X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Break The Slate: NFL DFS DraftKings Lineup Picks - Week 16 (Main Slate)

Joe Nicely's DraftKings NFL DFS picks and lineup sleepers for Week 16. His top daily fantasy football recommendations to target for DraftKings DFS contests.

Hi RotoBallers and thanks for joining me for Week 16! With three games on Saturday this week, we'll be dealing with an 11-game main slate. While Week 15 offered us tons of great DFS options - and some ridiculously-high DraftKings scores - the pickings are a bit slimmer this week. That said, we still have some intriguing matchups with players that are in great spots.

These DraftKings lineup recommendations are based on matchups, projected ownership, overall upside/talent levels, opportunity, and other factors such as Vegas odds, home-field advantage, and more. There are some great plays available, so read on to find out which players are the best for Week 16.

Good luck with your DraftKings DFS lineups, let's Break The Slate together!

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 50% off using code SUMMER! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!

 

DraftKings DFS Quarterbacks - Week 16 Picks

Lamar Jackson - BAL @ CLE ($8,000)

If the Ravens are playing on the main slate, then Lamar Jackson is in consideration for me. It sounds simple, but Jackson has been the "DFS MVP" of this season, showing an unbelievably-consistent combination of floor and ceiling from week to week. The Ravens QB is once again expensive, but there have been very few weeks this year when you would have been disappointed to roster him, as he's averaging almost 30 DK points per game this season. Jackson went over 1,100 rushing yards last week, surpassing Michael Vick for the all-time QB rushing record in a season. He should be able to pad that mark this week against a Browns Defense that has allowed opposing QBs to gain 300 yards on the ground this season and appears to be sleepwalking down the stretch.

Drew Brees - NO @ TEN ($5,900)

Drew Brees heads into Week 16 on a tear. The Saints veteran has posted DK scores of 31.3 and 43.1 over his last two games, and heads to Nashville to face a Titans Defense that is 25th in the NFL in yards allowed per pass. We prefer Brees at home, but we've also seen this Saints offense go on unbelievable high-scoring runs in the past, which makes me content to continue riding the wave in this spot. This matchup carries a projected O/U of 51 with a tight spread and is one of the best games to target on the main slate.

 

DraftKings DFS Running Backs - Week 16 Picks

Joe Mixon - CIN @ MIA ($6,600)

It took 10 weeks, but the Bengals appear to have finally realized what type of player they have in Joe Mixon. Mixon has logged a massive 130 carries since Week 10, which he's converted into 605 rushing yards and three TDs. He brings that hot hand into a beautiful matchup against a Dolphins Defense that has allowed the most rushing yards in the NFL to opposing RBs and is fresh off relinquishing yet another 100-yard game to Saquon Barkley last week. We're getting a quality player in a tremendous matchup at a reasonable price here and I consider Mixon to be one of the top overall plays on this slate.

Deandre Washington - OAK @ LAC ($4,000)

A great opportunity for salary savings here with Oakland's DeAndre Washington. Rookie Josh Jacobs tried to tough it out last week, but won't be active for this matchup against the Chargers, which will throw Washington back into the primary-back role that he served in Jacobs' absence in Week 14. Washington thrived in the role two weeks ago against Tennessee, logging 53 rushing yards and a TD, as well as 43 receiving yards on six catches. We can expect a similar workload for him against a Chargers Defense that's 22nd in the league in DK points allowed to opposing RBs, which makes him a tremendous value option at just $4k.

 

DraftKings DFS Wide Receivers - Week 16 Picks

Michael Thomas - NO @ TEN ($9,300)

No need to get cute here...if you can afford Michael Thomas, roster him. Maybe it sounds like an oversimplification, but like we touched on when discussing Lamar Jackson earlier, if you had rostered Thomas every week this season there would be very few weeks you'd walk away disappointed. The Saints wide receiver has been the most consistent pass catcher in the NFL this season. He leads the league in overall targets at 159 - reeling in an eye popping 133 catches- and is averaging a ridiculous 11.4 targets per game. This Titans secondary has been plagued with injuries and has no one that can challenge Thomas in this matchup, which provides a clear path to another huge outing for the Saints star.

