This article is part of our DraftKings NFL series.
Sadly, this is our last chance until next September to play an NFL slate that contains more than four games. The possibility of players resting is usually a huge concern in Week 17, but it shouldn't be too much of a factor for any team besides Washington (don't use any of their players) this Sunday. Also, the Texans could ease up in the second half, as the Colts need eight games to fall in their favor in order to beat Houston out in the AFC South via the strength-of-victory tiebreaker. However, I'm still fine with using DeAndre Hopkins, Brian Hoyer and Nate Washington in GPPs. It's also a pretty light week for DFS-relevant injuries, but here are a couple that bear watching:
If Julian Edelman (foot) and Danny Amendola (knee) both sit out again, Keshawn Martin ($3,000) will be an excellent value against the horrendous Miami secondary. Though he isn't every explosive, Martin did catch seven passes for 67 yards on 11 targets in Week 16 against the Jets, even though Tom Brady only attempted 31 passes. With Brandon LaFell a shell of his former self, Brady really has nobody to throw to besides Martin, Rob Gronkowski and James White.
The other crucial situation involves Matt Forte (back), who will likely give it a go against the Lions in what will likely be his final game for the Bears. However, Jeremy Langford ($3,900) would be an elite option if Forte is unable to play. As I said, Forte will probably suit up, but if not, Langford will be in every single one of my lineups.
Anyway, let's get on to the top value plays for the final week of the 2015 NFL regular season:
Quarterback
Cam Newton, CAR vs. TB ($7,500): It looks like a pretty rough week at quarterback, with most of the top guys either facing strong defenses or stuck in matchups that favor their respective teams' running games. There's really not anyone that's exciting to use, which ultimately points me in the direction of either the cheap options or the matchup-proof Newton. Even with the Tampa-Carolina game likely to be pretty tame in the scoring department, Cam's rushing upside (in combination with a weak Bucs secondary) should lead to 20+ fantasy points. I usually do a second quarterback write-up, but I don't even feel that strongly about Cam. Good luck.
Other options: Russell Wilson, SEA at ARI ($7,000); Drew Brees, NO at ATL ($6,700); Carson Palmer, ARI vs. SEA ($6,500); Eli Manning, NYG vs. PHI ($5,600); Matt Ryan, ATL vs. NO ($5,500); Ryan Fitzpatrick, NYJ at BUF ($5,400); Sam Bradford, PHI at NYG ($5,300); Brian Hoyer, HOU vs. JAX ($5,100)
Running Back
DeAngelo Williams, PIT at CLE ($7,100): Just when his price is finally approaching an appropriate point, Williams gets one of the best possible matchups for any NFL running back. I do think the Steelers passing game will bounce back, yet Williams is still a stronger play than any of his teammates, as I have zero faith in the Austin Davis-led Browns to actually make a game of this. Look for a balanced approach in the first half, followed by a heavy dose of Williams after halftime. With at least 16 fantasy points in five straight games and at least 23 in four of his last five, Williams offers the best floor (and arguably ceiling) of any player at his position. Fellow high-priced studs Devonta Freeman and David Johnson are also strong plays, as the latter remains underpriced and the former draws a first-rate matchup with New Orleans
Eddie Lacy, GB vs. MIN ($4,500): In a week with very little low-priced value on the board, Lacy stands out as one of the elite sub-$5,000 options. The reason? James Starks has finished the season in disastrous fashion, fumbling four times (losing two) on just 42 touches over the past four weeks. After losing a fumble for the second time in two weeks, Starks finished Sunday's loss to the Cardinals with only three carries and no receptions. Lacy is slow and doesn't have a great matchup, but his competition for carries has gone up in fumble-filled flames. As a bonus, the negative association with his name should ensure that his ownership percentage is lower than it should be.
