | FD: $5,100 | SD: 1.55x)
Freiermuth has been consistent lately, catching all his targets since Week 8. With the Bengals allowing the 3rd-most fantasy points to tight ends, he’s a must-have in your lineups.
More Week 13 TEs worth a look:
- Will Dissly, Chargers at Falcons (DK: $4,000 | FD: $5,200 | SD: 1.45x)
- Hunter Henry, Patriots vs. Colts (DK: $4,200 | FD: $5,100 | SD: 1.35x)
- Dallas Goedert, Eagles at Ravens (DK: $4,300 | FD: $6,000 | SD: 1.35x)
Best NFL DFS Sleepers for Week 13: D/ST
Los Angeles Rams at Saints (DK: $2,700 | FD: $5,100)
The Rams have been a solid defensive unit, and their recent performance against the Falcons was impressive. With the Saints yielding the 2nd-most D/ST points this season, they’re a smart play for your lineup.
Other decent D/ST plays for Week 13:
- New England Patriots vs. Colts (DK: $2,500 | FD: $3,600)
- New York Jets vs. Seahawks (DK: $2,500 | FD: $3,700)
As we dive into this Thanksgiving weekend, let’s feast on the opportunities that lie ahead in DFS football!
