Week 17 Game Scripts to Target in Daily Fantasy Football
Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins
Over/Under: 42.5
Bills Implied Team Total: 22.50
Dolphins Implied Team Total: 20.00
It's a confusing time in the NFL. With several teams likely to play their starters sparingly (if at all), this projects to be one of the lowest-scoring weeks of the season, and there aren't many games with truly high stakes. For the Buffalo Bills, however, there is a great deal of urgency in Week 17.
Clinging to the faintest of playoff hopes, the Bills need to secure a victory over the divisional rival Dolphins to have any hope at all of qualifying for the post-season. This projects to be a low-scoring, competitive game, and if you're seeking quality running back play, this could be the game for you.
Kenyan Drake, RB, Miami Dolphins
FanDuel Price: $7,000
Kenyan Drake has largely flown under the radar, but has been one of the breakout runners of 2017. After the Dolphins dealt Jay Ajayi to the Philadelphia Eagles, Drake and Damien Williams took over the backfield, and the early results were impressive. Williams was ultimately sidelined with with a shoulder injury, and since then, Drake has upped his game in a featured role.
Prior to a disappointing performance in Week 16, Drake accumulated 312 rushing yards, 14 receptions, 135 receiving yards, and 2 total touchdowns from Weeks 13 through 15. This week, Drake draws a Bills defense that he dominated to the tune of 113 total yards and a touchdown two weeks ago. This is the same Bills defense that is allowing the most FanDuel points per game (26.1) to opposing runners, by the way.
Even if Williams is back in the lineup, Drake will retain a robust workload and is a steal at his 11th-highest running back salary. Don't let the frustration of last week dissuade you. This matchup is more than favorable enough to sustain his upside.
LeSean McCoy, RB, Buffalo Bills
FanDuel Price: $8,200
LeSean McCoy has been so productive for so long, he's almost become underrated. As the focal point of the Bills offense, he's compiled 1,554 yards from scrimmage and 8 total touchdowns en route to his six Pro Bowl berth in a season that saw him struggle in the early-going. Even in games where he struggles to find running room, he usually props his value up with his impressive pass-catching prowess.
The Dolphins allow the fourth-most FanDuel points per contest (23.2) to opposing runners and McCoy racked up 96 total yards and 2 touchdowns when these teams faced off two weeks ago. With the season on the line, the Bills will feed Shady the rock all day, and the veteran should provide significant return on your RB7-on-FanDuel investment.
Others to Consider
This game likely won't be a shootout, but Charles Clay ($5,600) is a sneaky sleeper at tight end. Not only does Clay lead the Bills with 494 receiving yards, but the Dolphins allow the second-most fantasy points per game (12.8) to opposing tight ends. Tight end is a paper thin position, especially in a week where several playoff-bound studs could be rested. As the 14th-most expensive tight end, Clay offers much more upside and can be started for considerably less than someone like Zach Ertz ($7,100) who may not play for more than a couple of drives.
Kelvin Benjamin ($6,400) had a touchdown overturned in controversial fashion last weekend, but still posted his best game as a Buffalo Bill, securing five of seven targets for 70 receiving yards. The team traded third and seventh-round selections to acquire him for a reason, and he should be a significant part of the game-plan in Week 17. However, the Dolphins have been solid against the pass and are only permitting 22.5 FanDuel points per game to opposing receivers. For that reason, Benjamin is best viewed as a flier, rather than a player to count on.