Courtland Sutton - DET @ DEN ($6,200)

Courtland Sutton has ascended to the number-one receiver role for the Denver Broncos over the course of this season thanks to the combination of his explosive play and the departure of Emmanuel Sanders. Sutton has been targeted 107 times this year with a healthy aDOT of 12 yards. It's been a mixed bag for him since Drew Lock stepped into the QB role for the Broncos, as Sutton has snagged 13 of 22 targets for 187 yards and two TDs in Lock's three starts. He draws his best matchup of the "Lock Era" this week against a Lions Defense that has been routinely torched as of late. Detroit ranks 31st in the NFL in receiving yards allowed to opposing WRs and is fresh off a Week 15 game against the Bucs in which they allowed over 100 yards to not one, but TWO Tampa receivers. Sutton is a very explosive player in a prime spot against the Lions...the only concern is the erratic play of his QB.

Mike Williams - OAK @ LAC ($5,000)

I've been banging the Mike Williams drum for several weeks now and DraftKings just refuses to bump his price up enough to make me jump ship. Williams comes in at $5k this week, which is still a pittance to pay for a player with his type of significant downfield role. His aDOT of 18 yards leads the NFL among players with 50 or more targets and his 1,460 total air yards ranks ninth in the league. He gets a gasoline-to-fire matchup against an Oakland Raiders Defense that is allowing an NFL-worst 9.68 yards per target to opposing wide receivers. Williams has had some scary-low volume games this year, but his downfield role against this Raiders secondary makes him an awesome boom-or-bust tournament option this week.

 

DraftKings DFS Tight Ends - Week 16 Picks

Zach Ertz - DAL @ PHI ($6,400)

It's always nice to bargain shop, but one of the main reasons I'm willing to pay up in a DFS roster is "guaranteed" volume. Over Philly's last six games, Zach Ertz has target counts of: 10/13/6/14/11/11. This is the type of usage that I'll gladly spend up for. Dallas has a solid overall defense, but they also funnel targets to opposing tight ends. The Cowboys rank seventh in the league in DK points allowed to the WR position, but just 27th in DK points allowed to TEs. This is a must-win game for the Eagles and their receiving corps has been ridiculously depleted by injuries, which leads me to believe that Eagles QB Carson Wentz will rely on Ertz heavily in this spot.

Austin Hooper - JAX @ ATL ($4,400)

Austin Hooper was in the midst of a career year before being derailed by an injury in Week 10. He's been underwhelming since returning to the Falcons lineup two weeks ago, but this is a great buy-low spot on the talented TE that is priced at just $4.4k, his lowest tag since Week 4. Hooper has been targeted six times in each of his last two games and is set to take on a Jacksonville defense that has flopped in a huge way this year for a Jags organization that appears to be in turmoil. Jacksonville is tied for the fourth-most TDs relinquished to the TE position and most likely just wants this season to be over. He has been dormant recently, but Hooper possesses as much upside as any tight end on this slate.

 

DraftKings DFS Defenses - Week 16 Picks

Denver Broncos Defense - DET @ DEN ($3,500)

Vic Fangio's first year as head coach of the Broncos hasn't exactly been smooth sailing, but the defensive guru has kept Denver playing hard. Despite tons of injuries to this defensive unit, we know that the Broncos are always a capable unit at Mile High Stadium. That is especially true this week against a Lions team that has been spiraling down the drain since Matthew Stafford went down with an injury. The Broncos will get to square off against David Blough, who is 0-3 since taking over the Lions starting job. I look for Denver to force the inexperienced QB into some mistakes this week.

Washington Redskins Defense - NYG @ WAS ($2,800)

It doesn't really matter who ends up starting at QB for the Giants this week, I'll be comfortable saving salary with this Redskins unit in a home matchup. Washington has been competent on the defensive side of the ball...and that's truly all that's needed against this turnover-prone New York squad. The 'Skins have amassed 19 sacks over their last four games and should have no trouble adding to the tally against a Giants O-line that has struggled all season.

