Assembling a DFS lineup is not just about picking great players. It’s about assessing the most likely game script, then simulating that script to determine which players have the best chance of scoring and which players will be phased out. Heading into tonight’s game between the Seahawks and Saints, how might we assemble an optimal fantasy football lineup for DFS? Here are our DFS picks for Week 7 of Monday Night Football.
Week 7 Monday Night Football DFS Picks | Saints
Here are my favorite DFS plays for the Saints on Monday Night Football.
Jameis Winston, QB, Saints ($16,500)
Some people don’t realize Jameis Winston is No. 8 in QBR and passer rating. He’s also averaging a respectable 18.1 fantasy points per game, which falls just inside the top 16. That he’s done most of his damage playing with a rag-tag receiving corps is all the more impressive.
Quarterbacks facing the Seahawks this season are averaging a healthy 102.1 passer rating, including 1,754 passing yards (fifth-most in the NFL entering Week 7). Winston is set up nicely to produce mid-range QB2 numbers at worst and mid-range QB1 numbers at best.
Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints ($16,000)
I sold Alvin Kamara high at the conclusion of Week 1 after determining that he would regress due to defenses focusing more exclusively on containing him. He entered this season averaging 5.0 yards per carry. This year, he’s averaging 3.9. Last year, he had 16 rushing touchdowns. This year, he has 1. Last year, he averaged 2.8 yards before contact and 2.2 yards after contact. This year, he’s dropped a half-yard in both metrics. Meanwhile, Kamara is averaging 18.8 rushing attempts per game compared to only 12.5 last year and 3 receptions per game vs. 5. He is doing less with more.
That said, as an offensive focal point and against a Seattle defense yielding 4.4 yards per carry, Kamara is a must-start in DFS. While he might have to wait a year before returning to near-elite status, he remains a top-14 RB with some pop.
Marquez Callaway, WR, Saints ($10,500)
I was a big fan of Marquez Callaway this summer, sharing with readers that his WR59 ADP was far too conservative. “He’s a top-45 WR,” I insisted. It took a few weeks, but Callaway finally flexed his fantasy muscles with a 4-85-2 receiving line against Washington in Week 5. He’s now the WR51 and climbing and is a solid bet tonight in DFS and in redraft leagues.
Kenny Stills, WR, Saints ($5,500)
At just $5,500, Stills fits into our lineup. One of my favorite underappreciated wideouts in recent years, Stills has as much upside as some teams’ No. 2 receivers. In an offense ravaged by injuries, he’s too inexpensive to pass up.
Week 7 Monday Night Football DFS Picks | Seahawks
The list of attractive and affordable Seahawks players isn’t as plentiful.
Tyler Lockett, WR, Seahawks ($11,500)
The only Seahawks player on my list. Maybe I should go for two. But do we really expect DK Metcalf and Lockett to both produce with Geno Smith at quarterback? And do we trust the hobbled Alex Collins against a New Orleans defense giving up only 3.3 yards per carry? There are too many question marks in Seattle’s offensive arsenal. Lockett is cheaper than Metcalf and Collins, making this lineup fit within FanDuel’s budget. None of these guys are reliable. But Lockett offers the best potential value.