Other options: Devonta Freeman, ATL vs. NO ($7,600); David Johnson, ARI vs. SEA ($6,000); Charcandrick West, KC vs. OAK ($5,700); Danny Woodhead, SD at DEN ($5,000); Javorius Allen, BAL at CIN ($4,400); Giovani Bernard, CIN vs. BAL ($4,100); Frank Gore, IND vs. TEN ($4,000); Rashad Jennings, NYG vs. PHI ($3,700)
Wide Receiver
Brandon Marshall, NYJ at BUF ($7,900): The elite wide receivers all have nice matchups this week, and I certainly won't make an argument against Julio Jones or (especially) Odell Beckham. However, Marshall offers the same kind of ceiling at a slightly lower price, with an upcoming matchup against the injury-decimated Bills secondary. Of course, weather is obviously a concern when discussing a January game in Buffalo, so this is probably where I should remind you to keep a close eye on all of the forecasts. Really, that's something serious players should do every week, as strong winds and heavy precipitation can impact games in any NFL city (besides San Diego) at any time. Watch out for the smog in L.A. next year!
Willie Snead, NO at ATL ($4,400): I've been all aboard the Snead train since the first few weeks of the season, and I'm not about to hop off because of last week's disappointing performance against a soft Jacksonville defense. The former UDFA still managed 75 receiving yards, leaving him 51 shy of 1,000 for the season, even though he started the year with a minor role. He probably won't ever be a huge touchdown guy, but it does seem somewhat flukish that he only has three among his 66 receptions. Yes, the Falcons have done a nice job against wide receivers this season, but that's largely the result of some fine work by top cornerback Desmond Trufant, who may end up shadowing Brandin Cooks. I still view Snead as an elite option in any kind of contest.
James Jones, GB vs. MIN ($3,800): With 27 targets and 15 receptions over the last three games, Jones may be the closest thing Green Bay has to a reliable option in the passing game, even though he's mostly unable to get open at this stage of his career. The reliance on contested catches and touchdowns makes him a weekly threat to ruin lineups, but his price is now low enough to make him a strong option for tournaments. If you need a cheap wideout for a cash-game lineup, I recommend looking to Snead, Anquan Boldin ($3,500) or Keshawn Martin ($3,000).
Other options: Odell Beckham, NYG vs. PHI ($9,000); Julio Jones, ATL vs. NO ($8,500); DeAndre Hopkins, HOU vs. JAX ($8,400); Doug Baldwin, SEA at ARI ($6,700); Larry Fitzgerald, ARI vs. SEA ($6,600); Jeremy Maclin, KC vs. OAK ($6,400); Allen Hurns, JAC at HOU ($5,600); Martavis Bryant, PIT at CLE ($5,300); Jordan Matthews, PHI at NYG ($4,700); Tyler Lockett, SEA at ARI ($4,400)
Tight End
Zach Ertz, PHI at NYG ($3,600): Ertz will probably be the most popular option at tight end this week, following performances of 14.8, 21.8 and 27.2 fantasy points in his past three games, respectively. With 26 receptions on 37 targets over that stretch, he's fully taken advantage of Sam Bradford's newfound competence, not to mention the fact that Bradford has nobody to throw to besides him and Jordan Matthews. Assuming the weather holds up, there's a lot of merit to a Philly-Big Blue game stack this Sunday. Regardless, Ertz is the best play at tight end, even if he's also the most popular. The position is otherwise pretty hideous this week, which can also be used as an argument in Gronk's favor.
Other options: Rob Gronkowski, NE at MIA ($7,400); Zach Miller, CHI vs. DET ($4,600)
Team Defense/Special Teams
Indianapolis Colts vs. IND ($2,400): I made the mistake of recommending Tennessee's defense last week, then had to watch as the horrid Titans offense prevented its teammates on the other side from even having a fighting chance. The Indianapolis defense is actually pretty decent, and it shouldn't have any trouble in a home game against the shamefully-bad Zach Mettenberger. It's completely ridiculous that some people who get paid to write/think about football actually suggested that the Titans might consider passing on Marcus Mariota because they already had Mettenberger. Anybody who watched him play, this season or last, should be privy to the reality that Mettenberger is one of the worst quarterbacks on an NFL roster.
Other options: New England Patriots at MIA ($3,200); St. Louis Rams at SF ($3,000); San Francisco 49ers vs. STL ($2,200); Baltimore Ravens at CIN ($2,100)