More Weekly DFS Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Austin Riley

Leaves Game Early on Friday With Abdominal Tightness
Kon Knueppel

Struggles in Summer League Win
Rafael Devers

Dealing With Back Inflammation
Walter Clayton Jr.

Plays Well on Friday Night
Cody Williams

Scores 21 Points in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Leads the Way on Friday Night
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Returning on Friday
Sauce Gardner

Wants to be Highest-Paid Cornerback
Rhamondre Stevenson

Heading into an Important Season
Minnesota Vikings

Josh Metellus, Vikings Have Mutual Interest in Extension
Tua Tagovailoa

2025 Could be Tua Tagovailoa's Last Season in Miami
Rashawn Slater

has "Full Confidence" a Deal Will Get Done
Byron Buxton

Returns on Friday
Isaiah Jackson

Signs Three-Year Extension
Jake Meyers

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Calf Strain
Brandon Lowe

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Tightness
Kodai Senga

Reinstated to Start on Friday
Alex Bregman

Officially Activated and Starting on Friday
Marvin Bagley III

Joining the Wizards
Herbert Jones

Signing Extension with Pelicans
Jacob Toppin

Returning to Hawks
Chicago Bears

Bears Extend General Manager Ryan Poles
Dalton Knecht

Avoids Serious Injury
MarShawn Lloyd

in a "Much Better Spot" Heading Into Training Camp
Javon Small

Signs Two-Way Deal
Dustin Hopkins

Browns Still Counting on Dustin Hopkins
Demarcus Robinson

Sentenced to Three Years of Probation
Jalen Nailor

In Line for WR3 Role in Minnesota
Andrew Thomas

Could Miss Start of 2025 Season
Alex Bregman

Expected to Return on Friday
Julio Rodríguez

Julio Rodriguez Won't Suit Up for Midsummer Classic
Trey Smith

Chiefs, Trey Smith Expected to Work Out Long-Term Extension
Bernhard Raimann

a Candidate for an Extension This Summer
C.J. Stroud

Could Sign Multi-Year Deal Before 2026 Season
Kyle Juszczyk

Says Christian McCaffrey Looks Healthy, Explosive
Kyren Williams

Showing Improved Explosiveness
Christian Barmore

"Dominant" this Spring
Ryan Reaves

Traded to Sharks
Vladislav Kolyachonok

Moves to Dallas
Matt Dumba

Lands in Pittsburgh
Mackie Samoskevich

Re-Signs with Panthers on One-Year Deal
Josh Manson

Inks Two-Year Extension with Avalanche
EDM

Isaac Howard Signs Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract With Oilers
Pete Crow-Armstrong

Homers Twice, Drives in Three
Brice Matthews

Joining Astros
MLB

White Sox-Guardians Postponed on Thursday
Brandon Aiyuk

Likely to Begin Season on PUP List, but Not Ruled Out for Week 1
Jameson Williams

Not in the Team's Long-Term Plans?
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Micah Parsons

Plans to be Present for Start of Training Camp
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Ikem Ekwonu

Next Up for Extension in Carolina?
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Vitor Petrino

Set For His Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Set To Open Up UFC Nashville Main Card
Junior Tafa

Set For Light-Heavyweight Bout
Alex Bregman

Will Return to Red Sox This Weekend
Chris Sale

Braves Won't Consider Trading Chris Sale
Clarke Schmidt

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery on Friday
Jalen Williams

Signs Contract Extension With Thunder
Alijah Martin

Agrees to Two-Way Deal With Raptors
Tristan Vukcevic

Set to Return to Washington
Byron Buxton

Sitting Thursday
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Jordan McLaughlin

Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
Dylan Harper

Out Thursday, Expected to Play Saturday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Homers Twice on Wednesday
Mike Trout

Homers Twice in Win Over Rangers
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Leads Yankees to Victory
Salvador Perez

Crushes Two Homers in Win
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
Devin Booker

Agrees to Extension with Phoenix
Walter Clayton Jr.

Leads Jazz to Summer League Win
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF